WHEREAS, the church’s interaction and dialogue with the laws and policies of the nations of the world must be founded on the Word of the Lord, and the earliest Scriptures reveal that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26, 27; 5:1); and,
WHEREAS, Abraham, Sarah, and the patriarchs “sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country” (Hebrews 11:9); “confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (v. 13); and “when they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people, God permitted no one to do them wrong; yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, saying, ‘Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm’” (Psalm 105:13-15, NKJV); and,
WHEREAS, when Joseph was sold into a foreign country as a slave, God himself providentially directed so that: “The king sent and released him, the ruler of the people let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions, to bind his princes at his pleasure, and teach his elders wisdom” (Psalm 105:20-22, NKJV); and,
WHEREAS, when God led His people of Israel out of Egypt, He specifically instructed them: that they were never to forget that they had been strangers in Egypt (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33, 34); that God “loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing”; and said to His redeemed children, “Therefore love the stranger” (Deuteronomy 10:18, 19); and,
WHEREAS, the Word of truth reveals that the deliverance of the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt was a foreshadowing of the redemption of believers today out of the bondage of sin (1 Corinthians 10:1-11); and,
WHEREAS, the family of Jesus sought sanctuary in the foreign nation of Egypt when Herod determined to kill the child who was born to be the Christ (Matthew 2), and Jesus revealed that He will judge His brothers and sisters by his words, “I was a stranger, and you took me in,” and, “inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:35, 40);
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Church of God reaffirms its commitment to the following principles of a just process for immigration: “that immigrants be treated with respect and mercy by churches; that governments develop structures that safeguard and monitor national borders with efficiency and respect for human dignity; that governments establish more functional legal mechanisms for the annual entry of a reasonable number of immigrant workers and families; that governments recognize the central importance of the family in society by reconsidering the number and categories of visas available for family reunification; that governments establish a sound, equitable process toward earned legal status for currently undocumented immigrants; that governments legislate fair labor and civil laws for all; and that immigration enforcement be conducted in ways that recognize the importance of due process of law” (from Memo on “Immigration Concerns,” April 30, 2010).
1990 Church of God Resolution on Immigration
BECAUSE OF social, political, and economic circumstances, people from various parts of the world are immigrating in unprecedented numbers. These immigrants provide an evangelistic and discipleship challenge which must be recognized. This is an opportunity for the church to exemplify love and compassion as the gospel is ministered to these newcomers.
THEREFORE WE RESOLVE
To receive these new arrivals with open fellowship, regardless of nationality, race, social or economic status
To create an awareness among the constituents of the Church of God of the needs of these immigrants, both physical and spiritual
To develop a liaison between sending and receiving countries, thus building bonds of respect and trust
To recognize the leaders among the immigrants and to disci-ple others to work within their own cultural group
To make existing buildings available for more than one lan-guage group
To pursue a vigorous emphasis of planting churches by every means possible
To recognize cultural differences and to allow for expressions of worship in the tradition of the immigrants
To weld the international church together by providing a systematic process for transfer of members from one country to another
To give ourselves to prayer, diligent research, and witnessing, to reap this great harvest during this last decade of the 20th century (63rd A., 1990, pp. 66, 67).
Dave,
No intentional misunderstanding. You simply misspoke in your original post. Historic premillennialism does indeed affirm a rapture, contrary to your original post. You said nothing about a
trip to scotland
Thanks for posting this. We too hope to make a trip over to Scotland and Ireland the homelands of our ancestors. BUT lif is fast catchig up with this family. maybe I can carry JD’s luggage! But it is on our list before we reach 85! ________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
We are always blessed to have visitors and to share what God is doing in Scotland. The new Global Online Institute of Ministry and Leadership Development will provide quality training for the ministry and the courses will be accredited to allow pursuit of an advanced degree. Old Timer can take pride in this initiative of presenting quality and accredited certificates, diplomas and a certificate in continuing professional development________________Dennis TannerAdministrative Bishop Scotland
Scotland will be represented by two of our pastors at the Solemn Assembly being held at ETS in Kneibis Germany. It will be a time of fasting and prayer for repentance, Praise and a renewing or awakening of a vision for a world harvest!! Pleas keep these meetings in prayer________________Dennis TannerAdministrative Bishop Scotland
. Why thank you, I remember talking to you, I enjoyed it, I don’t remember your sarcasm, I may suffer from that too ðŸ˜. 🤔 Kingdom of G-d, let me tell you a little about how I believe we’re supposed to live by the Kingdom Rule’s in His Torah/Teachings/Instructions, there wouldn’t be so much junk in the world, denominations, etcI live a Messianic life style & it can be a challenge, but I love how Gal 2:20says it; with Messiah I have been crucified, and no more do I live, but Messiah lives in me, and that which I now live in the Body, I live in the faith of the Son of G-d, who loved me and gave Himself for me. So try to live my life for Him & like Him.That is a gigantic Truth of a Messianic life, living by the Kings Instructions/Teachings/Laws. Luke 17:21; neither shall I say, Lo here or Lo there behold the Kingdom of G-d is within you. His Laws are written on our hearts Jer 31:33, & it is the Torah. Num 15:16; One Law/Torah and one manor shall be for you (Jew), and for the stranger/Gentile that’s sojourns with you. This is our family, the Kings Way.Living by His Kingdom Rules is the Foundational of Truth in who Messiah is (John 5:46-47), He’s our King who’s coming to set up His Kingdom & Rule from the New Jerusalem 😀. What do u think that will look like?😉But I love being a disciple of Y’shua, it is a life grounded in Y’shua & grounded in His Word. When we think & act contrary to who Messiah is, we r living contrary to who we are. I try to live,/disciple/copy how the Master lived, thought, walked, ate, etc, like He did. In my life, if it doesn’t line up with the life of Messiah and the Word of G-d, I flush itIf we remain in opposition to the Word, living according to our own desires and ways of doing things, we will be hindered in our ability to become the effective disciples of Messiah that we were made to be, we were made in His image Gen 1:27😮. That’s not the Kings Way. If we (Col 3:3-4) are to truly be Messiahs disciples, this is the life we must choose today, a life that is totally and completely sold out to the Master, a life wholeheartedly devoted to Y’shua & His Torah, Way. Matt 3:3, 4:17Every believer and you sure is called to be a disciple of Messiah, 8 disciples more than just a student, he follows the way of his master so that you would become(Matt 10:24-25) just like Him.Bottom line, & believe me, I haven’t even cracked my knuckles to get started, this sort of topic can’t really be discussed shortly. That’s why mine and your conversations in the past went on so long 😀😇But living by the Kingdom Principles, the Word/Torah, the Word of G-d can change our lives if we will accept its Authority and do it. we will be walking in the Spirit, living by the Word. But only faith in the Messiah Y’shua can sin in the flesh be condemned and the Torahs Righteous requirements be fulfilledI Love Y’shua, Yod, Hey, Vav, Hey, I love His Torah, the Kingdom Rules & i love Y’srael & the Jewish people, I’m fellow citizens with them Eph 2:19-20. 😇. I hope I answered something here for you LOLShalo________________Ps 122:6
See how this might resonate with you…perhaps the labels are just different Dallas Willard: The Gospel of the Kingdom vs. The Gospel of Atonement
🤔, Please don’t be offended Tom, but nothing resonated with me. It’s not the gospel of Atonement, it’s the gospel of repentance that brings Atonement. There was no mention of repentance in the article. Or how to really live for G-d in His Kingdom by living by His CommandmentsI think the guy said it right in the article about the man that wanted to divorce his wife because he was in love with another wife, and the Pastor said you can’t do that, and the man said yeah I can you said Jesus forgive me my sins He died on the cross or something like that. And the man said there was really no answer for that or something like that. I would have to read the article againBut that’s what I’m saying, if there’s no such Standard to live by, G-d’s Laws, then anything goes. Back when I was on a long time ago and now, there are threads talking about churches closing down, disturbing things, gay pastors, etc, & that’s the only thing that can happen when you throw out G-d’s Law’s and think they don’t apply to you todayShalo________________Ps 122:6
🤔, Please don’t be offended Tom, but nothing resonated with me. It’s not the gospel of Atonement, it’s the gospel of repentance that brings Atonement. There was no mention of repentance in the article. Or how to really live for G-d in His Kingdom by living by His CommandmentsI think the guy said it right in the article about the man that wanted to divorce his wife because he was in love with another wife, and the Pastor said you can’t do that, and the man said yeah I can you said Jesus forgive me my sins He died on the cross or something like that. And the man said there was really no answer for that or something like that. I would have to read the article again Actually that is the point of the whole interview…Dallas Willard was a passionate advocate that a Gospel of Atonement is what is being preached today when the Gospel of the Kingdom is what Jesus preached…and the Gospel of Atonement alone leaves us a gospel that hopefully can get us to heaven but will do nothing to alter how we live (That is my paraphrase/summary).Here is a quote…check it out:
Tom — same caveats, no agenda, no nothing, just curious about your thoughts.Do you think those who receive the gospel of atonement become genuinely regenerated?
Dave,Not to parse words…But the longer I live and the more I study scripture the more concerned I am about the use of terms like genuine or authentic or whatever, when discussing matters of embraced faith. Here’s my problem:On the one hand I think we have reduced the salvation experience prayer to something more akin to a type of spiritual Harry Potter incantation. You know, Repeat these words after me and you are magically…saved. Then on the other hand there seems to be a tribe of salvation Nazi’s that offer no validation of salvation whatsoever without an attending witness of altered behavior – and the listing of that behavior is very different depending on who you ask. So…..with respect to the conversation at hand, When does regeneration genuinely happen? Or…Does the ‘Gospel of Atonement’ provide the spiritual substance for genuine regeneration? I don’t know… And the reason I don’t is both on the part of the listener/respondent and on the part of the preacher/presenter of the Gospel of Atonement…and then, who is it that decides a gospel presentation has just crossed the threshold of becoming a Gospel of Atonement message.As I have written elsewhere…
Thanks for the answer. That makes two of us. I think the evidence of transformation should be evident over the long trajectory of a person’s life if genuine repentance and salvation has taken place, but on any smaller timescale, it is very difficult to say.
Thanks for the answer. That makes two of us. I think the evidence of transformation should be evident over the long trajectory of a person’s life if genuine repentance and salvation has taken place, but on any smaller timescale, it is very difficult to say. Over the last several years I have been floating toward more reformed soteriology, and that has resulted in a lot of meditation and consternation on this topic. I now view regeneration as a monergistic singular event that results, on its own, in the bearing of fruit, and so I’d say as a matter of theology that only people who truly receive the gospel of the Kingdom and bear fruit in accordance with the nature of that regenerated life are saved. But show me 10 people and ask me to point out the ones for whom that is true? Can’t do it. And so as a matter of orthopraxy we have to wrestle through the kind of stuff you mention, and the only answer for any of it is I don’t know, so I might as well treat everyone with love and continue to proclaim the gospel to them all, myself first and foremost. Amen!And as quickly as I think I may have formulated something defined and anywhere near air tight…then I am brought face to face with the whole thief on the cross reality. That one sort of blows everything up…not to mention Cornelius in Acts 10…blah, blah, blah…
🤔, Please don’t be offended Tom, but nothing resonated with me. It’s not the gospel of Atonement, it’s the gospel of repentance that brings Atonement. There was no mention of repentance in the article. Or how to really live for G-d in His Kingdom by living by His CommandmentsI think the guy said it right in the article about the man that wanted to divorce his wife because he was in love with another wife, and the Pastor said you can’t do that, and the man said yeah I can you said Jesus forgive me my sins He died on the cross or something like that. And the man said there was really no answer for that or something like that. I would have to read the article again Actually that is the point of the whole interview…Dallas Willard was a passionate advocate that a Gospel of Atonement is what is being preached today when the Gospel of the Kingdom is what Jesus preached…and the Gospel of Atonement alone leaves us a gospel that hopefully can get us to heaven but will do nothing to alter how we live (That is my paraphrase/summary).Here is a quote…check it out:
My primary focus is upon Matthew’s Gospel, perhaps the most Jewish of the Four, with John a very, very close second only from a different perspective.The Gospel of the Kingdom was introduced first by John the Baptist and then taken up by Jesus (Matthew 3:2, then Jesus 4:17, 23, then again 9:35). The preeminence of the Kingdom Message continued through Chapter 11:11-12, but Chapter 12 represents a subtle shift in the Kingdom’s presentation. Prior to Chapter 12 the Message of the Kingdom was accompanied by miracles, healings, etc., but then in Chapter 13, Jesus began to present the Kingdom in parables, and contrary Jesus presented the message in parables not to make them easy to understand but more difficult (see Matthew 13:10f).What happened in Matthew 12? When the common people questioned if Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of David, the Pharisees present accused Jesus of being in league with Satan, a charge they earlier lodged against Him to discredit the Kingdom Movement (9:34). This context provided Jesus with the opportunity to warn His detractors of their sin with their lips, including blaspheming the Holy Spirit and that their words would indeed condemn them. In response, they asked Jesus for a sign.The Sign of Jonah, the first intimation of His death and resurrection was presented, anticipating what would eventually take place in Jerusalem during their season of Redemption – Passover.The Kingdom is reintroduced in Matthew 24and now Kingdom Fulfillment will take place at His Return.Such a message is relevant for today and in Mark’s words: …The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel (1:15).Further, it worth noting the Kingdom of God is a major theme found in the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus, for 40 days prior to His ascension spoke, of the things concerning the kingdom of God (1:3).It was included in Philip’s efforts at Samaria (8:12)And it was part of Paul’s message as well: 14:22; 19:8; 28:23.The sovereign rule of God in the hearts and lives of men was seen as a legitimate claim of the Gospel, one requiring submission to God’s authority and to His word (Acts 6:7)The paramount expression of our love for Jesus is our obedience to keep His commandments.It is vital to understand the nature and impact of the New Covenant, a New Law (or Torah, Hebrews 8:6, one that, according to the Prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel writes upon our hearts. Through the Holy Spirit we are enable to understand and walk in the spirit of the Torah and the Prophets________________God-HonoringChrist-CenteredBible-BasedSpirit-Led
Amei________________Ps 122:6
Acts 6:7The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the
To Isa 58:12 – Please do not take my lighthearted reference to songs in a minor key, yarmulkas, etc. (written above) as anything other than a lighthearted reference to a particular worship emphasis. I should have written similar references to other strains of worship emphasis, classical Pentecostal, etc. – which would have balanced the assertion somewhat.Although this thread may simply morph into another one similar to two or three other active threads, that was not my intent. As stated, I was not so much interested in another thread of theological head-butting as I was in understanding where you were come from, from an applied or sort of orthopraxy standpoint. I still think what you are after is perhaps similar to what Dallas Willard (whom I enjoy immensely) is after – in terms of a measurable expression of our faith. On the other hand, also as stated – I do think there is always a danger of some measure of legalism when form becomes anywhere near as significant as function.Thanks for the dialog – sincerely. I’ll leave you guys to continue the other discussion.
Apologies, I was happy to stay off this thread and will to avoid the morph. Mark’s take the on the Acts 16:7phrase obedient to the faith just raised my eyebrows. Anyhoo, I won’t engage Ike on this thread, I’m enjoying the read and we have plenty of other opportunities to attempt discussion________________I’m not saved because I’m good. I’m saved because He’s good!My website: http://www.bradfreeman.comMy blog: bradcfreeman.tumblr.com/
Ur fine my friend, nothing said bothered me LOL, I didn’t even notice that there’s a problem anything you said LOL. But you’re right about the danger of legalism creeping in, because every religion has legalism in it. Just look at all the church rules & traditions that are bound up on people.That’s why it’s important to know what G-d said & just keep ,His Torah His Commandments like Y’shua *did that’s not legalism at all, or Y’shua libed a very legalistic lifestyle that we have to follow, ridiculousIt’s the life our Creator desires for His set apart from the world people/us to live in. Can man pervert it, sure, as men perverts everything else, look @ historyShalom, I have enjoyed this conversation ðŸ˜________________Ps 122:6
Ur fine my friend, nothing said bothered me LOL, I didn’t even notice that there’s a problem anything you said LOL. But you’re right about the danger of legalism creeping in, because every religion has legalism in it. Just look at all the church rules & traditions that are bound up on people.That’s why it’s important to know what G-d said & just keep ,His Torah His Commandments like Y’shua *did that’s not legalism at all, or Y’shua libed a very legalistic lifestyle that we have to follow, ridiculousIt’s the life our Creator desires for His set apart from the world people/us to live in. Can man pervert it, sure, as men perverts everything else, look @ historyShalom, I have enjoyed this conversation 😉
Congratulations my friend. You are blessed to live to see this occasion. Prayers for the successful bringing in of the sheaves.Too many of us have children who went the other way. God’s blessings your way! ________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
Congratulations on ya son bein in ministry, Sheepdog.
Nothing….Always wishihg God’s people the best. Love from central Florida! ________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
Just a quick note on this — the singing of the anthem at sporting events dates back to the 1918 World Series. The band played it during the 7th inning stretch of the first game and that was that. As Mat said, the Star Spangled Banner wasn’t even the National Anthem until 1930 (Wilson made it a military anthem in 1916, after the USN had adopted it in 1899, and efforts to make it the anthem began in 1918, but the necessary bill did not pass until 1930). So while it’s definitely an American tradition, it’s a relatively recent one.
Many, if not most, of the early
The International Salute – I have seen it in the movies of old Olympics – the Nazi salute was a little different, but in the Berlin Olympics (1936) when countries marched in and gave the International Salute, Hitler (and the German crowd) liked it. Perhaps claiming the countries were honoring Hitler. If I remember right the USA team put their right hand (perhaps hats) over their heart instead of using the International Salute and Hitler was displeased. That was the year of Jesse Owens. He made Hitler very unhappy.
OTCP,As a classical Pentecostal:Would you be so kind to testify about some of the Pentecostal experiences that have recently occurred in your ministry? Worship/Prayer in tonguesPrayer for the sick (a man recently healed, with a letter from his dr., that he had cancer, but there is no cancer now)Extended worship times where hands are lifted, shouts of joy go forth, many moved upon by the Holy SpiritA man recently delivered from porn (he testified to the fact)Anointing with oil
CPW explained what that meant in the Eph 4text.
In this instance, Brad is right. We know these guys aren’t apostles – why keep talking about it? There are apostles today. They don’t usually have to tell anyone they are an apostle.There are charlatans today. Pretty easy to spot.let it go________________
My son’s(20 and 18 ) were talking to me about the death of Billy Graham. I told them he was the most effective evangelist that I know of and they asked why. I told them, I’ve studied his sermons, watched his services, listened to the singers and musicians and the only conclusion that I can come to is, he was real.He spoke a simple message, was confident enough to speak to presidents and humble enough to speak to beggars. I told them, that I don’t know if Billy Graham ever spoke in tongues to mark him a Pentecostal but truly the Spirit was speaking through this man when he stepped into the pulpit.
Some of these persons may indeed be sincere; however, this is Error 101, 201, 301 and 401.Wagner DECREED that Bentley would have greater power, anointing, revelation, etc., and the 3 apostles (one being Bill Johnson) agreed.
Dave…I…I
SPWC Inc. We do everything the big boys do. ________________Charles A. HutchinsSenior Pastor SPWCCongregational Church of Godwww.spwc.church
Good to know. Thanks for the info and sorry for the confusion________________A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still
Re: Nope, don’t think so