ASSEMBLY ADDRESS:

TO THE 102^ND INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF

THE CHURCH OF GOD, SEPTEMBER 05, 2009

Introduction:    "Oh, what a wonderful man we have at the Head of the Church of God! Other governments and nations can boast of having had great men who sat at their head and held the reins of government in their hands. We have had great men at the head of the United States of America, from Washington to the present time. The same can be said of almost all governments of the world, including religious, fraternal, labor, financial and business organizations. These men have lived and demonstrated their greatness a few short years and died. Others came and took their places and died. There are still great men at the head of all countries, nations, governments and other organizations. Great men over the world are falling almost daily by the hand of death and others step into their shoes and carry the work along. 

….. But of all the many thousands of famed rulers of all ages, where can one be found that can boast of having been from everlasting, died, rose again the third day, and is now alive forever more? But such is He that is at the head of the Church of God. In fact it is He that made the worlds and all things therein, and by Him all things consist. He created all things for Himself and for His own personal pleasure. O, He is the greatest of all. In fact, there is no logical comparison. O, how wonderful that God has given us the opportunity of being members of the very institution of which the Christ is the Head and Leader, I wish to say, 'My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.' In truth, I am more than jubilant over the fact of our having as our great Head and Leader the greatest  and most powerful of all."  A.J. Tomlinson's 24th Annual Address to the 1934 General Assembly.

SECTION I

  WHO ARE WE?

We know who we are because He has told us both in His Word and the Holy Ghost has confirmed who we are. Soon He will reveal to others who we are "The Church of God" (of prophecy) Jesus did not need to have the witness of the spirit in bodily form nor in spoken word. John knew who he was and he knew who Jesus was but God revealed to the world who Jesus was. He will soon reveal to the world that His true Church is the one practicing the doctrines of the Bible and following the leading of the Holy Ghost instead of man.

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matt 3:13-17 (KJV)

He will declare who we are to those who will listen. Many will never hear because they have a mindset that will not permit them to break with personalities they have selected to lead them.

There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the Lord hath not spoken. The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD. Ezek 22:25-31 (KJV)

It is imperative that we know who we are in order to do the work He has assigned to us. In the early '50's the court decided for us, after looking at our biblical statement's, that we are in fact "The Church of God (of prophecy)". This was a fact we had accepted for years prior to that time, that we are the Bible Church exclusive and singular. We still are that same church not because of what the court has said but because of what the Bible declares still today. We are not His Church because of a charter, court order or some other declaration by some political power or regime. We still stand on the Bible the whole Bible and doctrine and practices found therein. Let those who do the same step forward and make this same declaration and we can walk together and embrace each other as equal parts in the same Body of Christ. We exclude no one that makes this claim but anything less leaves them out of His Body, the Church of God. Many have been invited to do this along with us but they refuse. The body of Christ is not divided; it is ONE  in Him by covenant. If your covenant is valid and unbroken we are members of the same Body because He placed us both in the body as it pleased Him (not man).

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:42-47 (KJV)

We are not going to become His Body-We are His body right now! We have pledged ourselves together to keep it "The Church of God." Our foundation standeth sure. It cannot be improved upon nor can it be destroyed, man didn't lay it with untempered mortar and it will remain in spite of men. We are now facing confusion created by men which has resulted in six different groups all claiming to be His Church but one. His Church will be the one that He will identify because He is pleased with Her actions, submission to His will and LOVE of the brethren. Have you ever imagined what our former General Overseers Bishops A.J. and M. A. Tomlinson would do over all this mess of divisions? Having been privileged to know the latter man, Bishop M.A. Tomlinson it is fairly easy to say that he would have been on his knees for the past 14 years praying for unity and love among the covenant people. He would have denounced the man led groups (spin offs) that have occurred because someone wants to be "King of the mountain". It is time to stop the foolishness of division and come "let us reason together." The olive branch has been extended to the leadership of all six groups, three have responded, one with a possible willingness to talk and one with a definite YES. No doubt the next appeal will come from the Holy Ghost to all covenant members to have a "Spiritual Summit" since the leadership doesn't think it is a good idea. God will soon put up a STOP SIGN, just wait and see. His only Son didn't die for this confusion and religious politics. He purchased the Church and prayed in John 17,

 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:20-23 (KJV)

His prayer will be answered!

Please do not read into this message something that isn't here. This overseer isn't saying, "We're it and you're not." What I am saying is that you can identify "The Church of God yourself by using the Bible as your testing guide. If what you are a part of meets the biblical criteria then by all means stay with it. If your covenant is intact and mine is intact we should at least love one another and walk together. Bishop A. J. Tomlinson used to say, "Bees don't make honey as long as they are swarming. They make honey once they are settled into the hive." We need to settle in "The Church of God" and make some honey; souls are dying and need to be rescued. We will not attempt to entice you to come with us by offering you money no matter how much God blesses us financially. The Church of God believes you should put some of your time, money and interest in His House. God didn't promise us a FREE ride as some practice. If you won't pay God His money (10%) that is His to begin with, then you certainly want support His House with your gifts and offerings. This renders you unfit for the Kingdom of God not to mention His Church. An overseer from one of the other groups called and wanted to work with us but they come with a price and he was willing to state his price but I explained we were not hiring that month or anytime in the future. His Church is not about money! Jesus said, "If you love me, feed my sheep." Our hand is out to all who will come and be faithful to the covenant and loyal to the Church while placing your trust in the Lord. He is more than enough!

SECTION II

U N I T Y

This was mentioned in the previous section but I want to expand some on it here. Without unity there is little chance of advancing the work. My mother and father both worked in a cotton mill and I used to go in there and watch the tiny little strings being woven into cloth. A single little strand would often break and they would repair it. It was so fragile when it was only one but when it was in unity with the millions of other strings, the strength was amazing. The cotton denim fabric is one of the most enduring fabrics. The family of God is unstoppable when they dwell in unity. Satan hates unity and will stop at nothing to destroy it. He is not afraid of large numbers but shutters at small numbers who have unity.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. Psalms 133:1-3 (KJV)

It was back in the 70's that The Church of God of Prophecy was the fastest growing holiness church in the world. Once unity was shattered look at the results now. It is time to put Satan on the run by binding ourselves together in UNITY once again. Trust God again, He will build His Church and She will have UNITY.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matt 16:18 (KJV)

SECTION III

 EXPANDING OUR MINISTRY

While no certain level of education is required today for the ministry within The Church of God one should seek knowledge on their own. A mechanic cannot expect to work on a car today without being able to read technical manuals, diagrams, schematics and operate computers and other related equipment to diagnosis the problems. It is much like that in the ministry we need to be skilled in understanding the Bible, reference books and be good readers and listeners. Expanding our ministry is an individual responsibility and we should never allow the assembly to place a mandatory requirement for a specified level of education on the ministry. Higher learning should however be promoted and supported by our leadership. Bible Training Institute should be a desire for every leader along with counseling training and other Bible based course to enhance our skills in our culture and interaction with others. Prayer and fasting will help us expand our ministry because a PhD without the guidance of the Holy Ghost is a dangerous position in the ministry. Our early church fathers had little in the way of formal education but they brought us to this day with great results. Just look at what happened when a few became educated without the guidance of the Holy Ghost! Greek took over and the Holy Ghost was put out so that now every teaching of Jesus must be critically analyzed using the Greek and coming up with such a mess that no one can even begin to understand what is meant by certain points of doctrine. The way is simple according to the Bible, so simple that a way faring man though he is a fool should not err therein.

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. Isaiah 35:8 (KJV)

Bishop A.J. Tomlinson used to say "If it sounds complicated you better leave it alone." The greatest understanding to the Bible is through prayer and allowing the Lord to speak to us. We will expand our ministry through prayer and fasting. Fasting isn't to bargain with God but it is to get and keep our own flesh in submission to the Spirit.

SECTION IV

REPORTING, TITHING AND GIVING

Reporting:

State Regional and National Overseers MUST report quarterly to headquarters plus they MUST report monthly as ministers. This is not optional for any of us as ministers. A failure to report for more than 90 days will result in your termination as a minister according to the minutes of the Executive Committee. National State and Regional Overseers are expected to require the same of every minister under their authority. We must all enforce these rulings and respect for our office which we have been entrusted with. Overseers please work on this immediately following this assembly. We have no one to lose so find out what is wrong before it's too late for them and us.

I am recommending to the Executive Committee that this assembly go on record requiring all who hold license to abide by the same requirement. This will include all deacons.

Some do not feel it necessary to report to headquarters while others compile their reports and send them quarterly. The ministry is required to report once every 30 days and Overseers are required to report on a quarterly basis in addition to their monthly report. The Executive Committee has asked that every minister failing to report for a period of 90 days is suspended and if reports are not caught up their license is to be revoked. We have tried to be lenient but it has not worked well for us. Let this serve as a warning being given in love, if you do not want to report, please do not accept your license. Upon the return to the office, the International Overseer will recall all licenses that fall into a period exceeding 90 days. This is to apply to the local church also because they too are required to report monthly. The Executive Committee has already approved this action.

In 1989 the assembly did not require deacons to report except to the local church conference. I have watched over the years and observed that this requirement for the most part has been ignored and no report was given in most cases. I am recommending to this assembly that this be changed to require all licensed ministers to report monthly. All deacons must report just as all other ordained ministers monthly since there is no distinction made between them and other licensed ministers.

I am asking the committee to bring this in their business before this assembly as part of their report.

Tithing

While tithing is not a test of membership it is a test of Christian behavior and stewardship and a test of the ministry according to the assembly. The word steward means a manager of another person's money and assets. The person who doesn't pay God His money will most likely not pay their other responsibilities. The Bible calls them robbers. Where in will a man rob God?     

 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Mal 3:7-10 (KJV)

A minister who will not tithe can expect his or her credentials to be revoked. Please do not apply for a minister's license if you do not intend to tithe. The Church of God must not permit this lack of stewardship by our ministers. Stewardship is a word often misused; it means a manager of another person's money or assets. In this case it is God's money we are managing. The first fruits of our income belong to God and if we use it we are called robbers in the Bible. So we need to be careful how we manage His money if we want ours to go far. Many people are running around with bags full of holes because of their misuse of God's money.

Giving

Every child of God should be a cheerful giver in addition to being a faithful tither. This is necessary for good spiritual health. If you haven't paid your tithes you can't give because your stewardship is flawed to begin with. The Bible teaches tithes as "First Fruits" it is to come off the top before lights, water, groceries or anything else. Many salaries are cursed because the tithe has not been paid first. Once this has been done then one can become a cheerful giver. God doesn't expect you to give unless you can afford it and you can't afford it until your income has been tithed. This has hindered the Church for years because members failed to grasp it and the blessings are hindered. I was told once by an overseer that his people are too poor to tithe. To this I replied, "They are too poor not to tithe." God won't bless a mess. Tithe first and He will bless you to be able to GIVE latter. These are biblical requirements that simply must not be ignored if we expect God's blessings. No country is so poor that God will excuse their non-tithing and will remain poor if they refuse to obey His Word. Giving is necessary to sustain God's House. Once our tithes are paid and our family's needs are met we must share our giving and learn from the scripture that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive.

We are so small that even this will not operate headquarters at this Time. It is due to generous donations by members and non-members that we continue to operate. The Brick Plan has worked very well for us during 2007-2009 and we have stayed afloat because of it and your willingness to participate in it. Some 46-50 certificates will be presented to those who have participated during this period. These who receive these certificates are being asked to continue their gifts of love for 2010 - 2011 so we can have another good report next assembly. If you haven't bought into this plan please begin it today before you leave this assembly. Many are budgeting God out but it is a mistake you and I can't afford to make.

The "Brick Plan" has worked well for us. We have had some 44 people who have participated in this plan during the assembly years of 2007 - 2009. We ask that this plan be continued in a modified form into 2010 - 2011 so we will have another good report next assembly but it isn't enough at the present level of participation to cover our expenses at headquarters. Please promote this plan to family members and anyone who will help us to pay our bills but we can't expect strangers outside the Church to pay our operating cost. Let this assembly help the Executive Committee come up with a viable plan that will fund our headquarters. Your headquarters is over 6,000 sq. feet of workable office space equipped to handle thousands more of churches and ministers. We have our own printing department, Sunday School Department along with the other auxiliaries. There is a beautiful chapel where the staff meets daily at 10:00 AM to pray for your needs around the world. You have a world headquarters that you should be thankful for and I know all of you are. It is yours-not leased or rented. Let's support it in prayer, visits, offerings and testimonies!    

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 (KJV)

SECTION V

INTERNATIONAL OVERSEER APPOINTMENT

I have been somewhat reluctant to mention this because of my personal fear of terms but it is necessary for this assembly so here we go. The Executive Committee has been consulted about a minimum term for the International Overseer of seven years. This would put the overseer in position for a minimum term of 7 years which would really amount to eight years due to the assembly being on a two year cycle now.

Rational

As it stands the International Overseer would be appointed at each assembly for 2 years. The new appointee would then rush home and attempt to learn the job and meet with the Executive Committee approximately 4 times each year. He would then have to prepare an assembly which will consume him for the next 12 months and then it's time for the assembly. This not only is unfair to the new Overseer, it is unfair to The Church of God.  A minimum of 7 years seems to be more in line with the perfect number from the Bible and would serve us better. The 7 years would allow a smoother turn over between the outgoing International Overseer during the 3rd Assembly after the Selection with an understanding that his tenure would begin 12 months prior to the next assembly. This would provide a change over while both men could work together during the 8th year with no overlap of the authority of the International Overseer. The incoming Overseer would simply assume his duties mid-assembly while the outgoing International Overseer would relinquish his. I have not discussed this with the Executive Committee and ask them merely to consider this while preparing their business agenda to be given in their report to this assembly. I am asking them to present the minimum 7 year term for the Office of the International Overseer for this assembly's consideration.

SECTION VI

GENERAL FUND

It has been brought to my attention that the lump of our finances into one general fund is not working. While I agree that we must bring back the true spirit of the auxiliaries and that includes fund raising, I also know that we do not have a plan in place to take care of headquarters. The intent was to have just one fund and budget all auxiliaries from that one fund and it was suggested to us by one of the leading financial advisors to churches in the United States. Neither this man nor his company knows anything about the spirit of these auxiliaries. In 1928 during the "Big Business" program these auxiliaries were placed in the Church and they have worked well for us until now. While we may need some adjustments, we do not need to do away with the spirit of these auxiliaries.

I am asking the Executive Committee to recommend a plan for the auxiliaries to draw attention

to their purpose again.

SECTION VII

OUR PRESENT FINANCIAL PLAN

It would seem that with the reduced stress on giving in the local level many people have

forgotten their responsibility to their headquarters. While many are giving large amounts to

headquarters some churches are just along for the ride. We must not make giving mandatory but

we must come up with a plan for each church to endorse and practice.

I am asking the Executive Committee to suggest such a plan in this assembly. It doesn't have to

be a complex one but it must include all our churches and encourage them to participate

faithfully. It should be sent monthly with their report. The assembly has asked for this plan to be

done voluntarily but most have not done it yet:

Sunday School - 50% to headquarters     WMB - 50 % to headquarters

VLB - 50 % to headquarters                    CPMA - 50 % to headquarters

BTI - 50 % to headquarters                      2^nd Sunday - 100% to headquarters

Once again I call upon the Executive Committee to make a recommendation to this assembly

regarding this matter.

SECTION VIII

GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE

This is the greatest government in the world, theocracy, because it is God's Government and His plan to bring about His will. In every form of government there must be leadership, submission, loyalty and discipline. There must be a structured government in God's Church in order for the administration to develop our objectives and present them to the people in a way they will become a part the solution and not the problem. For a government to run smoothly there must be discipline.

A.     Monarchy-there is one central figure (usually King or Queen) that imposes their rule on their subjects through submission by force and absolute control. 

B.      Dictatorship--- One head dictates their wishes and instills fear by creating a loyalty by force, intimidation and even death to those who disobey.

C.      Democracy---Government by the people for the people. This government works through collective bargaining and decisions being made by a congress or other body within the government working through elected officials.

D.    Theocracy---Government by God rule. It will only work when the subjects are loyal to God and serve Him out of love not fear. They must remain flexible to His will and not man's. It only works correctly when His will is found and followed.

Theocratic Government is our form in The Church of God. It doesn't mean the leadership has heard from God and you must like it because your leader has said it and you have no choice but to do it and like it. Theocracy means we are both happy and so is the Holy Ghost. It is not force or intimidation and neither does it require us to be manipulated into submission. This assembly needs to find the mind of God and conduct business for the good of all the members worldwide. Our government must be interpreted properly in the fear of God not man. It can only work correctly when holy men of God find His will for this body. God's people are happy when the Holy Ghost is pleased and we are willing to submit to His government. New Testament Theocracy is different than the Old Testament Theocracy where God worked through just ONE man. In the New Testament it seems good to the Holy Ghost and US.

SECTION IX

WORLD MISSIONS THEN AND NOW

A few years ago one could ride a freight ship and visit the islands of the sea on meager fare or catch a train. Bishop A.J. Tomlinson did this often and I am still amazed at the amount of travel he was able to do. We now live in our time when you can have breakfast in New York City and dinner in Paris France but the cost of such a trip is staggering. The amount of work and travel today which is possible to us in the same space of time is mind boggling. The difference is the cost in accomplishing this task. We have learned new methods and been afforded rapid transportation vehicles but I fear we've gone backwards in accomplishing these goals of reaching the lost. The need for missionaries and foreign missions has not diminished but the cost has risen to such a degree that at times MISSIONS almost looks hopeless.

MISSIONS are not beyond our reach NOW anymore than THEN! It is all in how we perceive it. I can remember driving our sisters around for them to solicit. They wore their beautiful white dresses and when they would go into the businesses people would drop a few coins, dollars and sometime a $20 bill and to a great extent these sisters funded missions. Just imagine that today with the cost of a single air fare to the Bahamas of $700.00 to $900.00? Our previous approach doesn't work in this 21st Century (NOW OTHER WAYS YARD SALES, DINNERS ETC.) and I personally am glad. I was one thrilled individual when it was announced that headquarters no longer supported our mission's solicitation.   

Today we must have people who have learned the joy of giving to missions. Recently a man told me that he had learned the joy of giving and his generous help to us and others has proven that. I have always heard people say, "Give until it hurts" but his saying is, "Give until it feels good." Those who close their fist on God will never know the meaning of these words. If our fist is closed nothing can come in it but if it is open God can put more in.

Many leave their children their entire estate while leaving God nothing. I do not judge these matters but I have wandered about how God looks at it. Does God expect our giving to stop with our death? I have learned of many who have established scholarships for students of the ministry, for missions and other areas of ministry such as their own local church etc. In The Church of God we never hear much about such things because of our mindset but it is time for us to think outside the box. Why not leave God some of your wealth when you head off for Heaven for the streets of gold? Please think about God's House now and into the future. Often we think our people are all poor but that is not the case at all. Some are poor and we need to help them but others have the ability to do great things for God with an unclenched fist.

We do not know what we will face as God's Church in the near future so we need to prepare for it now. The Bible teaches us to be debt free and owe no man anything.

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Prov 22:7 (KJV)

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Romans 13:7-8 (KJV)

When this becomes the standard for The Church of God homes our level of giving will reflect in our local churches and at headquarters. We need to be able to say this statement in our homes, churches and headquarters, "WE ARE DEBT FREE." Missions will flourish and our global goals will be attainable then. If we look inward it will destroy us but if we look upward to Him, He will empower us!

Our size must not dictate the outcome. The outcome must be determined by God as He leads us in the way of success. May I borrow the words of Bishop A. J. Tomlinson who said, "I CAN SEE NOTHING BUT VICTORY ON TOP OF VICTORY FOR THE CHURCH OF GOD!" I fully feel just like him today as I deliver this address which I believe is inspired by God. Time will tell the story.

SECTION X

THE STANDARD OF THE CHURCH OF GOD - THE BIBLE

Time has come to preach the Bible without compromise. You don't need to fear when you preach it is wrong for two people of the same sex to marry. One does not need to fear when you preach it is wrong to live together in double marriage or to live together without marriage. It is not necessary for fear to come upon you when you preach against homosexual behavior.

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt 10:26-28 (KJV)

The standard of The Church of God must be that of the Bible and the Bible condemns such things. Now I did not say that you will not be arrested, thrown in jail or even killed for preaching against these so you might want to bail out now. Those who don't believe this position should not apply for the ministry in The Church of God. This seems even more serious than chewing gum. I remember a time when if you answered that you chewed gum on your application you would not receive your license. My, how far we have come because that question isn't on the application any more. It amazes me regarding the SINS that are permitted today by some organizations while we were willing to give up gum back in those days. I really think many didn't give up the gum which leads us to a more serious problem which shall go unnamed.

The Church of God must never  lower Her standard for anyone or any cause because God will reveal His Church to the world just as He did His Son in due time. We must teach ONE church, entire sanctification and the blessed Holy Ghost and encourage our people to walk on with the Lord.

SECTION XI

SAME SEX MARRIAGE

There are six States within the United States of America that presently have passed the same sex marriage law and 44 more will soon follow due to the pressure to adopt this legislation. If a state loses their federal funds the pressure from their occupants will require them to do it. When the money stops people are motivated to do something. If we want to be protected we need to state our position clearly when interviewing prospective members who are unfamiliar to our teachings and biblical stand. I am requesting the Executive Committee to consider this and make a suggestion during this assembly. If a member is taken into membership without telling them and you suddenly learn that they are not living to the biblical standard you will probably be sued for dealing with them. We are living in a different day and our present teaching on "Homosexual Behavior" doesn't cover this because the same sex marriage issue is treated different by the new laws.

Since God's law only permits marriage between one man and one woman, the Church is and always will be against this law and will not permit such unions. Our decision is based on the Bible and we will not wavier. Now it is absolutely necessary for us to state our position for legal purposes in order to protect our proprieties and rights. We must do it now instead of waiting for the courts to impose something we can't endorse.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: …Gen 1:26a (KJV)

And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Gen. 2:18

 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Gen 2:18-24 (KJV)

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CONCLUSION

May almighty God grant to us His wisdom and Spirit in our business of this 102^nd Assembly? Time is short and He will bring His covenant people together in a manner that will astonish us all. Our job is to submit to Him and allow the REAL OVERSEER to lead the way. Amen!

John A. Wilkins, Jr.,

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"The Banner of Truth" Managing Editor:   Elizabeth Wilkins

Public Relations:                                        Tina Tidwell

Bible Training Institute (BTI):                    Rodger Tidwell

International Treasurer:                            Brenda Fowler

International Sunday School Director:       Elizabeth Wilkins

International Victory leaders (VLB) Director: Jona Nelson

International Women's Missionary (WMB) Director: Eunice Foster

International Church of Prophecy Marker Association (CPMA): Harry Elder

International Assembly Band Movement (ABM): Harry Elder

Publishing Committee:                             John Wilkins

                                                                 Hillard Foster

                                                                 Harry Elder

Publishing Department Manager:           Elizabeth Wilkins

Publishing Manager Assistant:               Brenda Fowler

Building Maintenance & Property Management: Harry Elder

International World Mission Secretary:  John Pultz

REGIONAL OVERSEERS

South America:                                       Gerardo A. Nolasco

Africa:                                                     Ade Ojo

NATIONAL OVERSEERS

Bahamas:                                                         Hillard E. Foster, Sr.

Bolivia:                                                             Julio A. Cabrera

Brazil:                                                               Jose M. Coronel

Chile:                                                                Belarmino A. Carrianco

Columbia:                                                         Gerardo A. Nolasco

Dominican Republic:                                        Dumas J. Michel

Ecuador:                                                           Julio A. Cabrera

Haiti:                                                                Dumas J. Michel

Mexico:                                                            Jose Conception

Paraguay:                                                         Jose M. Coronel

Peru:                                                                Gerardo M. Nolasco

Philippines:                                                      Darwin P. Gaba  

United States of America:                               Harry D. Elder

Uruguay                                                           Jose M. Coronel

Venezuela                                                        Gerardo A. Nolasco

John A. Wilkins, Jr.,