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Life Roles In The Outdoors

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Author: Hyabiel Daniel | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24

 

This week during the Men’s life roles class the students were put to the test by applying what they covered in their previous life roles lessons. This Wednesday instead of the usual lecture, the men went out into a practical outdoor setting. 

Trail maps replaced notebooks as the students awaited a day filled with healthy competition, bonding – and life lessons. The Reedy Creek Park was where this event took place. The 10 young men were split into two teams, setting the stage for a friendly yet challenging orienteering competition. 

The students had to race against time. They were equipped with maps, which helped them navigate the twisty trails, searching for hidden markers scattered throughout the nature reserve. The ticking clock added a sense of excitement as well as an element of energy. 

 Navigating a map isn’t just about figuring out and reading symbols, it’s like learning how to navigate through the ups and downs of life. The boys were introduced to the skills of reading maps. It’s more than just about trails; it taught them how to plan, be forward-thinking, and have the ability to adapt to different situations.

The competition wasn’t just about individual achievement, but instead about teamwork. It was a lesson in cooperation, communication, and trust. This was yet another perfect time to foster bonds that extended beyond mere challenges, which echoed the importance of a collective effort in real-world scenarios. 

As the one-hour timer wound down, the competition came to an end. The students left Reedy Creek Park equipped with newfound knowledge. This was an experience that enabled the boys to learn new things beyond the classroom

Hyabiel Daniel is a first-year Living Education Student. She is from London, United Kingdom, and typically attends the Seven Oaks Congregation. She enjoys studying social sciences and also loves spending time reading books, baking, and spending time with loved ones.

A Brief History of the Predestination Doctrine

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Author: Lexi Mitchell | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24

“For all men are not created on an equal footing, but for some eternal life is pre‑ordained, for others eternal damnation…”

-John Calvin (French theologian, pastor and reformer in Geneva during the Protestant Reformation)

Mr. Ciesielka gave his forum on the topic of predestination. To begin, he referenced the book The Protestant Reformation, written by Dr. Meredith. Mr. Ciesielka stated that in his book, Dr. Meredith refers to the topic of predestination as a foundational principle of Calvinism, and a pillar of protestantism. He then pointed out that Martin Luther also espoused a wrong concept of predestination, as is evidenced by comments in Martin Luther’s commentary on Romans. Mr. Ciesielka noted that if Dr. Meredith, the late presiding evangelist of God’s church, emphasized this topic and spent time considering the foundational principles of this branch of theology, then this is something we should have a right understanding of. Because of its prevalence, the wrong concept sticks in the mind of many Christians. This is the basis upon which the false christian world has been built upon. 

What is the definition of Predestination?

Predestination, according to the Protestant Church, is the idea that everything has been pre-planned by God, it is unchangeable in any way, and there are those predestined to “go to hell” where they will suffer eternal damnation (the false teaching of “reprobation”), while there are others who are predestined to go to heaven. As Mr. Ciesielka reviewed, some of the earliest “Church fathers” like Augustine had in fact brought into their false-Christianity a fatalism inherited from ancient Babylon. By studying the true meaning of predestination as found in the Bible and as explained by God’s true Church through the decades, it becomes evident that these early “Church fathers” as well as those of the Protestant Reformation were, in fact, incorrect. 

What does the Bible say… Or not say?

According to our canonized scripture, the word ‘Proorizo’ (Strongs G4309) is the Greek word most commonly translated into “predestine” in the Bible, and it only appears in six verses. For example, in Romans 8:29–30 we read, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

The definition as we understand it, therefore, is God’s predetermination of a person to a specific purpose. Here we see an example where some are predestined to be called, while others, will be called later. As Mr. Ciesielka noted, it is important to understand and remember that to be “called” is not the same as to be pre-judged or pre-condemned. In this verse and elsewhere, the Bible does address predestination—however, it’s not what many religions teach it to be. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God pre-judges some to salvation and others to damnation. This verse in Romans makes that abundantly clear, as well as all other verses on this subject. This is a significant difference compared to what the Protestants teach. 

Lexi Mitchell is a first-year student in the Living Education-Charlotte Program. She is from Long Island, New York. At home, she worked as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. Currently, she assists in the Living Education department as a social media manager and as a producer of written content. She enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family.

Fun Day At The Faire!

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Author: Hyabiel Daniel | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24

A group of enthusiastic LE students decided to organize a memorable day out. Their destination? The Renaissance Faire. It was a vibrant and immersive event that transported attendees back in time to the days of knights, royalty, and merry festivities.

With anticipation, the students gathered early in the morning, wearing their chosen attire inspired by the Renaissance era. Laughter and excitement filled the air as they got into their cars. Upon arrival, the students were greeted by a marketplace adorned with colorful tents and lively performers. The fairgrounds had lively music, accompanied by mouth-watering delicacies and the sight of skilled craftsmen showcasing their crafts. It was a true escape from the demands of their academic lives.

The group wandered through the fair, exploring various attractions and indulging their curiosity at every turn. One of the highlights of the day was the jousting tournament. The students cheered and gasped in awe as knights on horseback clashed in a display of chivalry and bravery. The dedication and skill of the performers left a great impression, breathing life into an incredible era of history.

On the journey back to the dorms, the students reflected on the profound impact of their day at the Renaissance Faire. They realized that venturing outside their comfort zones and embracing new activities had enriched their lives.

With hearts filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of connection, the students bid farewell to the Renaissance Faire, carrying with them treasured memories and a reminder to seek out moments of joy and fellowship amidst the demands of their academic pursuits.

Hyabiel Daniel is a first-year Living Education Student. She is from London, United Kingdom, and typically attends the Seven Oaks Congregation. She enjoys studying social sciences and also loves spending time reading books, baking, and spending time with loved ones.

Family Picnic

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Author: Hyabiel Daniel | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24

On a sunny Sunday, the Charlotte congregation’s annual fall picnic took place at Cane Creek Park. The day was filled with laughter, bright smiles, and the warmth of friendship. Each family brought homemade dishes, adding to the feeling of unity at the event.

The dedicated LE students also joined in, ready for a fun-filled day and the chance to make new friends. This was a welcome break from their usual routine of studying! The picnic kicked off at 9:30 in the morning and ran until late evening. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, there was plenty of food to go around.

Lunchtime brought a wave of togetherness. Everyone shared stories over their meals, creating a comfortable and connected atmosphere.

At 13:00, when lunch ended, everyone split up to take part in different activities. Volleyball was a favorite among the crowd. The kids, full of energy, claimed the nearby playground, while some chose a peaceful walk on the beautiful nature trail.

As the sun started setting, the activities slowly wrapped up. Everyone left with joy in their hearts and stronger connections with one another. It was certainly a day that will be remembered fondly.

Hyabiel Daniel is a first-year Living Education Student. She is from London, United Kingdom, and typically attends the Seven Oaks Congregation. She enjoys studying social sciences and also loves spending time reading books, baking, and spending time with loved ones.

The Power of Perspective

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Author: Lexi Mitchell | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24

Perspective is the way we view and interpret the things around us. 

In a recent forum, ministerial trainee Mr. James Populo explained to the students the concept of perspectives. Our perspective depends highly on our personal background and on our visual filters, which are also called baggage. Baggage impacts how we understand scenarios around us, and by extension, the way we react to situations and decisions we make. 

Our physical nature as humans causes us to have a physical perspective. This is what causes us to see situations in a shallow manner. 

Rather than our ineffective and inherently flawed perspective, we need to have humility and aim to see our lives through God’s eyes. As written in the book of Isaiah,

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

God thinks on a higher plane than we do, and we can’t fully understand it. But even though we don’t, that doesn’t mean that we can’t try. After all, a major part of being a Christian is following the example of God and Christ to adopt Their way of thinking, and that includes Their perspectives. We must aim to follow the example of God and Christ and to obey the Commandments.

Perspective can be changed. 

A great way to start doing the process of changing our viewpoint is to apply the interpersonal communication method of putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. This philosophy can be seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments, which shows the weight of this principle throughout all eras in history. 

In the Old Testament:

“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;

And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,

And the Lord will reward you” (Prov 25:21-22).

And in the New Testament:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” (Matt 5:43-44).

These scriptures both emphasize changing our perspectives to one of showing love toward our enemies. This concept goes directly against human nature, and it is not something we normally would do. Despite that, it is a command from God. This goes to prove God’s higher level of wisdom.

We should recognize our natural human perspectives and compare them with those of God. Look at their view and have empathy. Feel and understand someone’s pain. Doing this requires that we switch our perspective to theirs.

Man normally does things according to their own eyes.

A Biblical example of this can be found in the book of 1st Samuel. In the story, the prophet Samuel’s process for selecting Israel’s new king was outlined. Samuel, although a prophet, had a human perspective. When choosing a son of Jesse to reign over the nation of Israel, he went with the tallest, most attractive man as his pick for king. However, this was not the way he was supposed to do it, and God let him know it. God does not see as man sees.

God chose the son with the smallest physique but the best heart. This is God’s perspective.

David’s anointing illustrates how God’s perspective differs from man’s, and shows the wisdom of God with His highly superior way of thinking. God saw the heart willing to do God’s will. 

We tend to judge based on appearance and interpersonal skills, and these judgements are parsed through our filters and baggage. Simply put, we have a physical perspective because we are physical humans.

What we learn from this story is the importance of not making judgements based on our own human limited perspective. We must use a spiritual perspective, inspired through God’s influence, and zoom out by looking at situations as they are in full.

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts” (Proverbs 21:2).

The tough part is starting the process toward changing our ways. Applying the Fruits of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22-23, however, is a great way to start. These provide the core concepts on how to change our behavior, which, if paired with diligent effort and Bible study, will make the process much easier. 

Work daily at it, and don’t lose heart. Changing perspective takes time.

Lexi Mitchell is a first-year student in the Living Education-Charlotte Program. She is from Long Island, New York. At home, she worked as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. Currently, she assists in the Living Education department as a social media manager and as a producer of written content. She enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family.

Bible Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on some facts about Judean Ministry!

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Author: Lexi Mitchell | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24

How much do you know about trivia surrounding the time of the Judean Ministry? Use the link below to take this fun quiz and find out!

Judean Ministry Quiz

Lexi Mitchell is a first-year student in the Living Education-Charlotte Program. She is from Long Island, New York. At home, she worked as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. Currently, she assists in the Living Education department as a social media manager and as a producer of written content. She enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family.

An Opportunity for Success

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Author: Lexi Mitchell | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Phil 4:6)

Mr. Elliot introduced his forum with this encouraging scripture from Philippians. Although the world is in chaos, a lot of what goes on in the world should be background noise to what’s important and imperative to our spiritual lives. A good gauge of what’s important to us as LivingEd-Charlotte students comes from asking ourselves why we came to the program in general.  

Past and Present

The same core values that have encouraged Living Education students to attend the program are what encouraged Ambassador College students to attend that college: Recognition of the need for stable foundations and desire to grow in a relationship with our Father.

Although the students had similar mindsets, Ambassador College was originally founded with a slightly different intent than that of Living Ed: It was developed to train ministers and their wives. However, as more and more students attended, far surpassing the number needed for the ministry, it became a training ground for church pillars. This goal of training pillars to serve in the church continues through the work of Living Education-Charlotte today. 

Despite arriving with high aspirations, some Ambassador College students led lives after college that were very different from what they learned, leaving behind all the precious gems of knowledge they spent so much time learning in school.

We may assume that someone with as solid a foundation as the one Ambassador College provided would have unwavering faith. However, even some students who attended there would go on to leave God’s Church.  It’s important for Living Education students to consider precisely why they are attending the program and avoid suffering the same fate as those Ambassador college students. 

Unique Benefits of Living Education-Charlotte

  • Students in LivingEd can see firsthand that God’s Work is being done during their time at Headquarters. Most people don’t have this opportunity.
  • The Living Church of God is not about profit or efficiency, but on learning, growing, and being more Christlike.
  • The Church works with people and it has its own culture. We need to learn and become part of that culture.

We have an opportunity that most people don’t have, and we should consider it a blessing.While we’re here, we can learn from people who are living life according to God’s way, observing the decisions they make and asking them questions. This way, we can avoid making  mistakes that others have learned from and benefit from their godly advice.

The primary purpose of LivingEd is not to teach technical career-oriented skills. Rather, it can provide a foundation in Godly living and help us to develop connections with a wide variety of Church members. We must recognize and appreciate that LivingEd gives us an opportunity to fully internalize that God’s way works.

Lexi Mitchell is a first-year student in the Living Education-Charlotte Program. She is from Long Island, New York. At home, she worked as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. Currently, she assists in the Living Education department as a social media manager and as a producer of written content. She enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family.

Establish Your Pillars

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Author: Lexi Mitchell | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24

Mr. Smith started his forum with a warning: his speech was going to be on a topic that can be difficult to cover. 

This topic can come across as philosophical, because it requires clear thinking, developing thoughts, and determining if those thoughts are sound. All of this involves a lot of self examination. 

The idea of philosophy can have a negative connotation due to the fact that philosophical ideas sometimes lead people towards ungodly ways of thinking. In reality though, not all philosophical thought is bad. After all, philosophy is essentially the study and love of wisdom. Understanding philosophy can help a person to think clearly, develop thoughts and take the time to consider them.

The topic Mr. Smith  spoke on was worldviews. 

A worldview is a particular philosophy of life and personal conception of the world. The reason this topic is so heavy is because,based on that very definition, our worldview directly impacts our opinions, beliefs and the way we operate on a daily basis. 

There are countless topics that we have opinions on.

These very same opinions can have drastic effects on the outcomes of our lives. From topics as simple as our favorite shows to those as complicated as the religion we believe in, our opinions guide our behaviors, which then impact our habits and lifestyles.

Although these opinions are often considered and may seem like something that is built into one’s personality, beliefs can change. Although it doesn’t happen often, change can occur through an alteration to personal actions or through an outside force that changes them somehow. Sometimes, our beliefs and overall worldview are perfectly acceptable. Often, however, there is an extreme need for a change of direction.

Mr. Smith himself experienced a drastic metamorphosis in worldviews. He grew up with a belief system that mirrored those of the people around him and the attitudes portrayed in the media he consumed. A lot of these beliefs were formed because of TV shows that covertly pushed boundaries in order to promote lifestyles of debauchery. 

The majority of the time, like in Mr. Smith’s case, worldview is something obtained subconsciously. It can develop from entertainment, from friends and relatives, and from society around us in general. 

Our beliefs form our worldview.

Belief could be something that you don’t control, but it will definitely control you. This is dangerous, because our thoughts, controlled or not, turn into worldview.

This directly impacts how you live your life and all the decisions you make.

Some common and incredibly popular beliefs, due in large part to a cumulation of Satan’s influence in the world being considered increasingly acceptable, are that the material world is all there is, and that natural law governs all things. The name of this worldview is Naturalistic Materialism. This worldview in education is making these views more prevalent in the world among youth. An example of this lack of morality in schools and in entertainment has its effects on the world in general.

Without taking control over your belief systems and letting the pull of society guide you, it is very possible to be swayed by these opinions which are becoming alarmingly common. Conclusions from these philosophies are that there is no free will and that there is no morality!

Don’t take the power of worldview lightly. 

To counter the sway of society around us, it is critical to put serious and extensive thought into what you believe and why exactly you believe it. A great first step is to consider your personal pillars, which are the beliefs upon which your entire life is based upon. Without the stability of one of those pillars, the rest of your “foundation” will come crumbling down. 

It is important to make sure that those pillars are God-centered.

Mr. Smith’s personal pillars are :

1) God exists. If not, then why does anything we do even matter?

2) Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Knowing and believing this makes Jesus’s own belief in the Bible enough, this proves the Bible.

3) The Bible is the inspired word of God. 

Having strong biblically-based pillars is crucial to living a fruitful life. This is the very basis on which we build our Christian lives. Putting thought into these fundamental beliefs is necessary to avoid letting our unchecked subconscious control our reality.

We are to ask ourselves not only what our pillars are, but why exactly these are our pillars. Without that knowledge, our lives will be controlled by the influences of society without us even being aware of it. 

Lexi Mitchell is a first-year student in the Living Education-Charlotte Program. She is from Long Island, New York. At home, she worked as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. Currently, she assists in the Living Education department as a social media manager and as a producer of written content. She enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family.

Learn From A Cloud Of Witnesses To Finish The Race

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Author: Hyabiel Daniel | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24

Building a strong, intimate relationship with God while maintaining discipline involves making conscious choices and demonstrating unwavering commitment.

In this forum, Mr. Hernandez explored the significance of dedicating time to God and persevering through life’s trials by drawing inspiration from the life of Daniel and insights from the Psalms

Daniel’s Example & The Greatest Law

Daniel and his friends serve as shining examples of individuals who remained steadfast in their commitment to God despite facing numerous challenges and trials. One of the key takeaways from their lives is their unwavering devotion to prayer, studying God’s word, and spending quality time in communion with Him. They embodied the greatest law – loving God with all their heart and mind – and allowed this love to guide their actions.

Elect Few & Martha and Mary’s Story

Scripture teaches that God selects a chosen few to receive His blessings and spiritual insights, making it a precious treasure worth pursuing. It’s a reminder not to overlook this remarkable opportunity, as it can profoundly shape our spiritual journey. In the account of Martha and Mary, we see a clear distinction between the choices they made regarding their time. Mary’s decision to prioritize spending time with Jesus illustrates the importance of our choices in allocating time for our relationship with God. This choice is particularly pertinent given that we will inevitably encounter trials of faith.

Endurance in Tribulation & The Power of Psalm 27

The concept of enduring trials is exemplified by references to tribulations, including famine and adversity. It emphasizes that God’s protective care also requires active effort on our part. Romans 24:35 reminds us that even in the face of potential persecution, we must remain steadfast. King David’s secret to resilience was his deep, personal relationship with God. This connection sustained him through life’s trials, including after moments of sin. Additionally, the Holy Spirit serves as our indispensable helper and guide on our spiritual journey.

Delving into the study of God’s word is a fundamental aspect of nurturing our relationship with Him. This practice allows us to cultivate a heart aligned with God’s own heart, unlocking the wondrous insights and wisdom contained within His teachings. The transformative power of God’s word penetrates every facet of our being, equipping us to endure trials with a solid spiritual foundation. Psalm 27:58 serves as a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy, demonstrating the importance of steadfastness during challenging times.

The Glory of the Lord & David’s Relationship with God

Psalm 8 magnificently captures the splendor of God’s creation and harks back to the beginning of all things. King David’s profound relationship with God empowered him to face the formidable giant Goliath without fear. Additionally, practices such as prayer and fasting played significant roles in his spiritual journey.

In conclusion, Psalm 2:12 encourages us to embrace discipline and seek wisdom. Additionally, we are reminded to find rest in God’s presence, as beautifully articulated in passages like Matthew 11 and Psalm 91. By drawing from the wisdom of Daniel’s commitment and the transformative power of the Psalms, Mr. Hernandez reminds us that to be able to grow toward spiritual resilience and a deeper relationship with our Creator we must be able to make conscious decisions such as making time for God that includes praying, fasting, and meditating.

Hyabiel Daniel is a first-year Living Education Student. She is from London, United Kingdom, and typically attends the Seven Oaks Congregation. She enjoys studying social sciences and also loves spending time reading books, baking, and spending time with loved ones.

Student Life: Beach Day

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Author: Hyabiel Daniel  | Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2023-24

This past Sunday was nothing short of fantastic as a group of Living Education students decided to soak up the sun and sea. They traded their textbooks for swimsuits and embarked on an unforgettable beach adventure that left them with a treasure trove of memories. The day began with an air of anticipation as they gathered at the crack of dawn, armed with sunscreen, beach towels, and, of course, our adventurous spirits. The sun was peeking over the horizon as they arrived at the sandy oasis. The beauty of the beach in the early morning was breathtaking, and it set the tone for the exciting day ahead. The first step onto the warm, sandy shore starkly contrasted with the usual classroom, reminding them that the day’s purpose was to break free from the academic routine and embrace the simple joys of life. The calming symphony of ocean waves provided a natural backdrop to their day. They unfurled beach blankets, set up colorful umbrellas, and divided into groups, each choosing their path to enjoyment. Some even took an immediate plunge into the refreshing ocean. As the morning gracefully transformed into the afternoon, they assembled for a communal beachfront picnic, which consisted of homemade sandwiches, fruits, and chips. Post-lunch activities included seashell hunting, ocean exploration, and the construction of intricate sandcastles. Reluctantly leaving the beach that evening, their hearts were full enjoying the ride back home. They returned to their studies the following day, brimming with memories and the joy of shared experiences.

Hyabiel Daniel is a first-year Living Education Student. She is from London, United Kingdom, and typically attends the Seven Oaks Congregation. She enjoys studying social sciences and also loves spending time reading books, baking, and spending time with loved ones.