Gleaning Topics of Interest and Relevance to God's Called and True Saints

Expounding upon the Faith Once Delivered

We Recommend these Sabbath-keeping churches in the Grand Junction area:

Christian Church of God, Orchard Mesa, (Grand Junction),  Colorado Non-denominational and unaffiliated with any Christian or secular organization, we believe the Holy Bible to be the inspired word of God, that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). The congregation meets each Sabbath (Saturday) morning at 11 am. On the Web at www.ccofgod.org Local Pastor: Del Leger

United Church of God, an International Association, Clifton, (Grand Junction), Colorado We trace our origins to the Church that Jesus founded in the early first century. We follow the same teachings, doctrines and practices established then. Our commission is to proclaim the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God to all the world as a witness and teach all nations to observe what Christ commanded (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20 Eph. 2:8, 9 & 10). The congregation meets each Sabbath afternoon at 1 pm. On the Web at www.ucg.org for a wide selection of literature and for a location in your area. Local Minister: Jon Pinelli

New Books available!

Please order a free copy by
email: golden.sheaves@hotmail.com
or surface mail:
Rich Traver
P. O. Box 1411,
Clifton, CO 81520-1411

After decades of study, the author presents many under-considered aspects the Biblical Doctrine of the Resurrections from the Dead and Eternal Judgment as identified in Hebrews chapter 6. This 96 page 8-1/2 by 11 booklet considers the personal resurrections of the Saints and the Rest of the Dead referred to in Revelation 20, who are to be brought back to life after the Millennial Age. Its primary focus is the under-considered personal Resurrections as they apply to all humanity, of all ages, not that of Jesus Christ, which is adequately covered by traditional Christianity. Explained is why there needs to be more than one resurrection and why they are separated by a thousand years. Many less used passages of Scripture are taken under consideration, including the very words of Christ where He relates a period of time in which ancient peoples will rise together and 'condemn' other resurrected societies for their non-responsiveness to Salvation's availability. More importantly, the booklet addresses the questions regarding those who died, never having been afforded a legitimate opportunity for Salvation and what happens to them as it regards their Eternal Destiny.  

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Author Robert Macdonald, in this 36-page booklet, presents his multi-year investigative quest to explain God's Annual Festivals to his children and grandchildren in a sensible and understandable way . These 'neglected' observances present an educational framework for more fully understanding the overall Plan of God as it involves all of humanity. Traditional Christianity is largely remiss in investigating their lessons, though they remained a part of the worship system of the Early New Testament Church through at least that first generation. Spring Holydays illustrate the essential components of personal salvaton, while the Fall Holydays illustrate how the opportunity for Salvation will eventually be brought to all who ever lived. We see the world being called to observe the Feast of Tabernacles annually in places such as Zachariah 14 in that era after Christ's return to rule the whole Earth with equity and justice. We see the Apostle Paul observing Pentecost on more than one occasion, a day which is the culmination of the Spring Holydays, fully dependent upon the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread for its 50-day count. In 1st Corinthians 5:7 and 11:23 we see him instructing a gentile Corinthian Church in how to properly keep the New Testament Passover and Unleavened Bread long after the Church had left the Synagogue.

Biblical Holydays
A Brief Synopsis

A Twenty Four page booklet, full size and nearly full color (this is a large download file) with ten Black & White photos, twenty-eight Full Color photos, gleaned from various internet sources, that presents many pages of detailed narrative of the recent findings of what is accepted by the Turkish Government as being the true Ark remains! The locale has since been designated by them as Noah's Ark National Park. The site is just across the valley from what is known today as "Mount Ararat", a name of fairly recent assignment, but well within "the mountains of Ararat" as Genesis 8:4 identifies.

Years Of Events Counted From The Flood

Available here by download (PDF), or in printed version by mail upon request. .

This booklet presents the amazing story of the interest that developed in the Ark Site resulting from a 1959 high-altitude mapping exercise by the Turkish government. It relates the story of the earthquake that occurred on the day Israel became an independent state in May of 1948 that first brought the site to the attention of local villagers.

Further research in the 1980's, from information found in reliable ancient sources, brought us the discovery of two Necropolises (ancient burial cities) in the vicinity, mentioned by both Josephus and in the Epic of Gilgamesh. An abundance of ossuary jars (burial urns) all over that locale bear evidence that ancient peoples (prior to the time of Abraham) well knew of the Ark landing site and made pilgrimages from all over to bury their dead near their renowned ancestor. (Keep in mind that Noah remained alive for 350 years after the Flood, and died some two-years before Abraham was born. His son Shem (being born 98 years before it occurred) lived on for another 150 years after Abraham was born! Abraham had more than a century to come to know Shem, and his son and true heir Isaac had nearly half a century! Why we'd think that the Ark site was not known to the Patriarchs is patently unexplainable.).

The cover photo visibly presents the curiosity of a crowned figure lying within the perfect hull shape that gave its name (Uzengili = meaning something like 'little bogeyman') to the tiny local village on the hill above it. This photo was from before the 1979 earthquake that caused the site to 'self-excavate', with the soils around the hull dropping away some twenty feet. A thin spear-shaped outcropping of rock, jutting into the figure in repose with a heart shaped rock protruding approximately where a heart would be, marking the end of the spear outcrop, poses profound prophetic considerations of a future 'Savior' of humanity being speared in the heart. Further, an artifact discovered in the 1800's in ancient mounds in Ohio, closely replicates this same figure, within a small version of similar ancient burial crypts, common in the Ark area, with the Ten Commandments carved into its rim, suggests ancient peoples who came to the North American continent millennia ago had an awareness of the Ark site.

The booklet also considers the Great Mount Ararat itself, the favored area of speculative focus of many dedicated Ark hunters, and the serious improbabilities of it being a reasonable landing site. Stories of it being in 'glacial ice' are also evaluated for their impracticality.

Remains of the "covering", many huge nearby anchor stones and semi-petrified metal fittings that litter the site fill out the evidence of this being the true remains of the 4,300-year old Ark.

A companion booklet, not available on-line, which documents the Necropolises of Naxuan and Seron may be requested.

Article Titles Currently Available Online       Updated March 12, 2010

The 14th Chapter of Revelation  NEW

This Revealing Chapter steps aside from the Book’s sequential narrative to present an Oblique Look at the three Main Segments of Humanity, as it Relates to being awarded their Just and Due Rewards. Has Religion fully appreciated its Comprehensiveness? Encapsulated within this one Chapter is a Message Profoundly Revealing with respect to God’s Plan for the Salvation of ALL the World’s Un-evangelized Masses.

Blood to the Horse Bridles  NEW

A most Astounding Visual Picture is Presented in Revelation 14:20 of a Flow of Blood, as Deep as Horses’ Bridles, extending out for 1600 Furlongs.  What Extraordinary Event is being Described Here, and is it a Reality?

I See “Napkin People”  NEW

Two Potent Parables, given by Christ, illustrate an all too Common Approach people take. What is Most Unfortunate is when Religious Institutions work to Encourage and even Enforce ‘laying-up’ ones’ God Given Talents!

Dispensations of God’s Holy Spirit  NEW

“If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His”! (Romans 8:9) Scripture reveals a most fascinating situation with regard to the Emerging Availability of this Essential Element in the Salvation of Humanity.

A Whole NEW Paradigm: The Doctrine of ‘the Father and the Son’!  NEW

With Volatile Issues abundant, the Early NT Church didn't need More things to have to Debate. Yet One Issue was Always 'Right There' Waiting to Erupt. Few have noted the Extreme Genius Exhibited by New Testament writers in Modifying the Fundamental Perceptual Parameters of Who Elohim Is.

Whosoever Will May Come NEW

Evangelical Christians, who hold that This is the ONLY Day of Salvation, often Refer to a Passage in John 7 and another in the benediction of Revelation 22 to allege that Anyone who wishes May Come to the LORD!

“Explaining the Differences”

When called upon to explain how Church of God beliefs differ from main stream belief systems, a regard for 'the Sabbath and Holydays' is often denoted as prime example. With most, this can be a conversation ender. They may mean a lot to those who are aware of their historic and prophetic relevance, but the general religious public usually sees these as archaic and downright irrelevant in this 'evangelical' age.     more...

Authority and Submission  NEW

A Major Factor in the Church of God, even in the Present Era, is the Dynamic of the Authority granted to the ministry. Certain organizations have declared that “It’s all about Government”. What role does “Government” rightfully play in the Church, and How should WE Respond to it?

Two Kinds of Faith  NEW

Christians Everywhere Recognize the Absolute Necessity of Having TRUE and Demonstrable Faith. Faith can find Expression in a Number of Ways. But, What Kind of Faith Must We Have in order to be Acceptable Before God?

Grace, Works and Reward  NEW

Failure on the part of Theologians to Comprehend the Full Auspices of Grace Can Confound the average Worshipper as to What Response is Appropriate on the part of Those who Truly Have Been Brought Under Grace.

The Endtime Martyrdom of the Saints  NEW

A Matter of Great Interest and a Teaching receiving Major Embrace in the Church involves Saints being Protected in the very End Time. Under-Explained is the Contrasting Situation seen in Revelation's Fifth Seal.

The Famine of the WORD  NEW

A prediction made in one of the Minor Prophets, Regarded as having Special Relevance in the End Time, is Used by Some to Justify Personal Lethargy! How should we Respond to this Condition?

The Nature of God's Spirit  NEW

It wasn't all that far into the New Testament Era before Gnostic Teachings and Judaic Beliefs began being Blended into Fundamental Christian Theology. The Result Being that We today are Afflicted with Contradicting Belief Systems as to the True 'Nature of God'. But in order to Correctly Understand this matter,We Must first Acquaint ourselves with the Nature of His Spirit.

What's WORKS Got to DO with it?  NEW

Despite this title's poorly worded English, this Paper considers the Question that seems to Provoke such an Averse Reaction among Evangelicals. Does their position Against our Doing ANY Works reflect a Correct Understanding?

How Many Beings in the Godhead?

The Longest running Controversy in Judeao / Christian Religion is the matter of the Identity of Jesus Christ. His also being God Divides Judaic Theology from Christian Theology as does No Other Issue. These items below present many concise reasons why the Church of God accepts His Personal Divinity. Here are at least 38 Reasons to Believe In Jesus’ Divinity!

The Great Commission

A Well-Known Passage of Scripture defines for us what Christ Expects His Faithful Disciples to Continually be Doing while Awaiting His Return. Have WE in any way Diminished its Scope in the Modern Era?

The Faith Once Delivered   

A Surprising Number of Doctrinal Teachings became Passé in the centuries following the Descent of the Early New Testament Church into Apostasy. What Changed and where did those Changes originate?

Behind the Curtain of Exclusivism   

Few Attitudes that Churches employ Inhibit Fellowship to the Degree as does the Characteristic found in the WCG Genre. Under the Guise of Preserving Unity, the Church STILL continues to Promote a very Detrimental Posture among Members.

The Other Five Virgins   

Matthew 25 Presents a Wedding Scenario that has long been Understood in the Context of JUST our being Saved or Lost. Actually, there’s More to this Message than meets the Casual Eye. What REAL Point is Jesus Making?

“We Are Not ‘Under the Law’ ! ”

Perhaps THE Most Familiar Teaching in the Entire New Testament. At the Same Time, One of the Most Misrepresented and Misunderstood. What Did the Apostle Paul Actually Mean When He used the Term: ‘Under the Law’?

“Celebrating the PROMISED LAND” Understanding Joshua 5:11

Despite there Being NO Pointed and Direct Mention of a Wave Sheaf Ceremony, the Church of God Continues to Experience the Effects of a Rather Impromptu Conclusion, Based on Little More Than a Series of Presumptions!

Growing in the Grace of the Lord

The Concluding Verse of the Epistle of 2nd Peter Admonishes the Established Christian to “Grow in Grace..” How Many Correctly Understand What This Requirement Involves? If Grace is ONLY the Unmerited Forgiveness of Sins, How Do We Grow In It?

"And the Watch Was Set"

In the long running controversy as to whether the Crucifixion was on a Friday or on a Wednesday, many informative passages have been overlooked. This article takes into account specific details concerning this important event, left out of the story as related by the predominant religious community.

The Significance of the term, "The Selfsame Day"

A Unique and Distinct Expression found in the Old Testament, one which hasn’t been fully understood, and yet has affected a number of important Doctrines having bearings on New Testament Theology!

Hebrew Calendar Development© John Lemley, a CG7 minister NEW

Many Assumptions Factor into Peoples’ Positions Regarding that ‘True’ Calendar by which we should Observe God’s Annual Feasts. Fundamental to Most is the Assumption that the Calendar has Remained Unchanged throughout History.

The Doctrine of Antichrist

Toward the end of the first century, a growing heresy began taking form, seriously impacting the Church of God. The Apostle John warned those who were faithful, of its danger. Few heeded, and the Church gradually accepted a theological position that disregarded one of the essential Truths of all time.

Passover and the Bride

Most Bible Students are aware that God was Married to Israel. It is also Well Established that Christ will Marry the Church. The Question is, Did He ever Formally Propose Marriage to His Beloved Institution?

“MONOTHEISM vs TRINITARIANISM”

One of the Most Unexplainable and Misunderstood Theological Constructs to Ever be Imposed upon the Church. The profound yet essential question, Was God actually made Flesh in Christ?

Who is The Ancient of Days?

This question, most would regard as having an obvious answer. In fact, the passage presents details that warrant a much closer look. What revealing information does this prophecy in Daniel chapter 7 offer? How did a quote from this chapter contribute to Christ’s Condemnation?

The Enigmatic “Second - First Sabbath” of Luke 6:1

This Misapplied and Little Understood Narrative In Luke Chapter 6 Suggests To Some That Christ BROKE THE LAW. Others See In It a Reference as to How To Determine Wavesheaf In Those Occasional Years When PASSOVER Falls On a SABBATH. What Important Information Does This Passage REALLY Present?

The Resurrections from the Dead

According to Hebrews Chapter 6, the 'Resurrection from the Dead' is identified as one of six Fundamental Christian Doctrines. To fully fathom this Essential Truth, we need to examine carefully the other Resurrection as revealed in: Revelation 20 and John 5.

The ‘Rejected’ Resurrection

Despite Significant Mention, Even By Christ Himself, This Resurrection Has Been Disregarded and Pointedly Ignored by the Religious Establishment, As It Finds No Place in Their Cherished Theological Scenarios. Why will the ancient Ninevites Condemn this generation?

Understanding the THREE Resurrections

Many in God’s Church have serious difficulty fully explaining the Doctrine of the Resurrections from the Dead. Our Counterparts in the Catholic and Protestant World find the matter to be even more Theologically Formidable!

What Regard Should We Have for “PAULINE THEOLOGY”?

A Pharisee of Pharisees, trained at the feet of Gamaliel, a man of profound intellect, called, tried and inspired of God as few men ever were, eventually becoming 'Apostle to the Gentiles', and writing more New Testament Scripture than any other person, yet Paul's theology was fundamentally misconstrued even in his own day!

The ABRAHAMIC COVENANT and the HEIRS OF THE PROMISE.

"IF you are Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed and heirs according to the Promise" (Galatians 3:29 NKJ) What was that Promise, what were the Two Things that guaranteed it, and why are so many completely unaware of its relevance under ‘New Covenant’ theology?

For As In Adam, All Die!

A Seemingly Easy to Understand Reference in 1st Corinthians 15:22 Lays Before the Believer a Profound Consideration. Without Question, All Die and All Without Exception, Unless they are Found 'In Christ'! Why do Some Disagree?

Despite there Being NO Pointed and Direct Mention of a Wave Sheaf Ceremony, the Church of God Continues to Experience the Effects of a Rather Impromptu Conclusion, Based on Little More Than a Series of Presumptions!

“I Am of Paul, I Am of Apollos!”

Despite Pointed and Direct Scriptures, the Church of God Continues to Suffer the Effects of a Contaminant Brought into it By Our Basic Natures, Except that Today, We See the Phenomenon Developed to Its Highest Form!

The HOPE of “The Last Great Day”

A MAJOR Component in the Plan of God is illustrated in a Separate Holyday: the Seventh, Yet One which Remains ‘Well Off the Screen’ when it comes to being Understood by the ‘Accepted’ Religious Community! WHY are so many unable to see the Significance of this Day?

Ready for the RAPTURE

A Popular Book and Video Series Has Captured the Attention of Christians Nearly Everywhere. Surprisingly, it is the Rare Individual Who Has ‘Searched the Scriptures, Whether These Things Be So’ ! Isn't It Time We Did That? Are YOU ‘Left Behind’ on things you COULD know?

What MUST I Do? Is Any "PERFORMANCE" Required of the Christian?

Is Any “PERFORMANCE” Required of the Christian? The Typical Christian, Understanding that We are not Saved BY Works, is then Disinclined to Accept ANY Suggestion that Works are in any way Required under the New Covenant. A Number of Scriptures Address the Subject Directly. Many, it seems, Would Prefer they be Left Unmentioned.

The DEADLY Revelation in PSALM 110

Few Scriptural Passages have had such Profound Impact upon both Old and New Testament Theology as it relates to the “Nature of God”. It proved to be the major “Got-ya” of all time! Christ knew it and used it effectively, as did Paul the Apostle. What ’essential’ does this Key Verse and Chapter expose?

Tares Among the Wheat

A Consideration in any Congregation is the Intermingling of False Brethren. Scripture Discusses Two Similar Looking but Distinctly Different Plants used to Represent Different Loyalties and Opposing Agendas.

The Everlasting Covenant

Most People See the ‘New Covenant’ as being the Epitome of Development within the Overall Plan of God. Those not Destined to be Called in this Age, and Who Seem Excluded from it, will discover HOPE in a Most Ancient Ceremony.

Discovering the WAVE SHEAF Offering

Despite Biblical Mention of the Wave Sheaf Offering Being Extremely RARE, this Important Harvest Ceremony Factors into Christian Theology in ways Not Obvious to the Average Worshipper! Listen online

The Beast Makes WAR on the Saints (When You SEE the Abomination of Desolation)

A Companion Article Identifies the 4th BEAST of Daniel 7 and Revelation 13. Continuing the Subject, This Article Investigates what the Scriptures Say as to the BEAST’s Brutal Crusade Against the ‘Saints of the Most High’!

“ABSENT From the Body and PRESENT With the Lord!”

A Well Known Passage in Second Corinthians 5 Has Become almost a Cliché for Those Who Anticipate Being Taken To Heaven After This Life is Over. What Does This Potent Passage Actually Establish?

The Dynamics of TRUE FELLOWSHIP

A Special ‘Ambiance’ Exists Among the True Saints of God. Those in Fellowship with the Father and the Son Have Access into an Exclusive Fellowship with One Another, and Enjoy the Unique Benefits of a Common Relationship.

“The Reward of the Saved?”

To Those within the Embrace of Orthodox ‘Grace Theology’, the Indication of a Personal Reward associated with Salvation seems oddly Out of Place. What Reward should Christians anticipate receiving at the Second Coming?

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