Maturing Spiritually

Dear Brethren,

We are counting up to Pentecost.  We have always recognized the New Testament Pentecost as the birthday of the Church of God — the beginning of the newly called out ones.  Pentecost also portrays the spiritual maturation process that the brethren experience as they go on to perfection (Hebrews 6:1).  The counting of seven weeks of days up to Pentecost is analogous to the called out one’s — the ekklesia’s — Christian maturation process in preparation for the resurrection.  God’s purpose in the calling of saints into His Church is that they grow up and succeed spiritually where ancient Israel failed before.

The New Testament Church of God came into being on the day of Pentecost following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Some first century brethren were called by the Father and became Children of God on that day.  We would say that they became, “Church members.”  God’s Spirit was poured out on them for a very special purpose — that was the establishment of the Church.  There were no buildings, and no organizations, only people who had received the gift of God's Holy Spirit.

Today, the bigger church organizations declare that the smaller church-at-home groups are not really Churches of God at all.  That is because one of the things they learned in WCG was that on Sabbath you went to a “real church hall” that had 600 – 800 chairs set up where a preacher would tell you all you needed to know.  To find the Church that Jesus Christ built, do not look for a group with great numbers.  Jesus said, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."  (Luke 12:32)

We are now in the Laodicean era — the last era of the Church— where a number of the larger political corporate organizations are focusing their efforts on growing their association numbers.  At the same time, there are many disassociated Church-at-home brethren assembling together by way of the internet, teleconferences, chat rooms, Skype, Ustream, etc.  With all their might the church-at-home people are holding fast and earnestly contending for the true faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude :3).  Jesus answered and said unto them:

“This is the work of God, that ye believe on [Jesus Christ] whom He hath sent.”  (John  6:29)

These stay-at-home Church members are diligently continuing with the work of God to which all the Church brethren were once committed.  In the last few days of his life, Mr. Armstrong said this of his end-time commission to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom in all the world for a witness unto all nations:

“It may be that the Work God has given me to do is complete, but not the Work of God’s Church, which will be faithfully doing God’s work till Christ, the True Head of this Church, returns.” (Vol. 2 Autobiography, p.644)

Even though we have been disassociated, disfellowshipped, suspended, put out and put off by the politically organized Laodicean corporations; we endeavor to maintain that “little strength” and “open door” zeal of holding fast what we have, and not denying Jesus Christ’s name (Revelation 3:8-11).   God is calling some at last hour (Matthew 20:1-16).   There is yet work to be done.

“When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.”  (Matthew 10:23)

Brethren need each other — they do not need corrupt organizations.  It would be different if the bigger groups had become committed stalwarts of doctrine, practice, truth and concern for every member of the body — but they have let down our once high standard in order to appeal to the worldly people.  It is not better to be an integral part of a bigger group that has gone off course neglecting the spiritual education of the brethren — than to be a part of that little scattered flock which is striving to maintain the entire counsel of God (Acts 20:27).

Let me close with some biblical examples that show that in home churches are valid in God's sight.

“Daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”  (Acts 5:42)

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus... Likewise greet the Church that is in their house.”  (Romans 16:3-5)

“To our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the Church in thy house:” (Philemon 1:2)

“I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house.”  (Acts 20:20)

“On the Sabbath we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spoke unto the women which resorted there.”  (Acts 16:13)

After the baptism and conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch—he did not return to a large congregation in Ethiopia — because there were none.

We have brethren in the Church today who were called by God before there was a single congregation in their entire state — and yet they were a part of God’s true Church.  True Church people came from everywhere to attend the Feast in those early days of the Radio Church of God — and they did not have congregations back in their areas to return to — and yet — they too were true Church of God brethren.

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Sermon:  "Maturing Spiritually"


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