A Revival of Purpose and Courage

A Revival of Purpose and Courage

Robert J. Hawkins Jr.

General World Mission Director

“And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel. And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” (1 Sam. 17:25-29).

David's faith and courage in volunteering to fight Goliath was an embarrassment to his older brother Eliab, a warrior in King Saul's army. He may have thought, “If my little brother defeats Goliath everybody will wonder why didn’t I go out and fight him.” David’s boldness may have interrupted the temporary ease of conscience Eliab found in the other soldiers as they declared that defeating Goliath was impossible. Why, even King Saul would not face Goliath. So why should Eliab feel bad? But, conviction as to his fears and inaction made him uncomfortable and the Bible records that Eliab’s anger was kindled against David. He accused David of being prideful and having evil motives—false accusations meant to discourage, deflate, and turn David away. Instead of becoming excited by David’s bravery and encouraging him, Eliab tried to drag David down.

Those were potentially devastating words from David’s older brother. The Bible tells us, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). The defeat of Goliath had enormous implications for Israel and its enemies. Satan had gambled a great deal on Goliath's frightening power. The enemy realized that David had the favor of God to turn the tide of the battle. So, wherever Satan could find the opportunity in the attitudes of those close to David, he capitalized on them. The words of Eliab may have been much more difficult to overcome than anything that Goliath had to say or the sight of his intimidating presence.

God allowed David to be tested by those close to him. When a spiritual Goliath presents itself, be assured you will face similar trials. When you make decisions to step out and follow God it will put pressure on others to do the same. If not inspired by you, their shame and lack of faith will move them to put you down. Eliab publicly asked David, “…and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness?” in order to label and limit David as a mere shepherd boy in his eyes—and everyone else’s. But David knew what Peter declared many years later, “...Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34, 35). Disregard the gainsayers and say with David, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” and do it!

The Doctrine of Balaam

The Doctrine of Balaam
by A. J. Tomlinson

This is a time to be particular and careful lest one should become tainted or marred in some false doctrine or delusive spirit and thus be disqualified for the rapture. God in His infinite wisdom and goodness has given us HIS Holy Word and in it is the instruction necessary for our spiritual welfare here in this world and our eternal happiness in the world to come. Although Balaam evidently had some notoriety before, the first time his name is mentioned in history is where Balak, king of the Moabites, called on him to curse Israel. It is very probable that Balaam was a descendant from Abraham by his second wife Keturah.

It is evident that Balaam was regarded by his people as a mighty man of God. His doctrine was known by the king for when he called Balaam to curse Israel he said "...for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed" (Num. 22:6). In the history concerning this man, it shows that Balaam had communication with God and that he regarded Him as his God.

He declared that he could not go beyond the word of the Lord his God to do less or more.

He is further represented by history as practicing divination which thing is spoken of as an abomination to God (Deut. 18:10-12). He is also represented as an enchanter which also made him an abomination to the Lord. When Balaam was slain by Israel the record shows he was called a soothsayer (Josh. 13:22).

Through the counsel of this man Israel joined itself unto Baalpeor and bowed down to the gods of Moab and committed fornication with the Midianitish women. The anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel for this, and 24,000 of them died of the plague that was sent on them.

It is conjectured that Balaam's doctrine was so attractive and fascinating that its influence was almost, if not wholly, irresistible. This conclusion is drawn from the fact that Zimri, an Israelite, brought a Midianitish woman right into the camp in the sight of Moses and all the congregation while they were weeping for sorrow over the matter. If he had not been strongly influenced by Balaam's doctrine and peculiar power he certainly would not have had the courage to commit such a daring deed.

This doctrine of Balaam and the effect it had on the children of Israel was such an offense to God that His wrath was only appeased when Zimri and Cozbi, the Midianitish woman whom he brought into the camp of Israel, were both slain. God compliments Phinehas, who slew them, in the very highest terms saying, he "...hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel" (Num. 25:11-13).

To still more fully show His hatred toward Balaam and his doctrine (because the record shows that Balaam was the cause of the trespass, Numbers 31:16), God orders Moses to vex the Midianites and smite them (Num. 2.5:17), and avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites. (Num. 31:2). In this battle Balaam was slain with the sword (Num. 31:8). Now, that Balaam had a particular doctrine is shown in the message to the pastor and church at Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-14). While the pastor was a good man and held to the faith of Jesus under the most trying circumstances, yet the Lord had a few things against him, among which was, "because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam." The record goes on to state that he taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, and also shows, as already stated above, that it was that which taught the children of Israel to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

It is plainly seen that this same Balaam doctrine was introduced in the church at Pergamos in the gospel era 1,548 years after it had appeared in Israel just before the death of Moses. The Lord shows the same displeasure toward it, but this time blames the pastor of the church for allowing it to exist among his members. His wrath is again kindled against the doctrine and those that hold to it and him that allowed it to exist. He accused this pastor of a crime which could only be eliminated by repentance. Then He told him that if he did not repent (which infers that this doctrine must be exterminated from his congregation), He Himself would fight against them that held to the abominable doctrine with the sword of His mouth.
Seeing how God's anger was kindled against this doctrine every time it made its appearance, we readily conclude we are on safe footing when we say He would be just as strongly opposed to it should it make its appearance again. Arriving at this conclusion then it behooves us as God's people to be on the watchtower for fear we might be tolerating the very thing that God hates.
This doctrine has five distinct qualities that should claim our attention:

• First, It is fascinating.
• Second, It despises government.
• Third, It is a stumbling-block.
• Fourth, It teaches to eat things sacrificed to idols.
• Fifth, It teaches to commit fornication.

Peter, as well as Revelation 2:14, shows that this doctrine comes right into the church and takes hold of those who may be very spiritual. Notice he states that they have forsaken the right was as if they have once been in the right way (2 Peter 21:5). The first description of them as he gives it is that they refuse to recognize government. They say haughtily, "I'm going to let the Lord lead me. I don't expect to be governed by man. I'll do so and so if the Lord shows me. The Lord showed me to do this and I'm going to do it whether anybody likes it or not.'' Peter says they are presumptuous, self-willed and not afraid to speak evil of dignities (those in authority) (2 Peter 2:10). Peter shows further that they are spots and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you. Then they will come right into the midst of the true worshipers and appear to be the most spiritual of any, while they boast of how the Lord has led them and revealed to them such great things. Their testimonies will sound like a real child of God, but you can soon locate them when they reject or show that they despise government or authority.

EDITOR'S NOTE: O God, surely there are not any like this among us. And, Lord, if it's me, please let me see it and repent!

PREACH THE KINGDOM

PREACH THE KINGDOM

John the Baptist and Jesus preached the kingdom before the Church was organized. “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it” (Luke 16:16). “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:1, 2). “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:14, 15). “And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent” (Luke 4:43).

One of the first commands that Jesus gave to His newly organized Church was to preach the kingdom. “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 10:7). “And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him” (Luke 8:1).

After the Church was organized, the seventy, Philip, Paul, etc. preached the kingdom. To the seventy, Jesus said, “And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you” (Luke 10:9). “...they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God...” (Acts 8:12). “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (Acts 28:30, 31).

One of the last commands that Jesus gave to His Church was to preach the gospel of the kingdom. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature... So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven...” (Mark 16:15, 19). The gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14).

As the kingdom is preached it will grow (Matt. 13:31-33) and so will the Church. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls... Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:41, 47). A key to the phenomenal growth of the early Church was preaching the kingdom! So will it be in The Church of God in these last days!

The Prisoner

The Prisoner

Rick Razsi
Cleveland, TN

“And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them” (Luke 21:8).

I want to ask you, Mr. Minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ; are you going in His name saying, “He is the Christ” to the prisoners and to the lost and dying world? This world needs to hear truth, not lies, false doctrine and doctrines of devils. Many are out there saying he is Christ, but their doctrine is of the devil and not of God. The hour is far spent and “the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). Let us work while it is day. Jesus said, “And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake” (Luke 21:11, 12).
Yes, we will be cast into prison for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in our day, my friend. Will they know you or will it be the first time you are introduced to the prison gang? Will you be a newcomer to the block or will you have many friends there who will welcome you into the family of God at the prison? Many preach Jesus Christ, but do not know the truth of the gospel.
We might feel as if these men are the filth of the earth and they don't need us to be their friend. Many good people have gone to prison and waited on God to move on their circumstances and change their life around. If we were thrown into prison who could we meet while in prison?

JOSEPH

How about Joseph? Wouldn't it be nice if Joseph had a minister to come to him and to encourage him in the Lord? “And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison” (Gen. 39:20). Have you gone to minister to him lately?

JEREMIAH

Jeremiah spoke truth to the king Zedekiah and prophesied the Word of the Lord. But it was to him a time of persecution from the princes. They smote him and put him in the prison of Jonathan the scribe. When four men heard the word of Jeremiah they believed him wrong and cast him into a dungeon where there was no water, but mire. Jeremiah sunk in the mire. Thank God that the Ethiopian eunuch Ebedmelech went and told the king and was able to rescue Jeremiah from the dungeon hole of mire before he died. Read Jeremiah 37 and 38 for details.

JOHN

How about John the Baptist? He was in prison. Did anybody visit him and have prayer for him before he died for the faith while in prison? Yet there is no greater of a man among us. If we were to visit the prison systems, how many men like John would we run into because we cared enough to go, and deny ourselves of our own heart’s desires? (Matt. 14:3-12).

JESUS

Maybe we would meet Jesus there one day! (Read Matthew 26:47-75.) After all, He was taken by a mob of religious leaders and was stood before a mock trial. He was lied about, falsely accused, and was pronounced worthy of death. They spit in His face, buffeted Him, and smote Him with the palms of their hands, then, as you know, He was scourged, stripped and mocked, with a crown of thorns upon His head and a reed in His right hand. They took the reed and smote Him on the head, then they led Him out to be crucified on a hill called Golgotha. The Bible says He was taken from prison, and from judgment. Even Jesus had to have help so they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name—him they compelled to bear His cross. Suppose we could find some men in the state prison systems who need a helping hand to carry their cross? Being afflicted by the sting of sin upon their souls, they need someone to come and minister to them, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).

Let us not become like Peter who was a partaker with the Lord when the times were smooth. We are ministered to by our fellow Christians and leaders and we feel so strong in the Lord while we have a case of the “do nothings.” But let us get out of the norm of Christian living as we know it and dare to be recognized with Christ, the Son of God; and be a partaker of His sufferings. Let us barge through the mobs of ridicule and peer pressures and pick up our cross and deny our selves for the sake of souls and the lives of those behind bars (Matt. 25:31-46).

If you read these Scriptures, they will tell you that the true Christians met His needs while in prison as well as other times. The true Christians asked when they had ministered unto the king. And He answered them saying “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:40). Those who had not done the works that needed to be done were cursed and cast into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

There are many brethren of our King Jesus Christ behind bars. I have witnessed the love and the joy of God upon the faces of many men inside the prison walls of Reidsville State Prison in Georgia. Their faces glow with the radiance of the spirit of God and they know that they have passed from death unto life, because they love the brethren. Those men who were their enemies have now become their brothers in Christ. The men who were full of hatred and anger are now crying and full of love for everyone. The men who thought “Jesus people” were sissies and wimps, are now testifying of the power and the love that is in Jesus Christ alone and no other god will do anymore. Praise God forever!!!

I weep when I stand and hear these men testify of the change God has made in their hearts and lives, and how for the first time in their life they know the true meaning of the word love, for God is love. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34, 35).

Let us go into all the world and tell them, "The blood of Jesus Christ still saves!" Dare to be different! Dare to do without the pleasures of this life and take the time to go to the prisons in your area. Watch God snatch souls out of the hands of the enemy and restore their hurting hearts with His love and joy of the spirit of God. Watch their faces glow with the spirit of holiness and lives be transformed right before your eyes. Then will we hear the King say, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world...I was in prison, and ye came unto me” (Matt. 25:34, 36).

Thank you for giving your life that many might live. “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Rev. 22:12). Church of God brethren, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2). Work while it is day; for the night will be here soon.
The King is waiting, at a prison near you.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THE HIGHEST TRIBUNAL OF AUTHORITY FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

THE HIGHEST TRIBUNAL OF AUTHORITY

FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES

Gary Graves, Sr.

Elizabeth, In

The first General Assembly of the last days Church of God was held on January 26 and 27, 1906 in the home of J. C. Murphy in Camp Creek, Cherokee County, North Carolina during a fierce snow storm. It was held in January “because [the ministry] did not want to take the time off in the summer from [their] revival and evangelistic work” (Eighty-two General Assemblies, pg. 8).

What prompted the call for a General Assembly was two-fold: the growth of the Church since its arising in 1903 and that many members had not yet gotten acquainted with one another and the ministers felt the need of an Assembly of some kind to consider questions of importance and matters of general interest to all and to search the Bible for additional light and knowledge. The decision to have a General Assembly was not made overnight, but only after “a careful and prayerful search was made of the Bible to determine if such an Assembly was in harmony with the teachings and practices of the apostles and elders of the early Church” (cf. Eighty-two General Assemblies, pg. 7; History and Polity, pg. 25).

As host pastor, A. J. Tomlinson called the meeting to order after which he was unanimously selected chairman, following the pattern of how James was the moderator of the Assembly of the early Church as recorded in Acts, chapter fifteen. “The Lord had not at that time given us a General Overseer … We only knew that James presided over the Jerusalem council (Assembly) as recorded in the 15^th chapter of Acts” (Eighty-two General Assemblies, pp. 7, 8).

One of the first things the 1906 Assembly adopted was a motto that became the precedence for future General Assemblies: “‘We do not consider ourselves a legislative or executive body but judicial only’ … [making it] clear they were not there to make laws … nor to enforce them … but to seek God for the correct interpretation of the laws already stated in the Scriptures” (History and Polity, pg. 121). And because the General Assembly (still) sits “as a court of justice deciding and determining the laws of God given to the Church by the Word of God (God’s law book) and though the Spirit” (History and Polity, pg. 134), it makes the Assembly rulings “decrees for to keep,” not its own laws; neither are the Assembly Minutes considered laws but records of the Assembly’s findings. (cf. Eighty-two General Assemblies, pp. 7, 8; History and Polity, pg. 120).

“Since the assembly is the highest tribunal of authority for the interpretation of the Scriptures” (for they are not ‘of any private interpretation’), its purpose is to search the Scriptures for additional light and knowledge on the Church, to give prayerful consideration to all necessary business matters, and to recommend practices relative to the administration of the Church’s commission. It must strive to keep everything in harmony with the Word of God,” “as it [seems] good to the Holy Ghost, and to us” (the entire General Assembly in unanimous agreement). “[And being] the final authority in interpreting the Word of God through the Spirit [the Assembly] stands at its rightful place as the voice of authority in …‘matters of doctrine’ … ‘Church discipline’ … [and] in all ‘general practices’” (cf. History and Polity, pp. 134, 187).

“[With] the fundamental purpose of the General Assembly being to interpret the Word of God, then the Word of God itself becomes the authority of the Assembly. The Word of God (written and incarnated - Jesus Christ, the Head and Supreme Ruler of the Church), through the ministration of the Holy Ghost, is not only the final authority of the Assembly but the final … and supreme voice of authority in the Church of God as well … The General Assembly, [is] under the Word of God … ” (History and Polity, pp. 134, 187).

The Church of God is a theocracy; it is the place where God rules. Theocracy is government by God, through God, and in God. Under His immediate direction, God rules the Church “by the means of the Bible and the Holy Ghost.” When the General Assembly finds God’s perfect will in the Scriptures, it has found that which God rules and governs the Church by. “Only when God’s perfect will is done in [the Assembly] is theocracy in its purest sense at work. If the [Assembly does] not transmit God’s will, God’s rule, then it is not pure theocracy. Theocratic government is the rulership of God. If God does not rule (through man’s inability to know what saith the Lord), it is not pure theocracy but some lesser form of government” (cf. History and Polity, pp. 119, 123, 134).

“The Church of God is the greatest, wisest and most glorious government that has ever been inaugurated on this earth. To be called upon as is this honorable body and sacred assembly, to search out and apply the laws of the greatest, wisest, and most glorious government that has ever made its appearance on this earth should certainly be considered the highest honor conferred upon men … It should be approached with all seriousness and much trembling before the Word of God for the decisions will affect untold millions. The very realization that no people on earth has ever been called upon to occupy such an exalted position …” should move the Assembly to be very careful in all its “… decisions to make sure the will of God is being performed thereby insuring pure theocracy for the Church of God. All that is said and done on the floor of the Assembly ‘should be for the building up of God’s Church and the salvation of souls’” (History and Polity, pp. 122, 140).

“But ye are come unto mount Sion … and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn … and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant” (Heb. 12:22-24). “And he said … put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground” (Ex. 3:5).

Help! I've Fallen and I can't get up!

Help! I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up!

“He restoreth my soul…” (Psa. 23:3).

Have you ever heard of a “cast” sheep? It is a term given to a sheep that is lying on the ground, feet in the air and rocking to get to his feet. The sheep that seem to struggle with being cast the most often are those who are fat or those with the most fleece. See, what gets a sheep in this situation is that this heavy sheep will lie down in some depression in the ground, roll on its side and stretch out to relax. If the center of gravity in the body shifts far enough back, it will not be able to put its feet back to the ground. The sense of panic will make matters worse. As the sheep lies there, gases build up in the rumen and with the expansion of the gases; the blood circulation to the legs is cut off. Since not all sheep will even think to bleat in this set of circumstances, and often times it has happened far from the fold out of range of hearing anyway, it is most necessary that a responsible shepherd look over his flock daily to be sure the sheep are all up and on their feet. A cast down sheep will never be a match for vultures, coyotes or cougars.

I cannot help thinking about souls among us who have found themselves in this same place spiritually. You know someone, don’t you? As you read this, did a person’s name come to mind? Is it you? Are you feeling cast down and hopeless? The Word tells us over and over again that the Good Shepherd will never leave us. He will not let us stay there flaying for help long. Be encouraged that He can lift up anyone who has found himself alone, on his back and unable to get up again. He restores souls.

If it is not you, but a sheep in your care, be diligent to watch for him. Mothers and fathers at home, watch for your little lambs. Don’t let them get one inch further from the Lord. Pick them up when they do fall and help them be restored through the power of the Good Shepherd’s love and grace. Pastors and under-shepherds, watch for the souls of the congregation. It is often those that seem to be the healthy, able, strong and even prosperous who find themselves in this horrible state. Do not let the looks deceive you. They may be well on their way to a fall from which they cannot recover.

The aged are not immune. They are as prone to being cast as anyone in your congregation. There are no age restrictions of the young or old when it comes to the spiritual man. There is no personality more prone to falling than another. All your sheep matter. All can be harmed or all can be saved. May the Lord always restore your soul and help you restore another.

THE PROCLAMATION

Chapter Eleven

THE PROCLAMATION

The Proclamation was written by Brother Robert Pruitt as the Lord had moved on him at some point previous to the Solemn Assembly. He stated that He felt it would be needed at some point in time but not necessarily at the Solemn Assembly. But the Lord had other plans and moved on him to read it to the Solemn Assembly on the night he was anointed to be the General Overseer. It was accepted unanimously by the delegates of the Solemn Assembly.

We are gathered in this Solemn Assembly at the command of the Head of the Church, the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and at the urging of the Holy Ghost. In obedience to this command we have come here to seek the face of God by fasting, prayer, worship and whatever the Spirit will direct, to find the perfect will of God and to do it. As a group we meet in no other name than the Church of the Living God.

For the past several years, and especially the last three years, we have observed and witnessed a letting down on the divine standards and practices which have been incumbent upon the Church Christ set in order on Mount Hattin with His twelve apostles as the first members, and after the apostasy of the Dark Ages was found by and revealed to A. J. Tomlinson and others who met with him after he had prayed and sought God on the top of Burger Mountain, which is now a part of what is known as Fields of the Wood, in Cherokee County, North Carolina. It is widely believed and embraced by many, especially in the Church of God of Prophecy, both present and former members, that the revelation and vision which those received in the early days of the twentieth century and testified to and took the covenant of membership was the true Church which Christ set in order and was identified by both the witness of the Holy Ghost and overwhelming scriptural affirmation. And Whereas, the true Church continued under the name ‘’The Church of God,” then “The Church of God over which A. J. Tomlinson is General Overseer,” and then later “The Church of God over which A. J. Tomlinson was and M. A. Tomlinson is the General Overseer,” and still later “The Church of God of Prophecy.” And Whereas, at a meeting of the presbytery of the Church of God of Prophecy called by the General Overseer, M. A. Tomlinson, in May of 1990 to seek administrative assistance until the General Assembly, there were those of the presbytery who insisted that he step aside from the office of the General Overseer, because until he did so the presbytery could not go ahead to select a new General Overseer. Disregarding the principle and practice of unanimous consent, which is normally practiced in business matters in the Church, as selection was made with a vote of 48 for and 33 against, with some of the 33 never submitting to the selection. Five of the Overseers abstained from voting. Nevertheless, one was selected in this manner to be the new General Overseer. This was a clear and definite departure from the theocracy of God, the Church, and at the 1990 General Assembly the installation of the newly selected General Overseer appeared to many to be more the operation of the Questions and Subjects Committee than that of the General Assembly as a body. Many who felt that the General Overseer was selected by the Holy Ghost now are convinced that his leadership has so displeased the Lord as to disqualify him for office. And Whereas, at the General Assembly of 1991 there was another departure from the theocracy when the present General Overseer made a statement contradicting the 26th teaching of the 29 prominent teachings of the Church when he stated that members could be taken into the Church with wedding bands, opening the way to a wholesale disregard for the teaching by the Church against the wearing of gold for ornament. Also, in the General Assembly of 1991, although more or less sweeping powers were given to the General Overseer in good faith to cut back on the headquarters staff and to combine auxiliaries, extensive powers were taken not only to cut out and combine certain auxiliaries, but to create new ones such as the Center for Biblical Leadership which replaces Bible Training Institute and Tomlinson College, without General Assembly approval, betraying the trust and responsibility the General Assembly had placed into the hands of the administration in good faith. Also, in the General Assembly of 1992 another infraction was made against the theocracy when the General Overseer allowed the Questions and Subjects Committee to present a so-called “informational only report” which reflected the will of the General Overseer and the Committee to the neglect of the multitude of counselors, thus making the Committee and the General Overseer the highest tribunal of authority under God rather than the General Assembly. In addition to the above, the present administration of the Church of God of Prophecy has shown a great insensitivity to the Holy Ghost message which called for this Solemn Assembly. Little regard was shown for the message and great pressure was put upon some of those involved in the purveyance of it to alter and deny its validity.

The above mentioned departures from theocratic operation in the Church are only a few of the more open and blatant ones that have occurred in the present administration of the Church of God of Prophecy.

From the first major departure from the theocracy in May of 1990 by the selection of the new General Overseer, it is understood that from that point the theocracy ceased to function and has not been in operation since that time. The organization has continued to exist, but the theocracy has been abandoned. Those of the present administration of the Church of God of Prophecy, and those who have embraced these infractions under this administration have clearly departed from the divinely revealed principles of theocracy and are no longer the true Church. They have relinquished their rights and privileges to the divine Church of God by their heresies and apostasy, And Therefore, those who are holding to the doctrines and principles of the Church of God of Prophecy prior to the presbytery meeting of 1990, and who still embrace them, are the true Church. By the grace of God and by the infallible distinctions of the Scriptures we declare that we have not departed from the divine revelation of God through His Word and by His Spirit, and that unworthy and insignificant as we are as individuals, we, by divine decree, are the Body of Christ, the Church of the living God with Jesus Christ as the Head! And We have not denied the faith nor the covenant we made to become a member of God’s Church, the Body of Christ. We have been a faithful part of the body, And Therefore, those who are willing to stand together as the true Church of God, under the official name “The Church of God,” holding to the doctrines and principles of The Church of God of Prophecy as stated prior to the presbytery meeting of May, 1990 are asked to renew their covenant of membership as stated: “Will you sincerely promise in the presence of God and these witnesses that you will accept this Bible as the Word of God-believe and practice its teachings rightly divided-the New Testament as your rule of faith and practice, government and discipline, and walk in the light to the best of your knowledge and ability?”

Your answer in the affirmative to this covenant question constitutes a perpetual and everlasting covenant commitment to Christ and the Church, the Body of Christ, which is the unique and exclusive Body which was organized and commissioned on Mt. Hattin with the twelve apostles as the first members.

If you are already a member of this Body, the Church, having become a part of it by taking the above covenant administered by a duly authorized minister of the Church, you may renew this covenant, distinguishing the true Church from the apostate Church which has abandoned and rejected the theocracy.

The renewing of the covenant will constitute a beginning of the reorganization of the true Church under God and the theocracy. The membership of the reorganized Church will grow as renewals of the covenant are made in the local churches as duly authorized ministers administer it. Ministers who renew the covenant will be recognized and authorized on the basis and rank of their present ministry. Ministers and members who have been revoked or disfellowshipped because of the present disruption and division in the Church may be restored to their pre-disruption standing by appealing in person or in writing to the nearest local church authorized to receive members into the reorganized Church.

In the case of ministers, the local church conference of the reorganized Church will forward the recommendation for restoration to the General Headquarters which will be established at this Solemn Assembly as the Lord directs. Ministers being re-licensed will be asked to answer in the affirmative to a general questionnaire concerning doctrinal and theocratic aspects of the Church and its operation. Heresy will be dealt with swiftly and resolutely according to the Biblical definition and discipline. Heretics will be rejected.

If the Lord so ordains, a leader will be chosen at this meeting to serve until one can be confirmed and installed at a General Assembly approximately a year from this date. The membership of the reorganized Church throughout the world will constitute the General Assembly of The Church of God.”

The Proclamation made reference to a general questionnaire which all ministers being re-licensed must answer in the affirmative. That questionnaire is presented here:

(The following questionnaire is not intended to be a creedal statement, but rather to address areas of concern as to the Scriptural identity of The Church of God.)

1. The King James Version and Antigua Version De Casiodoro De Reina of the Bible up to 1909 A.D. should be the authority for our Bible teaching.

2. I believe in the whole Bible rightly divided and that the Bible Truths are all based on the Scriptures.

3. Our Advice to Members is based on sound biblical principles.

4. The Scriptural study entitled The Body of Christ has firm biblical basis.

5. One enters the Kingdom of God by being born again.

6. After becoming a kingdom saint, the ONLY way one becomes a member of the Body of Christ is by taking the covenant administered by a proper authority of The Church of God.

7. The same church which Jesus Christ organized arose out of the Dark Ages June 13, 1903 in Fields of The Wood in fulfillment of the “Arise, Shine” prophecy in Isaiah 60:1.

8. The All Nations Flag is the ensign given by God in fulfillment of prophecy and not merely a man-made cultural symbol born out of a traditional system.

9. Biblical identifying features make The Church of God the exclusive body of Christ as she follows the biblical principles of theocracy.

10. In the event that these principles are disregarded, a unified effort in support of theocracy should be expected from within this body.

11. In fulfillment of Scripture (John 17:21; 10:16) there shall be a corporate gathering of all God’s sheep to One Fold before the Rapture.

12. For the safety of God’s sheep, the biblical principle of Titus 3:10 (A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject) should be followed by all those in responsible positions.

The Counseling Committee drafted this questionnaire. Those serving on this committee were: Alvin Brantley, Chairman, Philip A. Wagar, E. Roger Ammons, David F. Risch, Ray D. Dupre, Herman D. Ard, and Eddie H. Griffith.

CONCLUSION

A. J. Tomlinson, the first General Overseer of The Church of God, in his Annual Address to the fourteenth Assembly in 1919 had the following to say about prophecy being fulfilled; “To think that God has raised us up, and placed us in His great plan, is almost too good to be true. I can think of Abraham, and Moses, and Elijah, and the apostles being in His wonderful plan, with perfect composure. I take this as a matter of fact and pass it by without much concern, but when I acknowledge that we, here and now, are just as truly fulfilling our part of God’s great drama, my heart swells with great emotion.

“What more can we say than has been said? What more can we do than others have already done? But they had their day and now this is our day We have doubtless entered the last scene of the last act of this stupendous drama, and now playing our part in it. Angels are our spectators; devils are our opposers; but this part has to be enacted as well as any other…”

Brother Tomlinson realized what many people today seem to overlook. That is, that God has a program to be played out on the stage of life and He has chosen the cast of characters to fulfill a pre-ordained role in His great drama. The prophet Amos said: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7). The apostle Peter said: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed…” (1 Peter 1:19). God has not left us in the dark when it comes to understanding His program or His dealings with the sons of men. He has ordained a prophetical program to guide His servants as they yield to His will.

The Church of God is very precious to the heart of God. It was ordained before the foundation of the world.

The Son of God gave His life’s blood to purchase her. He promised to return for her and take her unto Himself to be forever with Him. We, the Church, will rule and reign with Him forever. As dear as the Church is to the heart of God, it would be unthinkable that He would fail to enlighten her of her unique role through prophetic utterances. This He has done and the Holy Ghost has revealed the mystery and fulfillment of the prophetical utterances about the Church to her at the proper time.

According to the prophet Amos, all that God does, He foretells in His prophetic Word. He foretold of the birth of His Son in detail including the slaughter of innocent children by the wicked king Herod, and His sojourn into and return from Egypt. His death was prophesied in detail right down to the soldiers gambling for His raiment. Concerning the Church; it’s establishment was prophesied along with it’s going into the apostasy of the Dark Ages. It’s “arise shine” was also prophesied along with her glorious triumph of leaving the earth victorious in the Rapture. Why then would God be silent of the events between the “arise shine” and the rapture? The truth is that He was not silent. The two disruptions were foretold in Scripture. See Isaiah 49:20, 21 and Zechariah 13:8, 9 for just a couple of references. God has not left us without a prophetic witness concerning the events surrounding the disruption of 1993. The glorious and powerful Solemn Assembly was foretold in the second chapter of Joel, verses 15-17, and in the third chapter of Zephaniah, verses 18-20. The Holy Ghost bore witness to these things. Likewise, the raising up and work of the “Concerned” was prophesied in the third chapter of Malachi.

Just as the identity of Christ was proven by the fulfillment of all the prophecies concerning Him, the identity of The Church of God will also be known by all the prophecies concerning her. The apostle Peter said, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy…” The fulfillment of prophecy has identified and will continue to identify who The Church of God of the Bible really is. We do not have to doubt when we look into the sure Word of God. When we do this, and realize as Brother A. J. Tomlinson did, that God is using us to fulfill His divine Word, it will cause our hearts to swell with great emotion, also. The realization of it should cause us to fear the Name of the Lord and walk before Him in obedience and humility. Those who do not believe can put their questions and misgivings to rest when they see and understand that God has indeed performed these things and that this that has happened was not the results of a few disgruntled people. It was rather the Spirit of God driving us to this end. Our prayers are that each one who hears or reads of the things spoken of in this book will feel the assurance in their hearts and find the peace that comes with trusting God’s faithful and eternal Word.