User talk:Frankthiessen

Chilliwack Church of God

Canada

Aylmer Church of God

Germany

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The Church of God ========

The Church of God

This essay was written by G. Mielke and presented at the Church of God Youth Conference in Kelowna B.C. in August 2002

1. Introduction: If we want to find out more about the Lutheran Church, we need to look into the writings of Martin Luther. Likewise if we wish to know about the Mennonite faith, it is imperative to go back to the teachings of Menno Siemens. However, if we want to see what the Church of God is, we need to go to the Bible and not to the teachings of any man. It is the Bible that uses this expression, and it is in the Bible context that we wish to understand it. In this sense we cannot look at the Church of God as a denomination. And where it has become a denomination it has lost its Biblical meaning. It is then no longer exclusively God’s church.

2. Membership. In Gal. 1:13, Paul says I persecuted the Church of God and wasted it. This is our first clue. From Acts 9:1 we know that Paul persecuted “the disciples of the Lord.” The disciples of the Lord were referred to as the Church of God. It is not the Church of any man and should not bear the title of any man. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” There has been much controversy in history as to the meaning of the rock that Jesus will build his church on, and also about the meaning of the keys of the kingdom of heaven. The interpretation is clear and anyone wishing to study this might be interested in reading an essay, I wrote on the topic. But the true interpretation is not of consequence here. What is of consequence is that Jesus says “I will build my church”. So it is not the church of man, it is his church and we do not decide who is a member or not a member because he said that he would build it.

In Acts 2: 47 we read that “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” It was not Peter or the Apostles that had a membership drive. It was the Lord that added to the church. As soon as we decide who is a member of the church and who is not, we no longer stand on Biblical ground. The church of God is not the physical building. It is a spiritual fellowship. Peter says: Ye also as living stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1. Peter 2, 5)

The church of God is sometimes called the family of God. If I am born into a family then I am a member of that family. Likewise how does one become a member of God’s family? The answer is in John 3:3. Except a man be born again he can not see the kingdom of God. Check out John 1: 12-13. But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

3. The Body of Christ In Colossians 1: 24 and Colossians 1:18 the Church is called the Body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:4 the Bible says there is one body.

In Ephesians 1: 22-23 we read of Jesus as “the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”

In Acts 20:28 we read of “the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

So, according to the Bible, the church of God is the body of Christ. There is one body. Christ has purchased the church of God with his own blood.

You cannot be saved, born again, be a true Christian and not be a member of the body of Christ. Therefore every true Christian is a member of the Church of God, since the church is his body. I had a friend who worked in the Oil fields of Alberta. He was appalled at the lifestyle of some of his fellow workers. By reading the Bible on his own and confessing his sins to God in prayer, he became a Christian. He was not formally affiliated with any church. To which Church did he belong? The Baptist church? He had not joined it. The Lutheran church? He was not baptized into it as a baby. The Church of God? Yes! It includes all true believers. If we call ourselves the church of God we must extend our hand of fellowship to all blood-washed believers in Christ.

A fellow teacher at work told me his dilemma one day. He had met a wonderful Christian girl and they were going to get married, but they did not know if they should join her church or his church. They wanted to belong to a church, but which one? Were they were both born again? Yes, they were both sincere Christians who loved the Lord. Well, then I explained to him that in that case they already belonged to the same church. He thought that was really neat.

Just as all true believers belong to the Church of God, nobody who has not received salvation is a member. In Exodus 32:33 we read: And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. To the disciples Jesus said: “rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”(Luke 10:20) In Revelation 20, 15 we read these dreadful words: Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. It is not man who decides who is a member of the body of Christ, the Church of God, but Jesus himself, who said: I will build my church.

In many churches an article of faith is recited. The Lutheran catechism summarizes the Lutheran faith. The Mennonite catechism summarizes the Mennonite faith. This catechism holds some wonderful truths including: What is the Assembly of Believers called? The Church of God. (1 Cor. 1:2) However, we cannot set up an article of faith or catechism as the basis of our creed. We must take the Bible as the foundation of our teaching. We cannot set up a set of teachings and try to find scriptures to support them. On the contrary we must take the Bible and let the teachings flow from it.

The Saturday Evening Post ran an article on the Church of God called: The Church with a Mind of its Own. (1) The following are some quotes found in the article: “The movement was founded in 1881 by a black-bearded, passion-filled evangelist named Daniel S. Warner. Preaching with an overpowering sense of mission, Warner called for Christians to denounce bitter sectarian rivalries and dogmatic creedalism.” “The ... believers... were an independent lot who refused to call their movement a denomination and to this day do not practice church joining or formal membership procedures. ... ” “The fact that the Church of God does not rely on a formal doctrinal statement allows thinking, creative people to function in a loving, nonsrestrictive, nonlegalistic manner. The emphasis is on unity, on embracing all believers. Your can’t put a box around God or wall God’s people off from one another. ”

Does that mean everyone just believes whatever he or she wishes? No. That means it is everyone’s obligation to search the scriptures to see if the things preached are so. We are one in Christ, and Unity without Christ is not Christian unity, nor does it represent his body. It is unity through the relationship in Christ. The Spirit of God makes us one, and if we are not led by his Spirit then we cannot be one in Christ Jesus. If we are led by the Spirit we feel the bond of unity and are drawn to each other by his love.

4. Local churches: Paul wrote “unto the church of God which is at Corinth” (1 Cor. 1:2) and “unto the church of the Thessalonians in God” (2 Thess 1:1) He said that he persecuted the church of God. (Gal 1:13) Thus the church of God was visible and the believers referred to themselves as such. In his book, “What the Bible teaches”, F.G. Smith writes “That a congregation of the church of God is one in which the Spirit of God has the ascendancy... that whenever the Holy Spirit is no longer allowed the leadership, and good and bad mingle together undistinguished, such a congregation is rejected by Christ and therefore ceases to be a congregation of God, regardless of its name and profession.

As mentioned before the churches following the teachings of D.S. Warner consider themselves a movement and not a denomination. We extend our hand of fellowship to every blood-washed saint. When the writings of Warner and the opinions of that day become of greater importance than the leading of the Holy Spirit and scripture interpreted in the light of our day, it is at that point we no longer have a right to call ourselves a movement rather than a denomination. That does not mean that the fundamental truths that Warner recognized have changed. God will not change his Word, just because it may be unpopular. But we must not try to become Warnerians, but remain Bible based.

5. Some timeless truths we may wish to examine when time permits: We must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. When we are born again we are members of the Church of God. God adds us to his church, we do not join it.

Baptism, by immersion, is for the believer.

Jesus gave us three ordinances that he put into place by example, that he commanded us to hold, and these are visible outward signs of spiritual truths, namely, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and Feet-Washing.

After becoming a child of God, we can experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit. This is the will of God.

Jesus will come again once more. This will be the day of judgment. The righteous will go into eternal life, the others will be eternally condemned. A future rule of Christ from a literal city of Jerusalem for 1000 years is fantasy and not Bible teaching. Christ’s Kingdom is a spiritual kingdom; we can already experience it here and now.

A Christian must watch and pray lest he fall because he who is true to the end will receive the crown of life.

References: 1. Holly G. Miller, “The Church with a Mind of its Own.”, The Saturday Evening Post, November 1985, p. 30.

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=he inspired Word of God=================== The inspired Word of God. The Bible does not merely contain the Word of God, but it is the Word of God (2. Peter 1:21; 1. Thess. 2:13; 2. Tim. 3:16; 2. Sam. 23:2)

The revelation of God to humanity in the divine Trinity:

•as God, the Father (Matth. 6:9; Rom. 8:15; Eph. 3:14-15)

•as God, the Son - true God and true man (Isa. 44:6; John 20:28; Rom. 9:5; 1. John 5:20; Rev. 1:7-8, 17-18)

•as God, the Holy Spirit (Isa. 63:10; Matth. 12:30-32; John 14:26; Acts 5:3)

All mankind has sinned and can be saved through Jesus Christ. One can be delivered from the power and penalty of commited sins, an instantaneous, miraculous change of the moral nature through repentance and faith in the atoning death of Christ. Only through and by him is salvation possible. (Romans 3:9-12; 5:18 19)

Entire sanctification, i.e, Holy Spirit moral cleansing and Holy Spirit baptism subsequent to forgiveness and conversion, "Being sanctified by the Holy Ghost". (Rom. 15:16). (See also John 14:16-17; Acts 2:38; 1. Thess. 5,23-24)

The salvation offered by God enables one to lead a victorious life over sin (Rom. 6:14-18; 1 John3:6)

All truly saved Christians, are members of the Church of God, the body and bride of Christ (John. 1:12; 1. Peter 2:9-10; Eph. 2:19-20; 4:3-6; 1. Cor. 12:12, 18, 27; Acts 20:28)

The Lord gave his Church 3 ordinances - not sacraments - to be practiced:

•water baptism of the believer by immersion signifying death to the world and resurrection to the new life in Christ (Matth. 3:16; Acts 8:38-39)

The Lord's Supper as a memorial for the suffering and death of Christ for our sins (Matth. 26: 26-28; 1. Cor. 11,25-29)

•foot washing, an example of christian humility exemplified and expressly commanded by Jesus Christ (John 13:14-17; 1. Tim. 5:9-10)

Divine physical healing, in answer to the prayer of faith (Isa. 53:4-5; Matth. 8:14-17; James 5:14-15)

The second coming of Christ will bring the end of this world. Then the time of grace will have ended and the final judgement of the dead and the living, both believers and unbelievers, will take place in order that they receive their eternal rewards in heaven or everlasting punishment in hell. (John 5:28-29; Matth. 25:31-46; 1. Thess. 4:16 - 5:2; Luke 16:19-31)

The Resurrection of Christ Edition: Spring 2007 “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5).

In first Corinthians 15:3-5, the Apostle Paul presented the resurrection of Christ as a great and significant event. He did this with both conviction and joy. The resurrection of Jesus was of such great significance that the Apostles knew it must be proclaimed as the foundation of their faith. We read in Acts 4:33 that it was with great power that the apostles “gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” It was on this foundation of the resurrected Christ alone, that the apostles were able to establish the promised and visible Church.

Paul mentions four noteworthy facts about Christ: “For I have delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that (1) Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that (2) He was buried, and that (3) He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that (4) He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. . . .” These verses summarize the essence of Good Friday and Easter. Good Friday, ending with the death and burial of Jesus, seemed to be a victory for the world, and caused sorrow for the disciples. But the resurrection and the disciples’ subsequent encounters with their resurrected Lord changed the mood. Instead of weeping, the disciples rejoiced while their powerless opponents faced an insurmountable predicament. They asked one another: “What should we do?” One of them, Gamaliel, offered this sound advice: “If this plan or this work be of men, it will come to nothing; but if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it” (Acts 5:38-39).

Scripture clearly establishes the resurrection of Jesus as a distinct work of God. Peter emphasized this in his Spirit-filled sermon on the day of Pentecost: “Men of Israel, hear these words,” He said, “Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—Him being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it” (Acts 2:22-24). It is on the basis of this wonderful and perfect act of God that we celebrate Easter, the resurrection day of Jesus Christ.

Easter is the day and the work that God completed. No longer is there pain, grief, sorrow, worry, sadness or anguish, but happiness and rejoicing, life and victory, fulfillment, joy and peace. Jesus prophesied this shortly before the events of Good Friday when He told His disciples, “You will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice.” But looking forward to Easter He continued to say, “your sorrow will be turned into joy” (John 16:20). And that is exactly what happened!

The New Testament Church was given reason to celebrate three key holidays: Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. All three holidays celebrate God’s precious gifts to us and His unsurpassable divine deeds. The gift of His only begotten precious Son Jesus Christ, His powerful resurrection from death, and the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit are reasons for joyful celebration and unceasing thankfulness! Without God’s glorious and gracious deeds, it would be impossible to please Him or to come near Him. Perhaps Paul was mindful of this when He said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

Paul’s assurance, his joy and his praise is based on his faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without this confidence in the knowledge of the resurrection, we have a shattered, nearly impotent Christendom. For, “not all have faith” as Paul says (2 Thessalonians 3:2).

This faith must rest in Christ, the Son of God. As the prophet Isaiah asks, “Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” (Isaiah 53:1), referring to God’s power and His deeds. Any one who seeks a relationship with God, and desires to experience Him and please Him, must believe (Hebrews 11:6). I have already mentioned that faith in the resurrection is of utmost importance. Whoever does not believe that Christ truly rose from the dead will not seek Him nor will they ever experience Him. In these times doubt and unbelief have gripped the masses and this spirit of unbelief dominates the lives of many. In 1 Corinthians 15, we read how Paul attempts to strengthen the faith of the Corinthians in the reality of the resurrection. “I declare to you the gospel. . . by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you.” He continues to remind them “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again. . . and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once.” Better evidence and proof of the facts could not be given. There were hundreds of eyewitnesses. Eyewitnesses are always the best witnesses. This was enough evidence for the Corinthians, and it should be enough evidence for us. For if Christ did not rise from the dead, our preaching would be in vain, and our faith would be in vain; all witnesses would be mistaken and our hope would also be in vain. “But now Christ is risen from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20), and the gospel of Christ rests on that very firm and sure foundation. As Paul assures us, “He was seen by me also”, albeit through the revelation we read of in Acts 9. This testimony is crucial in our lives as well. We who have experienced Christ, as Paul and many others had, will also be able to testify: “I saw him too.” God’s children, those who have experienced Christ, can celebrate Easter triumphantly and with joy. They stand firmly in the faith and knowledge of the resurrection.

From the radio program “Message of Salvation.” Reproduced with permission.

© 2007 Church of God

God is faithful by Gerald Krebs

What is faithfulness? The Bible teaches us that faithfulness is an aspect of God’s unchanging character: “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9). God’s faithfulness means that everything He says and does is certain.

Faithfulness is defined as doing as you say you will do; remaining loyal, to a person, cause, or idea. If you are faithful, you are worthy of trust or belief; you are reliable and trustworthy.

God is 100% reliable, 100% of the time

God’s faithfulness is not dependant on circumstances, or even on our relationship to Him. The Bible tells us that, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). God does not change who He is; He cannot contradict His own nature. Therefore, God can be relied on to do what He has promised. When Joshua, Israel’s leader, reminded them of God’s faithfulness in bringing them into the Promised Land they now possessed, Joshua pointed out that, “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass” (Joshua 21:45).

God’s fulfilled promises demonstrate His faithfulness

Christmas is a time that we celebrate God’s faithfulness to us. From the first book of God’s Word (see Genesis 3:15), God promises a Redeemer. God’s prophets even foretold that Jesus, our Redeemer, would be of the tribe of Judah, king of the line of David, born to a virgin, in the town of Bethlehem of Judea.

The promises of God are the heart of His Word, the Bible. All that God has spoken—each commandment, each announcement, each message—is a promise based on His perfect, good, and trustworthy character. He always does what He says—He never forgets. Therefore we have every reason to trust Him. Consider some of His personal promises to us: • of Righteousness: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9); • of His Protection: “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3) • of His Strength: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13); • of His Divine Guidance: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalm 32:8); and • of an Inheritance: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Promises with Negative Consequences

God is faithful to fulfill His “good” promises. Yet, He is also faithful to carry out solemn consequences. Joshua reminds God’s people, that,

“As all the good things have come upon you which the Lord your God promised you, so the Lord will bring upon you all harmful things, until He has destroyed you from this good land which the Lord your God has given you. When you have transgressed the covenant of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed down to them, then the anger of the Lord will burn against you, and you shall perish quickly from the good land which He has given you” Joshua 23:15-16

Clearly, many of God’s promises are conditional upon our continued obedience or disobedience to Him.

Our response to God’s faithfulness

Faithfulness is a positive testimony in difficult times. Hold on to the promises of God. Despite trials, disappointments and suffering, God is faithful to His Word.

In the coming New Year, let us place our trust in God and rest in His faithfulness, holding “fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).

Edition: Winter 2007 Throughout the biblical account of the birth of Jesus there were God-fearing people who said “Yes” to the will of God.

Take Mary for example. The angel announced God’s will to her, namely, that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that she would conceive and give birth to a Son whom she was to name Jesus. Being a virgin, Mary didn’t understand how this event would come to pass. And there were many risks associated with God’s plan, for example, how would Joseph and others respond? What if he rejected her, would she be destined to a life of poverty or possibly be stoned to death? Despite everything, Mary said “Yes” to God’s plan! Doesn’t her example challenge us?

We can thank our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who said “Yes” to God’s plan of salvation for the whole world. He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. . . He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (see Philippians 2:7-8).

During this Christmas season, and as we look forward to the New Year, let’s be resolved to say “Yes” to God’s will, His way and His timing even when we don’t understand, even in face of uncertainty, or other obstacles.

We wish you a joyous Christmas and a blessed New Year! Pastor Gerry Krebs

The Evidence of Growth Edition: Fall 2007 by Gerald Krebs

Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 1Timothy 4:15

In his letter to the younger Timothy, Paul instructs his fellow labourer to be an example to believers, give attention to reading, exhortation and doctrine and to use the gift that was in him so that his progress or growth would be evident to all.

As parents watch for growth in their children, so our Heavenly Father also expects His children to show evidence of growth.

Life is a prerequisite for growth. We don’t expect growth from something that is not alive. No gardener has ever fertilized a fence post. We fertilize and nurture living plants so that they grow and bring fruit. Christian growth must also begin with a healthy spiritual birth—with a new life. Without this foundation, growth is not possible.

Being Rooted in God’s Word Being rooted in God’s Word enables us to become steadfast, effective Christians. In Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13), He talks about people who initially receive the Word of the Kingdom with joy and yet endure only for a while. When tribulations or persecution arise they immediately stumble because they have no roots. What is it that they are missing? To grow, our roots of faith must be anchored in God’s Word.

Are you reading God’s Word with a prayerful, teachable heart? Are you open to rebuke and correction? Could it be that you are reading the Bible with the attitude of “I’ve read this passage so many times” and thereby preventing the Holy Spirit to make Scripture fresh, new, and meaningful to you? Are you growing in your knowledge of doctrine? Paul reminds the Ephesians to not be tossed to and fro as children by every wind of doctrine. Without doctrine we lose our way and become sitting ducks for erroneous teachings. Ask God for a yearning for His Word, so that you may grow deep roots and be fruitful in your spiritual life.

Growing in our Prayer Life Children begin life being needy. An infant cries when it is hungry or needing a diaper change. A parent reacts to the child’s crying. However, as our children grow, we teach them to ask, to remember to say “thank you” and also to consider the needs of others.

“Give me” is the most common prayer of all. To ask God for what we need and desire is not a bad thing. Indeed, Jesus encourages us to ask (See Matthew 7:7). A growing Christian will also learn to pray with praise, thanksgiving, intercession and surrender.

The Prayer of Thanksgiving. Sometimes it seems that we become so consumed with our needs and wants that we forget to say “thank you” for all of the material and spiritual blessings we have received. And we should continually be thankful! Are we thanking God not only for what we have received from His hand but also praising Him for who He is and adoring His Name? Are we growing in our praise to God as we contemplate His faithfulness, His truth, His goodness, His righteousness, and the wonder of His redeeming love?

The Prayer of Intercession: Our Prayers On Behalf Of Others. We can learn from Jesus and His prayer of intercession in John 17, where our Lord and Savior, just prior to His death on the cross, prays for His disciples and for all who will believe in Him. We can also grow in our prayer life by interceding for others. For example, we should pray for the sick, the lost, the persecuted church, and our brothers and sisters in Christ, that they would lead victorious lives by the grace of God, not growing tired in their service to Him. Christ’s prayer for His disciples is a great example for us to follow. Let’s pray for unity and love among His children.

The Prayer of Surrender. Jesus gives the best example of this prayer. In Luke 22, He prays this request, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” When we can pray, “Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done,” we will experience the heartfelt peace that surpasses understanding despite turbulent storms.

Growing In Our Decision Making Young children often make decisions that are emotionally based, choosing what will make them feel good. They use the “what’s in it for me” approach. Their decisions are often focused on the short-term results rather than looking at long-term consequences. And they tend to make decisions based on what is easiest rather than what is best.

The Apostle Paul, in First Corinthians 13:11 says, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” How do we make decisions? As mature Christians, we make decisions considering what is best for the Kingdom of God, by looking at what is best for the whole body of Christ, the Church. When Jesus was faced with the major decisions of His life, He sought to determine the will of the Father in prayer and then followed through without wavering. May God give us grace to grow in our decision making, so that we are pleasing to Him.

Growing In Our Relationships Have you ever watched the reaction of a young child who doesn’t get his own way with other playmates? What do we observe? Sometimes they will cry, or they’ll just want to take their toys and go home!

How is our Christian growth evident in our relationship with others? Do we show interest and concern for the welfare of others, putting our own pursuits aside to give preference to them? Can we support someone else’s initiative even if it wasn’t our first preference? Do we have the grace to listen and work cooperatively in a group? Can we work together to find solutions rather than pointing out shortcomings and problems? Do people who make well-intentioned criticism find themselves excluded from our circle of friends or can we gracefully receive it as an opportunity for improvement?

Unmistakable Evidence There are many areas in our lives where our spiritual growth will be evident in a very practical way. Let’s remember that growth and maturing is a blessing and a joy! In his prayer for the Ephesians (Ephesians 3:14-19), Paul prays that they would grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus. When we follow in Christ’s footsteps to become more like Him, we will grow as Christians. May our growth be evident to all.

Pastor Gerry and his wife Sonja moved from Hamilton, Ontario, to serve the Church of God in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

==Gemeinde Gottes” ist der Name, den wir tragen
== “Gemeinde Gottes” ist der Name, den wir tragen. Sicherlich wirft das manche Fragen auf, weil es bereits viele Gemeinden mit den verschiedensten Namen gibt. Warum tragen wir den Namen Gemeinde Gottes? Weil es der Name ist, der in der Bibel der Gemeinde des neuen Testaments gegeben wurde (Apg. 20,28; 1. Kor. 1,2; 15,9). Es ist für uns auch der Name, der alle Kinder Gottes einschließt, die wiedergeboren sind. Indem wir diesen Namen tragen, erklären wir uns mit ihnen allen verbunden. Durch das Tragen dieses Namens bringen wir auch zum Ausdruck, wer der Gründer und Erhalter dieser Gemeinde ist (Matth. 16,18).

Die Einheit der Kinder Gottes dieser einen Gemeinde ist für uns sehr wichtig. Dieses bezeugen wir, indem wir jedes wahre Kind Gottes als Mitglied der Gemeinde anerkennen; eine formelle Aufnahme haben wir somit in der Ortsgemeinde nicht. Das Lebens- oder Mitgliedsbuch führt der Herr selber, denn der Mensch sieht, was vor Augen ist; der Herr aber sieht das Herz an (1.Sam 16,7b; Ps.87,6; Luk. 10,20).

Wir legen großen Wert darauf, dass die Bibel die einzigste Richtschnur in Glaubensfragen ist. Sie ist unser Glaubensbekenntnis. Den Erwartungen der Bibel versuchen wir in allem gerecht zu werden; dabei bauen wir nicht auf eigene Kraft, sondern verlassen uns auf die Kraft und Führung des Heiligen Geistes.

Sie sind uns herzlich willkommen!

== Church of God
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Sharing the Gospel Edition: Spring 2007 by Bert Reich

The Bible tells us, that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). I’d like to ask you, as a follower of Jesus Christ, what do you give your life to? Pleasure? Possessions? Popularity or power? Everyone gives their life to some cause. If you, as a follower of Jesus want to imitate Him, obey Him and live for Him, then you need to consider this: Jesus focused on people. And He came to save “that which was lost.” He commands His followers to do the same, to go and make disciples of all nations. (See Matthew 28:19). Well, you may say, it’s not my thing—it’s a private thing between me and the Lord. . . or, what will the people think? Actually, we are all called to share our faith: All we need is an obedient heart. So how do you begin?

How can you be successful sharing or witnessing for the Lord? Simply by sharing your faith and living your life for Jesus Christ. Saint Francis of Assisi is quoted to have said, “share the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.”

What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus Christ? A witness is someone who has first-hand knowledge of visible or verbal evidence to something else. In other words, to be an effective witness for Christ, one must have first-hand knowledge of Him. The Apostle John speaks of this when he says, “That. . . which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of Life. . . that which we have seen and heard we declare to you” (1 John 1:13).

The truth of our witness will be shown in how we live our lives. In Matthew 5:16 we read, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians (verse 2:15) encourages his readers to “be blameless and harmless, children of God, without fault, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

My wife and I, with our two oldest grandchildren, were in a restaurant in Camrose, Alberta, and were about to have lunch. The boys were probably four and five years old. Before the meal we asked the children to recite their prayer. During the meal a couple from another table came up and told us that it was a blessing to see and hear a prayer being said before the meal.

Can we be bold as we share our testimony with others? First we will need a burning desire in our hearts to win souls for the Lord. And only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we be effective witnesses. He will give us the strength to share our faith, despite our lack of courage and ability.

Every Monday morning I hand out New Testaments at the University of Alberta. I was recently challenged by a student who told me, “I can’t believe that the Bible is true and the word of God. Anyone can write a book and have a bunch of people believe it.” Her comment led us into a lengthy discussion. As I spoke with her, I was thankful for the Scripture I have committed to memory, and for the Holy Spirit leading me in my choice of words during this discussion. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to draw her to Himself.

If we are to win souls without an argument, we must be prepared for tough questions and know the Scriptures. We must prepare prayerfully. I’ve found it is important to have a plan to follow in order to lead conversations in the right direction. For example, a list of Scripture in the back of your Bible can help you explain to others what the Bible says. Knowing Scripture by heart is a wonderful advantage.

I have found that I can share my faith when I have shown an interest in others. For example, I may initiate a conversation by asking a person about their work or business. During the course of our conversation, I almost always have the opportunity to explain how I am involved with the Gideons, who place Bibles in hotels, hospitals, police and fire stations, as well as giving them to fifth graders in schools. The important part of all of this is to be a good listener, and to ask the right questions. Sometimes I will mention what the Lord has done in my life; sometimes I might ask them if I can pray for them.

If I have the opportunity for a friendly conversation I will offer the person a New Testament with a tract in it. Of course, some will flatly refuse to take a Bible or tract; some will take it to be friendly, but others will take it and want to know more. I remember one man, to whom I’d given a New Testament, asked me, “Where do I start to read?” I don’t know whether he has come to the Lord yet, but that is in God’s hands. Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44).

We can truly only be effective witnesses through the power of the Holy Spirit. Our words, our actions, what we condone, how we live—all are a testimony to those with whom we come into contact. If we try to witness, but our actions are out of line with our testimony, we will fail.

I encourage you to ask the Lord for boldness and opportunities to witness. He will enable you to be an effective witness today.

Who are you going to share the gospel with this week? Today is the Day of Salvation.

12 Reasons for Prayer

Edition: Spring 2007 In James' epistle, the fifth chapter and sixteenth verse, we read, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).

Now, if we are taught to pray one for another and that effectual, fervent prayer avails much, provided it comes from the lips of a righteous man, there must be a reason for prayer. Why does God make the prayer of faith the condition for receiving? Does He not already know what we have need of before we ask, and knowing our need can He not give without our asking? Then what are the reasons for praying?

1 Prayer brings us to realize our dependence on God. Without prayer, one takes all honor, glory, and credit to himself and God is left entirely out. Thus he loses all sight of a supreme Being and acts altogether independently of his Maker.

2 Prayer makes us humble before God. Having once recognized our dependence on Him—that every good and perfect gift comes from God and “in Him we live and move and have our being”—one cannot but feel humble. Prayer is the act of humility, but at the same time if one does not feel humble he is not apt to act it. More humility will cause more prayer and more prayer will cause more humility.

3 Prayer is the only means of personal acquaintance with God. We may without prayer know some things about God. We may believe in God and in His existence and power, but to be personally acquainted with Him means we must become acquainted in the same manner in which we become acquainted with other persons, viz., personal contact. The only means of personal contact with God is through prayer and conversation with Him.

4 “God does not hear sinners,” hence the suppliant must abandon sin or be defeated in his suit. If really honest, sincere, and in earnest, a man will be ashamed continually to ask favors of one against whom, in conduct and conversation, he is in rebellion. Therefore prayer will in every instance give a greater desire to live in such manner as to be worthy of God’s favors.

5 Prayer brings man into harmony with God. Our problems, trials, tests and heartaches, as well as triumphs, victories, achievements and conquests become His. In turn His problems, interests, concerns, become ours.

6 Prayer is the best means through which to assimilate the character of God. To become better acquainted with, to know God better is to love and admire and adore and reverence Him more, and while so doing one cannot but long to become more like Him, thus assimilating His very character.

7 Prayer brings us into association with God’s perfections. God is the One and the only One to whom belongs absolute perfection. Through prayer and closer contact one cannot but be naturally drawn into at least a few of those perfections.

8 Prayer is one of the most effectual means of self-discovery. As we pray to ask God to remove the imperfections of others (in other words, talking to God about such imperfections instead of to our friends and acquaintances) we may discover that some of those very same imperfections belong to us in possibly a greater measure than to the other parties.

9 Prayer is the strongest bond of attraction toward God. This accounts for the fact of ungodly, wicked men almost unconsciously calling upon God in time of trouble and serious calamity.

10 Prayer is fellowshipping God, and to fellowship Him brings us into fellowship with His children. “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother.” “Pray for your enemies” is among the very best commands Jesus ever gave, for to do so is the easiest and quickest way to iron out difficulties and hindrances to fellowship. When brethren are out of harmony and disunited and without true fellowship, there can be no true contact with God. Sincere prayer will bring a deeper and richer and fuller fellowship with both God and our fellow beings.

11 Prayer brings us to greater realization of the perils of the lost. Having learned of and felt God’s love thrilling through our being, we can more readily realize what a soul would miss to lose heaven and our Redeemer, and go to a devil’s hell.

12 Prayer is the means by which we become “laborers together with God.” The prayer-room is the power-house of the Christian who is a successful laborer for God and lost souls, against Satan and the power of evil.

Abridged from Availing Prayer, by Fay C. Martin, copyright © 1929 Gospel Trumpet Company. Used by permission of Church of God Ministries, Inc.

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The Key to Heaven.============================== The Key to Heaven. written by G. Mielke

What is the key to heaven? There are many misconceptions about this. You may have seen comics in which St. Peter is sitting at heaven's gate with the keys of heaven and deciding whom to let in. I do not find such comics humourous because of the blatant misconceptions, albeit in jest, that they reinforce.

Let us make no mistake. God decides who will enter, not St. Peter or anyone else. All human effort and all false religions will not be able to make the grade. How can you tell false religion? False religion uses force; true faith is manifested by love. What is the key? Who holds it? Let us examine the second question first.

In Revelations 1:18, Jesus says "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. " And in Revelation 3, 7 Jesus says "...These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens." Here we clearly see that Jesus Christ has the power to open and shut and no preacher, prophet, pope, saint or angel can change that fact. In the book of James this is confirmed. In chapter 4, 12 we read: "there is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?"

"Wait a minute!", you may say. Did Jesus not give Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven according to Matthew 16,19? There we read: "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. "

The pope claims these keys have been passed on to him and he can excommunicate people thus barring them from heaven. The preachers of some sects claim that they are the ones who can decide who enters heaven and those whom they excommunicate will not. They err. They do not understand what the keys are.

Letu us examine this more closely. We have seen above that the power to save and destroy, the power to open and close remains with the one Lawgiver. It is in the hands of God and of Christ.

I was born in Germany and born again in Toronto. When I was born again and God forgave me my sins, my name was written in the Book of Life by God himself. And nobody else can shut me out. It is God that opens and closes the door to his kingdom. You see, Jesus says in Matthew 16, 18 that he will build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. This agrees with Acts 2, 47 where we read "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." It was not Peter or the Apostles who added people to the church. They did not have membership drives, nor was it up to them to excommunicate.

What are the keys to the kingdom of heaven? What keys did Jesus give to Peter? Note: He gave him the keys of knowledge. The secret of the key is revealed in Luke 11, 52. Here Jesus says: " Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who are entering in you hindered. "

Jesus gave his disciples the knowledge how to be saved, how to enter heaven. This was the key that he gave Peter. The lawyers and scribes knew the Old Testament scriptures. The Old Testament scriptures hold numerous prophecies that were fulfilled by Christ. Yet this key of knowledge was kept from the people. Read the verses preceding Matthew 16: 19, where Jesus says he is giving Peter the key. We see Peter has visibly grasped the key needed to enter the kingdom of heaven for Peter says in verse 16: "You are Christ, the Son of the living God." That is the key. If you read the words of Jesus in Matthew 5; if you study the prophecies in the Old Testament that were fulfilled in Christ; if you are freed from the bondage of sin by the power that Jesus still offers today, you will discover that Jesus was not just a mere human. You need to know who he really was. I recommend Josh McDowell's book: More than a Carpenter, and Lee Strobel's book: The Case for Christ to anyone who is seriously seeking to discover who Jesus really is. There is the only key to heaven. You have to discover what it is. You may choose to ignore these words or you may choose to discover the key and open the door to true peace and happiness.

Jesus gave his disciples the knowledge how to be saved. He showed them who would be saved and who would be lost. This knowledge he wanted them to preach to others. In this way he handed on the keys. What is the key to freedom? Jesus says: "And you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free." (John 8, 32) Can you comprehend the mystery of the key?

When Jesus lived on earth he himself preached: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1,15) To those who would not listen he said: "... if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (John 8, 24) This is the way Jesus opened and closed the doors to the kingdom of heaven when he was on earth. To those who repented and turned from their sins, he gave peace and they were added to the kingdom of God. Those who rejected Him, had the door closed. Now that Jesus was soon leaving this world he gave the key of knowledge to his disciples. Let us examine how Peter used this key, how he opened and closed, how he loosed on earth and bound on earth.

Just days after Ascension we find Peter preaching in Jerusalem. We read: "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?' Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...' " ( Acts 2, 37-38) Do you see how Peter uses the same words as Jesus used? Do you see how he opens and closes the door to the kingdom of heaven? He gives his listeners the knowledge they need and depending on their response to the message, they either enter or are barred from the Kingdom of heaven.

Let us see how the Apostle John uses the key. In John 1, 9-10 he writes:

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. "

John binds and looses, opens and closes the same way Peter and Jesus did. He uses the key of knowledge and the response of the reader is what decides the outcome.

Note now how St. Mark does the same thing. In Mark 16, 16 he wrote these words: "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. "

Mark uses the key of knowledge and opens the kingdom of heaven for those who believe and are baptized. He bars the door to those who do not believe.

Listen to the insight that the Apostle Paul had. In Romans 10, 13-14: he writes.: "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? "

There you have it. You can be saved by calling on the name of the Lord. However you need to know this. This is the key the apostles had. This knowledge was taken away by the lawyers and scribes. They kept people from entering the kingdom by keeping them ignorant. We too have the key of knowledge. Let us not keep it to ourselves, but share it with others. If we have not yet entered the Kingdom of God, let us confess ours sins and turn from wrong. Then the peace of God will fill our hearts and we too will belong to his kingdom. Our reward is peace in our hearts here on earth and heaven when our life on earth is done. Peter emphasizes in Acts 4, 12 that there is salvation in no other name than in the name of Jesus Chirst and "... there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Thank God for this key of knowledge. Thank God for the knowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that through the forgiveness of sins on account of his sacrifice we can be made holy to be a blessing on earth and to enter heaven.

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==============Mennonite friends=============================== This essay was written for Mennonite friends, who wish to know what Menno Siemens taught about Salvation The following words are taken from the Mennonite Catechism:

Catechism or a brief Instruction from the Holy Scriptures..... (page III)

Introduction..... ............................................................................(page V) We wish all bishops, ministers, deacons,and any who render a service, as well as the membership of our Christian Mennonite churches grace, peace, salvation, and the blessing of God....

Chapter 3: Faith in Christ. (page 55-63)

1. Question: What is the true way to salvation? Answer: Faith in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and his shed blood. (Romans 3,35)

2. Do we earn salvation by faith? Answer: No; but faith embraces the finished work of Christ, whereby we obtain salvation and eternal life. (John. 3,36)

4. What does true faith imply? Answer: Real repentance and change of mind; that we become convinced of our sinfulness and repent thereof. (Mark 1,15)

6. What is this change of heart called in the New Testament? Answer: It is called regeneration, a new creation.

8. Is it necessary,then to be born again, to be a true Christian? Answer: Yes, for without regeneration (being born again) no one can see the kingdom of God. (John. 3, 3-5)

9. Does regeneration produce a godly life? Answer: Yes; whoever is born of God, does not commit sin. (1.John. 3,9)

10. Can we not, through our own strength, avoid sin, and do good? Answer: No; for Christ says: without me, ye can do nothing. (John. 15,5)

12. What is justification? Answer: When the repentant sinner through faith is declared righteous in Christ. (2.Kor.5,21)

14. Wherein does justification benefit us? Answer: To have peace with God as his children, to have been freed from the bondage of sin, and to be aided in perfecting holiness.

18. What is the collective body of believers called? Answer: The Church of God. (1.Kor.1,2)

20. Are all who profess to belong to the church of God, true members of the body of Christ? Answer: No; they only are true members, who by faith in Christ have become the children of God. (Gal. 3,26)

24. Who are to be baptized? Answer: All who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and are converted unto him. (Mark.16,16)

The above is taken from the Catechism. May I say this:

Menno Siemens lived during the time of Calvin and the time of Luther. However, Menno Siemens had a much deeper understanding of the truth of the Bible than both of these other well known men. Politically speaking, Calvin and Luther made great gains, but as far as knowledge of God and the truth, Menno Siemens far surpassed them.

Explanation As mentioned before the summary above, comes directly from the Mennonite Catechism and is not taken from any other source. If you have a Mennonite Catechism, you can read this in the catechism for yourself.

I am delighted that the way to salvation, the way to heaven, is clearly outlined in the above summary from the catechism. If only all those reading the catechism would take these words to heart!!

Question 1. The way of salvation, the way to heaven, is only through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are not saved because we belong to a religious body. If I belong to a religious group or church and do not have true faith in Jesus Christ I will still be lost forever anyways.

Questions 4 to 6. The Mennonite ancestors taught that regeneration, or being born again, is necessary to being saved and getting to heaven. This is also what the Church of God teaches. If we think we will be saved without being born again, we are fooling ourselves. We will be eternally lost. But thank God, you can be saved. If you ask God to forgive your sins, God has promised to forgive them and make you a child of God. Read 1. John 1, 9. for you will find the way to peace with God described there.

Question 9. Go back and reread question 9. Examine yourself to see if you are really a child of God. If we live in sin, and continue to do what is wrong, we can not claim to be children of God. Jesus himself said that you can tell a tree by its fruit. If we call ourselves Mennonites, or Church of God, or whatever, and do not do the will of God, we are lost. Jesus said: Not they who say Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but they who do the will of the Father. (Matt., 7, 21)

Question 10. If you are really born again, you notice that God gives you the power to overcome temptation. Out of our own accord, we will be too weak, but God has promised us his strength to overcome. If you try it alone, you will discover that sooner or later you will be doing what, deep down, you really do not wish to be doing. We need to be born again to live a life pleasing to God. We need his help.

Question 18. Please reread question 18. There is only one church, the church to which all true believers belong. Whether they call themselves Mennonites or not, everyone who is really born again actually belongs to the Church of God, even if they are not aware of this truth. It does not matter what a Pastor, or Elder, or Minister thinks of you. What matters is what God thinks of you. He is the one who decides if you are a member of his church, the Church of God. God adds to his church. See Acts 2, 47. None but God can add you to this church and none but God can excommunicate you. He alone makes that decision. No human has that power. What is most important is that you are written in God's book of life. Only those found in the book of life will be saved. Please read Revelations 20, 11-15.

Question 20. Even if we call ourselves Church of God, that is not proof that we will be saved. It is not what we call ourselves, but what we really are that counts. We must be Christians by having been born again. Then we are already saved.

Question 24. Only who has repented and is born again may be baptized. Mark 16, 16 clearly says: He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. Note: first comes believing then comes baptism. He who does not believe will be damned, even if he has been baptized. Baptism is not regeneration. Baptism does not save us. Baptism is not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God. (2 Peter 3, 21b). Baptism is an outward sign or confession of what has taken place inside a person through regeneration, in other words by being born again.

Jesus says in John 3, 7: Marvel not that I said unto you: You must be born again

written by G. Mielke