The Day of Firstfruits Was Established to Reveal the Resurrection of Jesus Christ The Israelites entering the Red Sea represented Jesus entering the tomb, and the Israelites’ landing from the Red Sea was a prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection. God established the Day of Firstfruits in the Old Testament so that we would not forget this work. Like the Early Church, the Resurrection Day, the Festival of Hope, Is Engraved on the Hearts of the Members of the Church of God Just as the Day of Firstfruits was kept on the first Sunday following the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread in the Old Testament, the resurrection of Jesus, who is the firstfruits of those who had fallen asleep, also occurred on a Sunday. As a result, the saints of the early Church came to hold the belief that even if they died, they would live again, and they always found joy in preaching the news of salvation, standing on God’s side. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:20 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. Matthew 27:51–53

New Windsor, NEW YORK — On January 26, 2025, ASEZ STAR hosted a teacher appreciation event to commemorate the UN International Day of Education. The event, held at the Church of God in New Windsor, NY, emphasized the importance of strong student-teacher relationships and honored local educators for their dedication. It included a presentation on ASEZ STAR’s ongoing campaigns and initiatives, along with a Bible seminar titled “The True Teacher.” Local educators, parents, and government officials came together to celebrate the community’s dedication to education. Assembly member Chris Eachus presented ASEZ STAR with a Certificate of Merit, recognizing their leadership and impact on the community. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the world that my generation left behind for you. I really am. We should have done much better for you and with you. And then I want to say thank you for taking this step to do this because it does need doing,” Eachus said, addressing the students directly. He continued by speaking to the parents and teachers, saying, “You must be so proud of every one of these students here. Young men and women doing this on their own, volunteering… it’s great. It’s wonderful.” Ethan Calle, a volunteer with ASEZ STAR, explained the event’s inspiration and its connection to the UN’s International Day of Education. “The UN has stated that education is the way to fulfill all of the Sustainable Development Goals, and that it’s through good educators that we can have good student-teacher relationships. We’re very blessed to have such amazing teachers in this area. Because of that, ASEZ STAR wants to honor them through this event,” he said. Raul Rodriguez, Assistant Principal at Cornwall Central High School, was invited by ASEZ STAR volunteers from his school. He was moved by the group’s numerous activities, stating, “I wish that all of our students were like them. Sadly, I think we have become apathetic as a community, as a society, and so just being a part of something greater than us is fantastic!”

Before the morning mist could rise, over 250 Church of God members were lined up and ready to serve. Gathering in Entradero Park in Torrance, California, the volunteers came from all over Southern California, even as far as Las Vegas, to fulfill the mission as the “light of the world.” They set a singular focus on Entradero Park’s basin-like terrain, which poses unique environmental risks, and requires immediate attention. The park’s dry vegetation presented a fire hazard, and the accumulation of trash had the potential to pollute water systems. The polluted waters would further pose harm to the environment by ultimately reaching the ocean. After learning of the need from the City of Torrance, volunteers stepped in enthusiastically to help their neighbors. Volunteers from Torrance, Cerritos, Sunland, Lancaster, Orange County, Temecula, and Las Vegas united for this effort. Volunteers were organized into three groups to clear weeds, gather litter, and remove debris. Smaller teams also collected trash, following city staff guidance. Four medical team members from the church were on-site to ensure everyone’s safety. Though they came from various places, the collective effort of each role made the work swift, productive and full of joy. The event also marked a contribution to the City of Torrance during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Church of God. In a Certificate of Appreciation offered to the church, Torrance Mayor George Chen congratulated the members on the meaningful commemoration, expressing that the Church’s “generous contribution and commitment has made a significant impact on our community.” Congressman Ted Lieu of California’s 36th district also sent a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, commending the volunteers for their work to beautify and preserve the city. Torrance Councilmember Asam Sheikh praised the volunteers stating, “You are the true heroes of the community. You don’t have to go to Hollywood to find the stars, they’re here.” Sheikh expressed interest in entrusting the volunteers with future projects, as more help is needed in other parks in the area. 00:04 Arrival and Preparation 00:32 Getting to Work 00:57 Torrance City Councilmember Statement 01:15 ASEZ WAO Volunteer Testimonial 01:40 Torrance Parks Division Manager Statement 02:14 Wrapping Up 02:39 We Love You!

What Is the Evidence for Mankind to Recognise God Who Comes in the Flesh a Second Time? The Bible and the prophets testify that the reason Christ comes a second time is to destroy death, that is, to give mankind eternal life, and take them to the kingdom of heaven. The only way for mankind, who committed a sin deserving of death in heaven, to receive eternal life is by eating and drinking Jesus’ flesh and blood through the Passover, just as it was 2,000 years ago. Christ Ahnsahnghong Taught Us the Truth of the New Covenant Passover That Destroys Death Forever According to the prophecy of Isaiah that only God can prepare a feast that swallows up death forever, the members of the Church of God believe in Christ Ahnsahnghong as God and keep the Passover because He is the One who has destroyed death through the Passover. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:54 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine . . . he will swallow up death forever. . . . In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. . . .” Isaiah 25:6–9

The Festival of Unleavened Bread Commemorates Christ’s Crucifixion and Repentance On the Festival of Unleavened Bread, all mankind should remember Christ’s love of sacrifice and suffering on the cross, repent of all past sins, and urge mankind to repent, with the truth of salvation He entrusted to us. What Should Sinners Who Have Been Approved by God Do? God Ahnsahnghong and God the Mother, who came to this earth in the flesh, lived a life of preaching, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” By this, They demonstrated that a life dedicated to preaching is a blessed life that achieves beautiful repentance. “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. . . . In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:7–10

The Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival to Realise and Learn God’s Spirit of Sacrifice and Love The Festival of Unleavened Bread embodies the spirit of sacrifice, devotion, and love of Christ who sacrificed Himself in order to save mankind who sinned in heaven. We should commemorate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, with the intent to repent of our sins through the crucifixion and life of Christ, and to joyfully partake in His suffering. “Whoever Wants to Enter Heaven Must Take up Their Cross and Follow Me.” God came to this earth for the salvation of mankind, yet even Peter, known for his faith, Judas Iscariot, and the other disciples all committed grievous actions in the sight of God. Learning from God’s love, who did not despise such sinners but had compassion on them, we now must walk the path of faith bearing our own cross. “But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:56 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

The Greatest Blessing God Has Granted Is Found in the Passover When the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt, when they entered the promised land of Canaan, when King Josiah and King Hezekiah, who worshiped idols, returned to God, and even when the Israelites were emancipated from captivity, the Passover was at the centre. Just as in those times, God’s work of salvation is unfolding through the Passover today. The Church of God Keeps the Passover, a Precious Inheritance of Jesus Two thousand years ago, the Passover of the new covenant, which Jesus eagerly desired to keep with His disciples, was abolished in AD 325 due to collusion between religion and politics and disappeared into darkness; however, as prophesied, Christ Ahnsahnghong came and initiated the work of salvation through the Passover. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” Luke 22:15 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’ ” Matthew 26:17–18