The long-standing membership covenant of the Church of God of Prophecy reads:
“Will you sincerely promise in the presence of God and these witnesses that you will accept this Bible as the Word of God, believe and practice its teachings rightly divided—the New Testament as your rule of faith, practice, government, and discipline, and walk in the light to the best of your knowledge and ability?“
The COGOP membership covenant stresses the Word of God as practiced in the New Testament as the guide for every member. Official Positions of the denomination and of Oasis Bethany Church are based on those matters of doctrine outlined in the New Testament. The covenant also leaves room for personal conviction as the Apostle Paul did when addressing the eating of meats and drinks, holy days, etc. in Colossians 2:16-17:
“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days; Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ”
Paul was addressing Gentile believers who were not personally convicted to follow Mosaic Law governing these things. Often, God will speak something to an individual that is necessary for their personal walk, yet not universal for all believers. Paul instructed the Church that it was important to follow their personal convictions in these matters. “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23) Simultaneously, Paul also warns against judging others by one’s own personal convictions. Therefore, it is important that we distinguish between concrete Biblical doctrine, Official Church Position, and personal convictions especially in the current cultural climate. A statement of personal conviction does not equal an official doctrinal position.
In the current cultural climate, there are many things not outlined in the Word of God on which the Church has not taken an official position. While the Word of God is clear on abortion, marriage, drunkenness, sexuality, crime such as theft & murder, gender, etc., the Christian’s response to these things through protests, boycotts, etc., are not clearly defined. In these instances, believers are to base their personal convictions on what is clear to them in the Word of God.
The Bible emphasizes love and mercy, but also instructs Christians to keep “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). The same Jesus who loved the sinner also overturned the tables of those sinning by selling sacrifices in the temple that were theologically wrong based on Mosaic Law. He was in authority to do this because it was “His Father’s house” and had been granted that Spiritual Authority by God. We do not have that same authority at our local retailer. Spiritual Authority is God-given through calling and appointed position. We must exercise Scriptural balance and stay within the boundaries of Spiritual authority as outlined in Scripture while maintaining love at all times. This love is just as required for our fellow believer as it is for those outside the faith.
“Let your speech always be gracious, [but also] seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6 emphasis added)
The bottom line: Love always. Recognize the difference between personal conviction and official position. Love always. Follow your personal conviction in things not clearly outlined in Scripture and allow your brothers and sisters in Christ to exercise their personal convictions without judging. Love always. Stay within the bounds of Spiritual authority. Love always.
With Much love for the Body of Christ,
Pastor Jeff
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Post script:
My Personal Conviction: Based on Official Positions of Biblical doctrine, and my understanding of Scripture, I judge candidates for office and cast my vote accordingly. When it comes to corporate America, my dollar is my vote. I cast that vote by spending that dollar or not spending it accordingly. While no candidate or corporation is a perfect match, I choose what I feel is the best and avoid others based on the Word of God. I personally choose not to shop at a retailer that would require a parent to have an adult conversation about sexuality with their kindergartner while trying to buy their summer bathing suit to use in their backyard kiddie pool. I may or may not publicly share the information on which I based my decision, and/or the Scriptural reason I have a personal conviction about it, while simultaneously understanding the requirement of loving others and allowing others to fulfill their personal conviction without judging them for doing so. I will make every attempt to “avoid foolish and ignorant disputes [arguments], knowing that they generate strife.” (2 Timothy 2:23 emphasis added) Perhaps I can help turn the tide of attack on our children. As Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis once said, “One man can make a difference and every man should try.” That is my personal conviction.
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