The Church of God at Goodwater, AL
General Information
The founding of The Church of God occurred when Jesus Christ called together his twelve apostles (Mark 3:13-19) and with them organized His Church. According to the history of the Church, this occurred approximately 28 A.D. on Mt. Kurn Hattin near Jerusalem in Palestine, now known as Israel.
The Church continued under theocracy, governed by the immediate direction of God, growing and expanding until its influence was felt in all the known world.
Its success and identity were interrupted, however, in 325 A.D. at the Council of Nicaea when the Church, under the power and influence of the Roman government, headed at that time by Emperor Constantine, abandoned theocracy and established an Episcopal form of government to replace it. It was at this point that the true Church ceased to function but the organization continued. Read and study Isaiah 54:7 and II Thessalonians 2:3.
After 1578 years, a time known in religious history as the Dark Ages, the true Church arose from its long sleep and again began to function (Isaiah 60:1). The time was June 13, 1903 and the place was Cherokee County, North Carolina. In this historic meeting, one among the group who came together to pray and study the Word of God, A. J. Tomlinson, made the statement after he had gone to the top of a mountain nearby for an extended session of prayer: I came back down the mountain and entered the meeting. Questions were asked. Bible answers were given. They said they took the whole Bible rightly divided as their only rule of faith and practice. I said, Well if you take the whole Bible rightly divided, that makes it The Church of God... Then I said, you have agreed that this that I have said makes it The Church of God, and will you be willing to take it and keep it The Church of God? They said they were willing. I then asked if they were willing to take me in with the understanding that It is The Church of God --- not going to be, but is The Church of God. They were willing... Brother Spurling... took the Bible and gave it to me. He handed it to me and said, "Will you take this (Bible) as the word of God, believe and practice it, obey its precepts and walk in the light as God is in the light?" Right there I gave my hand to Brother Spurling... I took the obligation with deep sincerity and extreme sacredness, never to be forgotten. (Upon This Rock, Vol. 3, p. 64, C. T. Davidson, White Wing Publishing House and Press, Cleveland, Tennessee, 1976).
From the humble restoration of the Church Christ established in 28 A.D. to this present day there have been glorious times, great victories and reports of great revivals, healings, and divine deliverances. With Holy Ghost direction the Church is now operating in over 47 countries with more countries being opened each year. This site is maintained with the hope that peoples in countries where the Church may not be reestablished may by Holy Ghost direction find and contact us. We are driven by the command of the head of the Church which requires that we go...into...all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).
The All Nations Flag
"Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah." (Psalms 60:4) Since early times people have displayed flags and various other objects to show their nationality or their allegiances [loyalty and devotion]. A flag is a piece of cloth or bunting, often attached to a staff, with definite colors, patterns, and symbolic devices, used as a national or state symbol, or to indicate membership in an organization; to signal; a banner; standard; ensign (Websters New World Dictionary). The term standard carries a dual definition. Biblically, it is foremost a flag representing a specific people or nation. However, secondly, it signifies a set of principles. Isaiah spoke of lifting "up a standard for the people" (Isaiah 62:10), which in the context of the Banner of Truth, signifies the Church Flag, and the Churchs doctrine, the standard of truth. Ensign is used with several meanings and in the proper context means a banner. Banner is always used in the context of a flag. Truth is forever associated with God. One of Gods given names is Jehovah-nissi, the Lord is my banner, making The Church of God flag truly the Banner of Truth. A Brief History of the Church FlagIn his Annual Address to the Twenty-Eighth Annual Assembly, A.J. Tomlinson dwelt at length on the subject of a Church flag. The following quote is an excerpt from the Minutes of that Assembly of the Questions and Subjects Committee report: After taking into consideration the section of the General Overseers Address referring to a Church flag, we are in one accord with the views expressed by the General Overseer of the adoption of a flag for the Church of God that would be suitable for all nations. In her book A.J. Tomlinson, Lillie Duggar wrote that the adoption of the flag was accepted unanimously by the General Assembly. She continues by stating that after the acceptance and while the General Overseer was giving some information concerning the flag, there were messages in tongues and interpretations, also manifestations and demonstrations of the mighty Holy Ghost that was in the midst.In 1993 the Church experienced a disruption which resulted in the reorganization of the Church. The former organization continued as the Church of God of Prophecy and the reorganized Church as The Church of God. Both groups felt that the flag belonged to them. Both groups using the same flag resulted in court litigation. It was determined by a panel of judges that the flag was chattel or property of that group, and The Church of God had no rights to its use. Shortly after the finalization of legal proceedings, a flag committee was appointed. All members of the Church were given the opportunity of submitting a design for consideration. A.J. Tomlinson once said concerning the flag, "If a better or more appropriate design can be found it will be satisfactory to me." A design was submitted to the ninety-fifth Annual Assembly but did not receive unanimous agreement. However, the Assembly did agree to retire the former flag. At the following Assembly, the Questions and Subjects Committee submitted another flag design which received unanimous agreement after a mighty move of the Holy Ghost which put His approval upon the design. An Explanation of the DesignEach of the colors and symbols displayed on the Church flag are significant. The red of the flag represents the blood of our Saviour; the blue represents truth; and the white purity. The purple of the scepter, star, and crown represent royalty or kingship. The white stripes and oval declare the purity of Christ; and they also hold forth the goal of a pure and perfect Church as His Bride. The blue stripes which form a square with openings at the top and bottom represent the fold, or the Church, which is "...the pillar and ground of the truth..." (1st Timothy 3:15). Some Scriptures for study are Genesis 49:10, Numbers 24:17, Psalms 45:6, Matthew 2:2, 10, Revelation 22:16, Isaiah 5:26, Isaiah 49:22, and Isaiah 28:5.The Flag Pledge "I pledge allegiance to our Church flag, and to the doctrine for which it stands one God, one faith, one mind, and one Church for all. Amen." Conclusion, We proudly wave and display the banner God has given to the Church; not with vain pride, but with a worshipful attitude, to be privileged to represent the One who died for us for our salvation. It is advised that every member of the Church display the flag in their homes and in their cars. This gives us an opportunity to testify to inquirers who want to know for what this exclusive banner stands Christ and His Church. This information was adapted from The Banner of Truth: The Flag for All Nations.
History
The Church of God was established in about 28 A.D. by Jesus Christ on Mt. Kurn Hattin (Mark 3:13-15). It was endued with power on the Day of Pentecost, but was in operation prior to this point in time. The true Church plunged into the Dark Ages on June 14th, 325 A.D. with the signing of the "Nicene Creed" and remained in darkness for 1578 years. From 325 A.D. to 1903, God was not asleep! He began revealing the truth to men once again: Martin Luther -- justification by faith; John Wesley -- sanctification; Dr. Albert Simpson -- divine healing; (though some received the Holy Ghost prior to 1903, it is generally regarded the Pentecostal Movement began with a Holy Ghost revival in California in 1906 -- Dr. Seymour). On June 13,1903, The Church arose from darkness (as prophesied by Isaiah 60:1-5) in North Carolina. In 1923 a disruption caused a split in the Church, resulting in two groups both calling themselves the Church of God. In 1933 God gave the banner (Psalms 60:3, 4), the Church flag, to His Church; to those who feared Him too much to be led astray from the truth. On May 2nd, 1952, "of Prophecy" was added to the name Church of God. In 1990, the Church of God of Prophecy departed from theocratic government. Through the Holy Ghost, God called for a Solemn Assembly to be held July 23-25, 1993. On July 24th, the Holy Ghost gave direction to separate ourselves from the apostasy of the past three years, and to continue truly as The Church of God, clearly designating Robert J. Pruitt as the General Overseer. The Church of God thus returned to the true theocracy. This constituted not a new organization, but the reorganization of The Church of God as the true theocracy of God, the exclusive Body of Christ: Which was set in order by Christ and functioned in theocratic order until A.D. 325; Which arose from the Dark Ages on June 13, 1903; Which continued true to God in "faith and practice, government and discipline" following the 1923 disruption; Which is doing likewise since the similar disruption in 1993. Details of the future are, of course, unknown; but the prophecies of God are clear concerning His Church. The hour is late, but the brightness of the "Arise, Shine" lies just ahead. Without a doubt, perfection will be attained, for it has already been declared of the Church that Christ will "present it unto himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:27; see also Revelations 19:6-9). This information was adapted from History of The Church of God, Bible Training Institute Study Course 1.
Important Bible Beliefs
These vital points of New Testament doctrine are some of the prominent teachings of The Church of God. Not all Christian Church organizations teach these points of doctrine the same way. The Church of God accepts the whole Bible rightly divided and holds these sacred truths as they have been revealed in the Scriptures by the Holy Ghost. All those who become members of The Church of God must accept the following covenant in the affirmative: "Will you sincerely promise in the presence of God and these witnesses that you will accept this Bible as the Word of God believe and practice its teachings rightly divided the New Testament as your rule of faith and practice, government and discipline, and walk in the light to the best of your knowledge and ability?" This is a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.
Repentence- Repentance is the act of turning from and forsaking sin. Read Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19.
Justification- Justification is a state and an act. It is the state of being void of offense toward God by the act of God's forgiveness of the transgressions for which one has repented. See Romans 5:1-9; Titus 3:7.
Regeneration- Regeneration is an act of God performed in the justified heart whereby new, spiritual life is generated. See Titus 3:5. Regeneration is simultaneous with the new birth. Also see, Matt. 19:28.
Born Again- To be born again is to become a new creature in Christ and a child of God. This new birth is the result of repentance, justification and regeneration and is accompanied by a definite inner witness. See John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9. The new birth is a prerequisite for the experience of sanctification.
Sanctification- Sanctification is the second definite work of grace, an instantaneous work wrought in the regenerated heart by the Holy Ghost with the blood of Christ. In regeneration actual transgressions are forgiven, but in sanctification the Adamic nature, or inbred sin, is eradicated. Sanctification restores man to the holy estate of Adam before the fall, and gives him the grace to live a life of holiness, thus making him eligible for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. Sanctification is subsequent to justification. See Romans 5:2; 1 Corinthians 1:30; I Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 13:12; 1 John 1:9.
Holiness- Holiness is the state of being free from sin, a condition made possible by the experience of sanctification. God requires man to live sinless in this present world and provides the means through the shed blood of Christ. See Luke 1:74, 75; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Hebrews 12:14.
Water Baptism- Water baptism is the act of being immersed in water according to the instructions of Christ. Although this ordinance has no power to wash away sin, it represents the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Only those who have already been born again are eligible for water baptism. See Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:8-10; John 3:22, 23; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 10:47, 48; 16:33.
Baptism with the Holy Ghost- The baptism with the Holy Ghost which is subsequent to sanctification is the enduement of power for service. This baptism is always accompanied by the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. It is the filling of the temple already made clean by sanctification and is a gift of God in answer to the prayer of Christ. Read Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49-53; Acts 1:4-8.
Speaking in Tongues- Speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance is the initial, physical evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This is separate and distinct from the gift of tongues, which is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit. John 15:26. Also read, Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:6.
Full Restoration of the Gifts to the Church- The gifts of the Spirit were set in the Church to be operated by the Spirit according to the will of God. They are manifested through individual members. The gifts are given to the Church and not to individuals. These gifts were all operated in the early Church and were restored to the Church in these last days. See 1 Corinthians 12:1, 7-10, 28, 31; 1 Corinthians 14:1. Signs Following Believers- Miraculous signs will accompany the work and ministry of true believers. See Mark 16:17-20; Romans 15:18, 19; Hebrews 2:4.
Fruit of the Spirit- The Spirit-filled life will manifest the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These virtues are divine in origin and spring from a Spirit-filled heart. See Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:11.
Divine Healing- The sacrifice of Christ provided not only for the salvation of the souls of men but also for the healing of man's physical ailments. Divine healing is healing accomplished by the power of God and is available to all who believe, the same as salvation. Read Psalms 103:3; Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:16, 17; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24.
The Lord's Supper- The Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ and is a sacred ordinance which we are commanded to observe in commemoration of Christ and His death. Only sinless and consecrated Christians are eligible to partake of this Supper. See Luke 22: 17-20; 1 Corinthians 1 1:23-33 .
Washing the Saints' Feet- Feet washing was instituted by Jesus on the night of the Last Supper and is a New Testament ordinance we are enjoined to observe. Its observance was taught by the apostles and practiced by the early Church. See John 13:4-17; 1 Timothy 5:10. Tithing and Giving- Tithing is the paying of one tenth of our increase into the treasury of the Church. It began with Abraham, continued under the law and received Christ's approval. Giving differs from and is in addition to tithing. Both are part of God's plan to finance His work on earth. Read Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 1 1:42; 1 Corinthians 1 6:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Hebrews 7:1-21.
Restitution where Possible- Restitution is the act of restoring something wrongfully taken or the satisfying of one who has been wronged. God requires those who become converted to perform such tasks if at all possible. See Matthew 3:8; Luke 1 9:8, 9; Romans 13:8. Pre-Millennial Second Coming of Jesus- First, to resurrect the dead saints and to catch away the living saints to meet Him in the air. Read in Matthew 24:27,28; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. ...Second, to reign on earth a thousand years. Read also, Zechariah l4:4, 5; Luke 1:32; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Jade 14, 15; Revelation 5:10; 19:11-21;20:4-6.
Resurrection- All the dead will be resurrected. The righteous dead will be raised in the first resurrection which is at Christ's appearing. The resurrection of the wicked dead will occur after the thousand years reign of Christ on earth. See Isaiah 26: 1 9; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:5, 6.
Eternal Life for the Righteous- Those who die in the Lord and those who are serving Him when He returns will receive a reward of eternal life. Read in Matthew 25:46; Luke 1 8:30; John 10:28; Romans 6:22; 1 John 5:1 1-13.
Eternal Punishment for the Wicked- The unconverted and the wicked are doomed to eternal punishment, from which there is no escape-no liberation or annihilation. See Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 3:29; 2nd Thessalonians 1:8-9; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:8.
Total Abstinence from all Liquor or Strong Drinks- The Bible expressly forbids the use of intoxicating beverages. Even slight indulgence is not in keeping with the Scriptural standard of holiness. Read Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-32; Isaiah 28:7; 1 Corinthians 5:1 1; 6:10; Galatians 5:21.
Against the Use of Tobacco in Any Form, Opium, Morphine, Etc.- The use of tobacco and the habitual use of narcotics are sinful practices which defile the body, the temple of the Holy Ghost, and is an outward evidence of an impure heart. Read Isaiah 55:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31, 32; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:3-8; James 1:21.
On Meats and Drinks- The New Testament makes no rigid rule concerning what the Christian shall eat or drink (with the exception of strong drink). We have no right to judge what our brother eats or what he drinks. Read in Romans 14:2-3, 17; 1 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
On the Sabbath- The observance of the Sabbath was a requirement of Jewish law and as such was not carried over into the Grace Dispensation. Sunday is not the Sabbath but is merely a day set aside to give special attention to the worship of God. Instead of keeping only the Sabbath day holy, we are required in this dispensation to keep every day holy. The Jewish Sabbath is a type of Christ, who is our rest, rather than the day. See Hosea 2:11; Romans 14:5, 6; Colossians 2:16, 17.
Against Wearing Gold for Ornament- Against wearing gold for ornament or decorations such as finger rings, bracelets, earrings, lockets, etc. Ornaments of precious stones and metals are evidences of a prideful heart and are unbecoming to a child of God. "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price," 1 Peter 3:3-4. Read 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 John 2:16.
Against Belonging to Lodges- The Bible is opposed to the people of God being unequally yoked together with unbelievers; it is opposed to deeds done in secret. Many secret societies require the taking of an oath, which is expressly forbidden in Scriptures. Read Matthew 5:34; John 18:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; James 5:12.
Against Swearing- The taking of an oath is a vain thing and condemned by the Scriptures. An affirmation to the truth of anything is sufficient. Read Matthew 5:34-37; James 5:12.
Against Divorce and Remarriage Evil- Divorce and remarriage constitutes the sin of adultery. The only allowable causes for remarriage are fornication and death. However, fornication is not unfaithfulness or simple adultery, but is a state of being married to another's wife or husband. See Matthew 5:32; 14:3, 4; 19:3-12; Mark 10:12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 13; 6:9, 13, 16-18; 7:2, 10, 11; Acts 15:28, 29; Revelation 2:20-22.Media: What God Hath Joined Together