JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your recent inquiry. Many have asked whether there is a verse in the Bible which states, "You can't tell winter from summer except by the budding of the trees."

There is no scripture which makes this statement. However, the idea may stem from a misapplication of Matthew 24:32: "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh." This verse does NOT mean that the seasons would become indistinguishable. Christ simply used the budding of the fig tree to illustrate a point about His second coming.

Just as we know spring is here and summer is near when the trees put out new leaves, so we will know Christ's return is near when we see the events He mentioned occur. Notice verse 33: "So LIKEWISE ye, when ye see all these things [those things described in verses 4-29], know that it [the day of Christ's return] is near, even at the doors."

If you would like to receive literature concerning the signs preceding Christ's return, write for our booklet entitled THE WORLD WON'T END THIS WAY.

We hope you will let us know whenever we may be of further assistance. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT