May 22, 2010

Bro. Ray Tinsman
Shining Faces

We are facing pressure by some to accept experiences that haven’t produced a shining face. When Moses met God his face was shining afterwards. Have you been changed? In our day people claim to be slain in the spirit and have a dark face – not the Holy Spirit. Outward changes don’t save, you need Jesus – He will take care of the outward. Have you left your first love? It’s not too late – be changed by an experience that will give you shining face.

Sis. Susan Mutch
How Is Your Obedience

The gospel is tailor-made for each of us. Angels are ascending and descending from heaven with the Word of God. The Lord wants each of us to make it to heaven and He is expecting each of us to obey His Word. Are you awake? This gospel fits all generations and all locations.

May 23, 2010

Bro. Randy Hargrave
Faith with Works

Saying you have faith has many implications. Faith produces works! After you believe, immediately you begin to do things no one has told you to do. Works provide the proof of your faith. Don’t stifle when the Lord urges you to do something. If you have faith, allow God to move you and exercise your faith. You will grow by obedience. If you don’t have faith, don’t resort to works – works alone will not save you.

Bro. Stephen Hargrave
Salvation from Sin

Salvation is available to us that will save and deliver you from all committed sin now and in the future. When we are truly saved we will be a new creature and sin will have no part in our lives.

May 24, 2010

Bro. Allen Bontrager
Why Delay?

You have been provided with a golden opportunity to get your help – why delay? This is your time to get what you need. There is no need to wait for days while you linger when you know that you have an unmet need or need to be saved.

Bro. Benjamin Tovstiga
The Yoke

God promises that His yoke is easy. But, there is a yoke – He makes that clear. Yokes are very restrictive and confining. This is for your own protection and safety. Cornering an animal brings out the worst in it, people are much like that. Then it shows what you are really made of. Kiss the Son and all that comes with the Son – Psalm 2.

May 25, 2010

Tuesday morning, hundreds of saints went to Greenville for a 2 hour street meeting in downtown with live singing and much distribution of Christian literature and invitations to the camp meeting.

Bro. John Strizu
An Experience of Fire

God answers by fire. Every true experience of salvation will come by fire. Elijah’s God answered by fire and still does. The proof of your salvation will be by the fire that will be apparent in your spiritual life. Let the Lord burn up what is combustible and get the fire.

May 26, 2010

Bro. Johnny Friesen
The Wind Blew

The wind will blow to test what you have built with. It will crack your structures of mud and dirt. You must build on the rock (lively stones) in order to stand the wind, rain, and flood.

Bro. Stephen Hargrave
The Harvest

The Lord is once again sending his reapers – the ministry – to gather the wheat and the tares and do a separating work. There is no room for a white, black, one-work, or German Church of God in this time. All must come to be in complete unity and do the work the Lord has commissioned. It is a shame to see what has become of the Church of God of Bro. D. S. Warner’s time. They have lost the power and only claim the name without the Biblical authority and truth.

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The lightning bolts of the Bible are destructive only to error and its adherents. Those whose souls are protected by the lightning rods of God’s truth are safe, and can shout and sing while the lightning leaps and the cyclones of Pentecostal purity and power sweep the earth.

We live in the electric age in both the material and spiritual worlds. Light, heat and motion have been drawn from electricity until old customs and appliances have been revolutionized. From the Pentecostal dynamo there has also burst forth into the spiritual world, light and love and power which is causing multitudes to rush from the old candlelit stage-coaches of forms and ceremonies and dry creeds and crooked experiences into the brilliantly lighted, swiftly propelled cars of full salvation, which, by divine power, are bearing their inmates triumphantly on and up from “glory unto glory.”

They startle. Lightning bolts startle by their vividness, intensity and death-dealing power. In all ages the lightning which has fallen from Pentecostal skies has startled the nations. The prayer of the writer is that these bolts may startle and awaken all who are not securely building on the Rock which no storms can shake.

They hit. Lightning bolts always hit somewhere. Sheet-lightning entertains by its beauty and by the fact that it is just “playing at lightning,” but lightning bolts always hit. God never sends them in either world for amusement. At Pentecost they hit the crucifiers of Jesus, and they have continued to fall with gleeful fury upon Pharisees and hypocrites ever since.

They awaken. The thunder which is born of the bolt is a mighty awakening agency. So the life and power and zeal which follow from one person who, like Paul, Wesley, or Finney, has become a lightning bolt of Pentecostal power, often awaken thousands from the sleep of sin and lead them into the kingdom of God.

They reveal surrounding objects. Their vivid light banishes darkness and reveals every enemy lurking beneath its shadows. The prowling wolf, the cowardly assassin, the treacherous pitfall, as well as the place of safety, is seen under its searching light. In the dark night of sin, formality, worldliness and error in which the “church” is befogged, Pentecostal lightning bolts make surprising and often terrifying revelations. They show lost men where they are and warn them of spiritual foes, and reveal Him who only is able to save.

They frighten. People fear their fury. They dread being hit. Yet a God of infinite love creates them, and continues to hurl them where He sees that they should fall. Just so, people fear spiritual lightning. The opposition to ministers who are charged with it is from this source. People who have not Pentecostal protection fear Pentecostal bolts and the storm-centers of Pentecostal ministers, from which they often leap.

They are no respecters of persons. They fall in defiance of color, clime, creed, and social, political or ecclesiastical position, dealing death and doom wherever God sees fit to send them, asking no leave, making no apologies. In like manner, Pentecostal bolts fall wherever shams and sin are found, and give light and comfort to all who, irrespective of names and creeds, love to see error die.

They shock people. This is a sure sign that they fall near where they live. Scribes and Pharisees were fearfully “shocked” when this kind of lightning first fell and formalists and worldlings and hypocrites are always thus affected by it, while God’s true children

“Can brave the wildest storms

With His glory to the soul;

And can shout amid the tempest,

‘Praise the Lord!’”

It is a department of celestial fireworks with which God entertains His children, and others are apprised of their real spiritual character by the way it affects them.

Sometimes they kill. When they do, we do not blame them or the God who sends them, but say, “He doeth all things well.” Thus they leaped upon Achan, Ananias and Sapphira, to the alarm of evil-doers and the defense of God’s people, and thus they sometimes fall upon like characters today, with similar results.

They attract attention. Lightning bolts attract public attention. The thunder which follows vibrates far and near. So with spiritual bolts. The howls of people who are hit often reverberate through a whole city, and, by the aid of the sounding-boards of the press, through an entire nation. It was these that filled Jerusalem with an uproar in the days of Jesus, and which are to thus fill modern Jerusalem as they leap again with like precision and fury upon the children of those whom they thus destroyed.

They are unpopular. Lightning bolts are unpopular. People, as a rule, dread them. They awaken and startle and kill in such a way as to be a source of alarm, yet they are a part of God’s plan, and have a mission which no other force can fill. The lightning bolt phase of Christianity is just as unpopular for similar reasons, yet none the less needed. The bolts leap from the great storm cloud of divine truth, which has its source in God’s Word.

They never apologize. No matter who is hit, or how many, or how terribly people are “shocked” or criticized, they never take anything back. For the bolts of divine truth which leap from the Word of God, there can be no apologies, no matter how severely and by whom criticized.

They appear cruel. Their work often seems cruel and destructive. Such to limited human sight it may seem. But such, tried by God’s standard, it never is. For in both the physical and spiritual world no bolts leap but from the bosom of infinite love.

They are sudden. “Quick as lightning.” In a similar way the truth leaps upon its foes, until they perceive they are “in the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity”; or, Ananias-like, are quickly summoned to a higher court than earth’s; or are, like Pharaoh’s hosts, suddenly drowned in some Red Sea, while those whom they seek to crush sing paeans of victory upon its shores; or, like the antediluvian world, see their folly when too late, and sink beneath their sins.

They are unchangeable. They are just the same now as in the days of Adam, of Moses, and of the primitive church. So with the electric current of Pentecostal truth. The same wires that gave light, and heat, and motion to the salvation cars, in which patriarchs, prophets and apostles sped triumphantly to the skies, will bear their children of this age to the same pearly portals. The bolts which fell on false prophets, and people, and Pharisaical hypocrites of old, leap with kindred fury upon their followers today.

They appear sacrilegious. They often strike churches, and sometimes kill preachers. Indeed, the tall steeples of many modern temples invite them. Sham churches and preachers in a similar way draw down bolts of burning rebuke and exposure from Pentecostal skies. No false plea of sacred place and office can keep them off. No place is sacred where God is disobeyed and insulted, and no man is sacred who profanes his office by betraying sacred trusts. Such places and such ministers are, and ever have been, subjects of divine Lightning Bolts.

Protection provided. There is perfect protection from them. A person perfectly insulated is as safe from lightning in a storm as in the sunshine. Lightning rods of a sham profession have been tried in vain for this purpose, as they draw the lightning instead of diverting it, but all who are insulated from the world by a Holy Ghost experience, fear no bolts from either above or below. If you get “shocked” or killed it will be because you are not properly insulated.

They herald refreshing showers. These showers banish drought, refresh nature, and are a precious, heaven-sent boon. So with the showers of salvation which attend the lightning bolts of power. They turn Saharas of formality into blooming gardens of Christian experience and activity, banish the malaria of worldliness and sin, making the spiritual atmosphere fresh and healthful and laden with the beauty and fragrance of heaven.

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“And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.” Acts 3:4.

As George Whitefield was making one of his whirlwind preaching tours through North America, thousands were being awakened to salvation by his preaching. He preached with authority, unlike the majority of dry, croaking preachers of the day. When he first entered Boston, he was met on the street by a very unfriendly and formal minister. “I am sorry you have come,” said the minister boldly to the great evangelist. Replied Whitefield (just as boldly), “So is the devil.”

This is what we want. It is what the world needs–a ministry with no illusions relating to their calling; a fearless ministry, one that knows where they stand with God and the devil and who will boldly declare war on the latter and all of his hiding places; who can stand before a lost and needy generation and proclaim with Peter and John, “Look on us!”

This is the cry of the ministry of this present restoration. With Paul, they see their calling to confound the wise and mighty and to bring to naught the things that are (1 Cor. 1:26-28). Though they tremble indeed at their own inadequacies, yet they take God as their sufficiency and fail not to declare to the people the whole counsel of God (2 Cor. 3:5; Acts 20:27).

Such is not a popular position to hold in our day. It has been said that today’s generation looks upon “traditional” structures of leadership with skepticism. Instead, they value the “servant-leader,” one on equal footing with them who is glad to serve tables and be their chum. If he will watch the football game with them, and go with them on camping trips, then they are glad to hear him “speak” or “share” on Sundays. If he wears blue jeans or casual clothes in the pulpit, so much the better, as it makes everyone feel “welcome” and “comfortable.” If his sermonettes lack moral courage (because they require no radical commitment from the hearer), then this is a plus, for fanaticism is distasteful. And everyone knows legalism is taboo.

This is the degree to which the ministerial office has fallen. But such is not the mark of a true minister.
True ministers know they have what the world needs. They take the posture of Peter and John, and the certitude of Whitefield. They are not content to leave the Word of God to serve tables. A true minister is blameless and harmless as a son of God, friendly and pleasant to souls and will instruct with meekness those that oppose themselves. But they are equally as bold as lions against sin and all unrighteousness. And because they know exactly where they stand scripturally and prophetically, they can say, “Follow me, as I follow Christ,” and mean it. Their holy examples and burning love for God and man command and demand that we follow them.

Sectarian preachers are afraid to make such scriptural statements. Why? The answer is simple. They are not following Christ. Consequently, they have no authority that produces biblical obedience in those to whom they preach. They use fair-sounding platitudes to discourage people from following them. “Look to Jesus,” they say. “Don’t look to me.” What they mean is that they have no true calling, no word from the Lord. Unlike John, they have the silver and the gold. They can toss a few coins from their missionary fund to help you and feel they have been good Samaritans. Yet, they leave the spiritual need unmet.

Such pretenders to the biblical office, because they lack divine authority, contrive substitutes of their own making and seek out many inventions to bolster their tenuous positions. Some bask in the glory of bygone eras. They quote Wesley, Finney, Fletcher and Warner. Their speeches are replete with anecdotes of famous men and women but are woefully deficient of personal testimony and power. These are modern sons of Sceva, who, having no glory of their own, seek to fight the forces of darkness and meet the spiritual needs of mankind on the bona fides of another. At such the devil laughs and asks, “Who are you?” And at such, the lame at the gate look expectantly and are disappointed.

The devil no longer fears Wesley or Warner. They are no longer here and can do him no harm. The common people scarcely even know about them. Their concern is not with dead people, but with problems more immediate. Though they cry out for alms, they are wanting more than the silver and gold from a so-called “social gospel.” The devil will tremble at, and people will respond to, a living, burning, and shining light. Such is the true minister.

We thank and praise Almighty God that He has not left Himself without witness in this end time. Though false ministers abound, He has raised up a ministry which has more than silver and gold–holy men and women with discernment, gifted to meet the spiritual needs of mankind. Because they say, “Look on us,” they are called proud and exclusive by sectarian preachers. Because they are certain and have spiritual authority, they are called “fanatics,” “popes,” and “lord’s over God’s heritage.” The devil, coward that he is, can only content himself to stand afar off and try to pelt these dear ones with epithets (he dare not come close). But wisdom is justified of her children. There is a whole multitude of formerly lame that are walking, leaping, and praising God. If you doubt it, just come and see.

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“And he gave some, apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” Eph. 4:11.

Apostle: Defined as “one sent.” Special mention is here made of this gift as it has been sent and used by God through ages of the gospel day to begin great moves of His Spirit to progressively restore truths lost in the great falling away, and in this evening time of the gospel day, not only to complete the restoration of all truth, but also to lead in and oversee the gathering together of the members of Christ’s body into one fold (1 Cor. 12:28).

Prophet: One who speaks forth or openly the divine message–note: prophecy is not necessarily, nor even primarily, fore-telling. It is the forth-telling of the will of God, whether with reference to the past, the present, or the future (1 Cor. 11:4, 5; 14:3; Eph. 2:20).

Teacher/Master of the scriptures: Instructor (1 Tim. 2:7; James 3:1).

Evangelist: A messenger of good; denotes a preacher of the gospel (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. 4:5). The evangelist preaches primarily with a burden for the initial saving of souls.

Pastor: A shepherd; one who tends flocks, not merely one who feeds them (Acts 20:28 and 1 Pet. 5:1-2).

Exhorter: One who admonishes, exhorts, urges one to pursue some course of conduct (Rom. 12:6-8; Lk. 3:18).

Bishop: Overseer (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Tim. 3:1-7, 11).

Elder, Presbyter: Other terms for the same person as bishop, indicating the mature spiritual experience and understanding of those so described (1 Tim. 4:14; Titus 1:5-9).

Minister: A servant. (Rom. 15:8, 16; 2 Cor. 4:5; 1 Thess. 3:2).
The above offices are sub-classifications of “true messenger of God” or “messenger of the truth,” each burdened for the specific work of their calling. Some gifts overlap. Not all believers are called to be messengers of God in the context addressed by this article (1 Cor. 12:29), therefore lack the

Marks of a true messenger of God:

1. Born again and baptized with the Holy Ghost. “Ye must be born again.” “Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Jn. 3:7; Acts 1:5). Also see John 14:16-18.

2. Maintains an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Phil. 3:8). Also see Phil. 1:21.

3. A living sacrifice, consecrated for life and death; given fully to being a messenger of God. “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Also see Rom. 12:1; 1:15; 1 Tim. 4:12-16.

4. Divinely called and gifted by the Holy Spirit with the necessary attributes to fulfill the call–is certain of the calling upon their life from God. “But when it pleased God…to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood” (Gal. 1:15-16). Also see Rom. 10:15; 12:6-8.

5. Is not ecumenical, neither a fearer nor pleaser of man. “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error” (1 Jn. 4:6). Also see 1 Thess. 2:4.

6. Does not operate apart from the visible body of Christ, the church of God, but is in unity with her inerrant doctrine and standards; sees eye to eye and speaks the same thing. “Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion” (Isa. 52:8). Also see 1 Tim. 3:15; Matt. 16:19; 1 Cor. 1:10.
7. Subject on an ongoing basis to all God’s messengers. “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets” (1 Cor. 14:32); and recognizes and submits to the superior authority of the apostles and elder ministers– “When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question” (Acts 15:2). Also see Acts 15:6, 23, 25; 20:17-21.

8. Burdened with an unfeigned love for all souls and knows the sheep. “So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us” (1 Thess. 2:8). Also see 2 Cor. 5:14-16; 1 Tim. 3:2.

9. If a man, has his house and family in order and his wife is “grave, not [a] slanderer…sober, faithful in all things” and his children “faithful,” “not accused of riot or unruly.” If a woman, her home will be in order to the greatest extent of her influence, in the case of an unsaved companion, for example. If married, both the messenger and spouse will never have been married to another, unless widowed (1 Tim. 3:11; Titus 1:6). Also see 1 Tim. 3:2, 4, 5; Matt. 19:9.

10. Possesses qualifying graces of a steward of God. “Blameless…vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous…must have a good report of them which are without;” “not self-willed, not soon angry…a lover of good men…just, holy, temperate” (1 Tim. 3:2-3, 7; Titus 1:7-8).

11. Given to prayer and ministry of the Word, apt to teach, stops mouths and convinces gainsayers; does not joke with the Word of God; takes diligent heed to self. “…we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). Also see Titus 1:9, 11a; 1 Tim. 3:2; 4:15-16; Zeph. 3:4.

12. Communicates Holy Ghost inspired messages, received from God, directly to the hearts of the people. “Ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart” (2 Cor. 3:3). Also see 1 Pet. 1:12; 2 Pet. 1:21.

13. Has a divine unction, and their preaching and all other work is anointed by the power of the Holy Ghost, producing good fruit. “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake…ye received the word of God which ye heard of us…which effectually worketh also in you” (1 Thess. 1:5; 2:13). Also see Acts 2:16-18, 41-47; 2 Cor. 4:5-7, 10-12.

14. Proclaims the worldwide, end time, seventh trumpet message revealing the mystery of God, even Jesus Christ and His body, and pouring out the fury of God’s wrath; gathering God’s people into one body and severing the wicked from among the just. “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets” (Rev. 10:7). Also see Rev. 1:10-20; 11:15, 18; 15:1; 16:1; Matt. 24:30-31; 13:40-43, 49.

15. At some point has been commissioned by God to minister in particular areas of the work of the church, i.e. missionary, evangelistic, pastoral, etc., which is acknowledged by the ministry and the body; is not a novice. “Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery…that thy profiting may appear to all” (1 Tim. 4:13-15). Also see Gal. 2:7-9; 1 Thess. 2:9-10, 13; 1 Tim. 3:6; Phil. 2:22.

16. Leads authoritatively in the church without “lording” over God’s heritage, and is an example to the flock; is unsalaried. “The elders…feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:1-3). Also see Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:28, 33-35.

17. A person of faith in God who builds up the faith of the people and manifests the gifts of physical healings betimes. “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up” (Jm. 5:14-15a). Also see Heb. 13:7.

18. Has a personal need for all of the saints. “And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary” (1 Cor. 12:21-22). Also see Rom. 15:30-32; 1 Thess. 3:7-8.

19. Knows will lose salvation if does not fulfill the calling of messenger. “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (1 Cor. 9:27). Also see Lk. 12:47; 1 Cor. 9:16.

“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings. By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 2 Cor. 6:4-10.

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By Susan Mutch

“…Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:
And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.” Neh. 13:4, 7-8.

Today’s religious generation is like Eliashib. They open the door for God’s enemies to dwell among them. It seems that very few share Nehemiah’s discerning vision and zeal for the purity of the house of God. The scriptures call Eliashib’s deed “evil.” He likely thought it was benevolent; big-hearted, as would the ecumenical-minded of today.

Is this “Let’s get together and forget about our differences” and “all paths lead to heaven” mentality inspired by pure, divine love or is it the slick subtlety of Satan, perfecting his craft of deception? Indeed, the devil loves mixture–darkness with light, truth with error. And mixture he has.

We live in the time of the generic “church.” No name brand denominations. “The Community Church.” “The Bible Fellowship.” Just “believe in Jesus” or pray to Mary, even sincerely believe in your heart that Buddha or Mohammed is the right path and we will all end up in heaven. People have been deceived into believing that it would be rude and narrow-minded not to tolerate, yea, even respect, all religious notions. But does not the Bible teach us that Jesus is the Way? He is not one of many ways. One would have to deny this absolute Bible truth to accept any other way, any other spirit. “Buy the truth and sell it not.” Sell this truth and you have no gospel.

Truth is absolute, not relative. Truth calls everything outside of it a lie. This ecumenical spirit would have us respect lies. Not only will Truth not tolerate error, it reproves it, glad to rescue souls from its path of death (Prov. 14:12).

The apostle Paul was anti-ecumenical. He feared that the congregation at Corinth would “bear with” something other than the pure gospel–another Jesus, another spirit, another gospel. He knew it was a corruption of the true (2 Cor. 11:3-4). Nor did Paul respect as “another way to God” the pagan beliefs of his day. He called people to forsake them through the preaching of the one and only gospel of Jesus Christ. He joined no council of religious leaders, other than in the exclusive church of God, wherein they had one mind and one doctrine. He held no joint “unity” meetings with pagans or the Judaising factions. The gospel that Jesus died to bring us is diametrically opposed to any such confederation. This exclusiveness the devil hates. And this exclusiveness the ecumenical minded just cannot understand.

This ecumenical move is in direct fulfillment to Bible prophecy. It is another sign that we are very near the end of time. Rev. 20:7-9 shows this gathering of the false ways Satan has used through the history of the church to deceive souls–paganism (newly revived in this last century or so with the New Age Movement, occultism, witchcraft, humanism and a revival of eastern religions), Catholicism and Protestantism. Satan has wrath, knowing that his time is short (Rev. 12:12) and is doing all he can to deceive the multitudes before the final return of Jesus Christ. This triad of error is gone out “to deceive the nations” worldwide. It is actually sent by Satan to battle against the truth and is depicted as surrounding the camp of the saints about, the beloved city, the church of God.

Many shall be deceived by this pernicious movement, and through its blinding, deceiving influence “the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Pet. 2:2). The children of God, who can discern the enemy’s workings, as did Nehemiah, and refuse to accept or fellowship any false way will be called intolerant, narrow-minded, unloving, bigoted, divisional, cultish, etc.

While we sincerely love the souls who are ensnared in religious error, we do hate every false way that binds them (Psa. 119:104, 148). The Bible declares that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life. Woe unto us if we say there is any other way; any other truth.

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The church of God is God’s body, not only on earth, but also through all eternity. The church is God’s habitation now and forever. God will dwell in His people and His people in Him while the cycles of eternity roll on unending. The church of God on earth is God’s incarnation among men. As men read the history of the true church they will read the biography of God. The life of the church is His life. The world is God’s creation as a Creator, the church is His creation as a Life-Giver. It is His own life. It lives in Him and He in it. The church is a creation in Christ. The church is not created in Christ by a mere creative act, but by being born of God. The church is born of God in Christ and is the offspring of God. God loves the world as His creation. He loves the church as the life of His life.

The church of God on earth contains heavenly elements and nothing that is not heavenly. The church bears God’s image. God views His own likeness in His church. The church is a mirror which reflects all the Divine perfections. The church of God is a living thing. It lives upon the life of God. God’s life flows through its veins. The life of Jesus circulates freely through His church, as freely as the blood circulates through the human body–the church is His body. It feeds on heavenly food. It breathes the atmosphere of heaven.

God and man united in Christ is the church. In the church of God is the uniting of all men with God and with each other. The manifold wisdom of God, the mysteries of God, the character of God is revealed through His church. God in His beauty shines out of the church. She is all fair; there is no spot in her. God made the sun, moon, and all the shining stars, but He does not make them His dwelling place. When He built His church He said, “This is my rest; here I will dwell and multiply myself; here I have found such beauty and worth as to call out the fullest capacity of my love; here I find the fullest complacency of my being, here I see of the travail of my soul and I am satisfied.”

The church of God is attended by the ministry of angels. It is the only institution on earth that angels desire to look into. They pass every other thing by, but stop at the church to admire her beauty and to bestow their ministry. It is the only institution on earth that affords joy to the angels. It is the only institution over which they sing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” All of the conquests of the church on earth bring joy to the angels.

The church of God is the only institution on earth that can worship God. God, to be worshipped, must be worshipped in Spirit and truth, and nothing but the church has the Spirit and the truth.

The church is full of heavenly instincts. God gives instinct to the bird and this instinct teaches it to do things. Heavenly instincts fill the church, teaching it to do heavenly things. Its life is heavenly life. It lives by heavenly things, and divine things are wrought out by her activities. The church is Holy Spirit-filled and Holy-Spirit governed.

The church is in the world, but the world is not in the church. There is no room for the world in the church. It is filled with divine things. The fish is in the salty ocean, but the fish is not salty. If you die in the church you do not go out of it, if you die out of it you can never get in it. There is no sin in the church. Her law is the law of holiness. All honor in the church is given to the Holy Trinity.

Some day the church of God is going to be caught up to heaven and receive a faultless presentation into the immediate presence of God’s glory and the joys of heaven will be full and complete and be undiminished while eternity rolls on forever.

By C.E. Orr

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2. Her theme is love (1 Jn. 3:14; Matt. 5:44; 1 Cor. 13:1-8, 13). “…Love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God…” 1 Jn. 4:7.

3. She was called out of sin by the gospel (Rom. 1:16; 10:13; 2 Thess. 2:14). “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy…” 1 Pet. 1:15.

4. The church is the body of Christ; there is only one true church (1 Cor. 1:2; 12:27; John 10:16). “There is one body…” Eph. 4:4.
a. She is not divided (1 Cor. 1:10, 13).
b. She shares the same mind, judgment, and faith (Eph. 4:4-5; Jude 3).
c. Her members are of one heart and of one soul (Acts 4:32).
d. Her congregations share the same standards and ministry (1 Cor. 4:17; 11:16; 14:33; Eph. 4:11-13; Acts 15:23, 28).

5. The members of Christ’s body, the church, are saints, holy as He is holy (1 Pet. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 1:1). “…called to be saints…” Rom. 1:7.

6. Her people are of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation, including believing children and adults (Rev. 7:9; Matt. 19:14). “…thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Rev. 5:9.

7. Her people are all equal and available to be called of God to any office or duty, regardless of race, social status, nationality, or gender. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:28.

8. The Lord has set her members in the body, calling and placing them where He will (Acts 13:2; 20:28; Eph. 4:8, 11). “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” 1 Cor. 12:18.

9. Her ministry–apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers–for the edification of the body and in the interest of being accountable for the souls of the people, has been given binding and loosing power, having rule over the people of God as helpers of their joy (2 Cor. 12:19; Heb. 13:17; 2 Cor. 1:24). “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matt. 16:19.

10. She keeps the ordinances of baptism of believers by immersion (Jn. 3:23; Acts 8:38); the Lord’s supper and feet washing (1 Cor. 11:23-26; Jn. 13:14-15), and the holy kiss (Rom. 16:16). “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” Matt. 28:19-20.

11. She believes in divine, physical healing of the body (Matt. 8:16-17). “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14.

12. She continues in the doctrine of the apostles and prophets, holding the holy scriptures, the Bible, as the infallible, inspired, and complete divine revelation (Acts 2:42; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; Jude 3). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim. 3:16.

13. She believes in the Tri Unity of God, three Persons in one God (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6). “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” 1 Jn. 5:7.

14. She teaches that mankind is depraved by nature since the fall of Adam and that the atonement of Christ and call to salvation applies to all of mankind, “whosoever will” (Rom. 5:15-19; Rev. 22:17). “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Rom. 5:12.

15. Her converts “go on to perfection” after their initial conversion to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, purifying their hearts from the depraved nature received from Adam (Heb. 6:1; 4:3; Acts 15:8-9: Eph 1:13; 2 Pet. 1:4). The evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost is holy living and is not unintelligible utterances erroneously called by some, “speaking in tongues” (1 Cor. 3:16-17; Eph. 5:9; 2 Tim. 2:22). “…John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.” Acts 11:16.

16. All of her converts are truly new creatures in Christ, having been born again – Jn. 3:3. (Drawn by the Father through the Spirit – Jn. 6:44, 12:32made to have godly sorrow through the gospel – 2 Cor. 7: 8-10; Acts 2:37; led to repentance and faith – Rom. 2:4; 10:17; having confessed their sins to the Lord – 1 Jn. 1:9; having forsaken all sin – Rom. 6:1, 2, 18; having called upon the name of the Lord for salvation – Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:13; their spirit having received a witness by His Spirit that they are the children of God– Rom. 8:16; and having begun and continued making restitution of all past sins – Luke 19:8; Acts 19:19; to walk in the light of God’s Word and Spirit – 2 Pet. 1:19; Gal. 5:16). “ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor.5:17.

17. She is separate from the spirit of the world inwardly, and from its every outward manifestation, including but not limited to its entertainments, dress, patriotism, pursuits, and all of its sins. Therefore, she uses the clothing ordained of God, plain and modest outward apparel coming from a meek and quiet spirit (1 Cor. 2:12; 1 Jn. 5:19; 1 Pet. 3:3-4). “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Rom. 12:2.

18. She is non-violent (inflicting injury upon none; not participating in any way in carnal military action) (Lk. 3:14; Jn. 18:36; 2 Cor. 10:4). “…Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you…unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other…” Lk. 6:27-29.

19. Her worship services are led of the Holy Ghost in every aspect including singing (without the encumbrance of mechanical musical instruments) – Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; including who shall pray, testify, exhort, or preach; including which songs are called, and the sequence in which all things are done (1 Cor. 12:4-7; 14:15, 40). “…every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part…” Eph. 4:16.

20. She has been called in these last days to make the judgments of God manifest to all nations, calling all souls out of false religion and the world (Babylon) into the one, true fold (Matt. 13:38-41, Mk. 16:15; Rev. 18:1-4). “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.” Rev. 15:1.

21. She teaches there will be everlasting punishment and everlasting reward according to the deeds done in the body (Matt. 25:46; 2 Cor. 5:10). “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22:12.
22. She executes corporate judicial action within the church (1 Cor. 5:4-5; 2 Thess. 3:14-15). “…do not ye judge them that are within?…Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” 1 Cor. 5:12-13.

23. She lives sacrificially for the sake of Christ and the gospel (Matt. 19:29; Lk. 14:33; Rom. 12:1). “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me…” Mk. 8:34-35.

24. She believes in the sanctity of marriage, one man and wife for life (Matt. 19:5-6; Lk. 16:18; Rom. 7:2-3). “Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” Mk. 10:11-12.

25. Her people are the true Jews, Jews inwardly. The physical nation of natural Jews will never again, as a whole, be the people of God (Gal. 4:25-31; 1 Thess. 2:14-16). “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly…but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter…” Rom. 2:28-29.

26. She looks for Christ to return in the clouds at His second and final coming on the Judgment Day, wherein there will be the resurrection of the just and unjust. (There will be no “millennial reign” on earth, for the saints are in the kingdom now, and no secret rapture from the earth before that day.) Heaven and earth will then pass away (Heb. 9:27-28; Jn. 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:15-17; 2 Pet. 3:7, 10-11). “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him…” Rev. 1:7.

27. She teaches that it is possible for a saint to fall from grace, losing his salvation (Acts 1:25; 1 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 5:4). “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Rom. 11:22.

28. She is the church of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 10:32; 15:9; 1 Tim. 3:5). “…unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia.” 2 Cor. 1:1.

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Sunday, June 14, 2009

West Milton, Ohio, USA

Bro. Ricky Hernandez exhorted the saints to be prayerful in all that we do. Whether in conversation or elsewhere, keep a spirit of prayer with you.

The Sea of Glass
Bro. Benjamin Tovstiga

Text: Revelation 15:1-4

The sea of glass (glass meaning mirrored glass as in a looking glass), mingled with fire is powerful. It is used by God to bring people face to face with themselves. Some spend hours in front of a literal mirror. This is generally a waste of time, but come and stand on the sea of glass. Take a good look – how is it with you? Many people come and take one look and run, as they cannot deal with how they appear. Do not get upset with what you see – it is only a mirror, after all. Save your energy for the washing. Do not rail at something innocent. Get a burning bush experience so you will not be consumed.

The camp meeting is now ended – what a meeting it was! Blessings poured down from heaven, souls were saved, sanctified, unified, and strengthened. There was a tremendous influx of people there for the first time and as a whole, were encouraged by what they saw. May the Lord continue to bless each and every one to bloom where they are planted and be light in this dark world.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

West Milton, Ohio, USA

In the prayer meeting this morning, Bro. Ken Harger iterated how vital it is that we spread ourselves out to receive was much as possible from God. If we are parched, the wider we stretch our arms, the more rain (blessings) we will get.

Shiloh
Bro. Stephen Hargrave

Text: Zechariah 8:20-23

Shiloh=peace. Jesus=peace. Peace comes with a sword – some things have to be divided before there can be peace. The Body of Christ is peace. It is not normal for Christians to be separated. It is abnormal to have a church only for black/white/Hispanic/German people. That is manufactured unity. A lot of people try to manufacture arks. Some have only zebras or gorillas. In the middle of the arks are many creeping creatures. Many a zookeeper is deployed to keep the peace. Regardless of your race or culture, if you are a Christian you are in! All of us Christians look alike the whole world over. It is not about the clothes you wear, but your spiritual personality – we all share the same Spirit. You cannot be a Christian and withhold your hand of fellowship to any of the saints. These kinds of actions only happen outside of Shiloh. But, the Lord can heal withered hands so that they once again reach out to every blood washed one as He first intended. Is this Amish/Mennonite/Catholic/Baptist? No! It is the Ark – all Christians are one congregation, separated simply by locality. If you are separated from another brother in the Lord, that is not between him and God. That is between you and him and God. The religious world is declining so quickly around us that true Christians are running out of options – it is time to come home and unite as God has ordained in His Word.

Following the morning service, a baptismal service was held nearby. Many were baptized by immersion – it was a blessing to see the outward symbol of what had already taken place inside the heart of each participant.

The saints were greatly inspired and encouraged in the evening service through the numerous songs that were sung.

The Spirit of Prophecy
Bro. Randy Hargrave

Text: Revelation 19:10

In order to operate a piece of heavy machinery, you must have someone teach you that has experience. It is not enough to read the owner’s manual or get some classroom training. The only way to learn is hands-on. People are puffed up in their own minds and think they know so much. But even most so-called Church of God people have never touched the real thing. They only have head knowledge. But God has put together a people that actually know how the machine works. It may not be how you imagined it to be, but it works! The spirit of prophecy speaks expressly. You are accountable for what you see and what it tells you. There is not much time left – are you going to heed its speaking? People by the multitudes are feeling the pressure – it is the spirit of prophecy. Do not refuse Him that is trying persuade you to yield. It may seem hard, but will Heaven not be worth it?

Friday, June 12, 2009

West Milton, Ohio, USA

Bro. Patrick O’Shea Jr. exhorted the saints in the 7:30 AM prayer meeting to pray effectively. Do not just pray generally, but identify the need and pray accordingly.

The ordinances of foot washing and the Lord’s supper were observed in the morning service. It was a blessed time of fellowship as the brothers and sisters separately washed each others’ feet as hymns were sung and the saints rejoiced in the bond of perfectness which binds us all together in Christ. Afterward all the saints reunited in the main tabernacle and an open communion was observed in accordance with the example Jesus left us in the New Testament. Unleavened bread was used to represent the body of Christ, wheat mixed with water and baked. Pure grape juice was used to represent the blood of Christ that He shed on the cross of Calvary for our sins. Individual communion cups or bread portions are not used by the Church of God as that is a modern, sterile dilution of the ordinance that is meant specifically to be used as a type of the exclusive unity of the Church and the resistance to personal, spiritual independence. As each saved person participated in the communion, an air of solemnity prevailed over the audience as we meditated on the gravity of the sacrifice of Christ’s death. The service was all together inspiring, unifying, and sobering.

Bro. Byron Benion opened the service tonight with a rousing testimony of his salvation from sin and spoke of his lifelong quest to be a winner through football, coaching, etc. Through all of these avenues his quest continued, but he testified that since he got saved last September he had finally attained his goal – he was a winner with the best coach in the universe – God! A number of saints testified tonight and the special singers from Aylmer, California, and Ohio sang.

The Witness
Bro. John Redekop

Text: Romans 8:16

A witness is the assurance of approval. God gives each of His children a witness of their salvation. In the Old Testament God gave His people a stone. Do you have a stone? A stone will make doubts disappear. When the devil comes to you with accusations and questions – show him the stone. There is a prevalent false teaching to “take it by faith”. Yes, faith is necessary, but God is faithful to bear witness with His Spirit in your heart. He also bears witness to His people as a body. That is why we do not hesitate to invite anyone to the meeting – come and see the witness. Try the Spirit – does it bear witness with your soul? Many have tried to manufacture a witness through various means, but this will not last. If you do not allow yourself to be talked into it, no one can talk you out of it. Elijah’s sacrifice was answered by fire – when the fire falls, you have the witness. If you are unsure tonight, get the witness – it is available for all.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

West Milton, Ohio, USA

An ordination service was held this morning. Bro. John Redekop of Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada and Bro. Johnny Friesen of Paris, Texas, USA were ordained to the Ministry of the Church of God. May the Lord richly bless them as they labor in the Lord’s vineyard.

Let Us Go On
Bro. Ray Tinsman

Text: Hebrews 6:1

After you have been saved, the Lord has more for you. Last words are generally very important. Jesus specifically instructed

His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they should received the Holy Spirit. They were saved – Jesus explicitly mentions that their names are written in heaven – but they needed to go on to perfection. The experience at Pentecost is known by numerous names: Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Sanctification, Entire Sanctification, Perfection, etc. It has always been the desire of God to have man in His own image. God never meant for His creation to be separated from Him by sin. After Adam sinned, the root of sin was inbred into each child born subsequently. This is also know as the Adamic nature, the carnal nature, the old man, the carnal mind. After you are saved, you have victory over sin, but the carnal mind is still present and causes something to rise up within you involuntarily. The carnal mind also causes doubts and confusions. Your biggest enemy is yourself. After you have experienced the second work of grace or been sanctified, this root is entirely removed and the Holy Spirit takes full charge of your being. All temptations come from without, not within. Character flaws, impatience, and other carnal traits are eradicated. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible clearly distinguishes between the two works of grace, salvation and sanctification. If you are saved, that is wonderful! Now, do not tarry there, go on to perfection, the Lord has a tremendous experience for you that will help you to excel spiritually.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

West Milton, Ohio, USA

In the prayer meeting, Bro. Peter Hildebrandt reminded the saints not just to seek but follow the Lord’s instructions to receive your help. Naaman had preconceived ideas how he should be healed. He was not healed until he followed the prophets instructions exactly.

The Second Coming of Christ
Bro. Jacob Braun

Text: Acts 1:9-11

Everyone will see the Lord return, not just those that anticipate His coming. Prepared or not, you will witness His return. Some are refusing His pleadings today, but a day is coming when you have no choice but to face Him. That day will surely find you out. Every teaching that allows for a second chance is a fallacy from the devil. People are pretending another chance exists after the judgment, but it is only a pretension. When Jesus returns, Mohamed will acknowledge Jesus as the only Savior, along with all other false religions. Every single knee will bow to Jesus Christ, every atheist will confess that He is Lord. God will answer His enemies to their face. The judgment will be fair, your verdict based solely on your actions. Now there remains an opportunity to determine your own outcome. We are responsible for all we hear and know. Is there a welcome in your soul for the Lord’s return? Do not be the last backslider before the Lord’s return. We do not know when He is coming – but this we know, prophecy is fulfilling and He promised He was returning.

Awake
Bro. Daniel Layne

Text: Isaiah 51:9

The Church of God is preaching the message of awakening, alarm, and restoration. The world around us is asleep and needs to be awakened. God wants a place where our children can excel and a place for our young people to be radical. When we stop to preach the come-out message, we need to hear it preached to us. We came out of places where mourning was the main occupation. After being in many different prisons, we are now free! We are living in Bible times, we are living the acts of the Apostles. The glory is here, the Lord is working mightily. Get people into the Book and they will experience real salvation – a life-altering experience. It will affect everything, your family life, finances, etc. It used to be that you could to service after service and never feel stirred. Those times are over – the Lord is working and moving freely in each service. We have no program, the Holy Spirit has free reign. Now we can sing Joy Unspeakable with joy unspeakable and full of glory! Quantity will come, the Lord is restoring quality so that He can send quantity.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

West Milton, Ohio, USA

In the early morning prayer meeting, Bro. Rick Wiebe encouraged the saints to continue in prayer. We must persevere until we get through.

Restoration
Bro. Benjamin Tovstiga

Text: Isaiah 1:23-26

God is characterized by comfort. Outside of God there is no comfort. If God is the comfort of all comfort, surely He has the capacity to comfort Himself. Throughout history, God has comforted himself, by restoring His people. Restoration is the removal of counterfeit or substandard materials to be replaced by the genuine product. God is removing the tin in this time, to be replaced by Gold. For the last 100 years, the people have been collecting tin. Preachers turned into amateur tin collectors. Trying to collect something that has no value. Gold was too expensive, so people decided to divert to tin. Tin is everything besides God. God despises tin and everything that comes with it. Churches have turned into scrap metal junkyards. God is now comforting Himself by restoring the condition of the Church back to the beginning. Not a few years or eras, but right back to the beginning. We have come from places where it was more profitable to just sleep rather than to fight sleep. Adam was not yawning when He walked with God. It is good to see people getting up and moving, but when you get up, you are stained with the things you have been sitting on for 40 years. That is where fuller’s soap comes in. This is no delicate wash cycle – this is genuine get-the-dirt-out washing. People have been sincerely begging for revival in the past decade. Then when it arrives, they reject it because it did not come the way they expected it. Come and experience the joy of restoration!

We are thankful for the Lord’s great blessings this far – it has been a spiritually exhilarating time and the week is far from over. Many more have arrived and we are anticipating a great outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord.

Another Gospel
Bro. Stephen Hargrave

Text: Galatians 1:6-9

This scripture has been manipulated to keep people trapped in religions of tradition. That application is false. It is written on the basis of assurance that where you are is true religion. Verify that you are actually where the true Gospel is preached. A farmer’s work is self-evident – is the corn growing, are the rows straight? Check out the straightness of your rows. If there are curves and deviations, you know you need to first find the true Gospel that Paul was speaking of. He knew his personal revelation came from Jesus Christ. Paul preached the true gospel so well that the religious economy of paganism and idolatry went into recession. In the time of Primitive Christianity you did not have to figure out where to go. There was no black, white, liberal, or conservative church. There was only the Gospel. If in the future you hear one of us preach differently than what you know is right, let us be accursed. Do not accept something different than what you liberated you in the first place. The Gospel is to be communicated from the heart of the preacher to the audience. Any other is only talking – not the Gospel. We reach our hand to every blood washed one – that is the Gospel of unity – the Gospel of Paul.

Monday, June 8, 2009

West Milton, Ohio, USA

Bro. Johnny Friesen exhorted the saints on Matthew 7:7 in the prayer meeting this morning. We must be persistent to have our needs met.

Godly Sorrow
Bro. Isaac Thiessen

Text: II Corinthians 7:10

Before we can get very happy, we must get very sad. Now do not be mistaken – salvation is wonderful and glorious. But, there are steps you must follow in order to get a true, crisis experience of salvation. There is no rest in this world until you have experience God’s rest. We are not looking for brief, shallow experiences that last for a day or two. Walk in the steps the Lord is leading you, go through the sorrow He is leading you through. Follow until you feel horrible as a sinner. He will lead you to become absolutely sick of yourself. This is true Godly sorrow. People want a “road to Damascus” experience, but this must be preceded by a genuine sorrow for your committed sins. A deep awakening must have taken place in the heart and a realization of the gravity of sin. Do not stop seeking – seek Him until you find Him. There is a real danger that our children may avoid this and never get a hold of true salvation. Each and every one of us must go through this sorrow and realization of sin to obtain salvation. The Bible way is to sorrow, repent, and be saved with complete, continuous victory over sin for the rest of your life. You never need to fall back into your old life. Godly sorrow will keep you faithful when you remember your old life. Would you like rest? Get tired of your life as it is and God can provide unparalleled rest in this world with wonderful, sustaining victory over sin.

Over 1,000 have people have registered on the grounds here up to this point and we are anticipating more as the week progresses. Many visitors and newcomers have arrived and are enjoying the rich blessings of the Lord as He moves among His children.

Meet Your Help
Bro. Abe Redekop

Text: Isaiah 35:4

If you have not yet yielded in this meeting, it is time that you did. Do not relax in an unsaved condition. We will keep digging around until we find your hidden spot. Sin will lull you to sleep. We are here to wake you up. What is holding you back? Do whatever you have to do to change your condition. Our goal is rest – beg for help from God in this meeting to get true rest. Admit your need, seek your help, and get your rest. You may be able to help yourself for a little bit, but in the long run it will not last. Get a lifting experience that will victoriously lift you above the waves of sin. Heed the warning – danger is in delay.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

West Milton, Ohio, USA

In the prayer meeting this morning, Bro. John Redekop exhorted the saints not just to seek, but to find and obtain in prayer. He challenged us to go beyond the seeking and fulfil the obtaining.

Kicking Against
Bro. Ernest Benion Jr.

Text: Acts 9:1-5

Saul came to a point where he was in pain from kicking. God puts goads in place so that it will be painful for you to continue kicking against His dealings. Through this meeting our purpose is to at least insert something in your heart that will grow and prick you when you resist. How much time do you need to finally yield? How many songs need to be sung? If we yield in a timely manner, we will be saved. God’s voice penetrates the loud music, His spirit will follow you. He can cause things to go wrong for you and your health to fail. This is conviction! You may be covering up on the exterior, but inside your soul is crying. Allow God to water your dry condition.

The song service this evening was richly blessed as the Spirit of the Lord gave liberty. The saints were greatly encouraged through the songs – God Can, Nobody Helps Like Jesus!

Through Faith We Understand
Bro. Randy Hargrave

Text: Hebrews 11:1-6

In order not to believe in God, you have to be out of your logical mind. Faith causes you to think right. It gives you the capacity to think the way God designed you to think. Jesus speaks soul language. When your soul connects with Him, that is true happiness. When God smiles and you smile that is enough to make a man cry. Jesus demonstrates, then he asks you what you think. That is the test of faith. Your answer tells on you. Call it for what it is, do not hesitate and speculate. If you see a miracle, do not say “Hmmm, that was…” Just say it, “That was a miracle!” God sends lightning, thunder, and hail and asks you, “What is this?” Admit it and call it for what it is – something real. If you are not offering something real, seekers will walk away. God has established a strong salvation that will produce a strong faith – it will surpass anything this world has to offer. By faith – that is the key.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

West Milton, Ohio, USA

We are filled with praise and thanksgiving – another International Camp Meeting has begun! The saints have arrived with great anticipation to witness the glory of God in the midst His children and feel His mighty, working power in each and every heart.

In the prayer meeting this morning, Bro. Benjamin Tovstiga exhorted the saints to pray for this meeting in a mighty way. God’s expectations for this meeting far exceed our own expectations. We need to ask big – He is mighty!

In the morning service the special singers from Aylmer and Ohio encouraged the saints with songs, Christ Is Not a Disappointment, In Christ Alone, and God Is Glorious.

Fear Him
Bro. Ray Tinsman

Text: Matthew 10:26-28

God still hates sin! No matter what people say or how they excuse themselves, He still hates sin. God will exact vengeance on you if you do not repent. Your due date to pay for your sin is coming, can you afford to pay? If you are late, the penalty is clear. Do you have things you need to clear up? Now is the time to send a messenger to request terms for peace. It is settled – your payment due date has been set, you do not know when. Either it is cleared up or the Lord promises revenge on those who presumed on His mercy but did not act in a timely manner. Now is the time to stop being a hypocrite, terms for eternal peace are still offered. Children need to know they will be responsible for their actions when they know to do better and do not do it. This message needs to be instilled from a young age – God still hates sin!

The tabernacle is full and overflowing, more saints arrived by the time evening service had begun. The weather this first day has been pleasant, which we are thankful for.

Poor In Spirit
Bro. John Strizu

Text: Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in Spirit – the antithesis of mainstream Christianity today. If you feel like you have something to offer God when you get saved, you are not ready. God does not need your money, reputation, or intelligence. He already has what He needs. It is imperative that you declare personal, spiritual bankruptcy and realize you cannot continue alone. No sin is small. If you have only told one lie, you are no better than the drunkard staggering out of the bar. It is all in the heart. A Pharisaical nature is to downplay your own sins versus others. One committed sin gives you the capacity to stop at nothing. The Prodigal son had spent all his money, yet thought there was a little hope so he got a job. When reality hit him, he realized he was craving the food of vile creatures. The time has come to stop believing in yourself and believe in God. Imagine yourself as the dirtiest sinner around. The rich young ruler lacked one thing – the realization of his spiritual poverty.

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I am not a Protestant because I am a member of the church of God by virtue of salvation (Acts 2:47) and the church of God is not a Protestant “church.” All Protestant “churches” can trace their origin back to the Roman Catholic system. But the church of God was founded and established by Jesus Christ Himself (Matthew 16:18), several hundred years before the Roman Catholic system of religion ever came into existence.

The church of God is a divine institution and has no relationship with Protestantism. Christ built His church, His body, of which He is the Head (Col. 1:18). He places the members in the body (church) as it pleases Him (I Cor. 12:18). His church is made up of lively stones (I Peter 2:5), saved, born-again people. There are no dead stones (sinners) in the church of God. If a saint goes back into sin, he or she is no longer a member of the church of God, for the church of God is without spot and blemish (Eph. 5:27).

The church of God was not built upon Peter, and he definitely was not the first pope. Jesus said He would build His church upon the Rock. The apostle Paul tells us in I Cor. 10:4, “And that Rock was Christ.” The church of God is built upon the Rock, Christ Jesus. He is also the chief corner stone.

In contrast, all Protestant denominations are man-made organizations, who elect their heads, make rules, laws, etc. To become a member of a Protestant denomination, one must subscribe to a creed or discipline. By that act, one severs full fellowship with other Christians who do not belong in their sect. Someone may say, that is not true, for we have fellowship with all Christians. They would learn different if they would try and partake of the Lord’s supper in some sects. It would be denied them, because of not being a member of that sect. In most denominations, if you do not become a member, you will find that you will be denied many privileges that their own members would have.

Born again people are not Protestants, unless they join a Protestant sect. If they join a Protestant sect, that makes them Protestants and a part of the Protestant system. But God did not make them Protestants–man does that. God makes saints out of sinners, but never Protestants.

If members of the church of God are not Protestants (and they surely are not Roman Catholics), what are they? They are called saints (Rom. 1:7, I Cor. 1:2, Eph. 1:1), and in about 60 other places in the New Testament alone, Christians (Acts 11:26), children of God (Matt. 5:9), etc. They have no part in Protestantism, which is Babylon (Rev. 17:5).

Members of the church of God have always been called saints, Christians, children of God, etc., but never Protestants. The name Protestant belongs to Babylon and the true Protestant belongs to Babylon. The true saints of God have no part of Babylon. Many have come out of Babylon (Protestantism, Catholicism, etc.) into the true light and as they come out, leave the Babylonian garments behind, of which the name Protestant is one.

A. J. Martin

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For too long, the religious world has seen a departure from the apostolic message of the church of God. This fact is evidenced by the prevailing condition of spiritual deadness and insensitivity, the drift to worldliness, the decline in deep spirituality, the loss of evangelistic zeal, and the increasing dependence on tradition, man-rule, and intellectual understanding of the doctrine. God no longer tolerates these dark conditions. He is now sending a Holy Ghost awakening. This is a divine move of the Spirit, ordained by God and prophesied of in Revelation and other scriptures. God is restoring His church and calling all of His true children out of every sect and schism back to the one fold.

It is time for every one of God’s children to hear and obey, in fullness, God’s precious Word. He is calling us to be the church of God in the apostolic sense; not in name only, but in reality and power. Let the scriptures settle the matter. God is not coming for a defeated, divided, spiritually ragged, powerless church. He is coming for a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing (Eph. 5:27).

In this time of restoration, we rejoice as the apostolic message of the church is once more being sounded forth clearly, in its purity and power, to gather unto God His glorious, blood-bought bride, the church of God. She is now making herself ready for the Saviour’s soon return.

We are zealous to meet with all lovers of truth and would love to hear from you!

“The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.

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