The

A Publication of The Church of God February 2018, Vol. 26 No. 4

Once upon a time

Evening Light G i vin
g
there was a man who &
g on
had nothing… i n
h diti
And God gave him ten apples...
T i t
E
He gave him three apples to eat.

He gave him three apples to trade for

a shelter from the sun and rain.

He gave him three apples to trade for

clothing to wear.

He gave him one apple so that he might

have something to give back to God to
show his gratitude for the other nine.

The man ate the first three apples and he traded three for
shelter and three for clothing to wear. Then he looked at the
tenth apple... and it seemed juicier than the rest. He knew God
had given him the ten apples and one that he might
return it to Him out of gratitude for the other nine.
He reasoned that God had all the other apples of the
world… So the man ate the tenth apple and gave
back to God… the core.

God has given you enough to supply your needs–plus one

with which you may show your gratitude to Him. Will you
return to God the largest and juiciest of the apples He gives
you, or only the core?
(Adapted from Church tract)

Editorials
Oscar Pimentel
General Overseer
God is the source of love. Christ is the proof of love.
Service is the expression of love. Boldness is the outcome
of love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
EMERGENCY FUND DOLLARS: Pastors and local
churches that have not already done so, let’s make a spe-
cial effort to get every church to be 100% and collect from
every covenanted member their Emergency Dollars. In the
homeland it is $5.00 per member per year. We want to en-
courage each member to contribute this small amount for
us to provide help in emergency situations as soon as they
arise. Through the years these funds have blessed many of
our people and will continue to do so for many more as our
good members continue to cooperate in this enterprise.

m————————————n We extend our

We are happy in the Lord that He has allowed us an- sincere sympathy
other month and we want to make each day count for His to the family and loved ones
glory. Before you know it, we will be out of winter and
into spring! I’d like to encourage you to make this month a of these ministers:
special month of intercessory prayer for the many different
needs which are in our midst. We want to take to heart the Retired Deacon Franklin Ledford of Talmo, Georgia,
needs of others and give priority to prayer for His divine in- passed away October 10, 2017.
tervention so that every need can be met by Almighty God.
“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great Bishop James Morgan of Metter, Georgia, passed
and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jer. 33:3). away January 1, 2018.

Deacon Oliver Puckett of Red Bay, Alabama, passed

m————————————n away January 7, 2018.

VARIOUS NATIONAL CONVENTIONS will be Precious in the sight of the LORD

conducted during this month—Argentina, Guatemala,
Panama & Paraguay. Please be in prayer for the National is the death of his saints
Overseers, ministers and members. Honduras conducted
their Convention with 297 delegates, and Bolivia with 400 P salms 116:15

delegates.

PHONE: (423) 339-8264 The Church of God e-mail: info@thechurchofgod.org

FAX: (423) 339-8268 General Headquarters Visit us on-line at:
www.thechurchofgod.org
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The Evening Light is an official publication of The Church of God with Oscar Pimentel, General Overseer, Editor & Publisher; James R.
Horne, Assistant Editor. This paper is published monthly at General Headquarters, 197 Tillie Road, Cleveland, TN 37312. Those desiring
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The Evening Light 2 February 2018

 HOW, WHEN & TO WHOM
Oscar Pimentel, General Overseer
The Church of God
I
would like to preface this article by thanking every single
Church of God member and friend who has been so faith-
ful to willingly and freely give to the cause of Christ and
His Church, for the furtherance of the gospel, and to make
possible the goal of going into the far reaches of this world.
Although there are a few who have yet to fall in line and
are failing to comply with God’s command in these areas, I
trust that they will soon come up to par. The sacrifices and
faithfulness of God’s people to duty has brought God’s favor
and smile upon His Church. This has allowed The Church of
God to make great strides in numerical and spiritual growth
since the reorganization and will no doubt continue to do
so. Thank you, my dear brothers and friends, for all you do
and your many, many sacrifices. God bless you all.
“And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts
into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow cast-
ing in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you,
that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all
these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of
God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she
had” (Luke 21:1-4)
Let us reflect upon what Christ the Lord observed, that
we may consider what is most important in His sight for
fulfilling our duty of giving and donating to the work of
the Lord. We know that He is no respecter of persons (Acts
10:34). It would be a great misunderstanding to think that
He accepts the offering or charitableness of the poor in a
particular manner over that of the rich, or visa versa. It’s not
simply about the small or huge amount that a person gives,
but the small or huge heart with which it is given. God looks
beyond the natural realm and deep into the caverns of the
spiritual heart to observe whether men give liberally of a
willing mind and heart, or grudgingly and with disinclina-
tion. In view of all of God’s great big blessings, I wonder how
any person can be disinclined to give back to the Lord from
the abundance He has so freely given us. Is He not the owner
of the cattle on a thousand hills as well as the owner of those
thousand hills upon which the cattle graze?
Oh, but this thought comes to me as I write; what if there
was no abundance? I dare to say that none of us have mate-
rial and monetary riches untold in the here and now. What
if all I have is “two mites”? What if that were all my “living”
and all my family and I had to live on? Would I be as willing
as this poor widow to give it all? Would I begin to make ex-
cuses before the Lord as to why I can’t give? God help me to
remember that I have “...not seen the righteous forsaken, nor
his seed begging bread” (Psa. 37:25).
God has no need of our money and we don’t pay Him for
His blessings. We are granted the opportunity and privilege
to contribute to the work that Almighty God has going on in
The Evening Light
this world today. It is not too much to think that if God can
make stones to immediately cry out (See Luke 19:40) when
men forsake the opportunity to praise Him, that He can also
cause strangers to build up the walls of God’s program (See
Isa. 60:10). Nevertheless, we are thankful to God that the Bi-
ble record tells us “...the whole multitude of the disciples began
to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty
works that they had seen” (Luke 19:37), and furthermore, we
are thankful to God that He is mindful of us, permitting us to
financially contribute to His work.
In Luke 21:1-4, we see where the Lord takes notice, not
only of what we give but also of what we have left and still
hold in our possession. There is nothing wrong with “hav-
ing” —the problem is when we “have” and the Lord prompts
us to give and we don’t do it. It seems it would be possible
for two different individuals to give the exact same amount
monetarily, but one individual can walk away from the trea-
sury having given more than the other because the one
contributed cheerfully, with sacrifice and has been counted
by God as a cheerful giver.
In this example the “rich men” gave from “their abun-
dance,” from the top of their treasure house, but the “poor
widow” gave “all the living she had,” from the bottom of her
heart and by this then gave “more than they all.” How much
one gives is not nearly as important as how one gives. “Ev-
ery man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give;
not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver”
(2 Cor. 9:7).
Someone has said that some Christians give to the Lord’s
work weekly while others just give weakly. It wasn’t too
long ago that I was told of an occasion in which the offer-
ing plate passed by a large group of some young folks in a
Sunday School setting. After about the fifteenth person, fi-
nally someone put something in the plate. It sounds almost
comical, but it is a true occurrence. If we attend services on a
regular basis on Sunday and once or twice during the week
(which, by and large, is normal in The Church of God almost
everywhere in the world) should we not prepare and have
on our person the necessary currency to give in the offering
plate when it comes by? It’s amazing how often the excuse
is given, whether to the person coming by with the offering
plate or directly to the Lord under our breath, “Oh, forgive
me. I forgot to bring some offering.”
I realize that we are living in a time of “direct deposit,”
“electronic money transfer” and “debit card,” and in some
parts of the world some of our younger folks may not see
paper or coin currency very often, but there is a way, dear
pastors, to help these folks in our local churches so they
don’t miss out on God’s blessings. If you will be diligent to
acquire the necessary portable electronic equipment, i.e.,
3 February 2018
“the square,” etc., it will remove the “I cause it hurts, but others will give until man. Although we in The Church of God
have no cash” hindrance of our young- it hurts and will give a little more until have a financial system by which God’s
er folks, especially. it feels good. money is managed and distributed, it
We do understand that there are “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have is in place because it is Bible; but all
times where we may not be able to be robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we give, and all that God’s Church has,
a “weekly giver” due to circumstances we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings” belongs to God. When the Lord speaks
out of our control, but we can certainly (Mal. 3:8). While this article has spoken in Malachi 3:8, He mentions both tithes
do something about being a “weakly mainly to the subject of free-will of- and offerings and He speaks of them
giver” by being faithful to always put ferings, I do strongly encourage you, as His property, and when man does
something in the plate or even put dear reader, to be faithful in paying not fulfill his duty and responsibilities
a little extra in the offering plate as it your tithes. If you have been doing so in these areas, you can consider it rob-
comes by. As much as is in our range of then I’m sure the windows of heaven bery of the highest order.
possibility let us faithfully strive to put have opened up to you and God has If we are faithful to give back to God
our “two mites,” in and God will bless poured out a blessing in your life and what is His—because we want to—
us; not for the amount necessarily, but home that you hardly know what to then listen to what He is ready to do,
for our faithfulness. do. Praise God! God says, “Prove me.” I “And I will rebuke the devourer for your
If we speak the truth, then we are encourage you to prove Him! He has sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits
quick to recognize that God has already no record of failure, my dear friend! of your ground; neither shall your vine
blessed everyone so much. Please al- The offerings we freely give and the cast her fruit before the time in the field,
low me to share the following excerpt. tithes we pay are to the Lord and not to saith the LORD of hosts” (Mal. 3:11). &
Think It Over:
God made the sun—it gives.
God made the moon—it gives. We appreciate the services and facilities we have been blessed to use
God made the stars—they give. the past 8 years. However, due to circumstances beyond our control,
God made the air—it gives. we will not be returning to the Ridgecrest Conference Center in North
God made the clouds—they give. Carolina. We have a contract with a new facility and a new date:
God made the earth—it gives.
God made the sea—it gives. 113th General Assembly ATE
D
NEW ATION
God made the trees—they give.
God made the flowers—they give. August 7-12, 2018 C
God made the fowls—they give.
God made beasts—they give.
& LO
God made the Plan—He gives. Kingsport, Tennessee
God made man—He…? MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center.

The age-old refrain rings true,
“You cannot out-give God.” The Bible
says, “Give, and it shall be given unto
you; good measure, pressed down, and
shaken together, and running over, shall
men give into your bosom. For with the
same measure that ye mete withal it
shall be measured to you again” (Luke
6:38). “Good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over”
does not sound like a weakly offer-
ing but indeed a strong and healthy
one. In reality, in God’s economy the
amount is irrelevant. The question is,
“What is it costing me? What sacrifice
am I making?” These are the things by
which God measures our gift.
God has promised that we will be The rooms are $99.00 plus tax. Website: MeadowViewResort.com
given according to the same measure Phone 1-888-632-3697 and ask for The Church of God block.
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until overflowing. Some won’t give be-

The Evening Light 4 February 2018

 I would like to take a break please contact Headquarters for
from our history of the name of the
Church this month to promote two
His tory of the Church this information. We would like
to have all information in by the
other items of interest and resume Church Historian end of March if possible in order
our previous theme with the March to have the book printed and avail-
issue of The Evening Light. Walter Lofton able by the next Assembly. The last
The first thing I would like Looking Back and Going Forward book of this sort was published in
to address is local church his- 1975. Many feel that it is time for a
tory. This would include history on and informative reading. Our reflection current publication of this nature. As
each level of Church operations such on the past seems to aid us in our enthu- we endeavor to see this project mate-
as local, regional and national, etc. siasm for the present and future. In some rialize we trust you will be pleased
Record keeping is important as well cases, biographies and autobiographies and excited.
as interesting. As time progresses of some of our prominent ministers were As the newly appointed Church
specific dates and events tend to fade written allowing us to get to know them Historian, I would like to ask for
from memory causing accuracy to better and to have a greater appreciation your prayers. Please help me pray
suffer in the process. Different indi- of their work. I would like to encour- for God’s anointing and direction in
viduals tend to remember an event age us along these lines today. This this work for His Church. A lot of
in different ways, which leads to an could perhaps be done on a personal or study, research, contemplating, and
inaccurate historical record. It would regional level. analyzing must go into such a work
be a worthwhile practice for each The second thing I would like to as presenting history. I do not take
local church and regional or national present is a boost for the up-coming this work lightly. Sufficient ground-
office to maintain a file of their his- new book on our Ministers’ Memoirs. work must be laid and an appropriate
tory along with photographs as docu- Our pastors have been sent a letter of outline must be followed. It will take
mentation for future references. explanation on presenting each minis- time for all these elements to come
In times past, history has been ter’s information and photograph to be together. For this objective I solicit
published in book form for some of included in this publication. If for some your patience and your prayers.
these entities, making for interesting reason you failed to receive your letter

Bible Training Institute in Cleveland, Ten- Some pay tithes

nessee, is scheduled to start on May 27, when due
2018, and will conclude with Commence- Some over-due
ment and Heritage Day services on June 9th. Some never do
There is already excitement building on the How do you do?
field for the great things God will have for all -A. J. Tomlinson
of those who attend! Start making your prep-
arations now. The application is already avail-
Tithing and Giving:
able online and will appear in an upcoming
Tithing is the paying of
edition of The Evening Light.
one tenth of our increase
into the treasury of the
Church. It began with Abra-
National Overseer Patrice Kalamba has requested ham, continued under the
prayer for the saints in the Kasaï province of Democratic law and received Christ’s
Republic of Congo. Global news agencies have reported approval. Giving differs
a growing crisis of violence between the army and local from, and is in addition to,
militia. Our people in the area are in serious danger, and tithing. Both are part of
the members are forced to stay home and are unable to God’s plan to finance His
go to work. The area in turmoil is also the home of Brother Patrice’s parents, and he work on earth. Read:
reports that the Church members and his relatives are in deep despair as the number of Genesis 14:18-20
people killed in the area is increasing daily. Two of our members who fled the atrocities Genesis 28:20-22
perished while hiding in the forest. Brother Patrice has reported that the approximately Malachi 3:10
200 members in the region are struggling to live day to day. He states that any assistance, Matthew 23:23
even small, would go a long way to help ease the suffering of these brothers and sisters. Luke 11:42
Please keep the saints and Brother Patrice’s family in your prayers. To contribute to this 1 Corinthians 16:2
important and urgent need, send your contribution to the Congo Relief Fund at General 2 Corinthians 9:6-9
Headquarters. Hebrews 7:1-21

The Evening Light 5 February 2018

 All the Tithes
M. A. Tomlinson
Annual Address to the 64th Annual Assembly, 1969
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,
that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith,
saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of
heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there
shall not be room enough to receive it”
(Mal. 3:10).
pay an honest basis for tithable in-
come. We would not want to hold
the Lord responsible to pay any tax
for us that could not be justified as
clearly deductible. Taxes are not de-
ductible unless directly and clearly a
part of the cost or expense involved
in the making of our income—as in
the case of the farmer and the mer-
chant above.
Some companies and industries

B ecause of some confusion aris-

ing from certain tax and wage
laws, and the changing pay practic-
es of some employers, it seems nec-
essary to say something about tithe-
paying. The 13th Assembly (1917) set
forth examples for computing tithes
under various situations, and these
have been used as a guide for many
years. Changes in recent years have
created some circumstances which
did not exist at that time; therefore, it
seems good to offer some additional
guidance.
The basic principles of tithe-
paying do not change. Tithes are
paid on net income or increase. Our
pamphlet, Twenty-Nine Important
Bible Truths, states: “Tithing is the
payment of one-tenth of our increase
into the treasury of the Church.”
Also, two Scripture passages refer-
ring to increase: “Thou shalt truly
tithe all the increase of thy seed, that
the field bringeth forth year by year”
(Deut. 14:22). “Honour the LORD
with thy substance, and with the
firstfruits of all thine increase” (Prov.
3:9). That the Church teaches tithing
as scriptural is a settled fact which
is accepted by all who take the cov-
enant for membership. The amount
of increase to be paid on has always
been left to the conscience of the indi-
vidual. But the conscientious person
does not take the matter lightly, in the
face of the Word of the Lord through
the prophet Malachi: “Will a man rob
God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye
say, Wherein have we robbed thee?
In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed
with a curse: for ye have robbed me,
even this whole nation” (Mal. 3:8, 9).
Of course, robbery is not determined
by the amount. It could be possible
that a man, through covetousness,
would allow too many deductions
and short-change his Lord. Again, it
is the principle that counts.
The meaning of increase has
troubled some honest hearts, possi-
bly because of varying practices em-
ployed by different individuals in ar-
riving at the amount on which to pay
tithes. The net income, or increase,
is the amount remaining after al-
lowable deductions are subtracted
from the total or gross income. The
specification, “…all the increase of
thy seed,” implies that only such
expenses are deductible as are re-
quired to make that increase. The
only allowable expenses are those
which you would not have if they
were not created by the particular
job for which you are paid.
Living expenses—food, clothing,
living quarters, and utilities—are not
deductible, but must be paid out of
our increase. These are the things
God gives us our increase for. The
farmer may deduct the cost of the
seed, fertilizer, hired help, taxes, trac-
tor fuel, etc., because these are ex-
penses involved in producing a crop.
He pays tithes on the remainder and
lives on the other nine-tenths. A mer-
chant may deduct the rental on the
building, employees’ wages, license
to operate, taxes, and the cost of
goods bought for resale.
The majority of people work on a
wage or salary basis. In the United
States, and perhaps some other
countries, the government has im-
posed a tax on income, and also a
social security tax, both of which all
must pay, subject to certain regula-
tions. The amount after these are
withheld has come to be referred to
as take-home pay. Some have not
been able to count the take-home
make certain benefits available at the
employee’s choice, such as types of
insurance, stock options, retirement
benefits, etc. If the employee wants
to pay for these benefits and have
them withheld, he should add them
back on his take-home pay to arrive
at his tithable increase. If the compa-
ny pays for these benefits, the cost
is an increase to the employee, and
therefore tithable. We can see from
this that the take-home pay does not
always furnish the basis for our tith-
able income.
Another consideration not to be
overlooked is the matter of reim-
bursed expenses, and fixed expense
allotments. If expenses are reim-
bursed on a dollar-for-dollar basis,
there would be no profit or overage.
If a fixed allotment results in a profit,
the overage should be tithes. The
same principle would hold true in the
case of refunds from overages in the
payment of income taxes.
The minister’s expense is subject
to the same principles that apply to
any other job. Expenses in the minis-
try which the minister would not have
if he were not a minister are deduct-
ible. Where the minister has an ex-
pense allotment available from any
source, his net income would natu-
rally be that much larger, allowing
him the joy and privilege of paying
more tithes into God’s storehouse.
Our Church of God members be-
lieve in fairness and honesty with
all men as individuals, and with
their governments which they sup-
port with their taxes. The man who
is conscientious in these things will
have little difficulty in being consci-
entious toward his God. He consid-
ers the blessing in tithing, and does
not count it a burden or an imposi-

The Evening Light 6 February 2018

tion. He pays tithes in the spirit of grace,
not in the spirit of the law. He loves God
and His Church and counts it a privilege
to pay a full tenth of his increase to that
which he loves. He does not pay grudg-
ingly, as a matter of covetousness, but
willingly in the spirit of liberality. He
gives God the benefit of every doubt.
The words of the apostle Paul con-
cerning the disciplining of ourselves
with regard to meats, drinks, and similar
matters, might well apply here: “Happy
is he that condemneth not himself in
that thing which he alloweth” (Rom.
14:22). Nothing is worth the price of
condemnation in the sight of God.
Our greatest blessings do not lie in
that which we have to spend or in that
which we lay up in store here below, but
rather in that which we invest in heav-
en. There is no better way of saying it
than in Jesus’ words, “Lay not up for
yourselves treasures upon earth, where
moth and rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves break through and steal: But lay
up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth cor-
rupt, and where thieves do not break
through nor steal: For where your trea-
sure is, there will your heart be also”
(Matt. 6:19-21). Amen! &
The following excerpts are provided from the 93rd General
Assembly under Section 2: Tithes a Test of Membership:
It is felt by the Scriptural information provided by the study group,
and the direct challenge given to the Questions & Subjects Committee
by the Holy Ghost, that it is imperative that we consider the following:
• Tithing is biblical
• It is not an option—failure to tithe brings a curse
• The spirit of non-tithe paying needs to be explored
• In many cases of non-tithe paying, you are dealing with a robber
• Dealing with a thief
• Dealing with a covenant breaker, thus making the individual a
liar, who shall have their part in the lake of fire
• It is time to awake and choose, what are we going to be, wheat
or tares?
• The spirit of non-tithe paying needs to be and must be dealt with
• Non-tithe payers, not exposed and dealt with are crippling the
power of the Church, both local and General
• All levels of non-tithe paying need attention
• A minister who does not pay tithes is useless to The Church of
God in any position in his present condition—the ministry must
lead the way by example
• Non-tithe paying is the charge and being a covenant breaker
needs to be dealt with immediately!
• We feel the Holy Ghost is saying for us to pay tithes—or continue
under the curse
• While it is not an attempt to force people to go against their will,
we feel we can draw a line

Value vs. Cost with, saith the LORD of hosts, if

Most of us are careful how
we spend our money. We seek
out deals, clip coupons, compare
prices, and negotiate the bottom
line (when it can be done) for ev-
erything from groceries to hous-
es. We do this knowing some
things are worth more than oth-
ers. The value of an object ver-
sus the cost is a constant factor. It
seems, some have used that same
method of measure regarding their
tithes and offerings. This measure
works wonderfully when it is done
“as unto the Lord.”
This phrase has been used in
our offering boosts for many, many
years, but do we truly do it when
weighing the value of our offerings
and tithes? If we did, we would know
we aren’t paying a preacher, pastor
or even the Church. We are giving
back to the Great Shepherd of our
Allene Cox
General ABM Coordinator
souls. He is the ultimate Caregiver and
although we cannot pay Him enough for
His ultimate sacrifice, daily intercession
on our behalf, His grace, His mercy, His
peace, His salvation, His sanctification,
His healing, His Church, His creation,
His love or His overall existence, we
can surely be obedient to our Shepherd.
It was He who caused Malachi to pen
these words, “Bring ye all the tithes into
the storehouse, that there may be meat
in mine house, and prove me now here-
I will not open you the windows
of heaven, and pour you out a
blessing, that there shall not be
room enough to receive it” (Mal.
3:10). May the Lord help us—His
elect—to not be so concerned
about what He chooses to do with
the offering, but that we be faith-
ful and diligent in being careful to
weigh the value and give as unto
the Lord. While we aren’t paying
Him for His services to us, His valu-
able gifts of love far outweigh the mi-
nor costs of our meager means.
Churches reporting 100%
in Emergency $:
Fountain, CO Hillsboro, MO
Sellersburg, IN Asheville, NC
Somerset, KY Bassett, VA

The Evening Light 7 February 2018

 “Oh, how I love Jesus; Oh, how
I love Jesus”—these words are often “clean” money. When we give to God
lifted up in song. But sometimes the first, the “filthy lucre” is made clean.
people who voice these words are the Who wants to spend dirty money?
same ones who say, “I can’t tithe; I We (and all we touch) are made clean
don’t have the means to give in offer- through obedience. “And why call ye
ings.” But that’s not the problem. Not me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things
tithing or giving is just the symptom of which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
what is wrong in the heart. Instead of a Bettie Marlowe If everyone would tithe and give
heart filled with love for our heavenly General Sunday School Coordinator offerings according to the Word,
Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, we there would never be financial prob-
find a heart filled with doubt, distrust and, yes, greed and lems in the Church. If everyone loved God and lived a sur-
covetousness. rendered life, there would be no need to admonish people
So the result is a decision not to honor God, but to hold to tithe—they would be eager to do so. When people give
Him in contempt, and good stewardship is not practiced. out of love for the Lord, perfection is at work. Perfection is
The budget will not stretch to give to the Lord, so instead of when God’s children obey Him in love. God cannot bless
His blessing, the person experiences the curse. through a shell of selfishness.
There are reasons to tithe and give. The Bible says During this month celebrating love, remember your
to do this—that’s enough. But another reason is to have Sister Sunday School—share your love!

Tithing and Giving EVANGELISM bless thee... But if thine heart turn away... ye
from the Inside Out from the INSIDE OUT shall surely perish... I have set before you
For many years I had preached that life and death, blessing and cursing: there-
the Great Commission was our Lord’s last fore choose life, that both thou and thy seed
words and therefore our first command. But may live” (Deut. 30:16, 17, 19).
that is not what Jesus said. Jesus said, “Thou God has promised blessings to those
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy who love Him with all their heart and keep
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy His commandments. “And it shall come to
mind. This is the first and great command- pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my
ment. And the second is like unto it, Thou commandments which I command you this
shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these day, to love the LORD your God, and to
E. Roger Ammons
two commandments hang all the law and General Evangelism Coordinator serve him with all your heart and with all
the prophets” (Matt. 22:37-40). The Great your soul, That I will give you the rain of
Commission is not the First and Great Commandment. We your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain,
must get our priorities straight and put first things first. We that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine
cannot be effective in carrying out the Great Commission oil” (Deut. 11:13, 14). In the New Testament, Jesus said
and evangelizing the world unless we are FIRST obedient that we ought to tithe, but that even in so doing we would
to the Great Commandment. If we first love God with our be cursed if we bypass the heart and the love of God. “But
all, then we will love our neighbor enough to share the gos- woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all
pel with him. These divine principles related to the theme manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the LOVE
“From the Inside Out” apply to all of God’s commandments. OF GOD: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave
This includes tithing and giving. Abraham and Jacob gave a the other undone” (Luke 11:42; See also Matthew 23:23.).
tithe before the Law was given, simply because they loved While it is true that we cannot purchase salvation for our
God. Tithing and giving transcend the Law. The Law which loved ones, it is also true that God will bless the obedient
God gave to Moses was not based on a human business con- and curse the disobedient. If we really want to see our loved
tract, but rather on a covenant to which obedience was to be ones saved, we should first love God enough to be faithful
motivated by a heart full of love. The First and Great Com- in tithing and giving. Such obedience should be the product
mandment did not originate in the New Testament, but rather of a heart filled with love for God and our neighbor. Jesus
in the Old Testament. “And thou shalt love the LORD thy taught tithing and giving “From the Inside Out.”
God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all AVAILABLE FOR REVIVALS:
thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, E. Roger Ammons (423) 310-1042
shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently Herman Ard (423) 457-9554
unto thy children...” (Deut. 6:5-7). “I command thee this day John Harper (229) 356-7594 or (256) 307-7658
to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep Abraham Ramos (706) 767-0422
his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that Mary Shelton (931) 224-6659
thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall

The Evening Light 8 February 2018

 Displaying the Church flag is part of our “Method One—Burning: A designated,
identity in this world. During the General non-public, secure area should be chosen
Assembly CPMA program this past year, it a safe distance away from any buildings.
was boosted for members to replace faded or It is preferable that the fire burn down to a
worn flag stickers/decals on cars, etc. We want bed of red hot coals for safety and to avoid
our flag to be heralded to the world “because pieces of the flag exiting a roaring fire, yet
of the truth” (Psa. 60:4). Decals and stickers still intense enough to ensure complete burn-
are not the only representation of our banner ing. Great care and respect should be given
that can become faded over time. What about toward the flag during this method. One
worn or soiled cloth flags? I was recently should be mindful not to allow it to fall care-
informed that the Questions & Subjects Com- lessly to the ground as you carry it to the fire.
mittee wrote an outlined procedure to follow The folded Church Flag should be carefully
as it pertains to the disposal of worn Church placed in the center of the fire. As the Church
flags, which was also approved by the Church James Horne flag begins to burn, those present may choose
Literature Review Committee. The recom- General CPMA Coordinator to sing ‘The Church of God Flag’ song and/
mended procedure is to be implemented into or read some appropriate Scriptures or even
the Church Flag Handbook when reprinted. An excerpted recite the Church flag pledge during a time of reflection.
version of their writing is printed here for your information. The flag is more than a piece of fabric—it is a representa-
“DISPOSING OF WORN FLAG: The Church of God tion of the truth.
flag is known as a symbol of Truth to the world. Respect “Method Two—Burying the Church Flag: In instances
should always be shown toward our Church flag in the that you are not able to burn the Church flag, this method
handling, displaying and disposal of it when it becomes of properly burying it should be utilized. The same ini-
necessary. ‘The Church flag should not be flown when it tial steps should be used as in Method One, if the flag is
is soiled, faded, torn or patched; since the proper colors currently flying. It is advised that an appropriate box be
are important, it is advisable to secure new flags to replace obtained to house the Church flag when it is buried. The
those which are unfit’ (Section 6, p. 23, The All Nations properly folded flag should be respectfully placed in the
Flag booklet). Understanding that there will be times that box before burying. A time of reflection should be made as
a Church flag may become worn, tattered, or soiled to the noted above in Method One.”
point it is beyond repair and is no longer proper to be on Remember to display our banner in vibrant and true col-
display, a designated, respectful method should be fol- ors as it helps “identify” the Holy Nation in these last days.
lowed for its disposal. With this being our themed issue on tithing and giving, let’s
“Procedure: Should the flag be presently flying on a remember the Operation Banner of Love fund that helps
pole, slowly lower the Church flag. Carefully remove it newly organized churches to obtain a flag to display. And,
from its pole then fold the flag into its customary crown- don’t forget to join the CPMA!
centered top.
Churches attaining 100% in CPMA since the last issue

Russellville, AL Balinsasayao,
Fountain, CO Somerset, KY Asheville, NC
Philippines
Dongon,
West Lawrence, AL Sellersburg, IN Hillsboro, MO Bassett, VA
Philippines

Being that it is tax season, we would like to cover a few areas in

the next few issues of The Evening Light that may affect some local
churches or pastors. Please note that the General Treasurer’s office
cannot answer all of your tax questions. Please consult with your
local accountant or tax preparer for tax related questions.
* If your contact person for the IRS has changed or if your
church mailing address or physical address has changed, you need
to file form 8822-B with the IRS. The form can be found at www.
Financial irs.gov/form8822b.
* Some have inquired about how to apply for a federal tax
Communique ID number. Most banks and other entities require this for you to
conduct business. To request a tax ID number, which is called an
Employer Identification Number (EIN), you can apply online at
Jason Hill, General Treasurer www.irs.gov/ein.

The Evening Light 9 February 2018

 Mission Trip to Liberia
We arrived in Liberia on November 26, 2017, and
were received by Brother Bobby Nagbe Williams at the
Crown Hotel located at Town Hall, Paynesville City,
Liberia, West Africa.
The programs started on Monday at the temporary
site of the Church, at Bernard Farm FDA Community.
The theme of the Conference was taken from the book
of Exodus 14:14: “THE LORD SHALL FIGHT FOR
YOU, AND YE SHALL HOLD YOUR PEACE.” For
the rest of the week, God moved in the lives of the
people to the extent that they were very excited and
elated in their spirit when they saw God's power
without measure. They were highly touched through
the messages preached with the demonstrations of
the power of God. Among the messages were: “He
Cares For You” (1 Peter 5:7), and “Mine Eye Seeth
Thee” (Job 42:1-5). Many people gave their lives to
Jesus, confessing their sins, rededicating their life and receiv-
ing their healing during and after the anointing/healing service
on Friday evening, hence, many testified to the power of God,
giving glory, honor, and praises to the name of the Lord.
On Saturday we went for water baptism, where 20 were
baptized. Thereafter we launched into the street for a parade,
proclaiming the gospel of Christ and His Church. Some peo-
ple are promising to join The Church of God in the
community.
Our attendance: Monday-73, Tuesday-114,
Wednesday-97, Thursday-112, Friday-126.
Our Sunday service had 172 in attendance and
19 were added and welcomed to the Church
by taking their covenant.
Despite all the challenges raging against
the Church, nevertheless, The Church of God
is progressing. Praise God for the wonder-
ful work of God that is growing fast in the Country of
Liberia.
Brother Williams is being ordained as a Deacon in the
Church. Please pray that God, in His infinite mercy, will
help and support this brother in the work of The Church
of God in Liberia. Praise God, we returned safely to
Nigeria on December 6, 2017.
Immediate Need—We are praying to God and solicit-
ing help from General Headquarters and cheerful givers
to come to our aid for a permanent
property for the Church in Liberia.
God bless you for your concern
and love seeing all our needs met.

Brother Matthew Ogunmola

National Overseer

The Evening Light 10 February 2018

 Deadline for application (downloadable from General Church website) – February 14, 2018
If approved, a $750 deposit (to purchase your airline tickets) is due by March 1, 2018.
Come and be a part of what the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are doing in the islands!
m a i ca
Ja T rip
o n
Missi
“Building a church is like build-
ing a house: you build it one block
at a time. Finances are secondary to
the saving of souls, but finances are
the by-product of working for the
salvation of mankind. When some-
one is converted, his pocketbook is,
too. What he spent serving the devil
he now freely gives toward the cause
of Christ. As the minister visits and
souls are saved, the church’s financial
strength will increase. Tithing and giv-
ing in offerings are biblical. Without
these the Church of God could not
operate or fulfill her mission for God.”
(BTI Term 2, Pastoral, p. 2)
H istorical
S napshot
Prominent Teaching:
“Tithing and Giving”
marker ascending
Prayer Mountain at
Fields of the Wood.
The Evening Light
For more information, call the World Mission
Coordinator and Team Leader at 1-423-339-8264, ext. 220
“Let them give glory unto
the LORD, and declare his
praise in the islands”
(Isa. 42:12).
Church History
Questions & Answers
Q: Where should I pay tithes?
A: We recommend that all members pay tithes on their
income into the treasury of the local church where
their membership is, and that all ministers send
tithes of their income in the ministry, including both
tithes and offerings, to the General Treasurer with
their reports… and pay tithes on manual labor or
business into the treasury of the local church where
their membership is. (44th AM, 1949, p. 125, QSC and
62nd AM, 1967, p. 152, QSC). Non-members: We recom-
mend that the tithes of non-members that are paid
into the local church treasury should be paid out
through the regular channel the same as the tithes of
members, (54th AM, 1959, p. 134, WMC).
Q: Should a pastor receive tithes from the local church
or members after his time has expired?
A: No. (57th AM, 1962, p. 137, QSC).
Q: Should the bishops, deacons and evangelists be al-
lowed to hold credentials who do not pay tithes?
A: I don’t know of any. If you know of any I wish you
would report them. Of course they should pay tithes,
and they prove their disloyalty to the Church and the
Bible when they do not. The Assembly stands for pay-
ing tithes and the officers should pay tithes in order
to be good examples to the believers (Upon This Rock,
Vol. 1, p. 463).
11 February 2018
W e have all
probably heard
it said, “When you
Oh, This Awful Finance!
talk about my child,
you talk about me!”
Of course, if the talk is good, it is like
music. If it is bad, you’d better hold it!
This is understandable, and we would
hope that the good spirit would predom-
inate in either case. That which is closest
to our hearts, we are prone to defend, be
it children or pocketbook.
Possibly our weaknesses hurt worse
when touched because we are already
tender with conviction on those points.
This could be the reason it is considered
“meddling” when the preacher mentions
certain things, even though the Lord, the
prophets, and the apostles have already
spoken out on the same subjects.
The “sore spots” may vary from per-
son to person, and it is only the “wholly
consecrated” and “totally committed”
ones who do not have at least one. But
since the pocketbook is something un-
derstood by all, let us examine our feel-
ings about it at this time.
Is it really necessary to go into the
Scripture on this subject? Most of us
know what is said therein about money,
both its blessings and its curse. Aren’t
we all familiar with the Bible teach-
ing on tithing and giving? We were all
aware of the Church’s teachings when
we took the covenant. But, being the
humans that we are, we need a gentle
nudge now and then, and sometimes a
real elbowing, depending on the serious-
ness of our neglect. Peter says, “Where-
fore I will not be negligent to put you
always in remembrance of these things,
though ye know them…” (2 Peter 1:12).
And Jude says to the “forgetters,”—”I
will therefore put you in remembrance,
though ye once knew this…” (Jude 1:5).
Today’s affluent society, Christians
included, is easily irritated by much ref-
erence to the “hard times of the depres-
sion days.” We who lived through them,
however, will forever cherish the lessons
in finance that we learned. While some
today have never learned the value of
a dollar (skip the inflationary element!),
some others of us will never forget its
value! Much could be said, but here we
will stick to Church finance as much as
possible.
The Evening Light
R. O. Covey
WWM, February 12, 1972
We did lots of praying. And we were
not hypocritical or materialistic-minded.
People pray for their needs. We weren’t
bargaining with God—“Lord, I’ll give
if You’ll do thus-and-so.” No, we gave
because much praying kept us close to
God. God came first, so we wanted to
give. And the same is true today.
We probably didn’t know how
blessed we were in having to beware of
going in debt unnecessarily. We shied
away from becoming obligated beyond
our income. Somehow it was easier to
give to God and the Church when we
had no creditors to fear! It is amazing
how people depend on the love, mercy,
and understanding of God when their
high income today is found to be some-
what less than their higher payments!
“God will be merciful,” they tell them-
selves, “But our creditors have us in
their hands!” Oh, how they must love
(or fear) their creditors!
The truth is—God must still come
first. And we should put Him first be-
fore we over-obligate ourselves, instead
of lamenting our insufficiency after-
wards. In fact, it is no exaggeration to
say that a little forethought could save
our soul. Most of us know individuals
who backslid because of financial dif-
ficulties of their own making. At least,
that was where the loss of victory began.
“You’re bringing us under law!”
some have been known to cry, when re-
minded that paying tithes is a Scriptural
requirement covered by the “I will” of
our covenant. “Though ye know,” or
“Though ye once knew this,” as Peter
and Jude have already said, some un-
dergo a sudden change of mind when
the teaching of the Church and the Bible
touch the pocketbook! Who among us
does not know that tithing preceded the
Law? And it was a prophet who asked,
“Will a man rob God?” We don’t excuse
bank robbery or horse stealing because
we are under grace, so why should it
seem righteous to rob God but criminal
to rob a merchant?
God didn’t say, through Malachi,
“Ye are cursed with a curse for robbing
12
Me in tithes and of-
ferings because ye
are under the law.”
Robbery is robbery
in any dispensation,
and it carries its penalty. Grace merely
gives the “robber” time to get out of the
business. No matter how loudly he cries,
“Grace!” if he dies a robber he is lost.
And frankly, if there were any difference
at all, it would be worse to pick God’s
pocket than man’s.
When a minister preaches on tithes
and offerings, the “robber of God” is
very apt to accuse him of greed or cov-
etousness. Why not turn the table? Is it
greed or covetousness for a minister to
want what the Bible grants him, yet not
greedy or covetous for his members to
keep what doesn’t belong to them? If
a minister declares “the whole counsel
of God,” and if he loves the souls of
those he must give account of, he has to
preach and teach on tithes and offerings
from time to time.
Ministers don’t usually preach on
things in which the people are obedient,
except in a commendable way. The min-
istry is made responsible by the General
Assembly to promote the financial phase
of the Church work. And the Assembly
is not out of line in recommending vari-
ous financial plans. The Assembly is us.
The work is ours, so it is up to us to do
the work. And it cannot be done without
proper finance.
Again we say, God must come first.
Since the Son of man left His house here
to do the work, here is where the money
is needed. We are all aware of this, but
other things enter in. Actually, it should
not be necessary to have much preach-
ing, begging and pleading, finance-col-
lecting drives and campaigns, contests,
etc., since we are not ignorant of our
duty—not to say our privilege.
Giving can become a drudgery sim-
ply by putting it off. If God is first, then
we should pay everything pertaining to
His cause first. If it must be done at a sac-
rifice, then make the sacrifice and leave
it behind. Just a few dollars paid out at
the beginning of the Assembly year will
do wonders for our spirits in months to
come. Or just a few dollars the first thing
on payday will guarantee much relief in
the days and weeks ahead. And if some
February 2018
offering has to be paid a dime or a quarter at a time, make
that the first dime or quarter paid after payday.
We are each expecting a crown of his own at the end of
the way. And if it were possible to gain the crown on the
merits of others, it would surely take something away from
the joys of heaven. No one objects to helping the really poor
and destitute; but beyond this, surely it weighs a lot more
in the sight of God, when a church reports 100% in some
fund, if it means 100% participation as well as 100% in dol-
lars and cents.
We must not overlook the free-will element in certain
offerings. It is easy to fall into the habit of judging our
brothers and sisters, comparing salaries and expenses, and
criticize them because they do not give as much as we think
they should at some particular time. They may have given
generously toward something we knew nothing about. It
is good to leave room for God to “lay it on the heart” now
and then.
Yes, many of us are glad we learned to give, and to put
God first, back in the days when we knew for sure that dol-
lars were made up of pennies, nickels, and dimes. Those
golden lessons in mathematics stand to our credit that we
still know what we’re talking about. &
PRESENT FINANCIAL SYSTEM (Tithes)
The present financial system is based on the current
recommendations of the General Assemblies held since
1993, with other recommendations recorded in the 1989
Assembly Minutes to be followed where possible, giv-
ing discretion to the local churches, where it is deemed
necessary to do so. The disposition of funds is to be made
by the 5th of each month to the appropriate office. Funds
coming in to General Headquarters should be addressed
to the General Treasurer with checks made payable to:
The Church of God; Jason Hill, Treasurer; mailing
address: P. O. Box 450, Charleston TN 37310-0450.
TITHING:
PERSONAL LEVEL: The Bible clearly sets forth the
tithe as a tenth part of our increase. We are to pay 10%
of our increase (biblical tithe) to our local church trea-
sury. Freewill offerings by the individual are “according
to ability.”
LOCAL CHURCH LEVEL: Ten percent of all tithes
received are to be sent monthly to the State/Regional/
National office. The remainder is to be used to pay the
pastor’s allotment, and any remaining balance is to be
considered surplus tithes. The disbursement of surplus
tithes should be disbursed monthly, quarterly, or annually
at the discretion of the local church conference with first
consideration given to the pastor’s ministerial expense.
STATE/REGIONAL/NATIONAL LEVEL: Ten per-
cent of the tithes coming into this office are to be sent
monthly to General Headquarters. The overseer’s allot-
ment and expenses (above the 4th Sunday offering), are
paid from the remaining funds when available. Any
surplus is to be placed in the State/Regional/National/
General Fund for operating the work on that level. (See
heading “Allotments” for further clarification.)
The Evening Light
WHAT SIDE
OF THE COIN
ARE YOU ON?
“For the love of
money is the
Robert J. Hawkins, Jr.
root of all evil...”
World Mission Coordinator
1 Timothy 6:10
Around the time I joined The Church of God 27 years
ago, I remember reading a tract about tithing. It was a long,
fold-out piece of literature with several pages to it. When
I was done studying it, I couldn’t wait to begin paying my
tithes, for I believed there were blessings for FAITH IN and
OBEDIENCE TO God’s Word. And the Lord has been true
to His Word and has blessed my family and I over and over.
The words found in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money
is the root of all evil...” have always been a bit of a mystery
to me, but after prayerfully studying them further, I believe
it can safely be said that there is no kind of evil to which
a man may not be led through a lust for money—deceit,
oppression, envy, bribery, contentiousness, perjury, malice,
care, fear, and the list rolls on endlessly. Our first defense
against this evil spirit is to (gladly) pay our tithes, for the
Bible tells us in Romans 11:16, “For if the firstfruit be holy,
the lump is also holy...” If we put God first, every other
aspect of our lives will be in order. But if we fail God we
fail ourselves, our families, and the people of God. The pro-
fessing Christian, ESPECIALLY A MINISTER OF THE
GOSPEL, who refuses to pay his tithes is only that—all
talk and no substance. “If therefore ye have not been faith-
ful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your
trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:11). This is a basic Bible
truth for a member of The Church of God! “Ye are cursed
with a curse: for ye have robbed me...” (Mal. 3:9). On the
negative side of the coin, if we fail to pay our tithes it will
be misery on this earth and eventually, eternal devastation.
But on the positive side of the coin, if we trust God and
pay our tithes, we will have blessings on top of blessings
and joy unspeakable forever and ever! God challenges and
promises us in Malachi 3:10, 11, “Bring ye all the tithes
into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house,
and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I
will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out
a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive
it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes...” Isn’t
it time you trusted God? Step out
in faith, do what is right, look
up, open your heart and
your hands, for the win-
dows of heaven will
be opened and you
will be blessed for-
ever! Amen!
13 February 2018
W
ithout a doubt there are a mul-
titude of men in the world who
give more than one-tenth of their in-
come to their vices. These sinners waste
their increase on gambling, tobacco, in-
toxicating drinks, pornography, etc. In
fact, many of them bring their houses to
ruin as a direct result of spending their
income on sinful indulgences instead
of feeding and clothing their families.
They often file for bankruptcy, end their
marriages in divorce, and/or lose their
children’s love and devotion. Friends
abandon them to their self-inflicted
woes, and their financial wastefulness
leaves them penniless, jobless, and
friendless. Though some may not suffer
such complete destruction in this life, all
those who spend their money on sinful
indulgences will certainly suffer some
degree of sorrow in this world, fol-
lowed by a world of sorrow in eternity.
Considering the fact that sinners do
not hesitate to spend great sums of their
income in furtherance of the kingdom
of darkness, it seems strange that those
who call themselves Christians often re-
coil at the suggestion that they give ten
percent of their income to honor their
heavenly King and support the king-
dom of righteousness. In fact, many
Christians declare they cannot afford
to pay tithes to God. Yet a close inspec-
tion of their lives reveals that many of
them can afford nice homes to live in,
with comfortable furniture. They seem
quite able to buy clothes whenever they
desire, and drive nice automobiles. They
even find funds to enjoy weekend trips
and occasional vacations. They not only
have refrigerators and cupboards full of
food, but they find finances to visit the
local restaurants fairly regularly. Nice
televisions sit in their living rooms,
and a good variety of video games and
other forms of entertainment can also be
found nearby. These Christians seem to
live quite well, yet they become offend-
ed quickly should someone suggest that
they tithe their income, and they make
every effort to convince themselves
that God does not really require tithing
in this New Testament dispensation of
grace. “Anyhow,” they reason, “God
certainly does not need my money.”
Thus these “Christians” excuse them-
selves from making the commitment to
The Evening Light
10 %
Stephen E. Smith
The Evening Light, May 2004
tithe. They reason away the many Scrip-
tures that teach tithing so they can con-
tinue using that 10% for personal plea-
sure. Should they fall under conviction
from time to time, they may pay a little
“token” tithe, but not true tithes on their
income—just enough to ease their con-
science and perhaps make others feel
that they are not neglecting their duty to
give to the Lord’s work.
This failure to tithe brings many sad
consequences to these covetous souls,
as well as adversely affecting the cause
of Christ and His Church. One does
not have to look far to see the suffer-
ing that results from their disobedience
to the Scripture, and it would do these
people well to remember the words of
the apostle Paul: “For the love of money
is the root of all evil: which while some
coveted after, they have erred from the
faith, and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:10).
On the other hand, there is a great
host of faithful Christians who would
not think of failing to pay their tithes to
God any more than they would think of
robbing a bank or stealing money from
a neighbor. They are in love with their
Saviour, and recognize that giving 10%
of their income to the One who saved
them from eternal damnation and gave
them eternal life is in itself infinitely in-
sufficient to demonstrate their apprecia-
tion to Him. Yet their deep soul affection
for Christ compels them to tithe their in-
come, give offerings, and do whatever
they can to glorify Him and obey His
commandments.
The spirit of those who truly un-
derstand the value of their salvation is
seen in Zacchaeus who, upon receiving
salvation, gave half of his goods to the
poor. It is seen in the saints of the early
Church who, after the baptism of the
Holy Ghost, sold their possessions and
laid the money at the apostles’ feet. It is
seen likewise in the poor widow woman
Jesus commended because she gave all
she had into the treasury of God. Such
14
releasing of finances seems absurd to
those who have made money their god,
but God in heaven smiles upon His faith-
ful children who demonstrate such love
for Him in the giving of their resources
to glorify Him and support His work on
earth. To those He offers this wonderful
promise: “Bring ye all the tithes into
the storehouse, that there may be meat
in mine house, and prove me now here-
with, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will
not open you the windows of heaven,
and pour you out a blessing, that there
shall not be room enough to receive it”
(Mal. 3:10).
Those who do not tithe find that heav-
en’s windows are closed. Their prayers
are not answered, their souls are lean and
cannot seem to find the joy and happiness
and peace promised to the people of God.
They stumble at noon-day as at midnight.
The devil seems to have the upper hand
in every corner of their lives, devouring
their souls’ happiness as well as their
material substance. Their wealth brings
them no joy and the very spending of it
seems to bring God’s curse. And indeed
it does, for God has declared to them,
“Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have
robbed me…” (Mal. 3:9).
Why is it that God, who needs noth-
ing, wants us to pay tithes? Perhaps it is
because He knows the world is more in-
terested in money than any other thing,
and He wants to use the tithing system
to “prove” Himself strong toward those
who love Him, that the world may see
and believe. When God’s people tithe
He rewards them by rebuking the enemy
who seeks to destroy their increase. The
world then sees the favor of God upon
His people and recognizes that they are
truly the blessed of God: “And I will re-
buke the devourer for your sakes, and
he shall not destroy the fruits of your
ground; neither shall your vine cast her
fruit before the time in the field, saith
the LORD of hosts. And all nations
shall call you blessed: for ye shall be
a delightsome land, saith the LORD of
hosts” (Mal. 3:11, 12).
What a glorious promise He has giv-
en! It would seem that every member of
the Lord’s Church would want the world
to see God’s blessings among His peo-
ple, and enjoy the experience of living
in a “delightsome land.” The word de-
February 2018
lightsome means pleasure, or like para-
dise (the Garden of Eden). Is it not time
for all to leave the dry, fruitless desert
behind and enjoy the fruit of God’s best
blessings? When God is dishonored the
heavens become brass and the earth iron.
Indeed, the time has arrived for all who
love the Lord to “prove” Him and see
that He will indeed open the windows of
heaven and pour out His blessings.
Those “Christians” who have set
their affections on things below attempt
to justify their failure to tithe by rel-
egating it to the “Old Testament law,”
claiming there is no basis for tithing in
the New Testament. But they seem to
be willfully ignorant of the Scripture.
Sometimes these boast that they are, by
faith alone, the children of Abraham.
Indeed, the Word does declare, “…they
which are of faith, the same are the chil-
dren of Abraham” (Gal. 3:7). But one
must not forget the words of Jesus who
declared, “…If ye were Abraham’s chil-
dren, ye would do the works of Abra-
ham” (John 8:39). We are told that
Abraham went out not knowing where
he was going. He did not know what
dangers lay ahead, or how he would
arrive safely at his destination. But He
trusted that God, Who called and com-
manded him, was well able to meet
whatever needs Abraham would face.
Thus we see that his faith in God was
revealed by his works. And it is worth
mentioning that one of the works of
Abraham was that he paid tithes (Gen.
14:20). If we are to be the children of
Abraham, we will do the works of Abra-
ham. And that includes tithing.
Another thought worth pursuing is
found in Hebrews 7:8, “And here men
that die receive tithes; but there he re-
ceiveth them, of whom it is witnessed
that he liveth.” The writer of Hebrews
is comparing the priesthood of Christ
to the Levitical priesthood and show-
ing the superiority of Christ’s priest-
hood. He refers back to the priesthood
of Melchisedec, of whom he says, “…
being by interpretation King of righ-
teousness, and after that also King of
Salem, which is, King of peace; Without
father, without mother, without descent,
having neither beginning of days, nor
end of life; but made like unto the Son
of God; abideth a priest continually”
The Evening Light
(Heb. 7:2, 3). Thus Melchisedic, if not
Christ Himself, certainly represents
Him in the eternal priesthood. Thus the
analogy is simply saying that here men
receive tithes (on earth under the Leviti-
cal priesthood), but there (in heaven) He
(Christ Himself) receives tithes. Now,
how can Christ receive tithes unless His
people are paying tithes?
It is obvious that Christ expects His
people to pay tithes. In fact, this is what
He said to the Pharisees while rebuk-
ing them. “But woe unto you, Phari-
sees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all
manner of herbs, and pass over judg-
ment and the love of God: these ought
ye to have done, and not to leave the
other undone” (Luke 11:42). Jesus was
not pronouncing His “woe” upon the
Pharisees for tithing, but for failing to
exercise heartfelt judgment and love.
Concerning tithing, he says, “this ought
ye to have done.” Thus the Son of God
plainly states that His people should
tithe, while not neglecting the rest of
their duty to God.
Jesus added another statement that
should stir the hearts of those who love
Him, “For I say unto you, That except
your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the scribes and Phari-
sees, ye shall in no case enter into the
kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). How
can one have a greater righteousness
than that of the scribes and Pharisees?
Their religion was all external. It was
for show, to be seen of men. It lacked
heartfelt sincerity that testifies of true
religion. Thus our tithing, as well as all
obedience to Christ, must come from
the heart. One cannot tithe reluctantly,
doing so just to obey the letter of the
law. Those whose tithes are acceptable
to God give from the heart, in deep and
true devotion to the Saviour of their
soul. In so doing, their righteousness far
exceeds that of the Pharisees, and be-
comes acceptable to God.
Much more could be said on the sub-
ject of tithing, but let us end with a few
sobering thoughts. When a member of
the Church fails to tithe he:
1. Calls God a liar. His failure to
tithe is evidence he does not be-
lieve God’s promise to rebuke
the devourer, or His promise to
open the windows of heaven and
15
pour out the promised blessing.
2. Becomes a thief. In fact, “The earth
is the LORD’S, and the fulness there-
of; the world, and they that dwell
therein” (Psa. 24:1). Since God
owns everything, we are only stew-
ards of His possessions. In handling
funds which pass into our hands,
we become His trustees. He has
ordered that the tithes be returned
to Him for support of His ministry,
and declares all who fail to do so
are thieves and robbers. And, no
thief shall enter His kingdom. (See
Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 6:10.)
3. Destroys his testimony to the
world. Instead of the promised
spiritual and material blessings,
he is cursed with a curse. God re-
moves His hand of protection and
allows the enemy to come in and
destroy. The world sees the sor-
row and trouble and has no desire
to seek the God of such a one.
Dear friend, do we not love to give
to those who are dear to us? No exhor-
tation is needed to make a devoted par-
ent give to the child, or the affectionate
husband to the wife. One of the plain-
est marks and indications of the pres-
ence of love is the desire to give. This
is true between man and man, and man
and woman, and man and God. Noth-
ing can prevent these expressions of
love if they are truly in the heart. God
is love, and He is giving all the time.
Who can count His mercies and bless-
ings? When we love, giving will follow;
and the more we become like God, the
more will we love to give and the more
we will give. In The Church of God we
generally say that we “pay” tithes, and
“give” offerings, but the principle is
the same. Love, not law, compels us to
tithe. Surely, when we see the love that
has been sent to us from heaven with all
its temporary and eternal benefits, our
love will respond with the surrender of
not only one-tenth of our income, but
we will dedicate all we have to the glory
and service of God. And when we do,
God will smile upon His people, swing
heaven’s windows open wide, and pour
out His best blessings.
&
February 2018
 Former General Overseers Speak About

Tithing & Giving

A. J. Tomlinson M. A. Tomlinson
If you are prospering a little, pay your tithes. If you All of us want to
are prospered much, pay your tithes. God has promised pay what we owe, and
to bless the tithe payer, whether the amount is much we should not be care-
or little. Do you want God’s blessings? Then pay your less about paying our
tithes in regular order—ten cents on every dollar actual debts. We know in fact
increase. that we owe God one-
(WWM, May 21,1927) tenth of our income and to fail to pay Him
We are thoroughly convinced that all should pay one tenth of their is a serious matter. It belongs to God. It
income to the Lord, and we are just as fully convinced that the tithes are is not ours, and we have no right to use
to be paid to the Church of God... and not handed around promiscuously it for ourselves. We are using money
according to your own feelings or notion. that does not belong to us when we do.
(Annual Address, 1916) (WWM, February 9, 1957)

Robert J. Pruitt Stephen E. Smith

Long ago it was accepted that paying tithes
is a Bible requirement for all of God’s chil-
dren. There is a blessing that goes with tithe
paying and a curse on those who do not pay
tithes. The Scripture tells us that one who
does not pay tithes is a robber, and robbery is
a sin… The biblical requirement of tithing ap-
plies to every member of The Church of God worldwide. It in-
cludes each and every one whatever the country, the economy,
the language, or the custom. It applies to the poor nations as
well as to the wealthier ones. There is no doubt that if each
and every one were faithful in this requirement, it could well
mean personal prosperity to the tithe payer and consequently,
increase the financial capability of the Church worldwide.
(Annual Address, 1999)
I can’t imagine any people that
give more liberally or work harder
at fund raising than our Church of
God people do. God bless you for
everything that you’ve done to raise
funds, to give funds, and for your
faithfulness in your tithing. God will
honor all of this. Our people give bountifully in The
Church of God, and only the Lord, Himself, knows the
kind of sacrifices that many of you have made in your
efforts to be a blessing, financially, to The Church of
God… Thank God for the non-members and the sin-
ners and everybody that has given to help to contrib-
ute to the work of The Church of God in this world!
(Annual Address, 2007)

Be a $300 Worker for Missions !

The World Mission Department and the Women’s Mission-
ary Band would like to present to you these beautiful, stainless
steel World Mission Cards that will be given to every “$300
Worker” for March World Missions 2018. These high quality,
laser-engraved cards will make a wonderful display and will
be a blessed reminder of our Great Commission to go into
all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. There
are only 100 of these cards available, so secure yours as soon as
possible! You may send your payment directly to General Headquarters or give
it to your local church treasurer, who will kindly forward your name to us with his report. If
writing a check, please gladly note in the memo—“$300 Worker.” Thank you for your fervent prayers and
giving, and let us call upon God to help us reach our March 2018 World Mission goal of $100,000!

The Evening Light 16 February 2018

 Blessed or Unfortunate?
I’m sure you have heard
the meme, “Is the glass
half-full or half-empty?"
How you perceive the cir-
cumstances of the glass
will often determine your
response. Some people choose to
perceive the glass half-full while
others view it as half-empty. You
may look at all you have (even
though it may not be much) and con-
sider yourself blessed, or you may
look at all you don’t have and think
yourself to be unfortunate.
Let’s consider the life of Joseph
(Gen. 37) for a moment. There is no
doubt a series of unfortunate events
that occurred. 1) His brothers hated
him and could not speak peaceably
MARCH WORLD MISSIONS
DRIVE IS UPON US! Our theme
for this special mission’s drive is,
“A Year of Double Blessing!” We
are setting a goal of $100,000, and
by God’s help we can reach it!
Let’s pray it through, put it into
operation, and watch God reward
our giving!
Let’s hear from one of our lo-
cal WMB leaders, Cynthia Brown
of Mayfield, Kentucky—
What does your mission field look
like? Are you laboring in your mission
field? These are NOT questions to be con-
demning, but rather thought provoking.
After watching Sister Sharon Griffin’s
service at the General Assembly this year,
I had so many thoughts race through my
mind about the Mission Field. The WMB
theme this year, “Arise and Go…The
Work Is Not Yet Finished!” is powerful!
“Then saith he unto his disciples, The
harvest truly is plenteous, but the labour-
ers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of
the harvest, that he will send forth labour-
ers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37, 38). Are
we willing to labor where God has placed
us, or where He is calling us? Jesus is
asking for our willingness to labor in the
fields. He knows the hearts of all men and
if He tells us the harvest is plenteous, then
it is plenteous! He continues to tell us to
pray for more laborers. If the harvest is
not brought in when it is ripe, then it be-
gins to rot in the fields. We do not want
The Evening Light
to him. 2) He was cast into an empty pit.
3) He was sold into slavery. 4) He was
put into prison. 5) He was forgotten for
two years.
A typical person may perceive
Joseph as poor and unfortunate; others
might consider him cursed. They come
to this conclusion by looking only at his
circumstances, much the same way we
view the half-empty or half-full glass.
However, God did not view Joseph as
Sharon Griffin
General WMB Coordinator
to be guilty of neglecting the souls who are
ready to hear the gospel. Do we have a vi-
sion for lost souls? When we look at those
around us in this world, do we see a field
that needs to be harvested, or do we look
the other way because we are too busy? Are
we neglecting the field that God has placed
us in? Charles Spurgeon said, “If sinners be
damned, at least let them leap to hell over
our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them
perish with our arms wrapped around their
knees. If hell must be filled, let it be filled in
the teeth of exertions, and let NO ONE GO
UNWARNED OR UNPRAYED FOR!”
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in
the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise
as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matt.
10:16). Christ is sending us forth into the
midst of evil and darkness. The Spirit will
lead us, and let us know when to speak and
what to speak. “And Jesus came and spake
unto them, saying, All power is given unto
me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore,
17
unfortunate. “And the LORD was
with Joseph, and he was a prosper-
ous man...” (Gen. 39:2). “But the
LORD was with Joseph, and shewed
him mercy, and gave him favour...”
(Gen. 39:21). The reality is Joseph
was blessed and highly favored!
The truth concerning the half-
empty glass is that it’s always
full even when it appears to be
half-empty.
Matter is anything that has mass
and takes up space. Air is matter
even though we are not able to see
it. So, the glass may be filled half-
way with water, but the other half
is filled with air. Both are important
and necessary for life. Your circum-
stances may not be the best, but
remember, you are blessed!
and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have com-
manded you: and, lo, I am with you alway,
even unto the end of the world. Amen”
(Matt. 28:18-20).
All power was given to Jesus.  He
sends us forth to teach all nations and bap-
tize them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Pay close
attention to verse 20 that says, “I AM
WITH YOU ALWAY.” We may be work-
ing in an evil and dark world, but we are
NOT alone! One thing I noticed immedi-
ately about the theme picture was that you
could see an image representing Christ
and His presence with us in the fields of
harvest.
During the month of October, I gave ev-
eryone a set of chopsticks and asked them
to place the chopsticks on the table where
they eat family meals.  Each meal I asked
them to use the chopsticks as a reminder to
pray for China, one field that needs to be
harvested and the souls that are searching
for the truth.  Let’s all pray for China and
pray that we will be willing to go wherever
we are called to labor—whether near or
far, even if we don’t have family nearby.
There is a world (field) that is waiting to
be harvested. Let’s not neglect the work
that is set before us. There is a song that
has these words, “Will you go wherever I
lead? Be the light in the dark and salt in
the street?  Will you go no matter the cost? 
Will you live for the lost so they’ll know of
the Cross? Will you go?”  
February 2018
 “to communicate forget not”
Imparting Information and Means
James R. Horne, Assistant Editor
Bessemer, AL
“It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold,
a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes
rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he
came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obei-
sance. And David said unto him, From whence comest
thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel
am I escaped. And David said unto him, How went the
matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the
people are fled from the battle, and many of the people
also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son
are dead also” (2 Sam. 1:2-4). Here is an illustration of
someone communicating important information. “How
went the matter?” David asked. The man who came out
of the camp of Saul answered with the report. The statis-
tics were conveyed to David, giving him insight of the sit-
uation on the field. We further read that he was affected
by the information shared. In this case, he lamented
over the news. In another passage, the Queen of Sheba
stated, “It was a true report that I heard in mine own land
of thy acts” but the assessment of the report was that it
exceeded expectations and that the “half was not told”
(1 Kings 10:6, 7).
In Lesson One of our BTI Third Term Business class
it’s stated that communication through “personal report-
ing is the most common form of reporting in the Bible.
From the local church level, to a budding ‘general level,’
Peter, Barnabas, and Paul, personally reported to the
first Assembly the facts of God’s blessings upon the
Gentiles (Acts 15:7-12). When a decision was reached
by the Assembly, there was a reporting of that decision
from the general level to the local level in the form of let-
ters (Acts 15:22, 23, 30).”
Communicating in certain cases is synonymous with
reporting information. Accountability and conveying
updates about our work is valuable in that it keeps those
over us in the Lord informed of progress, it challenges us
to stay active in the work (as mandated by the Assembly)
and keeps us in check as laborers together under God’s
Government. In some cases, “Local Church reports
showing little or no progress,” signal that an assessment
of the work may be needed. “If evaluations and adjust-
ments are not made, the result will be more of the same,
including low morale among the members… or [perhaps
reveal the need to address] spiritual problems…” (BTI,
3rd Term Business, p. 9).
The word “communicate” denotes “imparting both
information and means” to reveal or convey that which
you are doing. Another definition represents being
“sociable, ready and apt to form and maintain com-
munion and fellowship.” We see in our Church history
The Evening Light
that communication through the reporting system was
designated as one of the helps noted in 1 Corinthians
12:28. Moreover, we see this concept in action through-
out Scripture. Several additional examples come to
mind. Scripture tells us, “And when we were come to
Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day
following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the
elders were present. And when he had saluted them,
he declared particularly what things God had wrought
among the Gentiles by his ministry” (Acts 21:17-19).
Paul went to communicate something that happened in
the ministry, so he reached Jerusalem and was saluted
there. The next day he and the brethren went to James
(the General Overseer) at “Headquarters” with the elders
present and gave his report by declaring what God had
done among the Gentiles. We see that The Church of
God at Philippi communicated with Paul. He said, “Not-
withstanding ye have well done, that ye did communi-
cate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also,
that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from
Macedonia, no church communicated with me as con-
cerning giving and receiving, but ye only” (Phil. 4:14, 15).
Paul was occupying a position similar to that of a State
Overseer, and he commended the Church at Philippi
for their faithfulness because they communicated with
him regarding giving and receiving. In 1 Timothy 6:18
we further read Paul’s appeal, “That they do good, that
they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to
communicate.” In this context, communicate can mean
being “willing to share, inclined to impart, free in giving”
(Strong’s 2843). We are told in Hebrews 13:16, 17: “But
to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such
sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the
rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for
your souls, as they that must give account, that they may
do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable
for you.”
Some may have felt in times past that our system of
reporting and communicating information in the Church
was burdensome, but surely this isn’t the case with
modern day conveniences of regular mail service and
new forms of conveying information (although there are
parts of the world where regular reporting can still be
a challenge). Our model of reporting is not just some
unnecessary function that our forefathers imposed
on the Church. It was rather seen as a biblical way of
establishing accountability, gleaning information, and
linked our worldwide efforts together, many being one.
Our covenant represents our commitment and shared
responsibility with other members of the Body, to do
18 February 2018

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things correctly as recommended by the multitude of
counselors. Let us note that the Assembly has asked us
to report (See Business Guide, pp. 155-157.), and we
are told that God is “well pleased” when we do. It further
states that a “good report maketh the bones fat” (Prov.
15:30). Reporting is also significant for the purpose of
record keeping, the importance of which was discussed
and established in 1906, at the very first Assembly this
side of the Dark Ages. Where would we be without good
records of things gone by, whether biblical or historical?
Could it not be further established that reporting and
accounting of information was important to the New Tes-
tament Church? Did the Church not have a treasurer
who handled funds and did it not also have a member-
ship roll of names that was reported? “...Judas had the
bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that
we have need of against the feast; or, that he should
give something to the poor” (John 13:29) “...Peter stood
up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number
of names together were about an hundred and twenty)”
(Acts 1:15).
If you recollect, communicating can be defined as
“imparting information and means.” Our Church Busi-
ness Guide tells us that funds are sent “with their
reports.” When we report to State and General Head-
quarters we are not only obedient and accountable to
the government by imparting information regarding
that which we have done for God, but we also submit
“means” that are due to the Lord with that information.
The Assembly has designated a financial system through
which the whole Church is to operate. Besides free will
giving, members pay tithes of their increase into the local
church. Ten percent of the members’ tithes are sent from
the local church to the State Headquarters. The State
then pays 10% to General Headquarters. The remaining
90% of tithes paid into the local church (up to the limit
set by the Administrative Committee) is used to give an
allotment to the pastor for his support. A minister pays
10% of his ministerial increase to General Headquarters
with his report. All of this is imperative to the operation of
our work worldwide. “For brass I will bring gold, and for
iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones
iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exac-
tors righteousness” (Isa. 60:17). God’s financial plan of
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tithing and giving as listed in our Prominent Teaching is
well established in Scripture: Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-
22; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; 1 Corinthi-
ans 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Hebrews 7:1-21.
Each of us “count as one” but our efforts, our part
of this great work, is added to the overall contribution
of the whole Body (e.g. souls saved, members added,
sermons preached, CPMA memberships, subscrip-
tions to The Evening Light, tithes paid, etc). Our spiri-
tual labors and faithfulness are further accounted for in
heaven (Heb. 6:10). We lack a true representation of
our work here on earth when statistics are submitted to
Headquarters or are read at the Assembly, but are not
inclusive of all ministries because some didn’t faithfully
communicate the information. Promptness, accuracy
and regular reporting to those over us, as well as send-
ing “means” which, as designated in the Word, belong
to and honor God; will bring His blessings upon us, fund
the overall effort in this world and give a clearer picture
of where we’re at in the general labors of the Church in
these last days. So to those in ministry, or to whom this
applies, consider getting your monthly “communication”
ready and mailed by the 5th of each month. To the mem-
ber, be faithful in tithing and giving at your local church
and see what blessings God will pour out on you! To all
who are charged with other responsibilities in leadership
(at any level) or at whatever interval you are asked to
report and to where, these words encourage you by say-
ing, “to communicate forget not.”
Giving offerings is separate
and apart from paying tithes.
Our offerings are to be given in
addition to the tithes we pay.
We are under obligation to give
offerings just the same as we are to
pay tithes. We cannot fulfill our
obligation for giving by paying tithes.
(God’s Financial Plan tract)
19 February 2018
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Honor to Whom Honor

Michael P. Jernigan was born on August 18, 1976, in Muskogee, Oklahoma,
to Paul S. and Shelia Jernigan. Brother Jernigan was saved at an early age
and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in a 5 ½ week revival that his father
was preaching in Bixby, Oklahoma. Both of his parents as well as his grandpar-
ents have made a great impact on his life and ministry.
His wife, Amy, was born December 15, 1975, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to
Warren and Sandra Stewart. Brother Jernigan met Amy at a District Conven-
tion in Arkansas where he and his father had been invited to minister. In 1996,
while attending BTI in Cleveland he proposed to her on the sidewalk of the A. Featured Servant:
J. Tomlinson house. They have been married for almost 21 years and have Michael P. Jernigan
two wonderful children, Ashton Aleise and Elijah Courage, as well as one who Questions & Subjects
awaits them in heaven.
Committee Member
Sister Amy was saved at an early age, too, and has served the Lord and The
Church of God in many ways. She enjoys singing and doing crafts. She is a dedicated home school mother and her
favorite passage of Scripture is Psalm 91.
Brother Jernigan not only grew up in The Church of God, but is humbled to be a fourth generation Church of
God minister. He has been preaching for 25 years. Over the years he has served in many local, state and regional
ministerial capacities. He has had the privilege to minister throughout the United States in conventions, camps and
retreats, as well as in many other countries via their Church’s Media Ministry. A highlight in his ministry was being
able to travel to Israel in 2014 and preaching the dedication message for the Garden Tomb Marker in Jerusalem.
He said it was a trip that he will never forget. He currently serves on Regional and General Church Committees and
has been pastoring for 18 years.
Joshua 1:9 and Psalms 37:4, 5, have served as a great inspiration to him in the ministry. When asked how he
would advise a young minister, he replied, “Be zealous in all you do, for there are souls that must be rescued. Stay
focused and never fall out of love with Jesus! Always pray for the power of God in your life.”
He has been known to say while preaching, “Remember I’m just the mailman, if you don’t like what is being
delivered, you need to speak to the Postmaster.”

Tithing
&
Offering “Always tithe your income
resources and put it in the church
available from treasury. Make freewill
General
Headquarters:
offerings besides your tithes.”
-Advice to Members