Wayne Murphey
Our world is nearing a significant occasionăthe end of a millennium. During this month of December, people are planning on how to close the 20th century and enter the 21st. Since the year 2000 is both an end and a beginning, it seems even more momentous. There are those who expect this landmark event to bring catastrophic changes to the world.
In the midst of the prophetic predictions, confusion and anticipation, it makes one wonder how God views the change from one millennium to another.
A passage of scripture gives us a glimpse into the answer to this question.
"This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." II Peter 3:1-8.
Perhaps you have heard it was 2000 years from creation to the flood which destroyed all mankind except for Noah and his family. In researching this premise, I learned that ancient historians have placed the date of the deluge all the way from 2348 to 3246 BC. The most commonly accepted date seems to be 2348 BC.
Concerning this event, Genesis 6:12-13, says, "And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth." God's time frame for destroying the earth was not in years, but determined by the condition of man's heart.
Years are man's timing. God deals in terms of eternity. From His lofty position in heaven God's view is not as narrow and focused as ours by the passing of days. What impacts Him is how the overall condition of mankind affects His great heart of love. He isn't hurried by a year, a decade or a millennium in working out His plan of redeeming souls or calling the earth into judgment, for He thinks as One who lives in eternity, One for whom a thousand years is as a day.
When Christ returns to reward the righteous and punish the wicked, it will be at a time least expected, except for the righteous to whom Jesus exhorted, "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Matt. 24:42.
So as we anticipate January 1, 2000, let us keep in mind that the historic significance of a new millennium is secondary in relevance to God's perspective and time frame, and how His Kingdom is prospering upon the earth.
As reported in the November Faith and Victory paper, the Print Shop offices have been moved to the new facility at 4318 S. Division here in Guthrie. During the month of November, we were also able to transfer part of our book stock. Hopefully, the mailing department will soon be completely situated at our new location, and we will be able to process mail orders in a timely fashion.
A new telephone system is in operation at the Print Shop. We realize this takes some getting used to, especially on the part of our callers. The new system incorporates an auto attendant. This feature enables you to reach the person directly with whom you wish to speak, or if that person is unavailable, it enables you to leave a voice message.
Upon dialing the number for Faith Publishing House, (405) 282-1479, a recording will answer your call, giving you the option of placing an order by pressing 0 on your touch tone phone, or the option of dialing the extension number of the person with whom you wish to speak. If you don't know the extension number of the person you are calling, press the number 9. This will provide you with a directory of extension numbers.
The extension number for my office is 101, which you can enter as soon as the initial recording answers your call. If you simply hold the line through the answering message, someone will personally answer your call.
Wall calendars for the year 2000 should be in stock and ready for sale by the time this December Faith and Victory reaches you. The calendars make nice Christmas gifts, and each features a colorful nature scene with a Bible verse for each month. They measure 7 1/4" X 13 1/2" and are available for $3.00 each, which includes postage and handling.
Bound volumes of the 11 issues of the Faith and Victory paper for the year of 1999 will soon be in stock. The price is $5.00 per book, which includes postage and handling.
Also for sale are the 1999 Beautiful Way yearbooks for Juniors (52 papers for the year) at $5.00 each, which includes postage and handling. The limited supply of these books will be sold on a first-come basis.
Income tax time is right around the corner. If you have contributed to this work during 1999 and need a receipt for the purpose of deductions, feel free to let us know.
We wish each of you a very blessed Christmas and holiday season. Love in Christ,
ăBro. Wayne Murphey
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