FORTY YEARS

The Scriptures tell us that the Israelites spent forty years wandering in the desert after they left Egypt on their way to the Promised Land. They knew its location, but they did not know how to get from where they were to the site of the Promised Land. Navigation is also a common problem in today's world, hence the reason that we have maps and GPS installations. We don't enjoy being lost. Nor do we like to acknowledge that we are lost. There certainly were many instances when the Israelites encountered settlements along the journey and could easily have stopped and asked directions. In doing so, they may have cut the length of their journey by as much as 75% or more. Instead, they wandered aimlessly, outraged at God, Moses, and the rest of the world.

Twenty-first century sojourners have the identical characteristics and personality traits as the ancient Israelites. They have a destination in mind at which they are eager to arrive. They argue among themselves as to who has the correct roadmap. They are ready to stone anyone who dares to suggest that their map is outdated or outmoded. They allow pride and anger to blind them to the fact that unless they stop and consult with each other, they may never arrive at their chosen destination.

Hindsight is often 20/20 but foresight can also be 20/20. We can decide that the risk is too great, the challenges too many, and the result too uncertain to continue on a path that many others dispute is the right path. We can choose to stop and consult with each other, to have a 21st century "Jerusalem Council" to determine if there is any methodology for combining the wisdom of our various maps and GPS's and finding the truest path to our destination. We are told that the road is very narrow and only a few find it, but if we combine our resources, the chances of us having the "few" in our midst is enhanced.

The Jerusalem Council was a meeting of religious leaders that took place in the first century. They were disputing among themselves the interpretation of various Scriptures that were critical to the doctrinal purity of the young church. They decided that instead of holding fiercely to their individual interpretations, they would come together as one body, lay their varying interpretations before the group, and come to a consensus with the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit of God. Today, the same methodology can be used to discern the Holy Spirit's intent in regard to the core doctrine of disciples of Jesus from every denomination and religious practice.

There are five major doctrinal issues on which consensus is critical to the future of our world. First, whether Jesus was born of a virgin mother. Second, whether he had in him the spirit of El Elohim, the God of Creation. Third, whether he resurrected from the dead after he was crucified and buried. Fourth, whether he will return to the earth to establish a kingdom for one thousand years to assist us in subduing the forces of hell, and bringing the earth into submission to Godly spiritual principles. Fifth, what should we do in preparation for his coming kingdom, and how can we ensure that we are among those chosen to rule with him. May I suggest that such a council be held in New York City on or before December 20, 2016.