Remnant CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints Marlin Texas Branch 204 Live Oak Street Marlin, Texas 76661 THE REMNANT JULY 2010 VOLUME 11 Number 7 THEME: I Have Chosen You to a Reasonable Service SUNDAY MORNING DEVOTIONALS ---------------- 9:45AM SUNDAY SCHOOL ---------------- 10:00AM SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE ---------------- 11:00AM SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE ---------------- 6:30PM (WHEN ANNOUNCED) WEDNESDAY EVENING SERVICE ---------------- 7:00PM (WHEN ANNOUNCED) AVAILABLE PRIESTHOOD: HIGH PRIEST 1, ELDER 1, Aaronic Teacher 1 July 4, 2010 COMMUNION MESSAGE OBLATION REMARKS MESSAGE ASSISTING MESSAGE ASSISTING MESSAGE ASSISTING July 11, 2010 July 18, 2010 July 25, 2010 ATTENDANCE TBA TBA TBA The attendance for June was much more than was expected. Some of the Priesthood was gone, conducting other activities; however, a number of guest visited our congregation during the month. It is a wonderful thing to have visitors and to be able to share the Gospel message. As always, we invite all to Come and See. 1
TRACT AND TAPE MINISTRY It should be noted that all requests for tracts and tapes must include Name, Mailing Address and E-Mail Address when ordering from our Web Site www.theremnantchurchmarlintx.homestead.com Items requested from the web site are sent to the requestor free of any cost. We suggest you review our home page and review changes that have been made. One additional Sermon Notes Message has been posted on the home page. JULY BIRTHDAYS Tracy Allen July 26 Sharon Cantrell July 11 OUR WEB SITE Our web site, www.theremnantchurchmarlintx.homestead.com, continues to be updated. Our Web Site has been registered with the Marlin Chamber of Commerce and now appears under Church s on the Marlin Chamber of Commerce Web Site. For those of you that are new to our Web Site, our Web Site is linked to the General Church Web Site, www.theremnantchurch.com, and can be found under church congregations. The Web Site is updated each month to include new information that may be of interest to members of the congregation as well as too many others. Lists of available sermons have been added to our web site and you can now listen to these sermons while using your computer in other work. It is suggested that you visit the Web Site regularly. The Branch News Letter is posted each month. It should be noted that material listed on the web site under Tape and Tract Ministry is furnished upon request free of charge. Two article listed on the Marlin Web Site are also posted on the home page of the General Church Web Site. (1) Communion (2) Priesthood. www.theremnantchuch.com GENERAL CHURCH WEB SITE Click on to the General Church Web Site for the latest information about activities going on in the general church. www.theremnantchurch.com Changes are made regularly to the Web Site. You can register with the web site and can receive regular updates by E-Mail. Please check out all of the information furnished on the Site. See comment above. Our General Church Mission Statement FROM THE PRESIDING ELDER The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been called in renewal to preach the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will listen, and to prepare and gather, a righteous people for the building of the Kingdom of God on Earth, Zion. Our Marlin Branch Mission Statement The Marlin Branch is to provide the most personalized, trusted, valued, comprehensive spiritual ministry for all that Come and See. Our congregation continues to bring ministry to All That Come and See. We consider ourselves a Way Station to assist those on their way to Zion. This is one of our missions. Our membership will never be large but the Zionic ministry will always be available to assist those weary travelers that stop and rest on their way to Zion. During the current year, 2010, we have had two families to leave our fold and continue their move to the Center Place. What a joy it is to see our members feel the need to continue their travel to Zion. We have had three individuals that live in Victoria, Texas to ask for Affiliation with our congregation. Due to the distance of travel they will not be able to attend our service each Sunday, but they will have all of the advantages of having a Church Home that will help them as they continue to prepare for the Gathering. We have also added one new member to our roles thru the transfer method. We promise these new members of our congregation the loving ministry and fellowship that will continue to prepare them for their next move. High Priest Arthur Allen has returned home following his attendance with the Saints at the Oklahoma Reunion at Miami, 2
Oklahoma. He reports a wonderful gathering of the Saints with Ministry and Fellowship for all. No K.P. for anyone but plenty to eat. Plenty of swimming for the young folks and fire side activities for the youth in the evening. Not to be forgotten was the wonderful sharing sessions for all. These were held in the afternoon after the rest period; however, several continuations after the evening sermon. What a wonderful time for all. The Reunion will be held during the last week in June next year. Mark your calendars now. We have given several books and church materials to interested individuals in recent weeks. As most of you know we furnish our tracts, books, etc. free of charge to individuals that have an interest in knowing about us. We are blessed to be able to share. We continue to seek to provide the comprehensive spiritual ministry of the Lords Church and continue to seek those that are willing to Come and See. Our branch will continue to meet the many challenges as we all continue the Trail Ride into the future. Is Doctrine Important? Yes, according to the Bible, it is very important! Jesus said, "My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me" John 7:16. The Apostle Paul said: mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them" Romans 16:17. In writing to a preacher, young Timothy, the Apostle Paul said it even more forcefully when he cautioned, "Take heed to thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" I Timothy 4:16. God was teaching this young man that two things had to be done if he were acceptable to God, live the right kind of life, and teach the right kind of doctrine. This scripture in I Timothy 4:16, teaches that doctrine plays a part in our salvation. The Bible teaches that there are many doctrines. Jesus said, "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Commandments of men, even though they be of a religious nature, play no part in our salvation and worship to God, according to Matthew 15:9. The Bible warns, "Be not carried about with divers (different) or strange doctrines" Hebrews 13:9. The doctrine that really has power in our lives is the doctrine of Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The Apostle John, said, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son" II John, verse 9. The doctrine of Christ is very important. Without it we do not have God. By abiding in it we have both the Father and the Son. In the Bible, the doctrine of Christ includes his virgin birth, his miracles, his death, burial and resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of God. However, there are other things that are important which are in the doctrine of Christ. They include his church, worship, repentance, baptism, the Holy Spirit, the Lord's Supper, right living, and his second coming as well as others. Sometimes there is a tendency to emphasize Christian living and neglect Christian doctrine. This we must not do. They must not be separated. The great doctrines of Jesus form the foundation for righteous living. In I Corinthians 15, the resurrection inspires us to work for Christ, "knowing that our labor is not in vain, in the Lord" I Corinthians 15:58. In Acts, the seventeenth chapter, the judgment of God prompts men who knew little of God to change from their evil ways (Acts 17:30, 31). The consciousness of a life and judgment after death supplies one of the most effective of all motives for righteousness and godly living. Selfishness, cruelty, vice, crime and wickedness in every form flourish among people who entertain the conviction that death is the end of everything. Even the doctrine of baptism spurs one on to flee sin and live for Christ because of what it represents. The Bible says, "... buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4. Yes.-doctrine is important, especially if it is the doctrine of Christ as revealed in the Bible. SIGNS Supernatural "signs" were important to the Romans. In his recent book about Julius Caesar, Philip Freeman described 3
how the role of priests in that society originated "deep in Roman history." These men were "charged with learning the will of the gods by interpreting divine signs." People looked everywhere for omens, seeking clues that would help them make decisions and understand the future. In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul, so wise in his understanding of that culture, stressed the importance of signs for Christianity. But these signs were a by-product of faith in Jesus Christ. Following Jesus was not just about a set of beliefs or a code of conduct. It was a dynamic faith, a real relationship. The signs proved that this faith was real. Being a Christian meant having complete access to the "power of the Spirit." Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, all things were possible. The importance of these signs was stressed throughout the New Testament. Not only had Jesus been attested "by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him," but "many wonders and signs" also took place through those who believed in Him. As a result, "everyone kept feeling a sense of awe" ( [Romans 15:19] Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. I.V. Miracles continued, and "at the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people. [Acts 2:43] And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common. [Acts 5:12] And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; The Scriptures make it clear that signs and wonders are central to the Christian faith. These signs and wonders still take place today. The Book of Mormon records the same miracles and wonders happening to the Sheep of his fold in the American continent, also. (Mormon 4:75-85) And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, Have all these things past, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles. Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God? Who shall say that it was not a miracle, that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word, man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word, hath miracles been wrought? And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles, and if there were miracles wrought, then why has God ceased to be a God of miracles, and yet be an unchangeable being and behold I say unto you, He changeth not; if so, he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. Behold I say unto you, that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ, it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth. The Scriptures makes it clear that signs and wonders are central to the Christian faith. These signs and wonders still take place today, if we are obedient to His commandments and walk in faith. [Acts 2:39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Ask God to reveal His power in your life. Don't doubt or hesitate, Believe God for miracles-for signs and wonders-that others might know that God is real in our lives. He is seeking a righteous people to gather and establish His Kingdom here on earth, even ZION. Fred Church--- Patriarch-Evangelist What s In a Name? What s in a name? A Latter Day Saint might tell you that much can be misunderstood about a group (any group) if one considers them by name only. Since 1844, when Joseph Smith, Jr. was martyred in Carthage, Illinois, there has been much confusion in the public eye regarding the different factions, which have emerged from Joseph s original Mormonism. Many assume that all churches bearing the name Church of Jesus Christ of 4
Latter Day Saints are one and the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. Baptist, Protestant, Pentecostal, and many other religions would openly agree that while they share a common name, there are often great differences. The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints faces this age old identity problem and hopes to clarify the issue and distinguish itself from others. Why? 1. We stake claim to being the continuation or succession of the original faith as established in 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr. (i.e., with all the original doctrine, tenets, principles, priesthood, and beliefs set in place in the early Church established in 1830). 2. We support, and our predecessor organization has always supported, the laws of the land, and we deplore illegal activities that victimize people especially when done in the name of Christ. Since 1830, there have been many groups stemming from the original Church. Most share the common name Latter Day Saints but differ importantly for various reasons. Attributes of faith such as ordinances, sacraments, doctrine, vision, and church structure only appear similar at first glance, but actually differ greatly on closer examination. Lack of knowledge and insight into these areas can cause unnecessary confusion and misplaced conclusions in the mind of the public. For example, in April 2008, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints made headlines when Texas government officials raided its compound following reports of illegal activity. As the press reported to a worldwide audience, people were shocked to hear details of the activities of this polygamist sect, a hold ] out group related to Utah Mormonism. Remnant Latter Day Saints were no less shocked. Moreover, they were worried that those who do not know the difference in the two churches might draw incorrect conclusions, or worse, those who purposely wish to define us would do so by trying to draw parallels to these misled people. Events like this, uncovering actions so contrary to what Remnant Saints believe, require a pointed response. Not doing so has proven disastrous for some, as the following explanation will show. In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, much of the Islamic community was slow to condemn the acts of radical Islam. This reticence caused many people to lump unjustly all of Islam together when casting blame. After much effort and damage control by the leaders of mainstream Islam, the world belatedly learned who was responsible for these atrocities against society and who was not. Remnant Latter Day Saints (Remnant LDS) do not wish to be lumped together with infamous groups such as the Fundamentalist LDS. Moreover, we do not wish to be lumped together with famous groups such as the 13 ]million ]member Utah LDS (see Temple Lot Case). With so many variations of LDS believers, it is vital that the world know the Remnant LDS better. Here are some distinctions: While we may share a common name with other LDS groups, we are a Church that is unique in our retention of conservative views and orthodox approach to our faith. While we share a common church structure with others, we firmly believe in a theocratic church order where membership votes on the business and laws governing the Church. While we believe in prophecy and prophetic leadership as other churches do, we vary in our views on authoritative priesthood and the role and purpose of prophetic leadership. While we share a continuing belief in the Book of Mormon, we vary from most other Restoration organizations in our valuation of The Book as a standard book of the Church, along with the Bible and Doctrine and Covenants, with both 5
religious and historical value. While others share the Vision of Zion, we are working hard at making it a reality. While we practice close communion (i.e., the Lord s Supper), served to authoritatively ]baptized members, we have not changed this ordinance in word or practice. While some infamous LDS sects are small breakaway groups from the 13 ] million ]member Utah LDS (www.lds.org), not all small groups are the same. The Remnant LDS are few in numbers because we broke free from the liberal changes in the institutional church (i.e., RLDS, now called Community of Christ http://www.cofchrist.org/we are small because we are preservationists in a world that calls for change. While we share a concept of living in community, we also believe in leavening our neighborhoods. See our website for ten points about living in community. (www.theremnantchurch.com) We have a clearly ]written statement on marriage, family, and moral values that can be found on our website. Polygamy and plural marriages have never been a part of our Church, and we find such practices to be in direct conflict with the scriptures and laws of the original Church. One major factor that makes Remnant LDS unique is our open access. We have no secret meetings or combinations. All our worship services are public and conform to the laws of the land. We invite all to come and see and compare, if they so wish. We are a Church that is established in the community as well as around the world. We invite all to come and see. Our website, www.theremnantchurch.com, has information on all our branches and congregations. You can find this article in greater depth as well. It is our hope and prayer that all will come in the spirit of seeking truth and desiring a closer walk with our Redeemer Jesus Christ. 6