The Church of God As It Is Today And Its Future

The Church is in a tenuous relationship with the LORD God. The understanding and changes needed are requirements God intended to be incorporated into His Church from the beginning and strengthened over time. Over the years, there has been minimal progress made in several important areas.

As preparation, please read Mat. 7:21-23 and Mat. 25:1-13. Our focus will be, “I will tell them plainly, I never knew you.” Also, Christ’s comment, “I tell you the truth I do not know you.”

I believe, to varying degrees, these words reference the Church through the ages with special consideration for the end time Church of God.

Life Is Not Always What It Seems

In today’s Church, there is found the common idea or opinion that it has done everything requested and required and stands ready to receive God’s special end time favors.

For Jesus to say, “I do not know you,” there must be some serious underlying issues that need be addressed and resolved. The Church keeps the Sabbath. The Holy Days are observed. Effort is made to keep the commandments  and law in order to overcome (displace sin), and mature into true followers of Christ. Converts are sought and a warning message of sorts is going out. So one would have to think — what is the problem?

The core of the problem is simply this. With few exceptions, the laity and leadership have not taken as a serious personal responsibility, to really and truly come to know and appreciate the truth, righteousness and constant unchanging love that constitutes the character and personality of the LORD God and His Christ.

The man who brought life back into the end time Church, according to God’s purpose and plan, is due certain credit. He is not worthy of the pedestal many place him on. The leadership has obtained only marginal “success.” Doctrine and Biblical standards have been set forth in a simplistic Protestant-like manner. Although the scholarly tools and ability were available to properly research the scriptures and come to a relatively full measure of understanding and truth, this was not done. Rather, assumptions, preconceived notions and opinions, poor or no research and a lack of critical thinking were and are the general rules of operation.

Also in the Church of God today, at this time, God’s Holy Spirit lies almost dormant, and little used. Thus, there are many problems and trials.

There are three areas in which the church is at odds with God.

1. The Spring and Fall Holy Days are not fully appreciated nor correctly understood and observed in several critical areas.

2. Church governance and authority is not in compliance with inspired scripture as written by the apostle Paul.

3. The most basic and simplistic ideas of the LORD God and Jesus Christ are taught. The full and necessary measure of truth and understanding concerning God and Christ are absent from Church thinking and teaching.

All these above things to one degree or another over the years, almost from the beginning, have been brought forth by some for consideration. These men and women offered proof and reasonable arguments of defense. Their approaches were constantly rejected as out of hand, or of a wrong attitude or spirit. The leadership, from the top down, is not open to new thinking, correction or change. The laity is of the attitude of “go along in order to get along.”

The LORD God and Jesus Christ – Who They Are and Their Relationship

Ancient questions and the same ones raised today: Who are God and Jesus Christ? What are the keys to clarity in identifying them? Is Christ an equal with God? What is their relationship as Father and Son? That is, how do they function and what is their purpose? Has Jesus Christ always existed in some form? Does He have the same powers as His Father? Should He (Christ) be worshipped and prayed to? Fair questions, and there are answers, amazing and sensible.

The following are brief introductory comments for the three study papers examining and explaining who God is and who Jesus Christ is, His origin and their relationship.

There is only one true God. A spirit being who has always existed. He is the great creator, originator and sustainer of life. The name God is a general / generic term and really does not reveal much. He is much better revealed and characterized by His two primary Hebrew names.

YHVH, the Hebrew spelling is most commonly pronounced Yahweh or Jehovah, which translate into the English (all caps) LORD, and so appears in our English Bibles. The name LORD in it’s basic form means truth and righteousness. He said to Moses, “I am what I am,” which means He is truth and righteousness. Thus, everything about Jehovah is true and trustworthy.

The Hebrew name Elohim is translated in our Bibles as God. This name in its basic form, the Mighty One, one who creates and sustains. Also this name conveys the idea of one who makes and keeps covenants. Thus Jesus Christ the LORD’s Holy One who in covenant agreed to become His Son.

These intriguing subjects are throughly and thoughtfully examined.

Each Must Believe the Words of Jesus Christ

Matthew 24:1-51, Mark 13:1-37 and Luke 21:5-36

In many translations, such as the NIV, the above scriptures are introduced with the words “Signs of the end of the age.” These are prophetic end time statements directly from the tongue of Jesus Christ and are so recorded by His loyal disciples for the edification of His end time Church.

It is suggested that the above noted verses be read so that the context and flow will be fresh for the following commentary.

The focus will be on these words: Mat. 24:25, “see, I have told you ahead of time,” Mark 13:23, “Be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time,” and Luke 21:22, “For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of that which has been written.” Matthew and Mark state very specifically, “Jesus said.” Luke confirms these to be the true words of Jesus by referring to the prophetic writings.

In the words of Jesus are found a schedule of activities, instruction, warnings and His final admonishment. Jesus specifically said there would be false rumors of His supposed return. He warned of false teachers (ministers) who will speak flatteries and smooth words and show great signs, by which many will be deceived. He then concludes with, “I have told you before-hand all things.” Correctly understanding the intent of this statement is of supreme importance.

A most difficult and major stumbling stone for Christians is to actually take to heart what Jesus said, believe it, and act accordingly. On the one hand, there are all the words of the liars, deceivers, duped and confused. On the other hand, the true words of Jesus. One would think — a simple choice — but often that is not how it comes out. Human nature’s tendency is to believe men and what they may think they are witnessing by sight.

In the immediate future the lies and deceptions will become more and bolder. From within the Church of God such men will also appear. All these men will seem sincere and convincing. Miracles may also support their words.

Some, perhaps many, will claim visions, dreams or direct conversation with Jesus or an angel. It may be impossible to know if the contact was real. The only thing of certainty are the words of Jesus. A Christian will have only the written word. Any man or woman who claims revelations of a supernatural form of any sort from Christ or angel will be a liar. The written word, especially the recorded true words of Jesus are the only certainty Christians will have and do have. To seek direction from men is futile and will lead only to confusion and error.

During the critical times ahead, there will be no form of spiritual communications. In other words, do not look for Jesus or an angel to communicate through anyone person, group or organization. If this were to happen, then the words of Christ, “I have told you all things” will be compromised. There will be no way to discern who is speaking the truth and who the liars are.

Everything we need to know and understand for the immediate months and years ahead are clearly given in the inspired writings.