March 1975

Dear Friends:

           We are planning to send a special letter of encouragement monthly. It will accompany the monthly tithe receipt. We wanted you to have tangible evidence of all moneys received far more frequently than a yearly or even a quarterly report. Besides evidence of such monetary receipt, it gives us opportunity for a far more significant purpose—the chance to keep in personal touch with you.

           For this first letter, I wanted to explain briefly our purpose. I am sure you will want to know.

The Truth Came by Divine Revelation

           We believe God revealed His truth to His chosen servant many years ago. As a revelation, the truth was never subject to revision, alteration or change. To accept change is to deny revelation and the continuity of God and Christ. See Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8 and James 1:17. Further, acceptance of divine revelation does not preclude any growth. On the contrary, growth demands one be rooted and grounded in solidarity. Observe all nature. Any attempt to transplant a wheat stool or a corn stalk would be futile. Once planted and rooted, the plant grows, but does not in the literal sense of the word, "change". Growth as used in 2 Peter 3:18 means, "add thereto". In all respects, if we remain converted, continue to draw nourishment from God's Word and seek daily contact and help from our Father, we will grow up to the full stature of Jesus Christ, our Elder Brother (Ephesians 4:11–15). Note carefully, the value of this growth is that we may not be carried about with every wind of doctrine. Peter made this point abundantly clear in 2 Peter 3:17. He wrote, "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness." The point is very clear. We must have our spiritual roots down. Be immovable in the truth and way of life to which we were called. Then to this confidence, we must add the spiritual dimension of growth or increase (2 Peter 3:18).

The Church Is Not Synonymous With a Corporate Organization

           Our purpose for seeking legal existence is purely economic. An advantage to you. If it had not been for the legal necessity of incorporating, we most assuredly would not have done so. Why? We are determined, absolutely, to continue in that faith once given to us. The same faith into which we were called, taught and baptized. If that parent institution out of which we came ever acknowledges its error of change, we will most willingly and humbly return to her fold. But, due to present circumstances, we must zealously hold fast to that priceless way of life to which we were called. Truth, a Way of Life, is not always synonymous with a physical organization. If it were, then I would ask, why the many transitions indicated from the lips of Jesus Christ and prophetically by John in Revelation second and third chapters?

           God's instruction to us is: continue in the beginning confidence all the way to the end. See Hebrews 3:6–14.

           In closing, for your dedication and courage, I want to say thank you. We are most grateful and do sincerely pledge our lives in service to you.

With much love,

Raymond C. Cole

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