Presentation Of The Future Seven Years
[Note: This article is the last official act of the Late Chief Bishop Grady R. Kent, St. John II, before he died. In this article, as in many of his others before his death, we find on unusual character. He was not only writing for his Annual Address, but, knowing the time of his departure was at hand, he also wanted to make sure that we knew what his vision of the future seven years held.]
Number One Proposed marker on Jerusalem Acres on right corner at the main East Gate entrance of Jerusalem Acres, to be called the Spirit Marker, the emblem of the Holy Ghost which is a dove. The cost of this marker is to be sponsored and paid for by Howard H. Kuhns, one of the Seven Thunders and family--his wife, Barbara, his mother, Alma Kuhns and his children.
Number Two Proposed marker at left--parallel to one mentioned above to be erected will be a twin marker. Mounted on it will be a plane designed as though it were ascending to the East. The Scriptures to be used to support it can be taken from Revelation 14:6, Ecclesiastes 10:20, Ezekiel 10 and Isaiah 60:8-9, and many others suitable, if needed to accumulate words to make the marker speak. The cost of this marker is to be sponsored by three women from South Carolina: Sisters Essie Burton, Maude Collins, and Inez Madden.
Number Three a proposed marker at the North entrance of Zion Street, traveling south from north will be on a plot of ground secured and leased with at this time only a verbal agreement, but later to a 50-year lease on 25 or 30 square feet of land. The land is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Latham. On it will be built an Arise, Shine Marker of marble stone that will point with the revelation of the light of our age under the Gentile administration. This marker is to be high and beautiful so that it will attract the eye of every passer-by. A huge ball in its perfect design in the revelation of the Word of God, God's House, The Church.
Number Four facing the Temple Entrance to Jerusalem Acres, at the end of Jerusalem Boulevard and the lawn of the Temple, is to be built the Arise, Shine of all Ages Marker, the Vision of All. The marker is to be built of beautiful marble, high and tall. On it shall be mounted a huge clock, weather durable, so that people may receive the time 24 hours a day. This is symbolic as it points out the tick work of God's clock as time passes by and the Vision of All, the mystery of God, is portrayed in things that are made. All things must be kept in order to make the Scriptures speak. Inscriptions or plaques can be placed upon the marble.
Number Five the huge marble marker clock there is to be a compass, a direction indicator. It will point directly to the East to Jerusalem, Israel, to bring out the Arise, Shine Light of All Ages from the East--Arise, Shine, thy light is come, it is day.
Number Six The Cross design is to be completely beautified with streets. The long part of the Cross which is Jerusalem Boulevard, and the cross section which is Zion Street are to be beautified with Bible-named trees, and around the edges with small shrubbery. The small trees will not hide its beautiful construction.
On the inside of the Gates around the Cross there are to be 70 and 2 trees which will trim it beautifully. We always want to keep the Cross attractive and beautiful in order to make the Vision speak.
Number Seven Ten Commandments on the Mount - Somewhere on an attractive and suitable location in and around Jerusalem Acres is to be placed the Ten Commandments. I have not yet decided the location.
This marker will be presented in the light of the laws of the New Testament under the Dispensation of Grace (love), not by the law of force, but the grace of God. It is to portray the foundation work of God's righteousness. Jesus transferred the power of them to only two. Jesus used the power of two of them that control all God's righteousness. I would like for someone who would like to have a memorial of all ages to sponsor this next year, if possible.
Also, the Temple Arise Shine Marker is to be sponsored by some state. Zion Street Arise Shine Marker is to be sponsored by some state. Other individuals and states if they feel able, can choose one of these suitable markers that has not already been sponsored.
Number Eight There are two other things that are important to be built that I would like to mention here in this. They are the Lord's Prayer, called "Prayer Marker", and a beautiful marker of the Beatitudes sitting on some point of rise, called the, 'Blessing In The Mount Marker', which refers to the blessings Jesus gave at the Sermon on The Mount.
These markers will not be too expensive, but must be built durable with hard surface material such as brick, cement, block, durable plaster with steel work to brace it, and a final finish of marble plaques as funds are available. Temporary plaques may be used presently, however.
MY OUTLOOK ON THE FIELD My outlook, aim, and vision is to attract the attention of the whole world by using things that are made as they portray the holy revelation of the Bible. I want automobiles on the highways--Christian workers everywhere, driving Nahum's Chariots. I want motorcycles, bicycles, and workers on them, called Highway Good Samaritans.
My vision is looking forward to seeing a beautiful white Navy cruising the blue seas and waterfronts. My vision extends to the firmaments where will fly the emblems of cherubims--airplanes. Filling the highways, the seas, the earth, the firmaments with the flying message of the everlasting gospel, my vision is to publish among the nations by the way of radio, television, wireless, newspapers, and our own Church publications. Whenever we can, we need to edge in or drive through the walls of opposition, to carry this wonderful and glorious revelation of salvation to all.
To look over the universe at the mass multitude of people and to se the conditions of the world and the strength of the Synagogue of Satan, makes it look impossible to do what I am wanting to do; but, I am remembering the words of the Lord--by His Spirit He will perform it. And, with the words of the great patriarch, David, when he met the giant in the name of the Lord, in the future seven years that we are coming upon, I do, therefore, declare the greatest victory of all ages in the name of the Lord.
When thinking of money and finance to do these things with the missionary efforts and stirring the whole world, the question arises, 'Where will we get the money?' But, let us not forget the words of our Jesus in Matthew 19:29-31, 'Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.'
It is this way! God has made all things to be. We work, and He works with us. If we move about, we will find God. If we move about, we will find our clothes; and someway, somehow, God has provided in the divine ordinances of His work and Word that the righteous be taken care of even though they suffer being made perfect. All these are put together for one to endure. As Paul said, '...when I am weak, I am strong in the Lord'. Poor now, but rich to come. These riches are too numerous to name.
The Scriptures are so valuable until when they are practiced, they are like silver and gold, they pay off. It's sure quality. Maybe not in this world's goods at present, but to inherit the earth to come. What is a little of a short season of man's life. He is born of woman, grows up, learns there is a God and a better world to live in to come. He is given every opportunity that could be given man to accumulate spirituality in this life, and materially in the world to come in a new earth.
I am in need of help. Let me cry and shout aloud again, 'Who will help us? Who will be part of this great machine and turn the wheels of righteousness in this world to the extent that God will be brought face-to-face with all men through the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead described in Romans 1:20" "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."
Let us not be weary in well-doing, even though the task gets hard. I, myself, sometimes find myself fainting. I, as a sick man, catch my thoughts and harness them back into the power of God and do exist.
I am writing as I do, for I have come to the place that I desire to place upon all a deeper reality--a reality of truth. The value and reality of the Word of God, its meaning and riches untold are revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Let me, too, move upon you to come forth as greater and more dedicated men for God. Live honestly, faithfully, sincerely; and, yet, express your joy of the greatest of salvation. Be men of dignity, men and women of character so that all the earth can be established to the fact that we are followers of Jesus Christ and of the last days' Church!
Article Written By: The Late Grady R. Kent, St. John II, Chief Bishop of The Church of God, 1957-1964. This sermon was taken from The Vision Speaks, Volume No. 7 - Number 10-11, Dated April-May 1964.
All grammatical and typographical errors have been corrected except for direct quotations from the Author. Thought content of said article has not been changed.