Feast Fever is mounting! Let's make this the greatest Festival in our time! Remember, it is the LARGEST annual convention of any kind held anywhere in the world. Nothing else on earth is like it.
Much of the time ancient Israel in Old Testament times neglected to keep it. Some elements of the Church continued to observe this Feast for some time after the first century — but it faded out and was not restored until the living Christ restored it through me in the present Philadelphia era of the Church. It was not kept by the Sardis era, nor is it to this day.
But, when Christ comes to RULE ALL NATIONS, it will be restored WORLDWIDE! (Zech. 14.) Those who refuse will find rainfall withheld, and if they still refuse, God's PLAGUES will be sent the following year!
But it is not just a commanded DUTY — it is a wonderful TIME OF JOY AND REJOICING!
This year, for the very first time, EVERY PASTOR OF A LOCAL CHURCH will have opportunity to speak at one of the Feast sites.
There will be many more sites this year, due to gasoline shortage for travel. That means somewhat smaller attendances at many sites. But I remember that, back at Belknap Springs in Oregon, in the first years of this Festival in modern times, with fewer than 100 in attendance it was a WONDERFUL Feast! Everyone got to know closely everyone else. It was more like a large family gathering. Most of all, CHRIST HIMSELF WAS THERE WITH US — IN SPIRIT!
So, be sure you who speak take it SERIOUSLY.
Jesus said, "Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom the Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat IN DUE SEASON? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall make him ruler over all his goods" (Matt. 24:45-46).
In some past years I have noticed that some ministers have spoken on just any subject they themselves liked to speak on — with NO RELATION to the MEANING of the FEAST! In this Festival we are to be enjoying a foretaste of the World Tomorrow — during the millennium, under the Government and the KINGDOM OF GOD.
So be sure your sermons are related to that joyous TIME. Give them "meat in due season!"
But I also have noticed in many Festivals, that sermons from some ministers of only Preaching Elder rank have been superbly OUTSTANDING and INSPIRING, with excellent instruction and content.
You fellows CAN DO IT! So pray over it fervently. Take it seriously. Put your whole heart into it. LIFT UP the spirits and the morale of God's people! We are drawing close to the END of this world, and to the COMPLETION of the Work God has called us to do. God bless you all. I pray for you all DAILY!
TO ALL PASTORS OF CHURCHES
Worldwide Church of God