Victory In Sturgis Ministries-Apologia

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Apologia,
pronounced,"ap-uh-loh-JEE-uh," is from the Greek word meaning "a spoken or written defense," from apologos, "a story," from apo- + logos, "speech."
Trivia: Originally, apologia and apology had the same basic meaning: a formal justification or defense. Though apology is still sometimes used in that sense, it now usually indicates an acknowledgment expressing regret or asking pardon for a fault or offense. An apologia involves explaining, defending, or clarifying one's conduct, opinions, etc.
We use the term in all its senses in this document.

This Greek term is used eight times in the New Testament:
Acts 22:1 & 25:16
1 Cor. 9:3
2 Cor. 7:11
Phil. 1:7,17
2 Tim. 4:16
and 1 Pet. 3:15.
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense (apologia) to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;"
(1 Pet. 3:15, NKJV).

The Sturgis Church of God of Prophecy is a member church of the Church of God of Prophecy which has international headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee, USA.

How we got the name, Church of God of Prophecy
(where the 'of Prophecy' came from)
The General Assembly of 1907 officially adopted the name, Church of God. During the years which followed a disruption within the church in 1923, there was much controversy over which group had the legal right to that name. Several protracted legal proceedings failed to resolve the issue satisfactorily. For several years we used the name "Church of God, over which A. J. Tomlinson is General Overseer," but that did not fully settle the matter. Finally, in 1952, the issue was adjudicated in the Chancery Court of Bradley County, Tennessee. The leadership of our denomination at that time had to select a suffix for the church name which was acceptable to the court and other parties. The judge decreed that the suffix, "of Prophecy," be added to our name for use only [emphasis added] in secular and business affairs to distinguish us from other organizations with similar names. We agreed to the ruling in order to be in legal compliance, and we continue to use the name in conducting our external affairs. In our internal affairs, government, and worship we normally use [and prefer to use] our original name, Church of God.

The reason that "of Prophecy" was chosen is that it was taken to mean, "which was prophesied [implied: by Christ in Mat 16:18]." So the long meaning of our denominational name could be interpreted as, "The Church of God Which Was Prophesied By Christ." So you can see, there is no deep, hidden meaning to the "of Prophecy." We really wish we were just named the "Church of God", but it would probably be confusing if we were.

Our Doctrine Has Changed Through The Years
Our Church Covenant reads, in part:
" … to accept the Bible as the Word of God, promising to believe and practice its teachings rightly divided, with the New Testament as our rule of faith and practice; government and discipline, and to walk in the light to the best of our knowledge and ability. [emphasis added]"
In particular, concerning the covenant section on "walking in the light", our church's doctrinal practice has evolved as we have received, through Bible study and much prayer, "more light" on the Biblical model of the New Testament Church. With the agreement of the Church of God of Prophecy General Assembly, "more light" is translated into guidelines for the entire Church of God of Prophecy. Sadly, as with all institutions (even Christian ones) consisting of imperfect men and women, progress is not universally welcomed, and is, indeed, opposed and even refused by some.

"They Think They're The Only Ones Going To Heaven"
Perhaps the biggest stumbling block for communities surrounding a Church of God of Prophecy congregation has been this one. Actually that allegation was never the official position of the Church of God of Prophecy.

In proclaiming the "one fold" concept of John: 10 & 17, there were times when ministers and entire congregations misinterpreted and therefore misapplied these passages of scripture as though they reflected on the work of the church, rather than being the responsibility of the Divine Head of the Body, which is Jesus Christ.

This excerpt from the "Report of the Assembly Committee for Biblical Doctrine and Polity to the 92nd General Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy"(the 92nd General Assembly was in July, 2002), which is a working document on ecclesiology, should make the Church Leadership's position clear to all:
She [the Church of God of Prophecy] was raised up by God to reflect/model the visible body of Christ by seeking "to be" the Church seen in the Scripture without any sole claim as the body of Christ. [emphasis added]
The Church of God of Prophecy is still committed to the "one fold" concept, the unity of believers, that was clearly taught by Christ as well as by the New Testament Church. However, we understand that Jesus never relinquished or entrusted this responsibility to man or to any organization.

Another excerpt from the above cited document:
The Church of God of Prophecy is … better aligning herself to her identity and function according to the Scriptures. There has been a willingness to be submissive to the Spirit, to admit past mistakes [emphasis added] and return to a vital relationship with the Holy Spirit when we have drifted from God's design. [emphasis added]

The Position of the Sturgis Church of God of Prophecy
and of the Victory In Sturgis Ministries
We agree wholeheartedly with the position of the Leadership of the Church of God of Prophecy and wish to be in perfect alignment with the New Testament Church. We gladly abandon the doctrines of man and and lovingly embrace the doctrine of Christ.

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