P. O. Box 893909 Temecula, CA 92589
July 7, 2005
Dear Brethren in Christ,
Once again, my wife and I wish to extend to each of you a very warm greeting. We continually ask God to bless, guide and protect each and every one of you. Without God’s constant blessing and guidance we are nothing. Really knowing that God is our Protector—the One who is constantly watching over us and keeping us safe in His “Everlasting Arms” (Deut. 33:27)—assures us that all will turn out well in the end, regardless of how difficult our trials and tests may be!
From time to time, a number of you have shared some of your sore trials and tribulations with us. God says we are to “pray for one another” (Jas. 5:16). We must steadfastly continue to believe and really know that “all things work together for good to those who love God…who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). He promises us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).
Times are getting more perilous by the hour! Brethren, have you noticed that world events—heralding the end of Satan’s evil world—are speeding up? It seems that every day on the news we learn of more rapes, murders, oppression, violence and other kinds of serious crimes which are rapidly increasing.
Recently, a number of gruesome acts of terrorism were committed against the people of London, England leaving over 100 dead, and over seven hundred injured. Bible prophecy clearly reveals that “corruption” and “violence” will again fill the earth near the end of this age, just as in the “days of Noah”—so said Jesus Christ (Matt. 24:15-51; cf. Gen. 6:1-13)! And, just as Christ predicted, earthquakes are increasingly occurring in “various places” (Matt. 24:7)! The big quakes predicted in Revelation are yet to occur!
Mankind’s only hope is in the speedy Second Coming of Jesus Christ to end all wars and to establish His Kingdom over the entire earth (Isa. 2:1-5; 9:6-7; Micah 4:1-7; Zech. 14:8-9).You and I have a part in helping to proclaim Christ’s true Gospel to all the world (Matt. 24:14), and in helping to get Christ’s Bride “ready” for the glorious marriage to the “Lamb of God” (Eph. 5:25-33; Rev.19:1-9). May we all be found in Him “without spot or blemish” when Christ’s long-awaited return occurs (1 Thes. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:50-58).
It’s Past Time to “Wake Up”! I wish to share a number of comments from our brethren, which I am sure you will find interesting and inspiring as you continually strive to serve our heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ with all your “heart …soul [and] mind” (Matt. 22:37). These heartfelt comments should encourage and inspire each of us to redouble our efforts in humble service to our heavenly Father and His Son, as we learn to appreciate this fantastic fact: all of us have been called to receive everlasting sonship in the glorious Universe-ruling Family of God (Eph. 3:15-20)!
One member wrote us saying, “It is with great joy and pleasure that I write to you once again…. I have been praying for both of you and your ministry which is so valuable to the SCATTERED SHEEP…. I cannot express enough how my family and I enjoy your MANY CDs…. In your last monthly [“Dear brethren”] letter I found it particularly inspiring and profoundly powerful. I must admit that in many ways [during] these last few years, I have been a ‘FLOATING DEAD FISH,’ just trying to float into God’s Kingdom. Your letter ‘REALLY WOKE ME UP’!
“I truly find your ministry refreshing in the light of a laid-back ministry, often times, who are lost and confused, and they sidestep, or outright ignore, the plain DOC-TRINAL TRUTHS that were taught to us by God’s faithful servant Mr. Armstrong.
I am pleased and joyful that you are preaching these same truths with POWER and SINCERITY! May God bless you both for the hard work and efforts put into this preach-ing during this LAST ERA of the history of the Church. It is truly as God prophesied this end age would be. Your ministry may be the LAST TESTIMONY and WARNING to WAKE UP God’s people before they truly drift into a complete and total LAODIECAN IDENTITY!’”
Brethren, I am pleased to receive numerous enquiries or comments from both brethren and ministers in various Churches of God, showing that they appreciate the clarity and power of the Gospel message that COG-21 is proclaiming to the people of God and to the world—to all who really love God’s Truth. However, I do not believe, nor have I ever said, that the Church of God-21st Century, is the one and only “Church of God,” or that this “Work” is the only “Work of God” on earth today. I realize that there are a number of true ministers in the various “Churches of God,” which have proliferated since the death of Mr. Armstrong. I pray daily for all such faithful “shepherds” of God, as well as praying for all of our brethren who are scattered in various “Churches of God.” Let us never forget that God’s true “Church” (the “Body of Christ”) is a “spiritual organism,” not a “corporate organization”!
I am also pleased to assist a number of ministers in other Churches of God, who, from time to time, have contacted me concerning various matters, especially doctrinal questions. In fact, I have been in contact with over 30 ministers from various Churches of God. Some ministers in other COG’s have asked me to assist them in numerous doctrinal questions that came up, realizing my experience in doctrinal research; I am always pleased to be able to help ministers or brethren in any of the Churches of God who may choose to contact me regarding such matters. And I will always keep such matters in strict confidence. Confidentiality is mandatory for any true minister of God.
One of the major goals that I and the ministers working with me have, is to do all within our power to help break down the divisions, mistrust, and hostility toward other Churches of God which, unfortunately, still exist in the minds of some brethren in various “Church of God” fellowships.
I am pleased that my widely read articles on our website (cog21.org) and in The Journal have helped to correct a number of the un-Christian attitudes and wrong administrative approaches of some of the brethren and ministers in the Church of God at large. May all of us do all within our power to endeavor to promote genuine Christian “unity” (Eph. 4:3-16) and unfeigned “love” among the brethren and leaders of the Churches of God (John 13:34-35). Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER; as I have loved you, that you also LOVE ONE ANOTHER” (v. 35). Without genuine divine love we have nothing!
The Apostle Paul explained that although a person may “speak with the tongues of men and of angels [and] have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge... [and have] all faith…but have not LOVE, [he was] nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and…give my body to be burned, but have not LOVE,” says Paul, “it profits me nothing” (1 Cor. 13:1-3). “And now abide faith, hope, LOVE, these three; but the greatest of these is LOVE” (v. 13).
God will not reward us primarily for our “great accomplishments”—including our articles or booklets, sermons, radio or TV broadcasts, the number of people whom we have counseled or baptized—nor for our many carnally motivated good works. Rather, our Creator will reward us first and foremost for genuine humility, kindness and LOVE that we show toward all men: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us DO GOOD to ALL, especially to those who are of the HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH” (Gal. 6:10)! Never forget that God always “looks at man’s heart,” not at his appearance!
Another member of God’s Church wrote me saying, “We are all going through various trials and we are pulling together as God’s Family. We are so thankful to God for how He helps us all. I believe with God’s POWER, we will be able to accomplish what His purpose is for our lives in this part of God’s Church. From what I understand of the mission of God’s little group that we are in, it is to help those who have been HURT, and SCATTERED, and to FEED THE FLOCK of Jesus Christ as God gives the insight and direction for His servants to do. I just thank Him that I can help, even if it is only small.”
Yes, brethren, we are to be very much concerned about “feeding the FLOCK,” as well as “preaching the Gospel” to the world (Matt. 24:14; 28:19-20)! But it is only through “God’s power” that we can do His will and His Work in the way He wants it done! God states: “Not by [human] MIGHT nor by POWER, but by MY SPIRIT, says the Lord of hosts”—shall any mighty Work of God be accomplished (Zech. 4:6)!
We should deeply honor our wives! Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong often said that a minister’s loving wife is responsible for “half of his ministry.” That is very true! God tells us, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord” (Prov. 18:22). God’s Word also says. “a prudent wife is from the LORD” (19:14). Truly, “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones” (12:4).
I am very grateful to God that he has provided me with a virtuous “helpmeet” to assist me in this ministry. Without her capable assistance, I would not be able to answer all of the many e-mails and phone calls we receive. I wish to quote from a recent letter written to my wife, which illustrates this very point:
“Thank you, Mrs. McNair…. I thank you for your kindness and advice; your husband has a dedicated wife, he deserves you, you are a great team. I thank God for that team, the rest have lost their way. In 1981 my wife had breast cancer; she is alive today because in spite of criticism of people, she trusted God; she is my dedicated wife. I’m telling you this because our experience has been [that] God has shown us that we have a job; what that is, we are not sure, except to support God’s people. It was nice to read your words…. God is giving us the words of Herbert W. Armstrong through Raymond F. McNair, which I thank God for. I thank God for his assistant [Mrs. McNair].” [Note I again wish to remind you brethren that virtually all of Mr. Armstrong’s books, booklets, etc., are now easily accessible on my website cog21.org.]
The above compliments regarding my helpmeet are well deserved. She is able to assist me in answering many e-mails and letters we receive—just as Mrs. Armstrong ably assisted her husband. However, she does not take it upon herself to answer questions that I, a minister of God, must answer! As with Mr. Armstrong’s wife, Loma, my wife answers certain types of e-mails and letters; whereas I always answer the more difficult questions, especially in all doctrinal or spiritual matters. I have known some men, even some ministers, who seemed to believe that wives of ministers should be rather “plain looking” perhaps even “quiet and mousey”—but God’s Word teaches otherwise!
The 31st chapter of Proverbs shows that women are not only permitted to do household chores, but may also take on other serious responsibilities: “She considers a field and buys it” (v. 16). Some “macho men” think a woman should not do that. They reason that only the husband—not the wife—should make such a purchase. Some husbands even dole out money stingily to their wives. If you carefully read Proverbs 31 you will see that women can serve in many meaningful ways. Have we forgotten the key roles played by the prophetess Deborah and another brave woman named Jael (Judges 5:1-31)? Do we remember the wisdom and hospitality of a woman named Abigail (1 Sam. 25)? Or, the heroic act of Queen Esther (Esther, chapters 4-7) and numerous other virtuous and courageous women who performed incredible acts of heroism which would not normally be expected of women?
King Solomon asked, “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life [vv. 10-12]. …Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kind- ness…. Her children…call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (vv. 25-28). In COG-21 we believe and teach that women should be highly honored!
Note This does not mean, however, that we humans should blur the lines between what is feminine and masculine types of dress, hair styles, jobs, or other responsibilities. The Prophet Isaiah says this of women usurping leadership positions over weak-willed men at the time of the end: “As for My people children are their oppressors [that is, they have become delinquents] and women rule over them” (Isa. 3:12).
Was there a reason why, in ancient Israel, God’s law ordained that men should be the political and religious leaders? Today, much of our topsy-turvy family life is at least partly attributable to women not fulfilling their God-given roles as “keepers at home.” How can they? Many modern women prefer to work in an office or other type of job outside the home—or they are forced to do so because of derelict, non-supportive husbands, and as a consequence, all-too-many children are left on their own. God intended that the husband was to be the wise, loving “head” of each family, while wives were commanded to “love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, home-makers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed” (Titus. 2:4-5).
Continuing the Work of “Elijah”! One person says, “I have enjoyed and learned from everything the McNairs have written. I do believe they are continuing on in the work Mr. Armstrong [the end-time “Elijah”] started and I am grateful for them.... Now that he [Mr. McNair] is writing, we will benefit from his wisdom and understanding. Mr. McNair has such a gift for writing, I have read [articles by] him for years and his clear explanations have given me greater understanding….”
Our website continues to bear much fruit. Here are a few comments from those who have accessed our Site: “We enjoy your WEBSITE and look forward to checking out what else you add to it. Thank you for all the hard work that goes into this endeavor. We are looking forward to ‘Ascent to Greatness’ [a history showing God’s Hand in the creation of the United States] being put on the site, but in the meantime am checking out bookstores for a copy with no luck…. You and your wife are in our prayers. May God speed your complete healing.”
[Note My book, Ascent to Greatness, has been out of print for some time. This book contains hundreds of important quotes showing how God guided the formation of the fledgling United States, causing it to become the world’s richest, most powerful nation! I don’t know when a new edition of my book will be printed, but I hope to reprint it sometime in the future. You can occasionally find a copy in a used bookstore, but the price of a used copy of the book, as advertised on the Internet, usually ranges from around $100.00 to over $550.00].
Brethren, I am working very hard to put more valuable, informative material on the cog21.org website, but this all takes a lot of hard work, patience and time. I have the copy very nearly completed for two or three important booklets that we hope to print and distribute as soon as possible. Please be patient as we continue to post more articles on our Site. Note A member of COG-21 is now assisting in the layout of one of important brochures, concerning the ARAB-ISRAELI IMPASSE:
This person says, “Hello Mr. and Mrs. McNair, Just a quick note to say that I’m still working on the layout of your fantastic Middle East booklet. It’s coming along, slowly but surely. I know it’s a timely article and I don’t want to drag my feet. Also, thank you for your most recent ‘Dear Brethren’ letter. It was short but powerful and moving.
“We’re all doing fine here…. The occasional trial here and there, but I believe everyone in this little group is finding the faith to endure it all with joy. Keep the powerful sermons and written material coming…! We appreciate it deeply. And we feel privileged to be fed by such faithful and knowledgeable servants as you and Mr. Cafeo. We all continue to pray that God gives you strength and physical recovery, for both you and your wife! And that He guides you by His Spirit. With brotherly love….”
Another person wrote asking about my health, and concluded by saying, “May God speed your complete healing.” God has graciously granted me nearly two years in which to serve Him and His people since my illness occurred in the early autumn of 2003. I thank God that I have the health and strength to carry on in my ministerial duties, including a lot of writing, editing, etc. I would appreciate your prayers, for God to grant my wife and me reasonably good health, so that we may continue serving Him and His people—which is the main thing we live for!
Note Any comments included in my “Dear Brethren” letters are always unsolicited! Those comments are sent to my wife and me by well-wishers in order to encourage and strengthen us in this monumental task. You brethren also share in carrying out this important Work which God has called us to accomplish before the final curtain is drawn on this age (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 14:16-20). From the very beginning, the Church of God-21st Century has been totally dedicated to serving as many of the “scattered brethren” as we can, fully realizing that this can only be done through the blessing and power of Almighty God!
Finally, a man writes us as follows: “I was reading The Journal [of] March 31st, which a friend gave me, and I must say I was impressed with your article on ‘When Tragedy Strikes, HOW SHOULD GOD’S PEOPLE RESPOND?’—as that should have been everyone’s approach…. Going back to The Journal article, we have been very much saddened by all of the splits and divisions, and as Paul so bluntly states in 1 Cor., these things are caused because people are still carnal. Sadly, in many cases it is the LEADERSHIP and their APPROACH that are causing the problems. One wonders some-times if they don’t realize that Ezekiel 34 is speaking of them. If Mr. Armstrong said it once, he said it hundreds of times that the CHURCH OF GOD was not some kind of a corporation, but A SPIRITUAL BODY. Apparently few listened.” How true!
We must keep up the pace! My wife and I have recently mailed out a few more sermons to be put on CDs, and we hope to send out more within a short time. One correspondent recently wrote us saying, “I haven’t heard all of the CDs yet, but I love to listen to them. I started the first one on the PAPACY. The article ‘MOTHER ROME AND HER DAUGHTERS’ was terrific, but it is good to hear a live (and strong) sermon, too. Thank you so much for putting out all of this inspiring information that only you, Mr. McNair, can do.” This person then mentioned that her minister thought the Middle East article—which we are planning to print in the form of a brochure—is “the most exhaustive and up-to-date he’d read on the subject.”
My wife and I fully intend to keep up the pace, and do all within our power to make certain that God’s “little flocks” are nourished on the pure Word of God. Please continue praying for the success of this Work of God, which He continues to bless more and more. Our articles in The Journal have produced far more fruits than we ever imagined. We know many in the different “Churches of God” have been reading those articles regularly. I am working on other articles to be later published in The Journal.
As I mentioned earlier, we are now planning on printing several important book-lets. We already have the 51-page Middle East article (A Bitter Family Quarrel …SOLVING the ARAB ISRAELI IMPASSE!) posted on our website, and are getting it ready for printing—when finances permit. I don’t know of any article or booklet ever published by the “Churches of God” which covers important aspects of this subject so thoroughly, both from a biblical and historical perspective, as God has enabled us to do in this informative booklet. It reveals that the on-going Palestinian-Israeli quarrel (concerning a bitter dispute over control of the “Promised Land”) is a very thorny problem which no nation or organization, such as the U.S. or the U.N., really knows how to solve.
Brethren, we again wish to convey to you our sincere thanks for your prayers, your encouragement and your generous financial support. We never cease thanking God for all of you, and pray that the Great God of Heaven will continue to protect and bless each and every one of you.
And may our gracious God, whom we all deeply love and diligently serve, continue to watch over and bless each and every one of His children as we all continue faithfully serving Him and His people!
Sincerely in Christ’s name,
Raymond F. McNair
P.S. Sermons are now available on CDs & CASSETTES.
Many have requested my sermons, either on CDs or CASSETTES. So, you scattered brethren will be happy to learn that you can now request these sermons. In fact, 16 different sermons have recently been made and are now being duplicated and distributed. I plan to continue producing new sermons regularly for you brethren, and will post them on my website.
My email address is: raymondmcnair@cog21.org OR, raymondfmcnair@verizon.net
One man recently wrote saying, “…We received the package from you yesterday containing the two new CD’s on the History of the Church of God. Outstanding! Good to hear you speaking out again with authority on subjects no one else is talking about anymore. Hope this is just the beginning of many more sermons from you!”
Another person says, “[My wife] and I received your first two sermons on the Church, and enjoyed them very much. Also, your article on the ‘Abomination of Desolation’ [in the January issue of The Journal] is very insightful. Thanks again.”
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