Tract Number 333

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THE CHURCH OF GOD, WHO WE ARE;

AND WHAT WE BELIEVE

To eliminate any false presumptions, let us first make clear who we are NOT:

We are NOT the first, second, or the third, etc. - - but THE Church of God, which is separate and exclusive. It is not just another “church among churches”. We are NOT denominational, undenominational, nor interdenominational. Therefore, we cannot be linked with Catholics, Protestants, or Jews.

Do not associate us with any earthly headquarters. We have none! Nor are we controlled by any conference. There is no human organization for us to promote. Consequently, we have none for you to join - - not even cards for you to sign.

We cannot take members into this Church! One need not subscribe to our organizational book of discipline or creeds; for we have no creeds, other than the Bible.

We urge men not to believe what we believe simply because we teach it--but rather because the WORD OF GOD teaches it!

WHO ARE WE?

We are the “church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the “TRUTH” (1st Timothy 3:15). We belong to “the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28). Having answered our “Holy Calling” (2nd Timothy 1:9), we are now living in full obedience to God’s Word and Spirit. We are enabled to live such a life, not by our own merits, but by the grace of God. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), is our example. As His disciples, we ‘‘follow his steps: Who did NO sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” (1st Peter 2:21-22). His life is the standard of our own. What he taught, we practice - nothing more and nothing less. We are “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is THE power of God unto SALVATION.” (Romans 1:16) This is, in fact, the best message in the whole world! In spite of the claims and challenges that others might make, we KNOW this is true. The Word of God and our living experiences with Him assures us that the glorious TRUTH we proclaim contains the only answer to the spiritual needs of any soul.

We represent just a small remnant of the one, true church, which is -- and always has been -- composed of souls who have responded to the Divine invitation to follow Jesus. It was for these individuals who have died out to sin and to selfishness (for US, His Holy Church) for whom Christ prayed: ‘‘I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” (John 17:9, 14-18)

The singleness and resplendent beauty of GOD’S church has been obsured by the various denominational organizations that call themselves “churches”; but which are actually nothing of the sort! The very term (church) is derived from the Greek expression “ekklesia”, meaning “the called out ones” or “the congregation of saints.” The Church of God is this spiritual organism. Each and every soul that has been “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God” (1st Peter 1:23), takes his place in the HOLY CHURCH OF GOD the body of Christ.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe the TRUTH of God’s Holy Word. (“Thy word is truth.” John 17:17) We stand solely on BIBLE teachings, and “obey God rather than men. “(Acts 5:29)

Therefore, we do NOT believe that “church-joining” or water baptism can ever save a man’s soul. In Acts 16:30 the jailer is found asking, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” If a man TRULY believes in Christ, he has kept His Word, which includes forsaking the ways of sin and being born of God. “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” (1st John 5:1) ‘‘Whosoever is born of God doth NOT commit sin.” (1st John 3:9) “YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN.” (John 3:7) Unless you have met the conditions of the new birth and received an experience of salvation, your profession of Christianity is vain and blasphemous.

It is only through man’s repenting of his sins and being delivered from them by the blood of Jesus that he can become a member of the Church of God. No man has the power to admit souls nor to excommunicate them. “And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47)

We do NOT believe that man must sin more or less every day. Neither do we believe in “eternal security’’ which claims that once a man is saved, he is saved for all eternity. “Whosoever is born of God overcometh the world.’’ (1st John 5:4) As Children of God, through spiritual rebirth, we have access to God’s grace in every temptation and trial according to His promise: ‘‘My grace is sufficient for thee.” (2nd Corinthians 12:9) If we accept His grace, “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) But only “IF ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” (John 8:32) Failure to live in full and continued obedience to God’s will condemns ANY soul to hell! “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10) “He that committeth sin is of the devil.” (1st John 3:8) “The wages of sin is DEATH.” (Romans 6:23)

We do NOT believe that perfection is to be attained in eternity. God demands SPIRITUAL perfection NOW! “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” (Titus 2:11-12) “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) The very claim that one is a sinning Christian is rank hypocrisy.

We do NOT believe that spiritual unity will ever be achieved through ecumenical mergers and amalgamations. There is a vast difference between union and unity! Bible unity can, and DOES, result only in God’s Church. All born-again souls are united by the sameness of Spirit; for “We have the mind of Christ.” (1st Corinthians 2:16) The children of God are “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1st Corinthians 1:10) We can never put our approval upon, nor compromise with, those who refuse to accept the ENTIRE TRUTH of God’s Word. “For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (2nd Corinthians 6:14,17) God’s Church is a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” (1st Peter 2:9) The Church of God is as exclusive as God is.

We do NOT believe that we have to wait for the kingdom of God to be established. The various millenium teachings are of the devil. The symbols in the Book of Revelation are not to be literalized. The Bible is a spiritual book about spiritual things. As children of God, we are even now reigning as kings and priests. (Revelation 1:6) By the saving grace of Christ Jesus, our SAVIOUR, God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” (Colossians 1:13)

Since space will not permit us to launch into further BIBLE teachings may we challenge you to ‘‘search the scriptures.’’ (John :39) Lay aside religious traditions and sentiment. Stand out in the open with your heart and mind reaching heavenward: for to have the TRUTH is, indeed, a heavenly experience.

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)

We, the CHURCH OF GOD, invite you to “Come and see” (John 1:46) We have no intention of forcing our religion on you. Our fervent desire is simply to share with you “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:8)

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PART II

TRUTH

‘‘Seek and ye shall find.’’ (Matthew 7:7)

Do YOU really want to know THE TRUTH, the WHOLE TRUTH, and NOTHING but THE TRUTH?

If you do, -- then we again urge you to lay aside religious TRADITIONS, PREJUDICES AND SENTIMENT.

Stand out in the open with your heart and mind reaching heavenward: for to have the THUTH is, indeed, a HEAVENLY EXPERIENCE.

We are making available to you, the individual or to groups, specially prepared material to help you study the Bible -- and to get the most out of it.

Our aim is to cause YOU to ask vital questions (that deserve accurate answers) concerning YOUR so-called ‘‘Faith.’’ Will you turn your mind “BACK TO THE BLESSED OLD BIBLE?” Will YOU accept the teachings of THE BIBLE as TRUTH? “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is PROFITABLE for DOCTRINE, for REPROOF, for CORRECTION, for INSTRUCTION in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto ALL GOOD WORKS.” ( 2nd Timothy 3:16-17)

Will “YOUR CHURCH” stand the Bible test?

Did not Jesus establish but ONE CHURCH? (‘‘...I will build MY CHURCH and the gates of hell shall not prevail against IT.” (Matthew 16:18)

Will YOU accept HIS Word? If YOU want to know THE TRUTH, you will “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of TRUTH.” (2nd Timothy 2:15)

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS

Are not most people ignorant (willingly or otherwise) of the TRUE signifigance of the Bible? Have not the majority of ‘‘RELIGIOUS’’ men failed to recognize that for every TRUE there is a ‘‘FALSE’’?

The Word speaks of:

1. A true God (Jeremiah 10:10)

2. A true law (Nehemiah 9:13)

3. True riches (Luke l6:ll)

4. The true light (John 1:9)

5. True worshippers (John 4:23)

6. The true bread (John 6:32)

7. The true vine (John 15:1)

8. A true heart (Hebrews 10:22

9. True holiness (Ephesians 4:24

10. A true teacher of Truth (Matthew 22:16)

When the “Spirit of TRUTH is come, he will guide you into ALL TRUTH.” (John 16:13)

Specific reference is also made that we may particularly guard against:

1. False Christs (Matthew 24:24)

2. False prophets (Matthew 7:15)

3. False witnesses (Proverbs 6:19)

4. False apostles (2nd Corinthians 11:13)

5. False teachers (2nd Peter 2:1)

WHO ARE THESE? “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works,’’ (2nd Corinthians 11:14.-15)

ONLY teachings founded on TRUTH are worthy of our belief! The psalmist wrote: ‘‘Thy word is TRUE from the beginning.’’ (Psalms 119:160) Jesus also pointed to the Word of God as being the ONLY SURE foundation: “Thy word is TRUTH.’’ (John 17:17)

Do you really know what you believe about your eternal welfare, and WHY? YOU CAN KNOW -- and MUST! “Give attendance to reading, to exhortation to doctrine.’’ (1st Timothy 4:13)

Is “YOUR CHURCH” the ONE Jesus is coming to receive?

THE TEST OF HISTORY

Are you a METHODIST, CATHOLIC, BAPTIST, LUTHERAN, NAZARENE, etc. ? WHY?? Did Jesus establish these social and religious organizations?

Are you afraid to examine “YOUR CHURCH” in the light of TRUE HISTORY?

“THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH” (1st Timothy 3:15) was set in motion by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT on the day of PENTECOST. It is NOT a man-made organization -- and never was! It is a SPIRITUAL ORGANISM: the body of Christ!

When did “YOUR CHURCHP begin? How? By WHOM?

Was not Roman Catholicism officially organized about 530 A. D.? Is it not true that ALL of Protestantism can be traced to 1530 A. D. and thereafter?

UNITY

Will mergers ever produce spiritual unity? Is the ecumenical movement a failure? If so, WHY? Is there not a vast difference in “UNITY” and “UNION”? Only an organism, such as the body, can have UNITY. Organizations can only produce unions.

Did Christ not teach spiritual unity? “That they ALL may be ONE: as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, THAT THEY ALSO MAY BE ONE IN US: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:21)

Is not DENOMINATIONALISM contrary to that very teaching?

THE WAY TO HEAVEN

Will “YOUR CHURCH” lead you to heaven?

Why, then, did Jesus teach that there is ONLY ONE way? “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by THE DOOR into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber,’’ (John 10:1)

Is the reward of HEAVEN promised to “CHURCH MEMBERS?” Or to Christians? Is there any difference?

Is ‘‘CHURCHANITY’’ the same as CHRISTIANITY?

What does it mean to be a FOLLOWER OF CHRIST? ‘‘For even hereunto were YE called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an EXAMPLE, that YE should FOLLOW HIS STEPS: Who did NO SIN, neither was GUILE found in his mouth,’’ (1st Peter 2:21-22)

DO CHRISTIANS SIN?

Do YOU commit sin? Do YOU yet claim to be a FOLLOWER OF JESUS? “HE THAT COMMITTETH SIN IS OF THE DEVIL.” (1st John 3:8)

Can we be SAVED FROM our sins? Or did Christ die in vain? The Bible says: ‘‘He shall save his people FROM their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

What can we safely call sin? Can we still be sentenced to a devil’s hell if we lie, or steal, or live in adultery? ‘‘ALL. unrighteousness is SIN.” (1st John 5:17)

And are we not instructed to be PERFECT, EVEN AS YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN IS PERFECT?” (Matthew 5:48) ‘‘For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying UNGODLINESS and WORLDLY LUSTS, we should live SOBERLY, RIGHTEOUSLY, and GODLY, IN THIS PRESENT WORLD,” (Titus 2:11, 12)

“Be YE HOLY in all manner of conversation (conduct) because it is written, BE YE HOLY; FOR I AM HOLY. (1st Peter 1:15-16)

How do you get on that highway of holiness which alone terminates in heaven? “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of HOLINESS; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” (Isaiah 35:8) “WITHOUT HOLINESS NO man shall see God,” (Hebrews 12:14)

Have YOU been “BORN AGAIN?” “Except a man be BORN AGAIN, he can not see the kingdom of God.’’ (John 3:3)

What does it mean to be “BORN AGAIN,” or to be “SAVED?” “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin. (1st John 3:9)

“CHURCH MEMBERS,” if you are seeking God’s way rather than simply a futile attempt to appease God through man-made creeds and traditions, the WORD OF GOD will tell you how to find God’s Church. (....THE CHURCH OF GOD, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28) Only born-again Christians are the members. “And the Lord added to THE CHURCH daily such as should be saved.’’ (Acts 2:47)

TO PREACHERS

How long has it been since YOU truly preached a message of “GOOD NEWS”? (I mean Complete deliverance from sin! Or did you ever? “The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto SALVATION.” (Romans 1:16)

John the Baptizer told the people to “REPENT.” (Matthew 3:2) Jesus himself likewise commanded, ‘‘Go, and sin NO MORE.” (John 8:1) What are YOU telling people?

How much “Jesus Christ as a personal Saviour” are you preaching? Is YOUR “form of godliness . . . denying the power thereof?” (2nd Timothy 3:5)

Is YOUR CHURCH growing spiritually? Or is it just a numerical increase? How many dead members (Physically and spiritually) do YOU have? Are there not names of those already deceased still to be found in ‘‘YOUR CHURCH” book? Are ALL of your members FREE FROM ALL SIN? “The wages of sin is death.”

Would you rather be popular with the people than with Jesus? Would you rather be the pastor of YOUR CHURCH than to be saved from sin, and a member of GOD’S CHURCH? Would you rather be a Baptist, Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, etc., than to be a CHILD OF GOD?

Is “YOUR CHURCH” the ONE JESUS IS COMING TO RECEIVE?

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

(John 5:39)

With a sincere prayer that YOU may “know THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall make YOU FREE.” (John 8:32), we plead with YOU to search God’s Word and to do His will.

As we mentioned before, we shall be printing detailed, factual, and Biblical answers to these questions by the help of God. To assure your reception of any particular subject matter, we invite you to contact us. We shall also gladly receive for consideration, further questions which might inspire souls to seriously reflect upon TRUTH.

Once more we ask: “What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world” (even the whole man-made religious world!) ‘‘and lose his own soul?’’ (Mark 8:3 6)

“I am come a light into the world that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. He that REJECTETH me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: and the WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, the same will judge him in the last day.” (John 12:46, 48)

God’s Call To

ARMS

(Ephesians 6: 11-13)

I’ve enlisted in the Army,

Under God’s command;

Against the powers of Satan’s hosts,

Which are stalking through the land.

I heard the call to enter

The ranks for truth and right,

He led me on to answer,

The call to this Holy fight.

No, its not a carnal fight,

As some would have us see;

God clothes us in His armor,

When from all sin, He sets us free.

The call to this great army,

Is whosoever will;

Repent, believe, surrender all,

And come, His ranks to fill.

Will you enlist in this great cause,

And face the foe before us?

You have naught to lose, but all to gain,

The banner of truth flies o’er us.

Our conquering King, is Jesus

He still rides in triumph bold;

Of His victorious leadership,

Too many, have never been told.

Jesus waits to hear you say,

I come my God to thee;

Forgive me, cleanse me from all sin,

And set my spirit free.

I recommend God’s grace to you,

And if you will do your part;

He will forgive, and cleanse your soul,

And reign within your heart.

This old world will soon be gone.

God’s day of grace be past;

Dear sinner, make your peace with God,

Ere you in hell be cast.

This Holy war will soon be fought,

Our enemies, all be slain;

Then we shall lay our armor down,

And with Christ in Heaven reign.

I’m so glad, I’m in this army,

And I am battling for the right;

I will follow Christ my leader,

For He is the way, the truth, the light.

Why not you? Come on in; enlistment time is closing out.

Written by S. E. B.