We’ve just returned from a very encouraging visit to east Texas where we had the privilege of being for the Sabbath with the Church of God International in Tyler as well as the Church of God Big Sandy and many others. What struck me was as we talked, fellowshipped and shared our common faith and reminisced fondly of our history over the past decades, was what our future holds!

Several heartfelt comments echoed to me “It’s so great to see you back here, it’s been too long…” And indeed it had been almost 45 years for some of us. Good memories were shared.

I could not help but think of what this upcoming fall Feast season brings to mind, and this Monday’s Feast of Trumpets.

The fourth festival of God, after Pentecost, is the Feast of Trumpets (or a “memorial of blowing of trumpets,” Leviticus 23:24-25), which falls this year on September 30. This festival is called “Rosh Hashanah” by the Jews today. Our ancestors, Ancient Israel, understood that trumpets were used as a way of announcing special and very important messages (Numbers 10:1-10).

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ reveals that before His return to the earth, there will be the blowing of seven trumpets, announcing progressive stages of the decline and replacement of this world’s kingdoms, ending with the return of Christ to take possession of this earth.

Christ’s return is announced by the seventh and final trumpet (Revelation 8:2; Revelation 11:15). This day also pictures the time when faithful Christians will be resurrected to eternal life at the time of the seventh trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16) to reign with Jesus Christ for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4-6).

This fall feast season also represents the time when Jesus Christ will come to the earth again to reign in glory.

What also came to mind while sharing our mutual; thoughts and vision for hours while in east Texas was the fact that those who’ve remained faithful will be resurrected and serve alongside our King and Lord. Over the years many who once lived and were part of the Body of Christ have died.

A lot of water under the bridge as we often say.

What also was reflected upon is how many we once shared a common faith and belief with have gone different ways, and we don’t talk like we once did. Sadly, far too many have been distracted from what Psalm 133:1-3 offers. Dwelling together in unity.

I look forward to the day when all nations will have the opportunity to seek Him and we’ll be together once again. This world as we know it will change. True peace will be ushered in, and unity of the faith will once be a reality.

The Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles and Eighth Day which will be celebrated and observed in the next few weeks help us understand even more deeply what indeed needs to happen for true peace, unity and harmony to be a reality.

Christ is coming back! It is a promise. He and His Father’s plan will be completed. It’s a glorious future to anticipate. God speed that day!

…as I close this letter, as I do every Friday evening…as we enter His Sabbath…reflect on this with me, will you?

And again, may God continue to richly bless you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you daily. Please do pray for us as well.