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His Government
10/22/99
Introduction
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:15-20).
There is a faithful remnant of “The Way” in the catacombs of God’s cities. Today’s revelation from God is freeing His Church from false doctrines. Faithful abiding in Jesus Christ identifies those who believe and live in His freedom, wisdom and provision.
Some of the following is an adaptation from chapter two of a book called Gather My Apostles by Cary Goodwin. This section is titled “Doctrine.” It is vital to understand God’s government and look to the beginning of the Church, her roots in Biblical history, and how false doctrines-principles accepted as valid and authoritative- oppose God’s Word.
Mr. Goodwin’s book is about Apostles, who are called out of the order and will of God Himself. If we entertain doctrines of devils we cannot receive the order of God. “But in vain they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 25: 9). Jesus also said, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6). This is a warning all believers must heed.
In the world today there are government-regulated Christian churches. Russia for seventy years did allow Christianity, as long as it was practiced under the control of the Russian Orthodox Church. In China there is a government-approved and regulated Church. They chose the Catholic religion, regulated by them for this purpose. This gives the Church the appearance of being free and attempts to quench the legitimate questions of their critics. In Vietnam today similar conditions exist; the State recognizes and regulates only one Christian religion, and it too is Catholic. These churches are allowed to perform seemingly righteous rituals which condition people, making them feel like they are practicing righteousness. Doctrines that might threaten the Government, such as being born again and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, are strictly forbidden. Satan knows that if he can get the Church to change doctrine, he can rob believers of God-given power, authority and His glory. Jesus said, “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye” (Mark 7:13).
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