I Will Build My Church Upon This Rock by W. V. Grant, Sr

8/2/2019 I Will Build My Church Upon This Rock by W. V. Grant, Sr

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B O O K S B Y R E V . W . V . G R A N T

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CHAPTER I

WHY DOWEPREACH THE GOSPEL?

Isit to just savesouls and get people to becomeChristians?

Is it to give them better living conditions? Is it our purpose to

Americanize them, or get people to acceptour ideas,principles,

and scruples? We must havea goal and an ultimate purpose inmind. The Lord looks at our motive and will j udge us by our

intensions aswell asthe work we aredoing.

Do we preach to get people converted so they will be

healthy and happy? Is it to evangelizethe world so Jesuswill

hurry and return? Can you define your goal,aim, and purpose?

If you can't, then maybe you hadbetter take inventory of your

work and turn the Holy Spirit's x-ray machine on yourself

today.

It is possible that some ministers are on the field as a

vacation, as a doctor or an attorney would follow their life'swork. Is it a profession with some? Are they working for their

salary, or as a meansto earn their bread andbutter? Could it be

because their parents were preachers, or could it be because

they know of no other way to make a living? Are some too lazy

or too full of pride to do physical work?

The above purposes have some merits, but is there not a

higher, more noble purpose in the mind' of Christ?

WHAT IS THE MAIN AIM OF CHRIST IN OUR

LABORS?

Jesus Said, "1 will build my church." Everything that anapostle, a prophet, an evangelist, a teacher, or a pastor does is

part of an ultimate purpose. It is to build the church of Jesus

Christ.

Did it ever occur to you that Jesus loved the church and

gaveHimself for it?

He purchased the church with His own blood (Acts

20:28). The church is God's will. To do the will of God, we

must be busy building the church. We must build a strong

church which follows the example given to us in the New

Testament. If you don't follow the New Testament example,

you will haveno New Testament church.



If we have the mind of Christ, we will do the works of

Christ. If we do the works of Christ, we will be busy building

the church which He is building.

ARE MISSIONARY INSTITUTIONS EFFECTIVE IF

THEY DO NOT ,BUILD CHURCHES?

It is similar to getting baby chickens hatched out and then

not caring for them. Different institutions have tried getting

people converted in foreign fields. They say their job is towitness to all the world and to hasten the return of Jesus Christ

to this world.

Unfortunately, very little of their work remains. Jesus said

He wants us to bear much fruit and He wants that fruit to

"remain." Some trees bear fruit, but the fruit is not cared for. It

does not remain (John 15:16). The fruit of a Christian is

another Christian.

The converts must be formed into churches. They must be

taught, not only to resist the devil, but to teach other converts

how to resist Satan.The purpose of evangelizing is to call out a people for the

Lord Jesus Christ. The church must evangelize. Paul told Pastor

Timothy to "do the work of an evangelist" (II Tim 4:5). We

must conform to the long range method of establishing the

church of the Lord Jesus.

IS NOT THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE

POPULATION COMMENDABLE?

It is good to build schools, hospitals, agricultural projects,

and similar institutions, but these are only side lines, as by

products. Build a strong church and these other things will takecare of themselves.

If we only build institutions other than the church, then

the struggling church is too weak to meet a Communist crisis, or

any other enemy.

Sometimes crisis causes the home country to withdraw

funds and missionaries. Then the enemy can take over. So we

see how we must teach the church to be strong and

self-supporting.

Many missionaries never teach the converts to give

offerings or to pay tithes. They have done the natives a greatwrong. No one is too poor to tithe. The nine-tenths of your

salary with God's blessings will go farther than the tenth tenths

with the curse on it.

If we teach the full gospel we will teach the converts that

God's will is the home church, pastor, teacher, and Christian

worker. Without these, then the convert is not in the will of

God.

WHAT WAS THE NEW TESTAMENT PATTERN?

The converts were brought together by Brother Paul. It

was often in a home of a Christian. Sometimes they met in a

school house, a synagogue, or some public place. There they

would teach the converts in Christian doctrine and conduct.

Deacons, elders, pastors, and teachers were chosen. Paul

was led by the Spirit for the right leadership.

Paul taught in a school in Ephesus for two years, All Asia

heard the Word of the Lord (Acts 19:10). Paul left a church

after each revival.

In some places, Paul left a self-governing church in a short

while. Most of the time, this church could support itself and

carry the gospel to others.

We don't find that the home church at Jerusalem or

Antioch sent support to keep these churches going. At one time

he asked the new church to send relief to the Jerusalem church

during a famine.

Each new church was self-supporting in the New

Testament. It could expand by its own power. It was a healthy

church. It was self-qoverninq, The Holy Ghost put overseers

over the church (Acts 20:23). It did not depend on foreign

money to exist.

MUSTWE HAVE A NATIONAL CHURCH?

The New Testament Church was a "National Church." We

must have a national church. A national church does not have

to depend on a church in some other country. It does not need

support or leaders from a foreign nation.

It must not exclude Christians of other nationalities, but it

must not depend on outsiders for support. God has no respect

to persons or nationalities.

There are large churches on the mission fields which are

still unable to support a full-time pastor. Ten families that tithe

can support a pastor on the same living standards that they

have.



Suppose all the missionaries were forced to go home.

Could the church survive?

If the church is built according to the New Testament

pattern, the gatesof hell can't prevail againstit.

CAN WE REALLY OBTAIN THIS GOAL?

Is foreign aid God's plan? The New Testament and the

gospelnever changes.It is the samein our time as-in Bible days.

The gospel is universal. It can be adopted to any raceand

anycountry. It can grow on any economic or social level.

If we have New Testament methods, we can see New

Testament results. God has so designedthis gospel so it meets

the needof people in all countries. The true gospelcan produce

an indigenouschurch any place on earth.

The Holy Spirit can work in any country. It showsa lack

of faith, and isan insult to the new converts to believethat they

can't exist by God's power without depending on the wisdom

and help of foreign mission boards.WHO DOES JESUS HOLD RESPONSIBLE TO WIN

SOULS?

Christ's agent to win the souls in the surrounding territory

isthe church.

An evangelistmay havea revival in a new place and leave

an organizedchurch, but that church isexpected to win the lost

in every direction.

Each believer must become a soul winner. All of us must

bewitnesses.

If we havedivine life, we must impart that life to others.Somehavea rule that no convert must bebaptized until hewins

asoul to Christ.

A growing church is a witnessing church, a dynamic

preacher or melodious singers can't take the place of every

member becomingasoul winner.

SHOU LD A PASTOR BE INTERESTED IN OUT

STATIONS.

As a pastor, your ministry is not complete in the church

house. If the sinnersdon't come to the church, then the church

must go to the sinner. We are commanded to go into all theworld and preachthe gospelto every creature.

As a pastor, you can influence your people to reach the

sinners in every direction. Servicesmay be held in open air,

brush arbors, tents, school houses,or somewhere in the nearby

communities.

WHO SHOULD THE PASTORGET TO HELP HIM?

Sincethe pastor cannot do this alone, he must depend on

the capable and faithful members to serve as lay preachersincooperation with the church. The pastors can give a worker's

certificate to theseworkers to showthey areworking under hisauthority and direction. After they havebeen loyal workers six

months, they may be given ministers' license.Then they must

becomeevangelistswho hold revivalsplanned by the pastor.

When the local ministers ure so successfulthat they

must go out into full-time revivals, they must go into the

regions beyond them (II Cor. 10: 16) and not work in

competition with the pastor, on the sameterritory. In this way,

the lay preacher becomes a full-time minister with the sincere

recommendation and endorsement of his pastor, who stands

behind the minister, when he is going out into full-time workfor God.

TO WH0M IS THE LOCAL MINISTER RESPONSIBLE?

The pastor, with his official board, makesa local minister

responsible for an outstation. It is the responsibility of the

pastor, in cooperation with the official board, to nameworks

from the home church to work in the out station. With talents

from the home church, a new SundaySchool may beorganized.

The new group must never consider themselves

independent, or more spiritual than the pastor who sent them,

regardlessof how the Lord may bless. If the certificates aregiven to the local minister by his home church and pastor, he

will recognizethat the pastor has the authority in building the

outstation.

SHOULD THE NEW CHURCH BE ORGANIZED AND

SET IN ORDER BY THE MOTHER CHURCH?

There must be unity, fellowship, and harmony between

the mother and daughter church. The instructions should come

from the pastor who isa spiritual father to the newchurch.

It isgoodfor the mother church to havea workers training

class at least once per week to furnish qualified workers for



another new church in another nearby town. Thus the work of

the Lord grows.

SHOULD THE YOUNG PASTOR HAVE BIBLE SCHOOL

TRAINING?

Not all workers will grow into a full-time minister, but a

few will. If the pastor really wants to see the gospel go into all

the world, he will have a selfless spirit. He will want to build the

home church, but he will also want to build for God otherplaces. He will recognize the ones who have a real calling into

the full time ministry.

"The things thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same committhou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others." III TIm. 2:2.>

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TRAIN A MINISTER?

The old methods of attending a Bible School for four years

will not be the answer for all the God-called ministers. Some of

the ministers already know more than sqme! who have finished

Bible School. God has taken them through a preparation.

However, it would be a great help to these ministers for

the pastor to have a few weeks training school at the local

church. A real qualified pastor from another city could be

brought in for this training. This course may last for two or

three weeksdurinq vacation months at night.

A course in Sunday School work would fit into a great

advantage here. This would be a good time to train them in

literal soul winning and passing out tracts from house to house.

The night services in a fifteen-day school could be given to soul

winning. More than one church could join in this effort.

A boy really learns to plow by plowing. An organist learns

to play by playing. A preacher learns more about preaching

when he preaches. After he preaches awhile, let him attend

another course next year.

DO WE HAVE GOD-CALLED EVANGELISTS?

No evangelist calls himself. God has set the evangelists in

the church just as He sets prophets and pastors in the church.

His ministry should be mostly in new fields and not to teach the

old saints in established churches. His object is not only to win

souls, but to leave them in an organized church. It is better not

to win souls than to let them die because they do not have a

shepherd (II Peter 2: 21 ). Never leave Iittle lambs to the wolves

and lions without a shepherd.

HOW CAN THE EVANGELIST BEGIN IN A NEWPLACE?

One good way is to organize a group to put out literature

from house to house. He may begin services in open air, a tent,

hall, or in a large dwelling.

Many people will listen in open air, or near a tent, who will

not go inside a building. In this way the converts will see theneed of a place to meet. Most of the time, they will give their

time, labor, and means to provide that meeting place.

Most of the time it is a mistake to build a house before

you build a church. If the Lord build not the house, they labor

in vain that build it (Ps. 127: 1). Some ministers build a building

costing much money. After ten years, they have ten people who

can't pay the overhead. Unless the candlestick is there, why

build a church house? After the Lord brings the people

together, it is not hard to get the people to build a building.

SHOULD THE LORD CHOOSE THE LOCATION?

Most of the time it is better to go in the heart of the city

and work in every direction. It seems that is the way Paul did it.

Then all the villages round about may be reached. Above all, the

Lord must place the location on the heart of the evangelist. If

the evangelist and workers spend three days in fasting and

prayer, God will put a certain location on their hearts.

If several truck loads of workers gather at the place in

praising and singing, the crowds will come out.

Testimonies from these workers are valuable. It must never

be a one man's show, or a Hollywood style, show-man-shipevangel ist.

Jesus must be magnified; then the souls who listen will be

convicted by the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit will not convict

men of sin when we magnify a man. Philip, the evangelist, gives

us a good example of a New Testament revival (Acts 8). He

preached Christ unto them

WHAT IS A GOOD BEGINNING IN A REVIVAL?

The most powerful proof of the gospel is to have

eyewitnesses. A firsthand report is better than "hearsay". A

voice is always better than an echo.

Suppose a former drug addict, alcoholic, or witch doctor

stands up and declares he has been set free by God's power.



Suppose everyone in the city knows their former life. That is

strong proof; and is more convincing than preaching a theory

taken from a book.

Suppose a man who was demon-possessed is delivered. He

stands and says, "I opposed this group and tried to break up the

revival. I tried to keep them out of town. Now I am converted. I

have what they have. I am saved and set free."

Suppose a woman stands and says, "I was in the hospital

with cancer. These people prayed. I have been discharged and

pronounced well."

Suppose another one says, "I was bound by demons. Iw as

in and out of that jail one hundred times. Now I am set free.

My record is down at the city hall."

The revival will be on! The ones who testify become

charter members of the new church. They will soon be trained

to become workers, who will get others set free.

MUST THE EVANG-ELIST PREACH LONG?It does not take a long sermon. After these powerful

testimonies, the evangelist can simply bring a short, anointed

message and draw in the net.

After many people come forward, they are asked to kneel

and surrender to Christ.

You can tell when the Spirit of God settles over the place.

Many will give their hearts to Christ. That is a sign that a

shepherd must be left to take care of the lambs.

HOW MUSTWE KEEP THE PEOPLE SAVED?

While some go forward in building a new church house,others must remain busy building the church, by the power of

Christ. They must meet together for instructions. There they

must teach the new converts about the Holy Ghost. In these

gatherings, many will be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Names and addresses of interested people must be put on

file. Each interested person must have a visit for potential

church workers.

It must be remembered that the enemy will contest each

effort. Therefore, a prayer band that will pull down

strongholds, is very important.

HOW SHOULD WE ORGANIZE A CHURCH?

God has set the members in the' church as it has pleased

Him (I Cor. 12: 18). If man does it, he will usually make a grave

mistake. He will be sorry later on. We only recognize what the

Lord does. For instance, the church sent out Paul and Barnabas

on the missionary field, but they only recognized that God had

put the call on them"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy GhOst said Separate me

Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have cal led them." (Acts 13:2.)

Organizing a local church causes the converts to be strong.They feel their responsibility. When a man is converted he has a

new relationship to God. When he becomes a member of the

local church, he feels his relationship to his fellow man. So, the

converts have a sense of responsibility, unity, and zeal. They

have a spirit of sacrifice which causes the church to be

self-supporting.

SHOULD THERE BE A BASIS OF COOPERATION?

There must be some agreement between the members for

methods, purpose, and doctrine. Two can't walk together unless

they agree (Amos 3:3). This does not always mean that theybelieve exactly alike on each point. They can agree not to

criticize one another or make an issue about non-essential

points.

For instance, Paul refused to make an issue on

circumcision, baptism, keeping of days, or eating meats. His

members made that teaching an agreement among themselves.

They wouldn't let anyone judge them in keeping of days (Col.

2: 16).

When it comes to the essential points, which determines

our salvation, there must be an understanding. Some of thesepoints are the divinity of Christ, the virgin birth, the atonement,

etc.

Some teach that the Holy Ghost is our guide, and so He is.

We must have someone to judge who is guided by the Spirit

when two people are guided in different directions.

Some teach that the Bible is our creed and guide. Still two

men may teach opposite to one another and say they found

that teaching in the Bible. We can't follow everyone's

interpretation of the Bible.

It is good that there be an agreement between the believerson salvation, Holy Ghost, sin, hell, second coming of Christ,

church support, etc.



SHOULD A LOCAL CHURCH HAVE ELECTIONS?

When the majority rules, God does not rule. God is not

always in the majority. Had they voted on Jesus, they would

have voted Him out at times. Moses would have been voted

back into Egypt. Gideon would have received three hundred

votes out of 32,000. Paul had only Luke with him at one time

(II Tim. 4: 11).

God's business is not a democracy. It is a theocracy. Thatis when God rules. God puts up and puts down. Promotion does

not come from the East or from the West It comes from God

(Ps. 75:6). A man's gifts make room for him

When Moses died, God had a Joshua to take Moses's place.

The workman may die, but the work of God moves on. We

merely recognize the officials God has put in the church. God

sets the members in the church as it has pleased Him.

Feed the flock of God. The Holy Ghost makes you

overseers (Acts 20:28). Just as there are God-called pastors,

there are God-called teachers, elders, deacons, singers, choirdirectors, or janitors. We recognize what God has done, whether

it be by appointment or by election. Both can miss the mark

when the Spirit does not direct.

The Biblical way is for the people to look out qualified

people that the pastor may appoint over certain matters (Acts

6:3).

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The pastor is the under

shepherd of the flock (I Peter 5: 1-4). The pastor has the

spiritual responsibility of the church and must be directed by

the Spirit. The Spirit gives him the spiritual gift of the word ofwisdom to take care of each problem that presents itself.

WHO SHOULD BE ON THE OFFICIAL BOARD?

It is an age-old custom for men to be nominated from the

floor, and a vote to be taken. The man who gets the most votes

becomes a deacon, elder, or some official board member.

Many times these people are nominated or voted in

because of their popularity, social standing, finance, or because

they have a business and are well known in the community. Too

many times, it is because they know how to play politics and

can organize the people. Sometimes it is because they pay the

most money into the treasury to support the church. People

reason that the "church cannot do without their support,"

Many times these prominent men are carnal; a carnal mind

is God's enemy. It stands against everything that is spiritual.

Th us, the church becomes another organization without

organism. The board ties the pastor's hand in the spiritual

moves he makes. A church will not rise above its leaders. If the

blind leads the blind, they all fall into the ditch of formalismand carnality.

These men reason that they are more spiritual than the rest

of these people or they would not be put in as leaders of the

church.

IS THERE A BETTER WAY TO HAVE AN OFFICIAL

BOARD?

We have found that an official board should be made up of

the leader of every department. The Sunday School

superintendent and all the teachers should be on this board. The

leader of each department, such as the men's fellowshipmeeting, the ladies' missionary society, the young people's

department,. and the children's church must be on the official

board.

All these people are appointed by the pastor because of

their faithfulness. They love the Lord or they would not be

faithful. They pray and are anointed of the Lord. They are close

to the people of all ages and feel their heartbeat. They know

what the people need. They are in each service and are in touch

with the people.

The official board is an advisory board with whom thewise pastor will counsel. They will offer him their suggestions.

It is much as the advisors to the president of the United States

counsel with him before the president makes an important

decision.

They know what the church needs. They do as the early

church was commanded to do.

"Wherefore, brethren look ye OUt amo06f3the Holy Ghost and w 'lsdom whom we : ri~yy~upposev lnetnen tOhflhonestreport, full: .) over s business." (Acts

for

WHAT DOES THE PASTOR DO NEXT?

The wise pastor prays and med itates over these suggestionsa few days. Then he tells his board the decisions he has



made. Most of the time they .will see the wisdom in what the

pastor says. He makes the appointments and decisions. Then it

is ratified by the church the next service.

If there is too much opposition, the wise pastor will table

the matter and wait until the next board meeting to see if

anyone has come up with a better suggestion or

recommendation.

SUPPOSE THAT A FEW PEOPLE WANT TO VOICE?

There are a few critics in the audience who may want to

throw a monkey wrench in the machinery. They kick and snort,

and stick their feet in the ground and balk.

Had they been faithful they could probably have been

teaching a class and been on the official board.

They trade with A and P or Safeway. Yet, they don't vote

on everything that manager, or owner does. They trade at the

bank. Yet, they do not tie the banker's hands on each decision.

The president of the United States makes some decisions

without asking you. He can't please us all.

WHAT IS THE DUTY OF A PASTOR?

He is the spiritual head of the church. Jesus is the

Shepherd. The pastor is the undershepherd. The Holy Ghost has

made the pastor the overseer (Acts 20:28). The pastor is

responsible to the Holy Ghost who appointed him. The church

belongs to Jesus. He is the head (Col. 1: 18).

The pastor has the spiritual responsibility of the well being

of the church. He wants the good will of everyone. He is the

one who suffers if people stop coming. So, the pastor watches

for your souls as the one who gives an account to God.

If you don't think the pastor makes the right decision,

pray about it. Then if things don't change, there could be

something wrong with your prayers.

The pastor is the head of the official board and the

chairman of each committee. There must be no meeting called

unless the pastor calls it. The official board must never act

independently of the pastor. It can transact no business without

him.

IS THE PASTOR'S AUTHORITY UNLIMITED?

No one is infallible. No one is indispensible. The pastor

who says, "I'm going to do this or know the reason why"

usually knows the reason why. He will wake up some day to

find that his followers have quit him and gone to another

church. He rules the church, but not with a broomstick. He

rules it with love, just as Christ has authority over his people.

The pastor is in Christ's stead. He is Christ's representative.

The Apostle Peter tells us not to be lords over God's

heritage. God won't stand for it very long.

A minister is a servant (J Cor. 9: 19). The pastor is a servant

of the church, just as Christ became a servant.

A wise pastor will not put new names on the church roll,

or take them off, if he knows the church is d ispleased with it. A

good pastor will not show a dictator spirit. A good shepherd

gives his life for the sheep. He will establish a relationship with

the church which is cooperative and harmonious.

HOW CAN THE PASTOR ESTABLISH THIS

RELATIONSHIP?

He should take the initiative. He should have a monthly

meeting with the official board to consider church business. If

the members of the official board do not attend a monthly

meeting, then he has no right to complain about any decision

which might be made.

In the official board meeting, the people should bring

solutions instead of problems. They must bring a suggestion and

a plan, how to reach more people and gain new territory. If he, .has the Spirit of Christ, he will not become upset if his plan is

not chosen when it is first presented.

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A DEACON?

The Bible deals more with the qualifications of a deacon

than with their duty.

The seven men appointed over the matter in the early

church were not called deacons. There were seven men in a

church of about 20,000 people. A church of 100 only needs

one if that many. These men were working full time, it seems,

taking care of the business that the men of God had

"appointed" them to do (Acts 6: 1-6).

God has set the deacon in the church as it has pleased him.

He is God-called. We only recognize what God has done, and

appoint that man.

A deacon should be on the official board with the other

leaders to help counsel with the pastor to offer their advice.



They are never independent of the pastor, but they cooperate

with him. A real spiritual deacon can hold the church together

while the pastor is on a vacation, or has to be away for any

reason. If the deacon cannot attend the board meetings, he

should hand in his resignation andmake room for someoneelse

to take his place.Some people stand in the door. They won't go

inand hinder others from going in (Luke 11:52).

ARE THERE GOD-CALLED DEACONS?

A God-called deacon looks after the spiritual needsofthe

church, but he also carries on a spiritual ministry. Stephen,

Philip and others who had been chosen to carryon church

businesswere full of the Holy Ghost. God usedthem to hold

revivalsandwork miracles (Acts 7 andActs 8).

A good deaconwill work under the direction of the pastor

on committees. He helps the pastor to minister the Word and

carry on outstations. As he is faithful, he will also have the

qualification of anelder.

An election is not entirely ruled out; although, they have

causedmore trouble in some churches than forty revivalscan

cure. If there is an election for deaconsby the people, then the

peoplemust nevernominate from the floor.

There should be a nominating committee. The committee

must be instructed by the pastor and told exactly the

qualification necessaryfor deacons.The pastor must screenand

okay eachone who is nominated before they vote.

Even then, the qualifications should be explained to each

candidate so he can withdraw before the voting if he feels he

can't meet the requirements.

Above all, we must remember that God has set the

members in the church (I Cor. 12: 18). Weonly recognizewhat

hehasdone.

ARE WE RESPONSIBLE TO GOVERN THE MEMBERS?

Yes, but only through love and the anointing of the Spirit.

If we attempt to govern as the world does,we will makea ship

wreck of things. The scripture must alwaysbe the guidlines. It is

actually the Holy Spirit doing the governing through us. There

issucha thing asdivine discipline.

"Moreover If thy brother · shal l trespass against thee, go and tell him his faultbe tween thee and h im alone: If he shal l hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. ButIf he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that In the mouth oftwo or three wi tnesses every word may be establ ished. And If he shall neglec t to hearthem ten It unto the church: but If he neglect to hear the church, let him be untothee a s an hea then man and a publ ican ." (Mat t. 18: 15-17. )

These are instructions spoken by Jesus. If you follow

these, God will work with you. Don't stop, and tell anyone

before you get to the offending party. Go in the Spirit of

Christ. If you will confessyour faults first, hewill come nearer

confessing his. Never tell it to a mixed multitude where there

are sinners around. Let not the left hand know what the right

hand does. Don't tell it before a public gathering. Simply put

the Christianswise asto the stepswhich havebeentaken.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS

CONCERNING DISCIPLINE?

"B rethren, If a man be overtaken In a faul t} ye which are spi ri tual } res tore suchan one In the spirit of meekness; considering tnyself, lest thou also De tempted."(Gal. 6:1.)

Remember' before anything is done, the man must be

overtaken in the fault. Do not accept a rumor or an accusation.

You must havetwo or three eyewitnesses (I Tim. 5: 19). You

will make afool of yourself if you go to him with a rumor.

Who is to go to the man in a fault? It is the one who is

spiritual, and not a carnal manwho tries to fix things and makes

them worse. You must alsoconsider your own faults. You must

go in the Spirit of Christ in all humility. You must restore him,

heal hirn, cure him preach him in and never preach him out.

Remember he is a human being. Use the golden rule. How

would you feel should you be in his place?

WHAT ELSEMUSTWE DOABOUT DISCIPLINE?

"Now I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause div is ions and offencescontrary to the doctr ine which ye have learned; and avoid them." (Rom. 16: 17.)

Mark them. Wedo that when we tell it, asa last step to the

other believers. Mark the man or woman who is a chronic

trouble maker. We do this so others will know them and be onthe watch out. Know them that labor among us (I Thes. 5: 12).

Do not have any fellowship with them. Say, "Hello, brother,"

andkeepgoing.

Avoid him. Walk the other direction. Refuseto get in an

argument with him. Do not listen to his gossip or arguments.

Oneplace we are commanded to reject him (Tit. 3: 13). Do not

accept him, visit him, or bid him God speed, or listen to his

story, or give him any sympathy. Do not pet that spirit. Ignore

it.

MUSTWESTOPTRYING TO HELP HIM?There comes a time that we spend our time trying to help



someone elsethat appreciates it. God told Samuel not to pray

for Saul anymore, becauseHe had given Saul up and let him go."Now we command you, b re thren, In the nameo f our Lord JesusChris t, tha t ye

withdraw yourse lves from every b ro ther that walketh d iso rde rly, and no t a fte r thetradi tion which he received of us. " ( II Thes. 3:6. )

It is your part to withdraw yourself from him. It is not

your part to keep the Lamb's Book of Life and say the man is

savedor not saved. You don't turn him out and turn him in.

The Lord takes care of that. Jesus is the Door into the

sheepfold. He opens and no man shuts. He shuts and no man

opens. Let the wheat and the tares grow up together. If you try

to root up the tares,you might get somewheat. God will let the

angelsseparate the wheat from the tares. That is not our job

(Matt. 13:29)."A man that 15an heret lck after the f ir st and second admonit ion rejec t; knowing

that he that Is such Issubverted, and slnneth, being condemned of h imself ." (Titus3:10-11.)

ISTHERE SUCH A THING AS DIVINE DISCIPLINE?

As a last resort, after everything else has failed, we may

turn one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh.

"Of whom 15Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan,tha t ttley may lea rn not to b laspheme." (I TIm. 1:20.)

This is 'what Peter did to two liars that hindered the

progressof the church. By the gift of miracles, divine discipline

was usedon them (Acts 5:1-11). The church waspurgedof the

trouble makers.The revival moved on.

Things like this took place quite often in Moses'sministry.

The earth opened up and swallowed thousands of trouble

makers (Num. 16). Leprosy took hold of complainers (Num.

12:10).

This gift operated through Elisha and let leprosy that

could not be healed, cling to a liar as long as he lived (II Kings5:27). Elijah called down fire from heaven several times and

destroyed the enemiesofthe Lord (I Kings 18:38).

IS THE CHURCH COMMANDED TO USE THAT KIND

OF GIFT?"It Is reported commonly that there Is fornication among you, and such

fo rn icat ion as Is not so much as named among the Gent iles, tha t one should have h isfather's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hathdone th is deed might be taken away from among you. Fo r I ve rily , asabsent In body,but p resent In spirit! have Judged already, as though I were p resen t concern ing h imthat hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye arega thered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lo rd Jesus Christ, to delive rsuch an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be savedin the day of the Lord Jesus." (I Cor. 5:1-5.)

There isa death penalty pronounced on those who commit

adultery (Lev. 20: 10). As the last resort, after we havemade

every other effort, we can pray the trouble makers out of the

way.One time some people came to arrest Elisha and the

prophet struck them blind (II Kings 6: 18). A devil-possessed

man tried to block Paul'saltar call and hinder aman from being

saved. Paul struck him blind 'and let the man who was under

conviction get sa~ed(Acts 13).

Paul turned some menover to Satanfor the destruction ofthe flesh becausethey withstood the messagehe preached (I

Tim. 1:20).

WOULD IT NOT BE BETTER TO JUST LET THE

TROUBLE SLIDE BY?

We must care for the sheep. Sometimes we must take

action to saveour testimony.

Paul prayed about the offender, but he also took some

kind of action, and told us to do the same.

We must have only a feeling of love and compassion

toward anyone who is in trouble, or the trouble maker. Amother or dad corrects the child, but stil l lovesthe child. They

look on the child with compassion.

We must not fail to perform our duty merely becausethat

duty isunpleasant.

The public could believe that we condone sin if we fail to

act in certain matters.

For the sake of the offender's soul, for the sake of the

church, and for the sake of the town who is watching, it is

sometimes necessary to take action. We must fulfill our

responsibility .We must move forward with love, praying for guidance.

The Lord expects usto act where the interest of the Kingdom is

concerned.WHAT WOULD JESUSDO IN SUCH A CASE?

One time Jesus was called on to handle the caseof an

accusedoffender. He said, ''Where are thine accusers?"No one

would stand up as a witness that they saw the woman commit

the sin. Jesus refused to condemn her. That ended the case

(John 8: 1-11).

There may be a rumor about a certain man. All we can dois to ask for the evidence. If no one iswill ing to witness against



the accused, then we cannot convict anyone without evidence.

Receive not an accusation without two or three witnesses (I

Tim 5:19).

SUPPOSE WE HEAR A RUMOR ON SOMEONE?

We should trace the rumor back to the one who started it.

If the one who started the rumor cannot furnish proof, then the

one Who started the rumor is the gUilty party. Judge not that

you be not judged. He who judges does the same thing (Rom

2 : 1 ).

No one must carry on a rumor unless he is prepared to sign

his name to it. We must not accept a rumor without two or

three eye witnesses (I Tim. 5: 19). About ninety-eight per cent

of the rumors flying around are without foundation. The only

thing worse than a gossipper is someone that listens to the

gossip. Where there is no wood, the fire goes out. Where there

are no listeners, there are no gossipers.

We cannot follow a man around night and day to see what

he does. Jhat is the office work of the Holy Spirit.

Remember this: Your sins will find you out. You can't

hide your sins. Everything hidden will come to light. If we pray

the sinner will willfully drop out, confess or meet divine

discipline not for down the road. '

HAVE YOU METWITH ANY SUCH CASES?

This book would not hold the cases with which we have

dealt. Some of these cases we have published in other books. I

shall relate two more recent ones:

Brother X was a good song leader and an elder. He had the

good will and influence of the people. Rumors began to fly

around that he drank whiskey. No one believed the rumor and

he denied it. Everyone refused to witness or have their name

used. Then they began to tell that he went with women.

One night the Lord told me, "Leave it alone. I will take

care of it." Soon, Brother X left his wife and went off with

another woman. We dropped him and the church rolled on. Had

I acted too soon, I would have lost about half of the church.

Rumors kept coming that Brother A had acted in an

unseeming way with women. He denied it each time we

confronted him Each time we had one witness rather than two.

m that single case, it was one against one. He promised to be

careful. He had a lot of friends. We could not root out 'tares

without getting some wheat. We fasted and prayed.

Not many weeks went by until he went to the hospital and

suddenly passed away with cancer. The church needs the gift of

the word of wisdom to solve problems (I Cor. 12:8).

HAS GOD S'ET GOVERNMENT IN THE CHURCH?

That is one of the ministerial gifts that He has set in the

church. I can't accept the fact that it is like the carnal

governments of this world (I Cor. 12:28). The Holy Spirit

actually rules through us.

A husband is the heat! of the home and rules the house,

but he rules it by love and not with a broomstick. Love is the

strongest force in the world.

There are certain rules for us to go by that will govern the

church. These principles are given us by Christ. In Matthew,

Chapters 5, 6, and 7, these principles came by the Spirit of

Christ. They are powerful and will work when they are applied

in the right way. It takes patience, but patience is part of thefruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5).

WHAT ABOUT THE NATIONAL CHURCH

GOVERNMENT?

The most important part is the local church government.

When it works perfectly, there is not much need of a national

government.

The true government is neither a dictatorship, believing

that the man at the top is infallible, nor a democracy, letting

the majority rule. In the church government, the Lord rules. It

is a theocracy. God sets the men over the church as it hasI

pleased him.

In most cases, the voice of the people is no more the voice

of God than the voice of a pope.

There should be some form of government to hold the

local churches together in the faith and to keep out false

doctrine and immorality.

Let us suppose that a pastor seeks to become a dictator in

the bad sense of the word: or if the pastor turns out to be a

drunkard and an adulterer; what must we do? We know the

church should mourn and turn him over to Satan for thedestruction of the flesh. There is a solution in God. God has set

intercessors in the church (I Cor. 5: 1-10).



Suppose the church scatters and fails to exercise its throne

rights. The national government can step in and save the church.

If the pastor resigns, the general government can assist in getting

the right pastor. The national government is only to help when

help is needed.

Even a football game has certain rules of the game. You

can't play a game of checkers or chess without abiding by

certain rules. If worldly people have rules of the game, so must

God's people. God's people must believe in and practice fair

play.

DO WE HAVE SCRIPTURAL EXAMPLES FOR THIS?

It seems that the mother church, that started the local

churches, were responsible for their protection from grievious

wolves that would come in and try to destroy the flock.

There were the churches of Asia, the churches of Judea,

and the churches of Jerusalem.

''Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the

churches of Macedon la. " ( I I Cor . 8:1. )"For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them ofMacedonia, that Achala was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked verymany." (II Cor. 9:2.)

"Fo r ye , b re th ren, became fo llowers of the churches of God wh ich InJudaea areIn Chr is t Jesus: for ye also havesuffered l ike things of your own countrymen, even asthey have o f the Jews. " (I Thes. 2:14. )

In Paul's ministry there was a sort of inner church

relationship. Each local church should recognize that it is part

of the whole body of Christ. It has some responsibility to the

mother church.

WHY IS THIS RELATIONSHIP SO NECESSARY?

There is a need for Christian fellowship. An isolated

church can be lifted up with pride, thinking it is.more spiritual

than others, or it can become discouraged needing a lift.

We need to practice the unity and fellowship that we tell

the laymen to practice. Contact with other local churches helps

our spirit, doctrine, and fellowship.

Where there is unity, there is strength. Cooperation

between churches can carry out projects that one church can't

carry out. They can do missionary work, start and establish

training centers, and lift many burdens.

God looks at things from an overall standpoint. He has

organized the planets, stars, sun, moon, and all the universe. We

must try to see things from an overall standpoint as God looks

at things.

Our faith can be larger and more powerful when we see the

bigness of God and His overall plans.

WAS THE GENERAL CHURCH CALLED ON TO SOLVE

PROBLEMS?

After the gospel was preached through the Roman Empire,

and Gentile churches come into being, certain problems arose.

Some of the Jews who had become Christians tried to demand

that all Christians keep the law of Moses. The Gentiles believed

they would be saved by faith, without being circumcised.

This teaching became a threat to the doctrine of faith. No

local church could solve this issue. It was causing confusion.

The overseers came together at the mother church and

sought God. They sent a message from the Holy Ghost to all the

local churches, and settled the question that was tearing down

the Christian faith (Acts 15).

"For It seemed good to the Holy GhOst; and to us, to lay upon you no greaterburden than these necessary things ; that ye absta in f rom meats o ff ered to Idols andf rom b lood , and f rom th ings s trangled l, and f rom fo rnica tion: from wh ich If ye keepyourselves, ye shall do wel l." (Acts 15:,8·29.)

"For what Is It wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except It be that Imyse lf was no t burdensome to you? Forg ive methis wrong. Behold , the th ird t ime Iam ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's,but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for theChi ldren." ( II Cor. 12: 13-15.)

CAN WE LEARN FURTHER LESSONS FROM THE

JERUSALEM COUNCI L?

Representatives were there from all the churches. The

entire body of Christ was considered. All elements were

presented, such as Jews and Gentiles, apostles and elders,

delegates and missionaries. People told of what God had been

doing in their revivals. The problem came into focus. No one

man had all the authority. James was recognized as thepresiding elder because he was the recognized leader of the

mother church in Jerusalem. First, they all took part in a

general discussion. Peter, the recognized apostle to the Gentiles

at that time, related his experience. James summarized the

matter and made a suggestion to the whole group. All of them

seemed to agree with James. They put the decision in writing

and sent it by two faithful men to the local churches. The

names of approved workers were certified.

The letter refused to endorse false doctrine and false

teacliers. Men carried out a commission in the name of thechurch. These men of God were certain that the Holy Ghost



had given them the solution by the spiritual gift of the word of

wisdom This solution hasbeen handed down to us (Acts 15). It

is profi table for doctrine, correction in righteousness that we go

into perfection (II Tim. 3: 16).

WERE THESE MEN GUIDED BY A VOCAL

UTTERANCE?

It seemed they were guided by a revelation gift, which is

the word of wisdom. Paul was present. He usually received aword from God by revelation.

"Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas andtook T itus with me a lso. And I went up by reve la tion, and commun icated un to themtha t gospel which I p reach among the Gen tiles, but p rivate ly to them wh ich were ofreputat ion, les tby any means I should run, or had run, In vain. " $Gal .2:1·2. )

This had a tremendous influence on the churches. It

formed a pattern for us who want' to stay on Biblical grounds

and be safe.

We would be safetoday should we come together and seek

God in fasting and praying until the Lord reveals His will to us

by the Holy Ghost. In Acts, Chapter 15 those men made

"minutes" of their gathering. It seemedthey were all men. They

were guided by the Holy Ghost. Everyone seemedto approve

the decision. The life and ministry of the leaderswere known.

They gave chosen men a commission. The men who were

approved were of a sound character and teaching. They rejected

false doctrine and approved good doctrine. The problem was

freely discussed by everyone. No one man was dictator.

Ministers and delegateswere gathered in one location,

CAN A GROUP OF CHURCHES DO THE SAME

TODAY?

No one group of churches make the complete body of

Christ. No one group may be complete and perfect on all

doctrine. But they can carryon work for God and help one

another.

We have commissioned men in our time. Some men have a

gift of government to counsel with the local church group and

solve their problems. Some take the oversight over a group of

churches. Some areevangelists in a given area. Others encourage

weak, struggling church groups. Some are gifted in carrying on

projects to build. Others may begin a Bible School to train new

workers. One local church may never do all of these things.

There isunity in strength.

At the same time the local church can be a local sovereign

body until they need help.

HOW MANY LOCAL CHURCHES MUST BE GROUPED

TOGETHER?

That depends on who God used to begin the churches and

who helped them to exist. We must consider language,

geographical features, transportation, etc.

The Lord may use some Brother X to start fifty churches.

There may be three churches started from each of these fifty.

That would be 200 churches. God also gives Brother X and his

helpers a certain amount of influence over these 200 churches.

Brother X is responsible to God, who gave him the influence, to

use it in promoting and helping those churches. Brother X must

give in account to God of the way he usesthat influence.

DOES THE SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

BECOME A PROBLEM?

When the church is in its babyhood, we sometime wonder

how it may be supported.

The missionary goes into a new place and begins a church.

He is sorry for the converts because of their low standard of

living. He helps the converts financially. After a few months, or

years, they have been taught to look to the missionary, or

pioneer preacher, for a job or for financial help. Most pioneer

preachers have taught the natives wrong. The natives may lose

their individual initiative and the pioneer preacher is largely to

blame for teaching them wrong.

SHOULD THE LOCAL CHURCH BE

'>ELF-SUPPORTING?

When God raises up a church, He puts the candlestick

there. He sends the people in. He sets the members in the

church asit has pleased Him. The samefaith that brings healing,

miracles, and deliverance will supply finance. The young

converts must be taught the whole gospel. Jesus came to set us

free from sin, sickness, spiri ts, and suppression of poverty. If we

teach the young church that God will blessthose who take care

of Hiswork, they will believe it.

"Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? Who planteth a vineyard,and eatetn. not of the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of themilK of the flocK? Say I these things as a man? Or salth not the law the samealso?

Ftor it 15 written In t_helaw o f MoseskThou shalt not muzzle the mouth o f the ox tha treadeth out the corn. Doth God ta e care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for oursakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in



hope· and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we havesown ' unto you sp iritual th ings , I s I t a g reat thing I f we sha ll reap your ca rnal th ings?If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless wehave not used this power· but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel ofChrist. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the thingsof the temple? And they which walt at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even sonatn the Lord · o rdained tha t they wh ich p reach the gospe l shou ld live o f the gospel."(I Cor. 9:7-14.)

DID GOD BRING THE TITHE SYSTEM OVER INTO

THE CHURCH?

In the preceeding verses,the word "even so" meansthat

God has ordained that God's people, in our time, must live off

of the tithe, asthey did in Old Testament days. We don't find

where Paul taught the young churchesto depend on the mother

church to support the new church. That was all planned by the

Lord when the church was born.

It is alright for a pioneer preacher to do as Paul, support

themselvesuntil the church isestablished.Then the new church

should be taught to tithe.

The tithe should be brought into the storehouse and let

the full-time workers besupported.

WHAT OTHER ADVANTAGE DOES THESELF-SUPPORTING CHURCH HAVE?

The home church becomesmore aggressiven building the

church and winning souls. The pastor feels responsible to the

people rather than to the home church or missionary board. He

feels that God hascalled him and issupplying his need.

The pastor's faith mounts high when hemust trust in God

for support. He must be prepared to trust in God for all things.

He can say, "My God shall supply all your need by Christ

Jesus" rather than by the "home church or missionary board,"

The pastor must not beconsideredby his people asamereemployee by the home country. The home country may believe

the pastor is a "spy" sent in by a rich nation for political

purposes. He could be consideredan agent of a foreign religion,

The self-supporting church can survive in time of war.

ISTHERE A GROWING SPIRIT OF NATIONALISM?

This spirit makes people jealous of foreigners or the

outside people. There isa worldwide feeling against colonialism.

People want to keep their own language, customs, and

identification. In foreign countries there is an urge to

Americanize the natives rather than Christianize them. Theyspeakof foreign imperialism.

Those who pay the bills want to dictate the policies. The

self-supporting church must begin to make somedecisions and

solveits own problems.

If a church has not been taught to support itself, how can

it ever reachout and begin new churchesaround it?

HOWCAN WEOBTAIN THIS GOAL?

We must teach the workers this Biblical fact. They can sell

it to others if they are sold on it. The time to teach tithing is

when the convert is tender and feels his responsibility to God.

We can expect the blessingsof God on our church if we line up

with the scriptural teachings,and dependon God.

The pastor must teach tithes from a Biblical command and

not from the standpoint of need. Don't give because of

necessity. Give becauseGod loves a cheerful giver (II Cor. 9:7).

The giver givesbecauseof his own benefit.

When the writer was about twenty, he was living with his

uncle who had a large family. One day his uncle told him th t

hemust board somewhereand could no longer live there.

I thouqht it was hard. How could I ever pay room, rentand board? As I prayed and trusted God, I not only paid board

and room, but in a few years, I owned and operated six

prosperous businesses, and built several self-supporting

churches. If a young convert can do that, what can a young

church do? I appreciate my uncle pushing me out and making

me trust God. Had I stayed with him perhaps I would havestill

been depending on his help and support. Faith multiplies by

use.

ISTHE RIGHT ORGANIZATION WHAT WE NEED?

Organization is not enough. We needorganism Adam wasorganized. Then God breathed into him the breath of life. We

need the form but we must have life in that form. A Cadillac

may have every part in place but not have any fire in the

battery. Weneedfire in the pulpit and pew.

Methods are not enough. Weneeddynamics. Weneedboth

mechanics and apostolic power. Without an atmosphere of

prayer, a church will die.

In Acts, Chapter One, the disciples were ten days in

prayer. In Chapter Two, they were "continuing in prayer." In

Chapter Three, they went up to "the hour of prayer." In



Chapter Four, thousands lifted up their voice in prayer. The

entire book is saturated with prayer.

All through the book of Acts, we see that the Holy Spirit

was given His riqhtful place. They waited on the Spirit,

imparted the Spirit, and the Spirit spoke and told them what to

do. The Holy Spirit convicted sinners, filled believers, worked

wonders, and empowered the church.

HOW CAN WE HAVE NEW TESTAMENT RESULTS?We must have the New Testament experience. We are now

living in the same dispensation in which Peter and John lived.

The Holy Spirit is still here. Jesus is the same today. In fact,

God wants to do a greater work today as the church age comes

to a close.

We have seen miracles in our time equal to anything we

read about in the book of Acts. Many miracles of divine power

are taking place.

If Jesus builds the church, the gates of hell shall not prevail

against it. If man builds it, it will crumble to the ground.They still go forth and preach the gospel everywhere, the

Lord working with them confirming the Word with signs

following (Mark 16:16-18).

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH?

The people came together to worship God in Spirit and in

truth. There is no other way to worship God.

One lady told me she could feel a lot better by herself than

she could at church. Anyone can feel better alone with God.

Jesus went out in a solitary place and stayed there all night in

prayer (Mark 1:35). But He was found at the House of Godevery Sabbath day. He was with the people much of His time

teaching, preaching, healing, or answering questions. I'm sure

He felt better by Himself where there was no one with evil

spirits around. The people needed Him.

We need one another. Someone needs you. That is why we

go to church, to help someone. Jesus came not to be ministered

to, but to minister and give His life to others. Except you have

the Spirit of Christ, you are none of His.

If the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin, we

have fellowship with God's people. If we do not have fellowshipwith other children of God, then the blood of Jesus Christ does

not cleanse us from all sin.

God's will is the church. If we do not have a home church,

we are not in the will of God. The Lord commands us to

assemble ourselves together (Heb. 10:25). He tells us to meet

often, pray with and for one another. Where two or three gather

together, He is there to own and to bless. One can chase a

thousand and two can put ten thousand to flight. Where there is

unity, there is strength, man lives to himself and no man dies to

himself.WHY CAN T WE LISTEN TO SOME SERMONS ON

TELEVISION?It is not the will of God for us to substitute television or

radio for church.No doubt you have heard of the lady who dreamed she

died and went to heaven. They could not find her name.

"You know me," she said, "I am the lady who watched

that preacher on television every Sunday morning."

"Oh, yes, let me look in this book," a voice said, "Here is

your name. You don't love fellowship with other people of

God; so we are going to give you a television and let you sit just

on the outside and watch us enjoy the blessings of heaven."

How can you help others be delivered from spirits, sin, and

sickness? Suppose everyone was like you; there would be no

churches. Jesus purchased the church with His own blood (Acts

20:28). It pleased God by preaching to save the world (I Cor.

1:21).Remember the Pharisee wouldn't get near the publican. He

thanked God that he was better than the publican (Luke

18: 11). We have Pharisees today; they won't get near other

people because they think they are in a higher class,

Remember the man who fell among th ieves on the road to

Jericho. The priest went by on one side. The Levite passed by

on the other side. The good Samaritan went where he was

(Luke 10).We need some good Samaritans today who are not too

good to go where the poor fallen people are, sorn:one. to,~our

in the oil and the wine. Jesus said, "Go ye and do tikewtse.

Jesus put the church here as His agent to help those who

are naked, in prison, and starving. You should do your part in



lifting the load of the sick and suffering. Some dav, he will say

to some people, "Inasmuch asye did it not to the least of these,

ye did it not unto me" (Matt. 25).A CHURCH ISTHE WI LL OF GOD."And If he shall n eglect to hear them te ll It un to th e chu rch: but If he ne jllect to

hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.' (Matt.18:17.)

"Then had the churches res t throughout a ll Judaea and Gal ilee and Samar ia, ! lndwere edified; and walked In the fear of the Lord, and In the comfort of the HolyGhost were mul tipl ied. " (Acts 9:31.)

dLet the word of Christ dwell In you richly In all wisdom teaching andadmonishing one another In psalmsand hymns and spi ri tual songs,s inging with grace

In you r hearts to the Lo rd." (Co I.3: 16.)

coming after a church without spot or blemish. Don't you want

to be found in your place when He comes.

HOW DO WE KNOW WHICH IS THE RIGHT CHURCH?

The Lord has not left us in darkness. He tells us how to

know the right church.

In Arkansas, we had a mountain range where the cattle

grazed. Many of the cows look very much alike. We know our

cows from our neighbor's cows, for they had a crop and two

splits in the right ear. No other farmer had that mark.

God has marked His church in such away so we will all

know it when we find it."And God ha th set some In the church first a postles, secondarily p rophets,

thi rd ly teachers , a fter tha t m iracles, then g \ft s o f hea ll ngs, helps, governments,diversi ties of tongues." ( I Cor. 12:28.)

WHO ISTHE TRUE HEAD OF THE CHURCH?

Jesus isthe real head; although Hesetsus asundersheperds

over the flock......And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all

things to the church. (Eph. 1:22.)

ARE WE LIKENED UNTO A TEMPLE?

Yes. but that temple can grow larger all the time. We are a

habitation in which God dwells. We must fit in, to remain in

this building."In whom ye also are bullded together for an habitation of God through the

Spir it." (Eph. 2:21.)

ARE WE LIKENED TO A FAMILY?

Just as a perfect family lives together as one, so we must

consider that the church is one big family. We are a new

creature. We have new kinsfolk now. We are to be faithful 'to

our new family. If your old kinsfolk come to see you, leave

them and go to church. Put God's family first. If you arevisiting, go to church when it comes time for church.

"Of whom the whole family In heaven and earth Is Darned ••• Unto him beg lo ry In the church by Chris t Jesus throughout a ll ages,world w ithou t end ." (Eph .

3: 15,21.)

ARE WE TO HAVE UNITY IN THE SPIRIT?

How pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity (Ps.

133: 1). Can you imagine how a husband and wife are one, how

they work together and live together asone?"For the husband Is the head of the wife, even as Christ Is the head of the

church : and he Is the saviour of the body. Therefore as t he church Is subje ct untoChr is t, so let the w ives be to their own husbands In every thing. HUsbandSl lOVeyourwives, even as Christ a lso lo ved the church , and gave h imse lf for It; tha hem ightpresent I t to h imself a g lorious church, not hav ing spof, or wrink le, or any such thing;but tha t It should be holy and w ithout b lemiSh. So ought men to love their w ives astheir own bodies. He that love th h is w if e love th h imse lf. Fo r no man ever yet hated

DOES THE LORD EXPECT US TO BE INSTRUCTED BY

TEACHERS?

"A ll s crip tu re I sg iven by Insp ira tion o f God , and Isp ro fitab le fo r doct rine, f orreproof, f or correct ion, f or I ns tr uc tion In r ighteousness : tha t the man o f God may beperfect

lt ho roughl y fur nished unto a ll good works. " «I I T im. 3:16-17.)

"And he said unto them, Go ye Into all the world, and preach the gospel toevery creature." (Mark 16: 15.)

DOES THE LORD DESCRIBE HIS CHURCH BYSYMBOLS?

"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over allthings to the church, which Is his body, the fullness of him that fllieth all In all ..(Eph. 1:22-23.) •

The church is Ii.kened to a temple (I Cor. 3:9,16; I Peter

2:6,7; Eph. 2:20-22).

We are likened to stones in that temple. Christ is a

foundation on which the church is built.

The church is likened to a vine (John 15:1-2). The

believers are all abiding together in the samevine. Weare God's

husbandry (I Cor. 3:9). We are the royal priesthood, the holy

nation.

We are likened to a full-grown man (Eph. 4), as the bride

(Rev. 21 :9), a wife (Rev. 19:7), and many other symbols are

used in the Bible. We are the body of Christ. Jesusset the gifts

in the church (I Cor. 12; Eph. 4).

DO YOU REALIZE WHO YOU ARE?

You are a stone in that building. You are a lively stone. A

dead stone will crumble. You cannot cut it in shape. Each stone

must fit in exactly (I Cor. 3:9).

You are a bone in His body. We arebone of His bone and

flesh of His flesh. When every bone gets in its place, the body

will work. Ezekiel prophesied to some dry bones. Each bone

came in place. They stood up an exceeding great army.

You are part of the bride. The bride is preparing herself.

She is making everything ready for the bridegroom. Jesus is



his own f lesh; but nourasneth and cherlsheth I theven asthe Lord the church: For weare members of his body, of his flesh, and of Is bones. For this cause shall a manleave h is father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife .l and they two sha ll beone flesh. This Is a great mystery: but I speak concerning cnrrst and the church.Neve rtheless le t everyone of you In particu la r so love h is wif e even ash imse lf; andthe wife seethat she reverence her husband." (Eph. 5:23-32.)

ARE WE COMPARED TO A HOUSE?

A house takes careof people.and keeps them alive. So does

the church, a house is plumb and straight, or it would not stand.

A house is not divided against itself. A house is founded on a

rock A house shelters us from the storm, rain, sun, sleet, hail,

snow, wolves, lions, and ravanous beasts."But Christ asason over his own house ;whose house are we , If we hold fas t the

confidence and'the re jo ic ing of the hope f irm unto the end." (Heb. 3:6. )

IS PART OF THE CHURCH ALREADY IN HEAVEN?

There are some people there now waiting until their

brethren on earth give their l ives for the gospel asthey did (Rev.

6'11).

"But ye are come unto Mount Slon, and unto the cIty of the livIng God, theheavenly Jerusalem, and to an Innumerable company of angels." (Heb. 12:22.)

IS JESUS INTERESTED IN HIS CHURCHES IN

DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, THAT IS THE LOCALCHURGHES?

He is so interested that He is walking among them right

now. If He puts the candlestick in a church, He will walk in the

church, which is a group of His people (II Cor. 6: 18).

heav~~~~~e~aJr~~s~~r~~:'Zg~~n';dY{o~~/~~~~~:" (~~~~h~~~n from God out of

nd on the midst of the seven candlesticks one llke unto the Son of man~:~Jre~ (~I!~.t~)ent down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden

IS PETER THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH?

Peter is part of the foundation of the church, just like all

the rest of the apostles are part of the foundation.

all th';~~al~IC~~I~td~gf~~~?~ of t7e ~ulnessof t imes hemight gather together InoneAnd are b lit 'th care n eaven, and whk:h are on earth' even In h im

being the C~lefu~o~~er~~~~~~tJ'g~.~S ~f300~lesand prophets, Jesus Christ himself

IS THE CHURCH LIKENED UNTO A KINGDOM ONEARTH?

. Yes, but it is not earthly. Christ is in the church. He is our

Kmg who rules ana reigns. We are priests and kings unto God.We have authority if He is in us.

th k 'I 'WhO hath del ivered us f rom the power of darkness, and hath trans lated usInto• ngdo~ of his dear Son ... And he Is the head of the body, the church: who is

the bel9lnnln'1l the firstborn from the dead; that In all things he might have thepreem nence. (CoL 1:13, 18. )

ARE THE ANGELS INTERESTED IN THE CHURCHES?

His angels are ministering spirits sent to minister to, us, to

roll back stones too heavy for us. Angels encamp round aboutusto deliver us (Ps.34:7).

"1 Jesus have sent mine anoel to testify unto you these

"I Jesus have sent m ine angel to test ify unto you these things In the churches. Iam the root and the offspring of DaVid, and the bright and morning star." (Rev.22:16.)

IS THE CHURCH LIKENED TO A PILLAR?

Just like a I~rge pillar that goes deep into the earth and

rests on a solid rock, so the sky-scraper cannot tumble down in

a storm, so the church isanchored on the Rock, Christ Jesus.

"But If I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behavethyself In the house of God, which 15 the church of the living God, the pillar andg round of the tru th ." (I Tim. 3: 15. )

HAS GOD ORDAINED MINISTERS IN THE CHURCH

TO HELP US?

Each church has elders, leaders, and pastors put in the

church. They are over you to watch for your souls.

"Remember them wh ich have the ru le ove r you who havespoken un to you ther r . 0rd o f GOd: whose fa ith follow, conSidering the end o f their conve rsa tion. Obeyem that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your

SOIUlfS ,s they tha t must give accoun t, that they may do It with Joy and not withgr e : for that Is unprofitable for you." (Heb. 13:7, 17.) ,

DOES GOD ORDAIN THOSE LEADERS TO HELP US

TO GO INTO THE MINISTRY?

Paul told Timothy to stir up the gift that wasg iven him as

the presbyters laid hands on him (I Tim 4:14). Paul laid his

hands on people and imparted the Holy Ghost to them (Acts19: 1-6).

teach'~~~:s ~~~~~b~:r~n~ stl~~~~';,ca~ ~~~tc~f~ a~I~~tl~~ C~~~~nof,<?pree,:: :nd

~!~a~~d ~Z~f~d haddbeen brough t up with Herod the te 'tra rcht and Saul. And Wh~

(Acts 13: 1 ,3.) an prayed, and laid their hands on them, tney sent them away."

Does God use leaders to establish the churchs? All

Christians need to be established. God has anointed certain men

who are already established to do this.

~~~~,"ft~?!r~h~;d:r~~ ~?rf~:~p~S~I;;t1e~d ~~~~r~:!~I~ae,!~~ ~~~u~~:.:s;~ ~g16:4.J3echurches established In the faith, and Inc reased In number dally :" (Acts

SHOULD A MINISTER BE LED BY THE SPIRITWHERE TO PASTOR?

. Y_es, but ~od also lets other ministers recognize the

anomtmq and discern that God is leading that direction (Acts

"And from Mlletus he sent to EPhesus, and called the elaers of the church."(Acts 20: 17.)

DO PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH HAVE DIFFERENT

CALLINGS?

It reminds me of the notes on an organ. Each note is in



tune and in its place. When the people get in one accord, God

sent a Pentecostal revival."And there are differences of admlnistratlbns, but the same Lord." (I Cor.

12:5.)'How Is It then, brethren? When ye come together, everyone of you hath a

psa lm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a ' reve la tion, hath an Inte rp retation. Leta ll things be done unto edi fy ing. " (I Cor . 14:26.)

WHAT ARE THE ASCENSION GIFTS?

When Jesus ascended on high, He put certain gifts in thechurch. No one has ever changed this. They will be there until

we reach perfection. If you are already perfect, then you don't

need pastors, teachers, and evangelists. Those Christians who

just won't attend church think they are already perfect."And he gave some, apost les' and some, p rophets ; and some, evangelists; and

solmle,pastors and teachers; for the perfectln?, of the salntsJ. for the work of them n stry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. ' (Eph. 4: 11-1L_)

MUST MEMBERS CALL ON THE CHURCH WHEN

THEY ARE SICK?

The church is put here to supply our need. We should

attend church and supply its need. Some Christians called me

today and wanted to borrow money. I said, "Where do you go

to church?" They said, ' 'We don't attend church anywhere."

I was always sorry for a little dog without a home; I was

one of 8 million hobos in the depression in 1932. We had no

home or responsibility. We went the way of least resistance and

let others do the work.

You will need help some day. You will need someone to

conduct a funeral, a wedding, or to pray the prayer of faith."Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them

pray ove r h im ano in ting h im with 011 In the name o f the Lord ." (James 5: 14. )

SHOULD THE ELDERS FEED THE FLOCK?Yes, but not all of them came for the food. A sick sheep

will not eat.

One woman said, "1 will'come to church if I ever get

straightened out." One day she got straightened out. They

rolled her down the aisle in a casket.

What kind of church would this church be if all the people

were just like me? Maybe there would be no one there Sunday

morning for the pastor to feed. Maybe Russia would take overAmerica.

"The e lders which a re among you I exhort , who am a lso an e lder, and aw itnessof the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:Feed the flock of God which Is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not byconstraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as beinglords over God's her itage, but being ensamples to the f lock ." ( I Peter 5: 1-3. )

A ID T O W O R S H IP

P O E M S T H A T I N S P I R E

M A G N I F Y H IS N A M E

T h e P O W E R i n H IS N A M E

H E S H A L L G L O R IF Y M E

D ID T HESEMEN

HAVE LONG HAIR

S A M S O N - A B S A L O M · J E S U S

P A U L - P E T E R - J O H N - E L IJ A H

I am going to send you 60 of my best faith books, on casting out devils,

It.ollng the sick, faith, Holy Ghost, prophecy, and almost every subject of the

Ilbl. You will be on my prayer fist every day until Jesus comes. I'll pray that Q...you will have a double portion ministry. I want you to be my partner and pray _

'01 me, When you finish reading these books and filling out the test papers we

will •• nd you a diploma which you can frame and have on your wall. It will

I.mlnd you that I am praying for you every day, that you are my partner in

' tl0Y.' If you are a minister you may receive a license to preoch, There is nof horv. for the packing, boxing, storage, shipping, postage, exam papers,

IIlodlng •• ecretary expense, diplomas, or ordination papers. Your dues will be

,"lid up for lif •. (Others charge $12.00 per year and up). You can pay for them

, ~O per week or •• nd in the name of one new student per month, either one you

you choose. If you send one name per month all the textbooks are free. Q..

I>.or TVD Staff: _

I.V)

0::u,

2. . . .Q

<lper week, or one name per month, of someone who wants this course. \/') Q

Pul me on your prayer list. Pray for me at a cerlain time each day. I'll b~

your partner. >I I I want a license to preach when I finish the books. I understand the IicensO

101" no money and my dues will be paid for life. (T'iJ forge another's ...J,,11I1I.. u re is frau d.) . ...J

V IHJ R S IGNATURE L1J

-4nn_~~ u . . . .

[ I Please send the 60 W. V. Grant faith books. I will send SO cen

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I Will Build My Church Upon This Rock by W. V. Grant, Sr