Reconciling the World to Christ

The vision of the Church of God of Prophecy is to reconcile the world to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. We have heard this statement numerous times since our last International Assembly. However, the idea behind this statement has been around our movement for a while. It was noted in our frst Assembly, “After taking in consideration the ripened felds and open doors for evangelism this year, strong men wept and said they were not only willing, but really anxious to go” (Minutes of Annual Assembly of the Churches of East Tennessee, North Georgia, and Western North Carolina, Held January 26 & 27, 1906, at Camp Creek, N.C.). Reconciling the world to Christ is part of our DNA.

The theme of reconciliation aligns with the mission of Jesus to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10 ESV) and to “reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:16 HCSB). Our core values—Prayer, The Harvest, Leadership Development, Biblical Stewardship, and Service—serve as avenues through which we strive to accomplish this work for the glory of God. Individually and corporately, member or nonmember, if we have been born again, we have been called to this ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). Considering the current condition of this world, this ministry is ever needful.

But I wonder, do we really understand what is meant by reconciliation and what it means in regard to the work we are called to do?

According to The Britannica Dictionary, reconciliation is “the act of causing two people or groups to become friendly again after an argument or disagreement.” It is the restoration of harmonious relationships between individuals or groups which sometimes involves compromise. In the feld of accounting, reconciliation is a process used to bring two sets of records into agreement. In the instance of fnancial reconciliation, compromise is not an option. The transactions, facts, and details must be properly recorded and accounted for in order to balance two sets of numbers so that they are in complete agreement with one another. Being reconciled to God is related to both these ideas. Through the blood of Christ’s sacrifce on the cross, our sins are atoned for, and we are restored to a right (harmonious) relationship with Him. However, as in accounting, we cannot “fudge the numbers.” We must come to God in faith through Christ. There is no other way; there is no compromise.

Fortunately for us, God has given us a roadmap. The Bible is one big story of reconciliation—God’s plan to restore what was lost in Eden when Adam and Eve rebelled against him, culminating in the new heaven and new earth in Revelation. In between these two opposing events, the pages of Scripture are flled will stories of redemption, restoration, and reconciliation. While it would be hard to preach a sermon or teach a single lesson that encompasses the entire story, it is good from time to time to take a fresh look at the “big picture” of God’s redemptive plan. It is also good to remember our place in the story—where we were before we came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and who we are now because of his work in our lives.

Katherine recently transitioned from COGOP’s Accredited Ministry Development department to take the role of proofreader and copy editor for Communications. Born in South Dakota, Katherine graduated from Tomlinson College and obtained a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Western Oregon State College. She later earned a Master of Arts in Religion from Gordon-Conwell and, in 2022, she completed the doctoral program with Western Theological Seminary. Katherine and her husband (Glen) have two sons, a beautiful daughter-in-love, and a precious granddaughter named Xoi.

We catch a glimpse of our former life in the letters of Paul. Writing to the Colossians, Paul reminds us of our previous condition. He states rather bluntly, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior”

(Colossians 1:21 NIV). He goes a little deeper in his letter to the Ephesians: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our fesh, and following its desire and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. (Ephesians 2:1–3 NIV)

Various Bible versions begin the next verse with, “But God….” How wonderful that God changes everything! Because of his great love for us, he has made a way for reconciliation to take place. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (vv. 8, 9 ESV). Further on, in verses 11–18, Paul speaks of Jews and Gentiles being one in Christ—that the “dividing wall of hostility” has been broken down (v. 14) for the purpose of reconciling both groups into one body (v. 16). Looking at this passage, we see that the biblical usage of reconciliation goes deeper than we often think. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, the Greek word used in Ephesians 2:16 (and also in Colossians 1:20, 22) is apokatallassō, which refers to a change or reconciliation so complete “so as to remove all enmity and leave no impediment to unity and peace” (Vine 1989, 943). Think about it. We were dead in our sins and separated from God, but because of God’s great love and mercy, we have been made alive in Christ! This gracious gift of God was not initiated by our own efforts; it has been made possible only through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. And because of his sacrifcial death, not only can we be reconciled with God, but we also be reconciled with others (2:11–16). While the Jews were the original recipients of God’s covenant, access to God is now available to all through faith in Jesus. In fact, there is no other way to be reconciled to God (John 14:6).

Paul reminds us we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Ephesians 2:10), and he tells us elsewhere that, in being reconciled to God, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19). Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes that reconciliation is not only “to change from enmity to friendship,” but in this context, it “is what God accomplishes, exercising His grace towards sinful man on the ground of the death of Christ in propitiatory sacrifce under the judgment due to sin” (Vine 1989, 942, emphasis added). Jesus, the one who knew no sin, took the judgment of our sins upon himself. He paid the penalty in our place because we were unable to do so. Reconciliation was initiated by him because of his love for us. This humbling realization should cause our hearts to overfow with love and gratitude to God. This, in turn, should be our motivation to go and share the message of love and reconciliation with others. May God ignite our hearts, as he did our forefathers, so that we might “not only willing, but really anxious to go” and share this message with the world!

When I hear about heirs in history or in the Bible, I think of kinsmen and family, inheritors and receivers. Princes inherit thrones from their fathers and become kings. Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac (Genesis 25:5). Jacob received his (ill-gotten) birthright from Isaac (Genesis 27:28–29). David bequeathed his throne to Solomon (1 Kings 2:1–4).

I am sure Isaac, Jacob, and Solomon were pleased to receive what their fathers gave them, and they, in turn, became givers of an inheritance. In Luke 15:11–32, Jesus tells the parable about a man who had two sons. His younger son asked for his inheritance early and squandered it. In the end, the greatest inheritance he received was forgiveness.

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We often associate our heritage with wealth and property, but Jesus gave so much more. He never married or raised a family on earth, but the Son of God offers to adopt every human who has the faith of a tiny mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). Being an heir, however, comes with responsibility. Jesus tells us that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. The Pharisee Nicodemus asks how any man can be born from his mother’s womb a second time. Jesus’ response was, “Believe” (John 3:1–13).

Just as parents choose to adopt a child, Jesus chooses to adopt us when we come to him in faith believing that he is the Son of God and that he sacrifced his life for our sins (Romans 8:1–17). So, as adopted children, what do we inherit? We receive eternal life with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in heaven when we die. We typically think of someone receiving an inheritance when their kinsman dies, but Christians receive their inheritance when they die.

Is there anything a Christian leaves behind when he or she dies? Absolutely! It should be the goal of every Christian to pass on their love for Jesus to everyone who has known them. My life has been strongly impacted by Christians who have invested their time in parenting, teaching, ministering, and encouraging me.

When I would get discouraged as a young girl, my mom used to tell me, “Things could always be worse. Pick up the pieces and go on.” She modeled unconditional love.

When I moved away from home, my dad told me, “Here’s where we fnd out if all the teaching we invested in you paid off.” He instilled confdence in me.

Allen Davis, the state bishop for Virginia when I was growing up, said, “There will be more people in heaven for being faithful than anything else.” He stamped hope in my heart.

When Fred Fisher, Sr., did pre-marriage counseling for my husband and me 25 years ago, he said, “Betty and I will be here for you any time of the day or night. Just call us.” He kindled commitment in my life.

There are countless men and women of God who have poured into my existence. I have received an incredible inheritance from the people God has planted along my path. Now the question is, what is the legacy I leave behind? What is yours?

I believe Steve Green’s song, “Find Us Faithful” (lyrics by Jon Mohr, Birdwing Music, 1987), shares some insight:

We're pilgrims on the journey

Of the narrow road, And those who've gone before us

Line the way.

Cheering on the faithful, Encouraging the weary, Their lives a stirring testament

To God's sustaining grace.

Surrounded by so great A cloud of witnesses, Let us run the race

Not only for the prize, But as those who've gone before us. Let us leave to those behind us, The heritage of faithfulness

Passed on thru godly lives.

After all our hopes and dreams

Have come and gone, And our children sift thru all We've left behind, May the clues that they discover, And the mem'ries they uncover, Become the light that leads them, To the road we each must fnd.

O may all who come behind us

Find us faithful, May the fre of our devotion

Light their way.

May the footprints that we leave, Lead them to believe, And the lives we live Inspire them to obey.

O may all who come behind us

Find us faithful.

There is an ancient moral parable popularized by the Roman philosopher Cicero in a book he wrote in 45 B.C. The tale centers on the tyrannical king Dionysius, a fourth and ffth century ruler of the Sicilian city of Syracuse. Evan Andrews, contributing writer to The History Channel (20122018), records the following:

Though rich and powerful, Dionysius was supremely unhappy. His iron-fsted rule had made many enemies for him, and he was tormented by fears of assassination. His terror was so great that he slept in a bedchamber surrounded by a moat and only trusted his daughters to shave his beard.

As Cicero tells it, the king’s dissatisfaction came to a head one day after a court fatterer named Damocles showered him with compliments and remarked how blissful his life must be. “Since this life delights you,” an annoyed Dionysius replied, “do you wish to taste it yourself and make a trial of my good fortune?”1

It was an irresistible offer, and Damocles eagerly accepted it. He was seated on a luxurious golden couch in the palace where he received royal treatment—a host of servants to wait on him at his beck and call, royal pampering, and all the choicest foods he could ever desire. What a life! It was at this point that Damocles saw a razor-sharp sword hanging from the ceiling above his head. Andrews describes it as “suspended only by a single strand of horsehair.” Without a doubt, Damocles could no longer savor the lavish lifestyle for fear for his own life. Instead, he expressed a sudden loss of interest in the fortunes of Dionysius and asked to be excused.

For Cicero and readers today, the story of Dionysius and Damocles illustrates the idea that those in power labor under the dreadful shadow of anxiety, fear of failure, or even threat of death. The sword is a reminder that happiness is elusive for one who is under constant anxieties and pressure from the desire and pursuit of power. Even today, the sword of Damocles is commonly used to describe looming perils in leadership. Similarly, hanging by a thread speaks metaphorically of a tense or precarious situation one encounters, especially when they strive for a position of power. Perhaps the best description of living under the sword of Damocles is offered by the pastoral writer, Eugene Peterson. He defnes it as “the imminent and everpresent peril faced by those in positions of power.”

James, the frst bishop of Jerusalem, writes to the general church:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is frst pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13–18 NKJV)

In chapter three, the apostle examines the heavy responsibility of leaders. He begins in verse one by addressing teachers of the Word in the church and how they will be judged much more strictly than other Christians. In verse two, he surmises that they can also stumble in the very Word they teach. By the time he comes to the latter verses of that chapter, he writes about the meekness of wisdom “that is from above” and how it will keep leaders from becoming selfseeking, showing partiality, and falling into hypocrisy. As any true servant of the Lord soon discovers, with great privilege and honor comes great responsibility and temptation. James, who would later become a martyr himself for the gospel, certainly understood the peril of leadership.

The Power of Dionysius: Retaining Humility While Serving in Leadership

Dionysius was a powerful, rich, and harsh ruler, so he had every reason to build a moat around his bedchamber. He certainly was not known for his humility or kindness to those who served under his stern and wicked rule. Jesus taught his disciples the proper attitude about being a leader. He shares with them and us his insightful example through feetwashing:

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call

Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:12–17 NKJV)

We are in a world saturated with many horribly bad examples of leadership; amongst the ranks of politicians, corporate offcers, educational administrators, law enforcement, and even rich and exalted church leaders, the characteristics of Dionysius exist. They rule with such autocratic power and self-seeking actions that they bring fear and anxiety to anyone who must serve with them. Any leader who causes people to avoid them or to cater to their every whim is sowing discouragement. They love to be called apostles, prophets, bishops, or pastors; they have no desire to serve others, but rather to be served. In writing to the church at Philippi, Paul points out this mindset in reference to some who considered themselves superior to other leaders. He even calls them evil workers and gives this admonition:

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. (Philippians 3:17–19 NKJV)

It is a shame that so many good leaders are eclipsed and tainted by a few who love to lord their power over others. Simon Peter summed it up so perfectly when he writes,

Care for the fock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. (1 Peter 5:2–4 NLT)

Dr.

Tanzania – New National Vehicle

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! This report is an expression of appreciation for efforts to provide us with an automobile for the national ministry. We extend our appreciation to everyone who contributed funds to purchase this vehicle for the national ministry. I understand that it is a long list of COGOP members and non-members who made the contributions. May the Lord richly bless each one!

I wholeheartedly thank God for this provision and report that we have received the vehicle. We praise the Lord and thank you so much!

Youth Camp in Uruguay

On March 11, the January 2023 youth camp “Infuencia” held a reunion in Uruguay. More than 60 young people gathered at the church of Paso de la Arena, where they then took to the streets to do evangelism. This ministry included personal invitations, plays, choreographies, and posters at traffc lights as our youth invaded the neighborhood talking about the love of God.

To conclude this time of ministry, the group gathered at the church where they enjoyed a beautiful time of games, praise, worship, and exhortation from the Word of God, which was shared by the national youth leader, Diego Motta. It was a wonderful time of ministry where the Holy Spirit worked in each person who was present.

The last few weeks have been very diffcult for the people of Malawi and Mozambique after the effects of Cyclone Freddy. The situation has been especially bad in Malawi where a state of emergency was declared by the president as the death toll rose to over 500.

The nations of Malawi and Mozambique in southeastern Africa suffered fve weeks of a severe impact from the cyclone, with two or more harsh episodes in the months of February and March. Meteorological authorities have described Cyclone Freddy as the longest-lasting tropical cyclone recorded worldwide. The center of the destruction was in Blantyre, Malawi, where the national offces for the Church of God of Prophecy are located, and in the southern part of the nation, where we have many local churches. While the death toll is rising in Malawi, and whereas our members have lost relatives and friends, we have not had reports of fatalities among the members of our church. The greatest onslaught has been the damage to the properties of our brethren and of our local church structures in both countries.

In Malawi, at least 38 homes of church members have been affected to varying degrees—from rooftops being blown away to total collapse. Field Secretary Nelio Makwiza and the former wife of the previous national bishop (Grace Mokhuna) have both had signifcant damage to their properties. Altogether, 11 local churches have lost their roofs or had their walls collapse. In some cases, the thatched roofs that have blown away have exposed walls that will need to be reconstructed. The situation in Malawi is compounded by the fact that the cyclone also affected crop production, with most maize farms of the brethren destroyed by the foods, extreme winds, rains, and mudslides. These same storm elements have affected electricity, infrastructure, and communication. It is an overwhelming process that will take years to restore, especially for individuals and churches. Malawi’s rural economy, where most our members are based, is agricultural. We have established that as many as 60 brethren have lost their farms/ crops as agricultural products (mostly maize) were washed away by the wind, water, and mudslides.

Similarly, in Mozambique, Field Secretary Albino Quembo reports that virtually all the districts have been affected. Altogether, six local churches have been damaged and the corrugated iron roofng sheets have blown away. It took a bit of time to compile data, but we have established that at least 45 brethren across the county have had varying degrees of damage to their homes, mostly collapsed walls and rooftops blown away.

The Malawi Church of God of Prophecy operates in 70 local churches with 11,000 recorded members, while Mozambique has 44 local churches with an updated membership of 3,140.

1. An assessment of the situation shows that most of the homes and churches destroyed were structurally compromised and could not withstand the sustained torrential downpours and strong winds brought on by the cyclone over the fve-week period.

2. The brethren will need various interventions, both spiritual and tangible. Where possible, they will need help towards restoration of their local churches and restoration of their homes. The challenge is that there will be great need for food in the coming months, especially since the months of April to June were supposed to be the harvest period on farms destroyed by the cyclone.

3. We have concluded that monetary-wise, at least, each destroyed local church will need about $3,000 to purchase corrugated iron roofng sheets and to install a strong, welded roofng superstructure that can withstand a similar cyclone. Each congregation would then raise funds to do walls and foors while they have a shelter over their heads. With 17 churches affected, some churches will need to explore options such as temporary tents, home meetings, and rentals, where feasible and affordable to the local church, before reconstruction can begin and they can reconvene as before.

4. For individual families and homesteads, it will be near impossible to attempt entire interventions for everyone. However, a prioritization will need to be made to help the neediest and the most vulnerable in repairing or restoring their homes. These nations will have needs in the form of food, fnances, and reconstruction, but we also ask for prayers that Jehovah may provide resources, vision, and comfort to the brethren. We especially pray for the governments of the two nations to mobilize the necessary resources and to effectively facilitate interventions both now and in the coming months.

Please continue to join us in prayer for the provision of God in this season of diffculties.