THE
YEAR
BEHIND US
1997: Understanding the times
Did you ever wonder why the Apostle Peter said "that one
day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years
as one day" (2 Peter 3:8b)? Many today use this verse to
allow for 'evolutionary time.' But what if Peter really meant
what he said? Could there be a parallel between the days of creation
and the history of this earth? Did the coming of Jesus usher in
a new day? Isaac Newton places Jesus' birth in September 2001
years ago.1 Did 1996 begin the third day since His birth
(see Hosea 6:2)? We should take this consideration very seriously
because Peter's statement was a warning to the people living in
the end concerning, I believe, the timing of "the day of
judgment and perdition of ungodly men" (2 Peter 3:7b). If
this is true we are in the Kingdom Age and are well into the "great
tribulation." If this doesn't fit into our theology, maybe
our theology needs an adjustment before it is too late.
Brian is plugging his way through his sophomore year. He and the
other children began a new self-teaching curriculum consisting
of lots of math, reading of classics, vocabulary, and writing.
Brian continues his piano lessons. Two men in the community have
been teaching him shop techniques. Brian has taken up blacksmithing
in his spare time. He's helped to restore a very nice forge, bought
a pole vice, and now has two incomplete anvils.
Andrew is doing well in his studies. His responsibilities include
tending the chickens. The Apple Core Band has given him
lots of opportunity to perform with his trumpet and to spend more
time with friends. He and Brian edit The Sutherland Times.
He continues in the soap making business. Both boys took part
in another season of youth baseball and are now working at basketball
and chess.
Lydia is our most faithful journal writer. She is doing well also
with the new curriculum and excels in her piano lessons. She enjoys
being with the girls at the new church we are attending.
Joel and Daniel create quite a commotion during the day that is
training the older students to study in the most harsh environment.
They are learning the alphabet and numbers. Playing with Lego
blocks and fighting over their stuffed animals keeps them busy.
Joel and Daniel like us to read to them.
Robin stays busy training the children. She has enjoyed painting
and brightening up the house. I have been traveling frequently
to the main campus of Penn State and trying not to embarrass myself
too much when Brian asks for help on his math or when he or Andrew
ask me to play chess.
As a family we traveled to Cape May for an ocean vacation this
summer. We joined family in Ohio over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Visitors here included the Gochnours, the Bohners, Robin's mother,
and my parents. We praise God for the opportunity to study His
word together this past year.
Please, let's consider the times and understand the day of the
Lord (1 Thes. 5:1-11).
May you know Him,
The C. M. Fellands
1 Newton, I. Observations Upon the Prophecies of Daniel and St. John. Library of Congress Number 91-074116. Reprinted as Newton's Prophecies of Daniel by the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine, 2251 Dick George Road, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523.