Latest Audio - 2026-01-03
“America’s Decline”… “America ‘To Quit’ NATO”… “The Frankenstein Monster Grows”… “Economic Disaster Looms”…
Welcome To 2026
As we start a new year according to man’s calendar, here are a few major issues to stay alert to. As we pray daily, “Thy kingdom come”, what we must also keep in mind is that we are actually witnessing the last gasps of a 6,000 year satanic system.
1) - White House Documents America’s Decline As A Global Power
“Recently, the White House issued the annual National Security Strategy. The document is mandated by law and describes in very broad terms the administration’s vision of the world. This latest attempt at defining the foreign policy of the United States is historical in three aspects.
It paints the world without friends or enemies.
It declares the former and current interests outside of the Western Hemisphere of less importance.
It finally puts an end to the status and the ambitions of the country as the superpower.
The document officially declares the end of American world power.
It concludes almost two decades of declining power COUPLED WITH UNWILLINGNESS AND INABILITY TO WISELY EXERCISE IT.” (jpost.com )
Decades Of ‘Pax Americana’ Over
“The era of ‘Pax Americana’ is over for Europe, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said, adding that the global economy and political order are undergoing a ‘tectonic shift’ in centers of power worldwide. The term ‘Pax Americana’ (American Peace) describes the transatlantic order that emerged after 1945 and was institutionalized through NATO, with the US as Europe’s primary security guarantor and leading military power.
Speaking at the Christian Social Union (CSU) party convention in Munich on Saturday, Merz urged Europeans to prepare for a ‘fundamental change in the transatlantic relationship.’ ‘The decades of the Pax Americana are largely over for us in Europe and for us in Germany as well. It no longer exists in the way we knew it,’ he said.
‘Americans are now very, very firmly pursuing their own interests.’ The chancellor pointed to changes in tariff policy under US President Donald Trump, which led to a trade deal between Brussels and Washington that many criticized as disadvantageous for the EU.” (rt.com)
The Year ‘The West’ Died
“This was the year ‘the West’ died. 2026 may be even worse. An emboldened Russia, buoyed by the red carpet rolled out for Putin by Trump at the disastrous Alaska summit, now baits Europe openly. Meanwhile the White House, sensing weakness, has repeatedly humiliated its former European allies while signalling an unmistakable appetite for rapprochement with Moscow.
With American reliability no longer a given, the world generations of Europeans have taken for granted has ended. In that sense, 2025 may come to be remembered as the year ‘the West’ ceased to function as a meaningful political concept.” (telegraph.co.uk)
The Old World Order Has Ended
“The Old World Order has ended. We’re on our own. Next year will hasten America’s retreat from Europe, which will increasingly be left to its own devices, as President Trump focuses his attention and American power on the Western Hemisphere – where he has imperial ambitions. It isn’t just that the European leg of Nato can no longer count on US military when the chips are down – THE FACT IS THAT TRUMP’S AMERICA IS NO LONGER EVEN ON OUR SIDE, a harsh reality that will become apparent as next year unfolds.” (dailymail.co.uk)
Plan For The Best Of Times And Worst Of Times
“AI might lead to an enhancement of human intelligence that leads us to a more enlightened world or it might lead to millions of individuals being radicalised by bots into committing acts of hatred and terror. It could help protect freedom or it might be the perfect tool of dictators. It could be used to assist diplomacy or it could take decisions about peace and war out of human control.
No wonder one of the great authorities on AI, Professor Erik Brynjolfsson of Stanford University, said last year ‘This could be the best decade in history — or the worst’. Wherever you look, you can see people struggling with this extreme uncertainty.
The 2020s have provided ample evidence already — wars, pandemic disease, political upheaval and new forms of intelligence — that we have turned the page of a new chapter. We need to prepare for the best years, or the worst, at the same time. The beginning of 2026 will be a good time for all of us to ask ourselves whether we are doing that.” (thetimes.com)
Mr Armstrong wrote:
“Today even little nations dare to insult, trample on, or burn the United States flag – and the United States, still having power, does no more than issue a weak protest!
What’s happened to the PRIDE of our power?
We have already LOST IT!
God said, ‘I will break the pride of your power!’ And HE DID!” (US and GB in Prophecy - Chapter 13)
2) - US ‘To Quit’ NATO
“A US Republican representative has put forward a motion for his county to leave NATO, in a move likely to cause even more panic among America’s allies. European leaders were stunned after the White House published its new National Security Strategy that flouted traditional Transatlantic relations assumptions. The 33-page document roundly criticised Europe, accusing its leaders of undermining ‘political liberty and sovereignty’, as well as claiming the continent faces ‘civilisational erasure’.
The paper also emphasised a shift to an ‘America First’ approach, focusing on the Western Hemisphere and economic security over global commitments. Thomas Massie – the Republican representative for Kentucky – argued that NATO was no longer relevant to today’s security needs.
‘NATO is a Cold War relic,’ he said. ‘We should withdraw from NATO and USE THAT MONEY TO DEFEND OUR OWN COUNTRY, NOT SOCIALIST COUNTRIES. NATO was created to counter the Soviet Union, which collapsed over thirty years ago.” (express.co.uk)
The US Is Teaching Its European Allies A Harsh Lesson
“The US is teaching its European allies a harsh lesson in who’s really in charge. The EU’s humiliation today may forge better relations with Russia tomorrow. The humiliation Washington is inflicting on Western Europe today will shape an entire generation of politicians who will eventually have to rediscover how to deal with Russia. Recent American documents, public statements, and diplomatic maneuvers point to an obvious fact that Russia should carefully note.
The US is not the EU’s friend. It is not even a reliable ally. Its behavior is grounded in a deep cultural arrogance and an instinctive greed, and these are constants that will not change regardless of who sits in the White House. Against this backdrop, Russia should not rule out the possibility that relations with our European neighbors could eventually be rebuilt.” (rt.com)
Pope Leo Chastises Trump
“Pope Leo XIV has insisted that Europe must play a central role in any Ukraine peace agreement, whilst launching a sharp rebuke at the Trump administration for what he described as attempts to ‘break apart’ the historic transatlantic alliance (NATO).
‘Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe,’ he stated. ‘Guarantees are also being sought for security today and in the future. Europe must be part of this, and unfortunately - not everyone understands this. But I think there is a great opportunity for European leaders to unite and seek a solution together.’” (express.co.uk)
3) - The Frankenstein Monster
US Tells Europe It MUST Take Over…
“The United States wants Europe to take over the majority of NATO’s defense capabilities by 2027, Pentagon officials told diplomats in Washington this week. The shifting of this burden from the US to European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation would dramatically change how the United States, a founding member of the post-war alliance, works with its most important military partners. In the meeting, Pentagon officials indicated that Washington was not yet satisfied with the strides Europe has made to boost its defense capabilities since Russia began its war on Ukraine in 2022.” (dailymail.co.uk)
The Creation Of The Frankenstein Monster
After WWll, America stepped in and poured billions of dollars into rebuilding Germany. This laid the foundations for the modern highly prosperous industrial Germany we see today.
Seventy years ago, God’s end time Apostle gave the following warning:
“In its final phase, to appear in our day, will merely be a restoration of that ancient Roman Empire – a United States of Europe which we are beginning to foster within the confines of the ancient Roman Empire! WE ARE BUILDING THE FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER THAT IS DESTINED TO DESTROY US!” (The Plain Truth - June 1955)
He pointed out that the USA was then “beginning to foster” a United States of Europe. Now the United States wants Europe to take over the majority of NATO’s defence capabilities by 2027. This will turn Europe into a military superpower.
He then made it quite clear that this United Europe was the “Frankenstein Monster”, being created by the United States, that was destined to destroy both the USA and Britain.
Back in 1968, Mr Armstrong wrote:
“For decades, [we] have been proclaiming the eventual creation of some form of united Europe – showing the many difficulties to be resolved, the ancient nationalistic antagonisms, the memories of Germany’s neighbors of World War II, and the various religious barriers. We have proclaimed repeatedly that THE ULTIMATE UNIFYING FORCE WOULD BE RELIGIOUS.” (The Plain Truth, August 1968)
That religious involvement is happening, right now!
Note that the Pope has recently said: “Europe must play a central role in any Ukraine peace agreement” and “I think there is a great opportunity for European leaders to unite and seek a solution together.”
4) - The Real ‘Elephant In The Room’
The Elephant In The Room
“An obvious major problem or issue that people avoid discussing or acknowledging.”
Economic Crisis
The Catalyst For Catastrophe
“…I can see now the event that is going to trigger the formation of reunification in Europe; the resurrection of the Medieval Holy Roman Empire that we’ve been looking forward to that is prophesied to come…
I believe that some event is going to happen suddenly just like out of a blue sky that is going to shock the whole world and is going to cause the nations of Europe to realize they must unite.
Well, now I think I can see what may be the very event that is going to trigger it and that is THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN THE WORLD…
Now when the financial structure breaks down, ALL CIVILIZATION IS GOING TO BREAK DOWN.” (Sermon - July 1984)
The Single Biggest Threat To Our National Security
The single biggest threat to our national security is not the Ukraine, the Middle East, Russia, North Korea or China.
It’s DEBT!
Massive Debt!
“With Putin’s murderous intent in Europe clearly exposed in Ukraine and his deadly combination of KGB ideology and imperialist expansion ever more apparent, the wake-up call is finally being heard in Western capitals. Against a background of increasing cooperation between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, the threat to the free world and its values – the rule of law, democracy and human rights – has never been greater in living memory.
Yet a much more subtle and sadly self-induced crisis corrodes our ability to confront our enemies. Debt levels in the West, driven up by consumption and welfare that we cannot afford, means that our ability to raise defence and security spending to meet the level of the threat is seriously, if not yet fatally, compromised.
Last year the UK spent £105 billion on debt interest compared to just £65 billion on defending our country. We are not alone. In 2024 the United States spent around $882 billion on interest payments, overtaking the world’s largest defence budget of $874 billion.” (telegraph.co.uk)
The World’s Most Dominant Economic Superpower
“We consume far more than we produce, and we go into colossal amounts of debt in order to make that possible. Somehow we have convinced ourselves that this makes us an economic superpower. Meanwhile, the Chinese produce far more than they consume, and as a result they have far more money coming in than they do going out.
Despite everything that has happened this year, China has run a trade surplus of more than a trillion dollars for the first time ever in 2025… This is what economic dominance looks like. If you want to have a great economy, you have got to be great at making stuff. And China is better at making stuff than anyone else.
This enables China to lend out vast amounts of cash. In fact, at this point the rest of the world owes China about 5 trillion dollars. It is often said that the borrower is the servant of the lender, and that is certainly true in this case.” (theeconomiccollapseblog.com)
The End Of The Fiat Experiment
“What is ‘breaking’ is the extremely leveraged futures markets with not enough physical silver to deliver. Fast forward to the end of the month, and new record highs in gold and silver are happening every day. Mr Gold says, ‘They are gobbling up all the supply available because they understand this is the end of the fiat currency experiment that started August 15 of 1971.’
‘The Hunt brothers got into trouble because they were BUYING PAPER CONTRACTS, and COMEX changed the rules. COMEX can change any rules they want… it won’t matter because the rest of the world is buying cash and carry… they will not accept paper contracts. THEY WANT REAL PHYSICAL METAL.’
Here is where it gets both interesting and dangerous. What happens if the short sellers cannot deliver the silver promised? Mr Gold says, ‘People say if they can’t deliver, and I am going to tell you at some point they will not be able to deliver, when that moment happens, IT’S GAME OVER FOR THE ENTIRE FINANCIAL SYSTEM.’
‘These contracts are a zero-sum game. There is a winner and a loser. If the loser loses so big that they go belly up, then the winner becomes a loser because they can’t get paid. That is the problem… When this actually hits and there is a failure to deliver, gold and silver will be wiped off the shelves, and there will be none to be bought.’
‘What you are witnessing is THE END OF TRUST. When you have the end of trust, the confidence breaks and credit is forthcoming only when there is trust.’
‘Once confidence breaks, the credit markets will begin to seize up.’
‘When credit stops, it’s game over.’” (usawatchdog.com)
Silver And Copper Setting The Stage For Panic On Wall Street
“Silver and copper setting the stage for panic on Wall Street. 2025 has been a smashing year for those that invested in precious metals. The price of copper is up about 30 percent since the start of the year, and the price of silver has risen 128 percent during that same time period.
The big financial institutions in the western world that have been attempting to suppress prices are fighting a losing battle, because the ‘AI revolution’ is going to require vast amounts of physical silver and physical copper. At this stage, it would take a truly apocalyptic event to stop the construction of the thousands of colossal data centers that are currently going up all over the globe.
At the same time, there has been a worldwide explosion in demand for physical silver from individual investors as paper currencies rapidly lose their purchasing power. And as long as the data center construction boom continues, the price of silver and the price of copper will both continue to rise.” (themostimportantnews.com)
Global Debt Levels Are Exploding
“This is the first time in world history that all of the major powers are facing a nightmarish debt crisis simultaneously. For the year, the US dollar index is down about 10 percent… Please keep in mind that the other currencies that the US dollar is being measured against are rapidly losing value as well. It is just that the US dollar is losing value even faster. The US dollar is certainly not dead yet, but the fact that it is in the process of dying should deeply alarm us. Many are anticipating a great deal of financial chaos in 2026, and at this stage it is hard to argue that they are wrong.” (theeconomiccollapseblog.com)
EU vs USA: The Debt War
“The global financial landscape is on the brink of a potentially catastrophic crisis, triggered by a simmering geopolitical tension between the United States and the European Union. Rumors have been circulating that the EU might divest its $2.3 trillion holdings in US Treasury bonds, sending shockwaves through the US economy and global markets. This threat, compounded by Japan’s ongoing unwinding of its yen carry trade, has raised concerns about a severe destabilization of the global financial system.” (dinarchronicles.com)
The World’s Financial Structure
Current US debt is $38.5 trillion! The full situation can be seen on the World Debt Clock - it’s live - it’s bordering on the unbelievable!
The world’s financial system is based on debt.
The world’s financial system is drowning in debt.
Both America and Britain spend more money on paying interest on debt than they do on defence.
This is beyond insanity!
It’s not a case of IF it collapses - IT’S WHEN!
Black Swan Events
In theory, Black Swans are events that are impossible to predict, have a huge impact, and only seem obvious after they happen. If we could predict them, they wouldn’t be Black Swans. Their power lies in their unpredictability, reminding us how much we don’t know and how easily the unexpected can change everything. But one thing to keep in mind, most happen SUDDENLY!
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” (1 Peter 4:7)
In Earthen Vessels
"As a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." (Psalm 103:13,14)
As 2025 draws to a close, we look back on a year filled with so many tragedies in this world – mass murders, natural disasters, famines, warfare, disease etc etc. And adversities and afflictions aren't restricted to the world ... God's people also suffer severe hardship and heartaches. But having been given the understanding of what this human life is all about through God's Plan, these adversities don't become "tragedies". We mourn for the world's miseries – and for each other's, but not as those that have no hope, as Paul emphasises to the brethren in Thessalonica:
- But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope...
- ... For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
- Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
- Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:13, 16-18)
This Pastor's Report was originally written in 2020, but I felt it was worth reproducing this week, because of the numerous and varied trials currently being suffered by God's people. I do hope it brings encouragement to all.
The Duality of Life
In 1 Corinthians 15 – the 'resurrection chapter' – the apostle Paul makes very clear the dual nature of our life. The aim of both Christ and the Father is to enable us to have inherent spirit-born life, of the kind they themselves enjoy and referred to in this passage as "that which is spiritual" (verse 46). But before this is possible, it is important that we both understand and appreciate the life we presently experience – "that which is natural, from the earth, earthy."
- It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
- And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a [life-giving] spirit.
- Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
- The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
- As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
- And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (I Corinthians 15:44-49)
From "dust thou art" at Adam's physical creation, and on throughout the Bible God reminds us of our humble beginnings. Job referred to "... them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?" (Job 4:19) And as God points out in Isaiah 45, we're not much more than broken pots ...
- Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? (Isaiah 45:9)
Job understood that there was more to this physical life than just a temporary, fleeting existence and that a key reason for being made thus is so we can change.
- If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
- Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. (Job 14:14,15)
But there are also other aspects we should keep in mind ...
Life's Purpose
Each year in the church we rehearse the very meaning of life as we celebrate the Holy Days, which are very forward looking – focused on the spirit life that is up ahead for us as members of the very Family of God, and rescue for the human race. But I wonder if we sometimes fail to truly grasp the necessity of understanding and fully appreciating our current physical existence – and the reason we draw breath?
In our day-to-day lives we are faced with challenges, problems and often severe trials. What we really long to do – and often pray to that end – is to have them rectified ... ie. escape them as quickly as possible. Whereas God looks at the situation in a very different way from us, and we find that many times 'escape' doesn't come about as speedily as we'd like! When Christ uttered the immortal words in the garden of Gethsemane "... take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt." (Mark 14:36) He humanly would have appreciated a 'get out clause' – any possibility of escape from what He knew was coming, but He also recognised that the very purpose of His existence was nearing its conclusion, as the Saviour for all mankind.
- Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—
- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
- For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.
- For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
- Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:14-18 NIV)
Do we in similar fashion, as mere earthen vessels, keep in mind that the very purpose of our physical chemical existence now – as the end time around us approaches its conclusion – is to be fully ready as the teachers of the future, alongside our Elder Brother?
Old Age
Many of us are now finding ourselves in a position we never expected, that of having to deal with the problems of old age. When we first came into the church we certainly foresaw the need to overcome the world as Ambassadors of a New Age, which we anticipated was just over the horizon. But it didn't quite work out that way! And God has not seen fit to allow us to escape all the frailties, disabilities and bereavements that so often accompany the ageing process. But we shouldn't be surprised – as with the exception of those that were martyred, (see Hebrews 11:33-40) most of God's people before us have had to face the same trial.
By the time Isaac decided to give the blessing to his son Esau, he had become blind in his old age, enabling Jacob to deceive him. In a similar way, before Jacob died, he too went blind, crossing his hands when it came time to bless Ephraim and Manasseh. In the case of king David, at the age of 70 he was described as "old and stricken in years" (I Kings 1:1). But in spite of old age, illness, bereavement etc, our Creator God who knew us "'ere before we were born" (Psalm 139: 13-16), never stopped working and caring for those He has called over the millennia, and promises it will be the same with us;
- And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. (Isaiah 46:4)
As we age our physical strength diminishes, and 'the bloom of youth' certainly fades! Our mind becomes more tuned towards what is beyond this life and the vital necessity of God's help to not only get through each day, but to continue to achieve and grow. Often it's only the ageing process that drives home to us how short this life is and what really is important, and it's definitely not 'things'. If there is one chapter in one book of the Bible that addresses the shortcomings of ageing, it has to be Ecclesiastes 12, which encourages us all to "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;" (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
Even though the coming Millennium is likely to be free of the sicknesses that so often accompany ageing, the indication is that during this time also there will still be old men and women – having to use a cane or staff for support – as there will still be much for them to learn from the ageing process:
- Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
- Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.
- And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof. (Zechariah 8:3-5)
"That you might have Peace"
How can we possibly effectively handle the trials, heartaches, challenges and stresses, when simultaneously limited by this very physical body that is basically dying each day we live? This is a reality that particularly hits home as we approach – and pass – the threescore and ten generally allotted to mankind. But Jesus Christ Himself encourages us with a promise of peace when we have to face such things:
- These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
The things He had just spoken to them about concerned the actions of the Holy Spirit, and specifically the way it would not speak of itself but would impart to them the information Christ Himself wanted them to have (John 16:13,14). And as He then continues a few verses further on:
- And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
- I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:22,23)
Again – we're encouraged at the end of the gospel of Matthew that He would be with us always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20) And the way that is possible is through the Holy Spirit. This is why – even though He points out that we'd all have trials in this world – we can still be of good cheer and have peace because we are not facing them alone.
- If ye love me, keep my commandments.
- And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
- Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
- I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you (John 14:15-18)
The Power of God
The analogy of likening us to an earthen vessel comes from a passage in II Corinthians 4. In the preceding chapter the apostle Paul is explaining the ongoing process of conversion – changing the basic self-centred character of a carnal human being into that of a God-being:
- Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
- But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (II Corinthians 3:17,18)
He then elaborates on this concept in chapter 4, explaining how the light of the character of Christ can then be expressed in each of the faces of those going through this conversion process, ending with the verse "But we have this treasure [this priceless process and the godly reactions that flow from it] in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (II Corinthians 4:7).
The key point is not merely the weakness of the earthen vessels but what those vessels are daily being filled with ... the power of the Holy Spirit! Paul then goes on to explain how our reactions and perceptions in the trials we face should correspondingly change as our understanding and conversion grows. And for Paul, what he then points out in the next two verses of chapter 4, was not just book learning – mere academic understanding – by any means, but what he himself was having to regularly deal with. (For a list of some of the things he personally went through, check out II Corinthians 11:24-29!)
"Yet not Distressed"
- "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed" (II Corinthians 4:8)
The translation in the King James version does not carry the full intent of the original. The words translated as "troubled on every side" would be better expressed as being squashed or squeezed from every direction. And the phrase translated as "not distressed" carries with it the inference of not being totally crushed. One particular translation that carries this concept well is the Aramaic Bible in Plain English, which says: "For we are squeezed in all things but we are not strangled ..."
Naturally speaking an earthen vessel is easily broken – either by too hot an oven, or dropping it onto a hard surface. And in the outside world today, the 'heat is on' to a great degree for so many, with job insecurity, family breakdown, soaring inflation, disease, disabilities. A wretchedly hard time and for most, without hope. However, the source of OUR strength cannot come from ourselves as mere "houses of clay", and it's vital that we recognise this, or we too will suffer mentally and emotionally. We have to remember the TRUE source of our strength:
- Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
- I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:4,5)
- For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7)
"But Not in Despair"
- "we are perplexed, but not in despair" (II Corinthians 4:8)
Once again, the original two words being used carry a little more meaning which links them together. "Perplexed" (Gk aporeo) carries with it the idea of "being without resources" ... i.e. not knowing which way to turn when things are going wrong. But we're not in despair ... "utterly destitute of measures or resources" (Strongs 1820) because we know that God, as the Master of Timing, will step in and see us through. With God nothing is impossible and nothing too hard for Him to do:
- Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)
- For with God nothing shall be impossible. (Luke 1:37)
A classic example of God stepping in and rescuing His people was at the Red Sea. "Petrified" more than "perplexed" would probably describe the feelings of our forefathers, ancient Israel as they heard the shouting of the horsemen and the thunder of probably the best part of one thousand chariots, as Pharaoh's army advanced ever closer. (Exodus 14:7) Imagine Israel's panic, their dilemma – which way to turn, how to escape when hemmed in by this massive body of water? They were totally "without resources", but the impossible did happen and was recorded for our learning, and confidence when we feel boxed in by a hopeless situation:
- And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation [rescue] of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
- The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14:13,14)
And many of us, over the years can attest to the truth of the following encouragement given to the church in Corinth. This escape from our personal 'box canyon' happens in a multitude of ways, and varies from person to person. It might not be quite as dramatic as the crossing of the Red Sea, but it will be rescue nevertheless, because Jesus, (Joshua – YHWH is our Rescuer) gives us His word:
- There hath no temptation [trial, adversity, affliction, trouble] taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (I Corinthians 10:13)
"But Not Forsaken"
- "Persecuted, but not forsaken" (II Corinthians 4:9)
We can see this in action in the Book of Acts when Paul and Silas, having been beaten were then thrust into prison. But their reaction was not a normal human reaction – and the surrounding prisoners certainly noticed this, as recorded in Acts 16:
- And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
- Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
- And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. (Acts 16:23-25)
Why could Christ encourage us to have peace in verse 33 of John 16, even in such difficult circumstances? The previous verse explains:
- Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. (John 16:32)
And that is what Paul and Silas also understood "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you" (John 14:18). At the end of the book of Hebrews, no doubt through personal experience, Paul was able to write:
- Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
- So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (Hebrews 13:5,6)
And as God encourages us through the prophet Isaiah:
- Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
- Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
- For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand , saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. (Isaiah 41:10-13)
"But Not Destroyed"
- "cast down, but not destroyed" (II Corinthians 4:9)
Or as another translation graphically puts it: "We are knocked down, but we aren't knocked out" (II Corinthians 4:9 CEB)
How many times have we felt "I can't take any more ... ", "this is just too much pressure ... ", "this is just not working!" We might feel we just can't go on – life has become too hard, but we are able to call on supernatural help, as the apostle Paul understood:
- Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
- For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
- Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
At times it can seem beyond our physical resources to even approach the throne of grace, let alone being bold! Sometimes, being so overwhelmed with our problems we can find it hard to verbalise our needs in prayer, but our merciful High Priest even has this eventuality covered:
- Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
- And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26,27)
And it's not just physical circumstances that can get us down, but also realising just how far we fall short of the perfection required for God's family members. But God – through the apostle Paul in Romans 7:21-25 even has this scenario covered and encourages us to keep on keeping on, as He reminds us once again, we are not fighting this battle alone, and He is not willing that any should perish.
- For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
- And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
- And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:38-40)
God the Master Potter
We're all earthen vessels – vividly described in Hebrew as "dust, earth, powder, rubbish, ashes, mortar, ground" (Strongs 06083). Indeed, "... if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing he deceiveth himself" (Galatians 6:3) And what we need to keep in mind too is that our fellow brethren – our fellow potsherds – they too are struggling in this life. We need to give each other space and time to change ... as we are all merely 'a work in progress'. Some may be a little further along the 'production line' in certain areas, often depending on age and experience, and even personality and family background. And some – as we have witnessed this past year – have had their final 'firing' and are now being safely stored by God, to be used in the near future when Christ returns. But meanwhile, we who have yet to arrive at that point, need to have confidence in the fact we're not having to battle through this life alone and should learn to relax in God's most capable hands – as Mr Armstrong, who himself was certainly no stranger to the trials and problems of this life, explains:
Now I overlooked some very important scriptures. One is how God is the Potter and we are the clay and He can fashion and mold us; we are the work of His hands but we must submit. Now I had to take a little therapy. I had a very bad knee yesterday. And my left knee is heavily wrapped in wrapping today and I think it will be all right in another day or two now. But while the doctor who takes care of that type of thing was working on me, and I had a cartilage a little out of joint and he had to twist and jerk the leg and it was a little painful at the time, but I had to just relax. I had to relax in his hands. And that’s what we must do in God’s hands. We must relax and let God form and shape us His way and He will do it. I, years ago, used to take some osteopath treatments, and I learned that the osteopath couldn’t do what he wanted to, in his twisting of my body and massaging and one thing and another, if I didn’t just completely relax. And that’s what we have to do in God’s hands. And I tell you, what He has in store for us, people in this world have no idea! It is, well, it is not just fantastic; it is awesome and clear beyond any human understanding or realization now–The Awesome Human Potential. (Transcript – Sermon (1982-10-16) – Aversion Therapy)
- Hence I never lose heart; though my outward man decays, my inner man is renewed day after day.
- The slight trouble of the passing hour results in a solid glory past all comparison,
- for those of us whose eyes are on the unseen, not on the seen; for the seen is transient, the unseen eternal. (II Corinthians 4:16-18 Moffatt)
“Just what is an APOSTLE?”
Today we find the Church of God in a “wilderness of religious confusion!”
The confusion is not merely around the Church – within the religions of the world outside – but WITHIN the very heart of The True Church itself!
Read online or contact email to request a copy
