The annual cycle of sacred observances inside the Church of God, a Worldwide Affiliation, gives a framework for members to commemorate pivotal occasions in God’s plan and to deepen their understanding of His objective. This structured strategy includes designated durations of worship, reflection, and fellowship, typically accompanied by particular scriptural readings and conventional practices.
These observances provide a rhythm of non secular renewal and connection to each historic and future occasions described in biblical prophecy. They serve to strengthen particular person religion, foster unity inside the Church group, and supply alternatives for non secular development and training. The historic roots of those practices prolong again to historical Israel, offering a steady hyperlink to the religion and traditions of the Bible.
This useful resource goals to supply additional element concerning particular festivals and their significance, together with the timing, historic context, and conventional observances related to every. Exploring these particulars will improve understanding of the wealthy tapestry of religion practiced inside this spiritual group.
1. Annual Observance Schedule
The annual observance schedule types the spine of the COGWA holy day calendar. This schedule dictates the precise dates and occasions for the assorted festivals, Holy Days, and Sabbath observances all year long. It gives a structured framework for members to plan and take part in these necessary occasions, guaranteeing constant commemoration and communal worship. The schedule’s adherence to biblical timelines connects present-day practices to historic precedents, reinforcing the continuity of religion and custom. For instance, Passover is noticed yearly on the 14th day of the primary biblical month, Nisan, simply because it was in historical Israel, commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt.
The rigorously constructed schedule permits for the combination of assorted parts of non secular development. Common Sabbath observance gives a weekly alternative for relaxation, reflection, and non secular rejuvenation. The annual festivals, comparable to Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles, provide deeper insights into Gods plan and His relationship with humanity. By following the prescribed schedule, members domesticate a rhythm of non secular improvement, deepening their understanding of scripture and strengthening their connection to God and the Church group. This constant engagement fosters a way of belonging and shared objective.
Understanding the annual observance schedule is essential for full participation inside the COGWA religion group. The schedule facilitates communal worship, reinforces biblical ideas, and gives a roadmap for non secular development. Challenges could come up in coordinating observances throughout totally different time zones and geographical areas, however the underlying ideas of unity and shared commemoration stay central. This structured strategy to worship and non secular improvement distinguishes the COGWA religion and gives a tangible connection to biblical historical past and prophecy.
2. Biblical Foundations
The Church of God, a Worldwide Affiliation (COGWA) holy day calendar derives its construction and significance instantly from biblical scriptures. Understanding these biblical foundations is crucial for comprehending the aim and which means of the noticed festivals and Holy Days. This exploration delves into particular scriptural references and their connection to the fashionable observance of those sacred occasions.
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The Sabbath
The Sabbath, noticed on the seventh day of the week, finds its foundation within the creation narrative of Genesis 2:2-3, the place God rested on the seventh day and sanctified it. This foundational precept establishes a weekly rhythm of relaxation and non secular reflection, central to COGWA observe. The Sabbath serves as a recurring reminder of God’s artistic energy and gives a possibility for targeted worship and reference to the divine.
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Passover
Noticed yearly on the 14th of Nisan, Passover commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as detailed in Exodus 12. This pageant symbolizes redemption and freedom from sin by means of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). The Passover observance consists of particular rituals, such because the consumption of unleavened bread and bitter herbs, which symbolize the haste of the Israelites’ departure and the bitterness of slavery.
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Feast of Unleavened Bread
Instantly following Passover, the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, additionally rooted in Exodus 12, symbolizes the removing of sin from one’s life. The consumption of unleavened bread represents the removing of non secular “leaven,” or malice and wickedness (1 Corinthians 5:8). This pageant reinforces the continuing means of non secular purification and renewal.
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Feast of Tabernacles
Described in Leviticus 23:33-43, the Feast of Tabernacles is a joyous celebration of God’s provision and the longer term millennial reign of Christ. It includes dwelling in short-term shelters, recalling the Israelites’ journey by means of the wilderness and anticipating the longer term dwelling of God with humanity. This pageant gives a glimpse into the promised future and conjures up hope and anticipation for the achievement of God’s plan.
These biblical foundations present the theological framework for the whole COGWA holy day calendar. Every pageant and Holy Day connects on to a particular biblical occasion or precept, offering a wealthy tapestry of historic context and non secular significance. By observing these sacred occasions in response to biblical instruction, members of the COGWA group deepen their understanding of God’s plan, strengthen their religion, and actively take part within the ongoing narrative of salvation historical past. This connection to biblical precedent reinforces the significance of those observances and gives a framework for continued non secular development and communal unity.
3. God’s Plan
The Church of God, a Worldwide Affiliation (COGWA) holy day calendar serves as a tangible illustration of God’s plan for humanity. Every pageant and Holy Day inside the calendar factors to a particular side of that plan, unfolding throughout historical past and culminating within the institution of God’s Kingdom on Earth. This intricate connection between the calendar and God’s plan gives a framework for understanding the overarching narrative of scripture and humanity’s position inside it. The calendar’s cyclical nature displays the progressive unfolding of God’s plan by means of time, with every annual observance providing a renewed alternative for reflection and non secular development.
The annual cycle begins with Passover, symbolizing deliverance from sin by means of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This foundational occasion establishes the premise for redemption and units the stage for the following festivals. The Feast of Unleavened Bread emphasizes the continuing means of non secular purification, whereas Pentecost celebrates the giving of the Holy Spirit and the start of the Church. Later within the yr, the Feast of Trumpets anticipates the return of Christ, adopted by the Day of Atonement, which symbolizes the reconciliation of humanity with God. Lastly, the Feast of Tabernacles gives a glimpse into the longer term millennial reign of Christ on Earth, providing a imaginative and prescient of peace, prosperity, and common worship of God. These interconnected festivals, noticed in response to the divinely ordained schedule, paint a vivid image of God’s plan unfolding all through historical past.
Understanding the connection between the COGWA holy day calendar and God’s plan gives profound insights into the which means and objective of human existence. It presents a framework for deciphering present occasions in mild of biblical prophecy and reinforces the significance of dwelling a life devoted to God’s will. By actively taking part in these annual observances, people join with the historic narrative of salvation and acquire a deeper appreciation for his or her place inside God’s overarching plan. Whereas the complexities of prophecy and the timing of future occasions could stay a topic of ongoing research and dialogue, the basic ideas of religion, obedience, and hope stay central to the COGWA understanding of God’s plan. The holy day calendar serves as a continuing reminder of this plan and its final achievement.
4. Commemoration and Reflection
The COGWA holy day calendar gives a structured framework for commemoration and reflection, two important parts of non secular development and understanding. Every holy day and pageant serves as a chosen time to recollect vital occasions in biblical historical past and to replicate on their private and communal implications inside God’s plan. This means of intentional remembrance and contemplation fosters a deeper reference to scripture, strengthens religion, and gives steerage for navigating the complexities of life.
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Remembering God’s Actions
The calendar’s observances immediate reflection on God’s direct intervention in human historical past. Passover, for example, commemorates God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This act of divine energy serves as a reminder of God’s continued presence and involvement within the lives of believers. By remembering these historic occasions, people reaffirm their belief in God’s potential to behave on their behalf and strengthen their dedication to following His steerage.
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Symbolic Significance of Observances
Many COGWA holy days contain symbolic rituals that deepen reflection and improve understanding. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, for instance, makes use of unleavened bread to represent the removing of sin from one’s life. This tangible illustration of non secular purification reinforces the significance of ongoing repentance and non secular development. The bodily act of consuming unleavened bread gives a focus for contemplation and self-examination.
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Communal Reinforcement of Religion
The communal observance of holy days reinforces shared beliefs and strengthens the bonds inside the COGWA group. Gathering collectively for worship, meals, and fellowship throughout festivals just like the Feast of Tabernacles creates a way of unity and shared objective. This communal reinforcement of religion gives encouragement, assist, and accountability, fostering non secular development and resilience inside the group.
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Software to Every day Life
The ideas highlighted throughout holy day observances provide steerage for sensible utility in each day life. The Sabbath, a weekly interval of relaxation and non secular focus, gives a daily alternative to step again from the calls for of the world and prioritize non secular renewal. This observe cultivates a balanced way of life, selling psychological, emotional, and non secular well-being. The teachings realized throughout different festivals, such because the significance of humility and forgiveness, are equally relevant to on a regular basis challenges and interpersonal relationships.
Via commemoration and reflection, the COGWA holy day calendar fosters a deeper understanding of God’s plan, strengthens religion, and gives sensible steerage for dwelling a life devoted to God. These mixed parts contribute to particular person non secular development and strengthen the bonds inside the COGWA group, making a supportive surroundings for steady studying and non secular improvement. The calendar acts as a roadmap for this journey, connecting people to their historical past, their group, and their God.
5. Non secular Progress
The Church of God, a Worldwide Affiliation (COGWA) holy day calendar performs a significant position in fostering non secular development inside its group. The calendar’s structured observances present a framework for deepening understanding of biblical ideas, strengthening religion, and creating a better relationship with God. This structured strategy encourages constant engagement with scripture and gives alternatives for reflection, self-examination, and non secular renewal.
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Understanding Biblical Rules
Every holy day and pageant on the COGWA calendar connects to particular biblical occasions and teachings. Observing these events gives repeated publicity to key scriptural narratives, deepening understanding of God’s plan and His interplay with humanity. For instance, the Feast of Tabernacles reinforces the idea of God dwelling with His folks, each traditionally and within the promised future. This recurring theme, highlighted by means of the annual observance, strengthens understanding of God’s enduring presence and promise.
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Growing a Deeper Relationship with God
The structured observances present devoted time for prayer, meditation, and research, fostering a deeper reference to God. The Sabbath, a weekly interval of relaxation and non secular focus, presents a recurring alternative to step away from worldly distractions and prioritize communion with the divine. Equally, the annual festivals provide immersive experiences that reinforce core beliefs and strengthen dedication to God’s lifestyle. These common practices domesticate a deeper sense of intimacy and dependence on God.
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Strengthening Religion Via Commemoration
The act of commemorating historic occasions, such because the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt throughout Passover, strengthens religion by connecting present-day believers to the tangible proof of God’s energy and faithfulness. These recurring commemorations function highly effective reminders of God’s intervention in human historical past and reinforce belief in His ongoing presence and provision. This strengthens resolve throughout difficult occasions and gives a historic context for understanding God’s continued involvement in human affairs.
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Selling Group and Accountability
The communal side of COGWA holy day observances fosters a way of belonging and mutual assist inside the group. Gathering for worship, meals, and fellowship strengthens bonds between members and gives alternatives for encouragement, accountability, and shared non secular development. This communal surroundings fosters a tradition of studying, the place people can assist one another of their non secular journeys. Shared experiences throughout these observances deepen the sense of group and supply a community for non secular steerage and encouragement.
The COGWA holy day calendar, by means of its structured observances and emphasis on biblical ideas, gives a transparent pathway for non secular development. This framework, rooted in scripture and strengthened by means of communal observe, facilitates a deeper understanding of God’s plan, strengthens religion, and cultivates a better relationship with God. The calendar serves not merely as a schedule of occasions, however as a roadmap for steady non secular improvement inside the COGWA group, fostering particular person development and collective strengthening of religion.
6. Group Constructing
The Church of God, a Worldwide Affiliation (COGWA) holy day calendar performs an important position in fostering a robust sense of group amongst its members. The shared observance of those sacred occasions gives common alternatives for interplay, fellowship, and mutual assist, strengthening the bonds inside the COGWA group. These gatherings create a way of belonging, shared id, and collective objective, reinforcing the significance of group inside the broader context of religion and non secular development. The calendar’s construction facilitates common interplay, transferring past particular person non secular observe to domesticate a vibrant and interconnected group.
The communal side of holy day observances fosters a supportive surroundings the place members can share experiences, provide encouragement, and be taught from each other. Festivals just like the Feast of Tabernacles, typically involving multi-day gatherings with shared meals and communal actions, present ample alternatives for interplay and fellowship. These shared experiences create lasting recollections and strengthen the bonds of group. Furthermore, common Sabbath providers present a weekly rhythm of connection, reinforcing shared beliefs and values. This constant interplay cultivates a way of stability and belonging, significantly helpful in an more and more fragmented and disconnected world. The emphasis on shared expertise interprets into sensible assist networks, creating a security internet for members dealing with challenges and fostering a tradition of mutual care and duty.
The COGWA holy day calendar’s contribution to group constructing is integral to the general non secular well being and well-being of its members. The robust sense of group fostered by means of these shared observances gives a significant assist system, reinforces shared values, and strengthens particular person dedication to religion. Challenges comparable to geographical distance and ranging private circumstances can typically hinder full participation. Nevertheless, the underlying ideas of unity, mutual assist, and shared objective stay central to the COGWA group expertise, fostered and maintained by means of the common and significant observance of the holy day calendar. This emphasis on group gives a robust basis for particular person non secular development and strengthens the collective id of the COGWA religion.
7. Festivals and Holy Days
Festivals and Holy Days represent the core parts of the COGWA holy day calendar, offering a structured rhythm of annual observances that form the non secular lifetime of the Church group. These designated durations serve to commemorate key occasions in biblical historical past, reinforce elementary doctrines, and supply alternatives for deepened non secular reflection and development. The particular timing and practices related to every pageant are rooted in scriptural precedent, connecting present-day observances to the historic narrative of God’s plan. For instance, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, noticed instantly following Passover, commemorates the Israelites’ hasty departure from Egypt and symbolizes the removing of sin from one’s life. The consumption of unleavened bread throughout this pageant serves as a tangible reminder of this non secular purification.
The importance of those festivals extends past mere historic commemoration. They provide a sensible framework for making use of biblical ideas to each day life. The weekly Sabbath, a cornerstone of the COGWA calendar, gives a recurring alternative for relaxation, reflection, and non secular rejuvenation. Annual festivals like Pentecost, commemorating the giving of the Holy Spirit, present alternatives for renewed non secular dedication and concentrate on the position of the Holy Spirit in Christian life. The Feast of Tabernacles, celebrating God’s provision and the longer term millennial reign of Christ, instills hope and anticipation for the achievement of God’s guarantees. These festivals, noticed collectively, present a tangible rhythm to non secular life, shaping particular person understanding and communal observe inside the COGWA religion.
Understanding the integral position of Festivals and Holy Days inside the COGWA holy day calendar gives perception into the core values and practices of the Church. These observances serve not solely as commemorative occasions but additionally as catalysts for non secular development, group constructing, and sensible utility of biblical ideas. Whereas logistical challenges could come up in coordinating observances throughout numerous geographical areas and time zones, the underlying ideas of unity, shared commemoration, and non secular improvement stay paramount. The festivals and holy days, as structured inside the COGWA calendar, present a framework for navigating the complexities of religion within the fashionable world, connecting people to a wealthy historic narrative and a supportive group of believers.
8. Sabbath Observance
Sabbath observance types a cornerstone of the COGWA holy day calendar, representing a elementary tenet of the religion. This weekly observance, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, derives its significance from the creation narrative in Genesis 2, the place God rested on the seventh day and sanctified it. Throughout the COGWA holy day calendar, the Sabbath serves as a recurring reminder of God’s artistic energy and gives a devoted time for relaxation, reflection, and non secular rejuvenation. This common observance cultivates a rhythm of non secular self-discipline and reinforces the significance of prioritizing one’s relationship with God. The Sabbath acts as a recurring anchor inside the bigger framework of the annual holy day calendar, offering a constant touchpoint for non secular reflection and renewal.
As a sensible utility of this precept, COGWA members chorus from work and secular actions on the Sabbath, dedicating the time to prayer, Bible research, and fellowship with different believers. This devoted time fosters non secular development by permitting for targeted contemplation on God’s phrase and His plan. For instance, households would possibly collect for Sabbath meals, participating in discussions about scriptural ideas and their utility to each day life. Congregational providers, a central element of Sabbath observance, present alternatives for communal worship, instruction, and mutual encouragement. The collective observance of the Sabbath strengthens the bonds inside the COGWA group, reinforcing shared values and offering mutual assist in sustaining this very important non secular observe.
The constant observance of the Sabbath inside the COGWA holy day calendar contributes considerably to particular person non secular improvement and the general power of the group. Whereas societal pressures and particular person circumstances can current challenges to sustaining strict Sabbath observance, COGWA members acknowledge its profound non secular advantages. The Sabbath, as a core element of the holy day calendar, gives a tangible hyperlink to biblical ideas and serves as a significant rhythm of non secular renewal. This understanding underscores the significance of the Sabbath inside the COGWA religion and its position in shaping the non secular lives of its members.
9. Academic Assets
Academic sources play an important position in supporting and enriching the understanding and observance of the Church of God, a Worldwide Affiliation (COGWA) holy day calendar. These sources present in-depth explanations of the biblical foundation, historic context, and theological significance of every holy day and pageant. They provide a framework for deeper engagement with these observances, transferring past mere ritual participation to a extra profound understanding of their which means and objective. This deeper understanding fosters non secular development, strengthens religion, and enhances the general impression of the holy day calendar inside the COGWA group. For instance, booklets and articles explaining the symbolism of the Feast of Tabernacles assist members join the bodily observance of dwelling in short-term shelters to the non secular significance of anticipating God’s future dwelling with humanity.
COGWA gives a wide range of instructional sources tailor-made to totally different studying kinds and age teams. These sources typically embrace articles, booklets, movies, and on-line sermons that delve into particular facets of the holy day calendar. They discover the historic roots of every observance, tracing their improvement from historical Israel to their modern-day utility inside the COGWA religion. Such sources would possibly clarify the connection between Passover within the Previous Testomony and its achievement within the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb. Moreover, instructional supplies typically tackle sensible questions concerning observance, comparable to applicable actions, dietary tips, and the preparation of conventional meals. This complete strategy equips members with the information and understanding mandatory for significant participation within the holy day calendar’s observances.
Entry to and engagement with these instructional sources are important for a complete understanding and appreciation of the COGWA holy day calendar. These sources present the required context and background info to remodel observance from routine ritual right into a significant non secular expertise. Whereas particular person research and private reflection are very important, communal discussions and research teams additional improve the training course of, fostering shared understanding and strengthening the bonds inside the group. This emphasis on training ensures that the holy day calendar continues to function a supply of non secular development, communal unity, and deeper connection to God’s plan inside the COGWA religion.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the Church of God, a Worldwide Affiliation (COGWA) holy day calendar, offering concise and informative responses.
Query 1: How does the COGWA holy day calendar differ from conventional Christian calendars?
The COGWA calendar observes biblical festivals outlined in Leviticus 23, comparable to Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles, which aren’t sometimes noticed in mainstream Christian traditions. These festivals provide distinctive insights into God’s plan and are thought of central to understanding biblical prophecy.
Query 2: Why does COGWA observe the Sabbath on Saturday?
The Sabbath, noticed from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, relies on the creation narrative in Genesis 2, the place God rested on the seventh day and sanctified it. This observe aligns with the commandment to “keep in mind the Sabbath day, to maintain it holy” (Exodus 20:8).
Query 3: What’s the significance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread?
The Feast of Unleavened Bread, noticed for seven days following Passover, symbolizes the removing of sin from one’s life. Leaven, typically representing sin and corruption, is faraway from houses and diets throughout this era, representing non secular purification.
Query 4: How does the COGWA calendar contribute to non secular development?
The calendar gives a structured framework for non secular improvement by means of common Sabbath observance, annual festivals, and devoted research of associated scriptures. These practices provide alternatives for reflection, deeper understanding of God’s plan, and reference to the Church group.
Query 5: Are COGWA members required to look at all holy days?
Whereas robust encouragement is given to look at all holy days as outlined in scripture, private circumstances are thought of. Focus is positioned on understanding the importance of those observances and striving for full participation each time doable.
Query 6: The place can one discover extra details about particular holy days?
COGWA gives a wealth of instructional sources, together with articles, booklets, movies, and sermons, that supply detailed explanations of every holy day, its historic context, and its theological significance. These sources are available on-line and thru native congregations.
Understanding the COGWA holy day calendar enhances comprehension of the Church’s core beliefs and practices. Additional exploration of particular person holy days and associated scriptural passages is inspired for a extra complete understanding.
This FAQ part serves as an introduction. The next sections delve into particular holy days and provide deeper insights into their significance inside the COGWA religion.
Ideas for Understanding the COGWA Holy Day Calendar
The next ideas provide steerage for navigating and appreciating the importance of the Church of God, a Worldwide Affiliation (COGWA) holy day calendar. These strategies goal to boost understanding and facilitate deeper engagement with the non secular ideas underlying these observances.
Tip 1: Entry Official COGWA Assets: Make the most of official COGWA web sites and publications for correct and complete info concerning holy day dates, observance practices, and theological explanations. Counting on official sources ensures correct understanding and avoids misinformation.
Tip 2: Research Associated Biblical Passages: Have interaction with the scriptural passages related to every holy day. Finding out Leviticus 23, Exodus 12, and different related texts gives a deeper understanding of the historic and theological context of those observances.
Tip 3: Take part in Native Congregation Actions: Attending Sabbath providers and holy day gatherings gives helpful alternatives for communal worship, fellowship, and studying from skilled members. Energetic participation enhances understanding and strengthens group bonds.
Tip 4: Have interaction in Private Reflection and Research: Dedicate time for private reflection on the which means and significance of every holy day. Journaling, meditation, and prayer can deepen understanding and facilitate private non secular development.
Tip 5: Ask Questions and Search Clarification: Do not hesitate to ask questions of Church ministers or different educated members. Looking for clarification ensures correct understanding and addresses any uncertainties concerning observance practices or theological ideas.
Tip 6: Deal with Non secular Software: Attempt to use the ideas and classes realized throughout holy day observances to each day life. Mirror on how these teachings can inform decision-making, relationships, and general non secular improvement.
Tip 7: Put together in Advance: Plan forward for holy day observances, guaranteeing mandatory preparations are made for journey, lodging, and meal preparation. Enough preparation minimizes stress and permits for full engagement within the non secular facets of those events.
Constant utility of the following pointers will improve understanding and appreciation for the wealthy non secular heritage mirrored within the COGWA holy day calendar. These practices facilitate private non secular development, strengthen group bonds, and deepen reference to God’s plan.
By understanding and observing these sacred occasions, people inside the COGWA group join with a steady thread of religion extending again by means of millennia, enriching their current and shaping their future in accordance with God’s plan.
Conclusion
The COGWA holy day calendar gives a structured framework for non secular development and communal unity inside the Church of God, a Worldwide Affiliation. This exploration has highlighted the biblical foundations, historic context, and theological significance of every observance, emphasizing their position in understanding God’s plan for humanity. From the weekly Sabbath to the annual festivals, these designated occasions provide alternatives for reflection, commemoration, and deeper reference to each scripture and the Church group. The calendar’s construction reinforces core beliefs, promotes non secular self-discipline, and gives a tangible hyperlink to the historic narrative of religion.
The COGWA holy day calendar serves as a roadmap for non secular improvement, guiding people towards a deeper understanding of God’s objective and their position inside it. Continued engagement with these observances, supported by devoted research and communal participation, presents a pathway to a richer, extra significant religion expertise. The calendar’s enduring significance lies in its potential to attach people to a steady thread of biblical historical past, fostering each particular person development and the collective power of the COGWA group.
