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PP:STOR GENERAL'S REPORT, September 28,
1979
Page 2
The word "apostle" means, literally, "one sent forth" with the Gospel
Message. However, Matthew 16:18 and 18:1-2,18 show that an apostle carrier
top authority on the human level, under Christ. For example, he is in
authority over finances for spreading the Gospel though financial details
may be delegated to one under him.
When the Church of God was founded in 31 A.D., it was founded, NOT on
any form enforced by civil political government, bun founded on the apos
tles (N.T.) and prophets (O.T.), Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone
(Eph. 2). The living Jesus Christ was the HEAD of the Church. It was a
spiritual organism, not a secular organization. From the very beginning
it was opposed by civil political government. Its original membership of
120 ( Acts 1:15) started that day of Pentecost. That same inaugural day
God added about three thousand members to the church--all baptized that
day.
For some two years the membership, under the leadership of the apos
tles, and of Christ from heaven, multiplied.
Jesus had commissioned His apostles to be sent forth proclaiming
Christ's Gospel Message of the Kingdom of God. In spite of political
secular government, they started going into all the world with this King
dom Message. By what means? By the means then available to them--afoot,
and by sailboat. They certainly did not consult the political govern
ments regarding their manner of going forth into all the world with the
Gospel.
After two years, severe opposition set in. Much of it was by false
apostles, but these soon sought political government persecution and
opposition against proclaiming Christ's Gospel. Peter and John, and Paul
and others were thrown into jail overnight--but God by supernatural power
released them. Though persecuted, even as the same Church is today, the
Work of proclaiming the Kingdom of God went on.
In our day Jesus Christ prepared and raised me up as His chosen
apostle to carry on the proclaiming of the Gospel worldwide, and minister
ing to the membership in local congregations.
In our day we live in a totally different world. Especially in means
of transportaiton and communication. The living Christ started me on
radio in January, 1934, and through the printed message beginning February,
1934. Comparative rapid mail delivery was by then available, and rail
travel, beside the telephone. We first went on television in July, 1955.
Finally came air travel, first prop planes, then jets.
The Work of God started from Eugene, Oregon. No state government
gave us instructions as to how the church and its work should be organized
or conducted. In 1947 headquarters were moved to Pasadena, California.
The Work was growing 30% a year. To conduct the growing operations of
Christ's Great Commission, Ambassador College was founded in 1947. It was
the ONLY college on earth ACCREDITED by GOD!
It had become necessary to incorporate, and the Work has been con
ducted strictly according to the legally stated PURPOSES of the Church in
our incorporation and our legally required Constitution and Bylaws. In
all such matters, we complied fully with state corporation laws and re
quirements.