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“All ye inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth, see ve; when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains,
and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye.”
—Isaiah 18:3
Volume 3
BRITTON, OKLAHOMA, APRIL, 1919
Number 39
"1S THERE A TRUE ORGANIZATION?
To the above we certainly say yes. There is also
a true church. As to this organization and church man
has had nothing whatever to do in shaping it in any
way. It is not of man’s wisdom or planning. All men
has ever had to do with it was to accept it as it was
made by the Lord himself. This church is perfectly
organized even to detail governing the actions of all its
members. Its appointed seasons of worship are all ap-
pointed. The ministry with all other gifts needed in
its government and service is all provided for. The mind
that guides this organization and service is divine. It
needs no constitution, or by-laws, that are nct given in
the Bible. It has no committees to nominate its officers
or plan for its finances. The same laws governing each
member is today the same as governed Adam and Eve.
It has but one head and that is Christ. Every person
who accepts the headship of any other organization “sits
in the temple of God, showing himself he is God,” re-
gardless of the name which designates his office. Let
it be Pope, President, Chairman, or Chief Councillor, it
matters not.
The Name of the True Church.
It is called “the Church of the Firstborn.” It is
called “The Church.” It is called “the Church of God,”
and so on. In its divided congregational localities, these
are called the churches, whether it is in a house or
synagogue, as they meet for service.
How Each Must Become a Member of the Church.
This is done, first, by true “repentance towards God
and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” On conditions
of this compliance each one “is made a new creature in
Christ Jesus,” unto perfect obedience in all the require-
ments of God. We enter this church by the new birth,
by being born again, through the word and the power
of the Holy Spirit. On compliance to this requirement
our names are written in heaven, in the Lamb’s Book of
Life. Thus we see thus far as stated, “God adds to the
church such as shall be saved.” Man cannot add one
single member to the church. God does that. Neither
can man take any out of the church.
Christ is the head of the church and we are all
members of his body. Hence as the head directs each
member of the body so each member of the church is
directed by Christ individually into all truth. “If any
man lack wisdom let him ask of God.” If his word
abides in you and you abide in him, this is the condition
overseers.”
of rellowship, both with Christ and the Father, as well
as with all saints.
True fellowship is brought about by the word and:
wot by man’s specifications of faith. If the same word
abides in me that abides with the Father and the Son
that gives me perfect fellowship with them, Then if my
brethren have the same word abiding in them then the
union is complete. This is unity of the church and. hoth-
ing else is unity.
The Gifts in the Church.
And “God hath set some in the church, first-apostles,
secondarily prophets, thirdly, teachers; after that
miracles, oifts of healing, helps, governments, and
diversity of tongues, pastors, evangelists.” 1 Cor. 12:
28; Eph. 4:13.
Note. it is God who sets these gifts of the spirit in
the church. not man. Therefore in the true church it
is utterly impossible for man to prepare by election,
education, or employing them in anv way to act in any
of the capacities mentioned. These gifts are all by divine
anpointment bv him who knows the hearts of all men.
And effort to fill these positions by a committee, or in
any other way is but to show our ignorance. The result
of all such is now plainly to be seen. The choosing of
these men by God in all the past is plainly written, so
no mistake need be made. They have been called from
various walks in life and all taught by God, not men.
Anv worker coming from anv other source is but a
hireling and a poor representative.
The Directing of these Men and Workers is all from God.
Any one who at all knows the Scriptures knows that
in all cases God alone sent his servants where they should
go, and do the work he had for them to perform. This
we need not argue for a moment.
Overseers of the Flock.
“Take heed therefore unto vourselves and to all the
flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made thee
Acts 20:20. Man has no right to appoint
anv one to oversee the flock. That must come from the
Hely Ghost.
the church, The membership constitute the body and
members in particular. All are directed by the head.
That is also represented by Christ being the vine and
each member the branch. All drawing nourishment from
the vine direct and not through a system of officials.
First, each member is connected individuallv and are
held responsible individually. Second. Christ adds to his
church such as shall be saved. Third, the conditions of
membership is to be born again and made a new creature
Thus far we see that Christ is the head of