The Purpose of Church of God, the Eternal

April 1975

The Purpose of

Church of God, the Eternal

Dear Friends:

It is now time for another Monthly Letter. March '75 has come and gone—is now history. It certainly has been a month of trial and trauma for many. In quest of answers, Bible study and prayer have become much more intense and meaningful. This is just as God intended. A form of separation—proving—is taking place. God wants to know those who are approved, who sincerely want the truth at any and all costs. (See 1 Cor. 11:19 and Deut. 8:1–6).

If we, in confidence, can look to God and His Son, Jesus Christ, the side-effects of those trials will be greatly minimized. Such experiences are necessary for the building of character. The value of trial and experience is directly proportionate to what we allow to be written in our minds and hearts.

Now to the real purpose of this second letter. Where do we go from here? What does the future hold? Several questions have been asked. They should receive straightforward answers.

Will we attempt to create any form of work? To evangelize here in the United States or on foreign soil? Should there be any "work"?

Any special mission, or work, must be by a direct call and commission of God. No such office may be appropriated by any individual. God has all power. If He wills, He most certainly can reveal His intent to anyone whom He may wish to use in such a responsibility.

Of course, there are indications of such responsibilities to be borne in the last days. I am sure those who trust God and are desirous of obedience to His way of life will know when He calls and sends His instruments out to fulfill those charges. It is not the intent of God to leave His chosen ignorant of His will. But for the present, has anyone heard the call of God? Has anyone been given a direct commission from The Eternal? If so, where are the signs, the living proofs? The question must be asked, why so many in doubt? Why are so many asking questions? Why such uncertainty? Is it possible that those who sincerely seek the will of God, who have earnestly sought through prayer and Bible study the absolute truth, could be left blind to God's great purpose? Such is not even a distinct possibility. God will make His purpose awesomely apparent. It is not for any man to appropriate title or position to himself. We need to wait patiently for God. He needs no assist from man. We should not attempt to force issues or circumstances. As mere human beings, we need to prepare to be used of Him "IF" and "WHEN" He wills. That is our sole responsibility. To do anything else is to flirt with disaster.

Then why do we exist? What is our present purpose? We are merely attempting to feed the sheep who have been scattered. We have not sought anyone by aggressive activity on our part. If God wills, He will send them to us. In this way, we can know that the results are of God—not the fruits of our own labor. Before any form of communication is effected, the questioning individual must contact me either by phone or letter, personally. Those who do so, we will feed and help to the best of our ability.

In closing, again let me express my deep love and respect to you for your loyalty to God and Christ. Keep the confidence, (Hebrews 3:6–14), The Faith. Prove yourselves daily through prayer and Bible study. Thanks again for your encouragement and help.

With love,

Raymond C. Cole

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