Inrtroduction
In the minds of conceited men, God has been often been thought and spoken of as a figment of man’s imagination. The reading of the Koran is considered a pious duty by every Muslim, a good Muslim declares this reading to be the Message of God. The Koran teaches that God’s purpose is eternal, and His plans perfect, “but man’s intelligence is limited at its very best” (page 11 commentaries on the Koran, Holy Qur-an by Abdullan Yussuf Ali).
It is a blessed thing to realize that when we fear the Lord (Psalms 25:1, 4) and keep a proper attitude of humility (Luke 10:21 ), We can expect God to come to us as a revealer of secrets--even when it comes to some weightier matters. It is God’s desire to “tip us off,” so to speak, in regard to His plans and purposes (page 2 “Leadership, God’s Plan” by Bishop J. L. Payne).
God is the source of all knowledge and He has a full and perfect understanding of everything (Colossians 2:3). Not only has God known all of His works from the beginning (Acts 15:18 ), but He is also the one and only one who is able to declare the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10).
In the diversity of a modern minister’s life in a so-called modern church, there is a constant need to understand the God who is not limited to man’s limitations, neither his thinking. We stand at the threshold of a new era that has demanded an academic spiritual mind and activating spirituality must be a daily experience in the life of every true man of God. This book, ‘Exposition of the Kingdom and the Church’ is here to help in our search for completion in the never ending task of a preacher. Although we are limited, yet our God is capable and able to equip us with His tools and authority to do His bidding among men and especially the household of faith. We, in the Churches of God in Christ, USA - International Inc. (COGIC, International) serve the body of Christ through the Apostle's Ministry-5-fold ministry leadership. This writing is an effort for us to address those procedures. The Psalmist says, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do” (Psalms 11:3)? The righteous demand a plan and order for existence. We are believers in our Lord’s purpose, plan, and order for man. The Bible is our guide and map to God’s foundation of ministry. The scriptures attest this in its entirely. We in the church sustain these facts by practicing its precepts, instructions, and rules based on the Apostolic order and practice. We subscribe to the New Testament’s church principles.
Secondly, this writing is an ongoing text of the doctrines in the New Testament. We pray this presentation will serve as a catechism and guide to the development of your ministry and others you care about or are involved with. We invite all ministries to consider its use.
This text has been prepared for the body and ministry within the Church and all concerned and also to those who desire to use it. It is not by far a conclusion of the church presents upon these subjects but rather a continual presentation toward the whole person in Christ that we seek in life, ministry, and service. We invite all to consider its guide, its instruction, pattern, and rule of order for us in church thought and procedures. I pray the use of it will be helpful in your church efforts.
