The Business of Administration of the Church (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The Business of Administration of the Church” - the president of our country chooses his “cabinet”, a group of advisors made up of the heads of executive departments, and he ensures that he surrounds himself with the best qualified men and women to hold these various offices. This is the format that successful church assemblies should use in selecting their department heads. A successful assembly should train capable men and women, and become very acquainted with these workers. The apostle Paul instructs us “to know them which labour among (us) and are over (us) in the Lord, and (who) admonish (us)” (I Thessalonians 5:12). Beloved, many times churches are handicapped in their attempted ministries by a lack of well-trained personnel. In addition, in order to have a successful ministry, the church is obligated to forge bonds and relationships among its members. Paul goes on to instruct us that we should “esteem them (the workers in the church) very highly in love, for their works’ sake...and (to) be at peace among (our)selves” (I Thessalonians 5:13).

Precious Ones, the pastor should therefore be informed, so that he or she would be able to train and make able assistants for each of the required offices of the church. Beloved, in the complex 21^st century society in which we live, the pastor needs much knowledge in addition to that contained in his/her Bible and songbooks. For example, there is nothing, to my knowledge, to instruct a spiritual leader concerning Internet operations. This is just one of many challenges that one faces in this time which the scriptures do not directly address. Therefore, Beloved, in order to equip a local assembly to be well balanced and technologically apt to effectively minister in this age, it is necessary for these professions to embroider the leader.

Chosen Ones, each pastor should adopt, for the local assembly that the Holy Spirit has placed under his/her leadership, a code of ethics or governance by which the business of the church should be operated. We have already accomplished this at the Anointed Harvest Fellowship Church. God’s Word enjoins us to comply with every ordinance of man. “Render...unto Caesar (the kings of this world) the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s” (Luke 20:25). Beloved, let our church be set in order according to God’s plan and according to the laws of our country, and we will not offend either God or man.

I will write more on this subject next week.

I love you all SO very much!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

The Business of Administration of the Church (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The Business of Administration of the Church” - when God’s methods are used, all needs will be supplied. While it is necessary and essential for the church to keep accurate records of all monies kept (which we are delighted to report that we do here at Anointed Harvest), it should always be remembered that the Church does not own the people’s money. This is not a banking establishment or a credit union. All monies that come into the church belong to God, and must be “administered” as He directs. Remember, we are taught in the Acts of the Apostles (in actuality, the Acts of the Holy Spirit) that “all (who) believed were together (in one accord), and had all things in common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44-45). Beloved, this is the way that the first established church administered its business. We would do well to follow their pattern. In addition, it is said that “there (was not) any among (the saints of the first church) that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet (at the feet of the local pastors or overseers, and again) distribution was made unto every man according as he had need” (Acts 2:34-35). Beloved, I’m not the author of these words - they are straight from the scriptures.

Precious Ones, in order for this task to be effectively accomplished, a pastor must surround himself with various helpers made up of the best material and character available in the church. Again, Beloved, I say this because the early church set the pattern for us. As recorded in Acts 6:3, the pastors chose “seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, (to) appoint over...business”.

I will write more later on this subject. Until then, know this...

I love you all SO very much!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

The Business of Administration of the Church (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The Business of Administration of the Church” - it is true that our names are “written in heaven” (Revelation 13:8), but all churches should keep a complete record of the members over whom God has placed them. Our God has a definite plan which we would do well to implement in our church. It is still believed by some that “tithes” are under the Law, and is merely an Old Testament doctrine which is not applicable today. However, Beloved, please consider this - the scripture teaches us that we are “(the true-born) sons of Levi” (Hebrews 7:5), and a “royal priesthood” (I Peter 2:9). According to Hebrews 7:5, “they that are (today)...of the sons of Levi; who receive the office of the priesthood (ministry) have a commandment (not a privilege, but a commandment) to take tithes of the people according to the law”. In other words, Beloved, pastors today are “commanded” by God’s law to receive “tithes” from the congregation. Furthermore, the system of the law required “the sons of Levi” to keep a record of those who worshiped God with their tithes and offerings (see Leviticus 27). Each pastor should see that this is accomplished in God’s Church. The system of Tithing is ordained of God. It is a vital part of “the business of administration of the church” to give a tenth of your increase to the House of God.

Precious Ones, tithes began with Abraham long before the Law was handed down to man (see Genesis 14:20), but there was no designated system in Abraham’s time. The Law, which came to us during the time of Moses, merely gave us God’s system of tithes and offerings - a system which we must follow even today (see Hebrews 7:5). Beloved, a close study of the laws concerning the proper system of tithes and offerings is very enlightening. Tithes were designated for the particular purpose of providing for the priest, and, special additional offerings were designated for the temple (see Numbers 18:24-32). How then can the business of the church be properly administered if this principle is lacking in the church?

Chosen Ones, no business of any size could exist unless provision is made for running expenses (overhead), depreciation, taxes, etc. In like manner, God, through the system of tithes and offerings, has made provision for every expense incurred in running a local church such as ours.

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this...

I love you all SO very much!

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

The Business of Administration of the Church (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The Business of Administration of the Church” - no one man can carry out all the tasks that need to be performed in a church. The work requires more than just a handful of members. Furthermore, the growth of a church (and we are growing rapidly) demands an increase in the level of organization. Although the Pastor is to retain leadership in all things, he/she cannot, by him/herself, provide leadership over every individual auxiliary that is required for the proper functioning of the church. For example, there may be matters that arise concerning grievances between individual members. In Jesus’ great wisdom, He teaches that if this occurs, and the problem cannot be resolved between the individuals directly involved, then one should “take with him one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established” (Matthew 18:15-17). Sometimes, there are differences in opinion concerning how certain tasks should be carried out in the church. That is why, in God’s wisdom, He has provided that a Board of Elders should represent the church. This Board may consist of “two or three”, and a larger church may require several more. It is the same in this nation’s government. We, as United States citizens, have a government of the people, by the people and for the people. It would be impossible for every case to be presented before all of our citizens, so we elect men and women to represent us, and their decisions become the decisions of the people.

Precious Ones, the Apostle Paul puts it another way - “Dare any of you (Christians), having a matter against another, go to the law (court) before the unjust, and not before the saints?” (I Corinthians 6:1). In other words, Christians are not to allow the United States judicial system to handle grievances between them! It is therefore necessary for a church to have “court” to deal with all cases that may arise. Again, the members involved in such cases would be a representative group and not the whole body. In the United States legal system, a case is stated as “the people vs. the defendant”, yet not all of the people are present to try that case. The only ones who are required to be present are those who have been appointed to represent the people. So should this type of “business” be “administered” in the church. Again, let us remember that the Pastor should control and direct this, as well as setting all other church policies and practices. All others must simply be assistants. Beloved, this is why one must select a spiritual leader with all prayerful consideration, because “they watch for your souls” (Hebrews 13:17).

I will write more on this subject next Sunday.

I love you all SO very much!

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

The Business of Administration of the Church (Part 1)

Beloved, it is this thought that will provide a segue to our new theme, “The Business of Administration of the Church”. It has been said that in running the business of a church, “any way that will work is alright”. If there is no scriptural way, then this statement may be true, but I want to share with you, Beloved, that if the Word of God gives us a way to perform a task, then that way is the only right way to perform it. No other way is acceptable in the sight of God. Remember, Paul said, “let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). In performing any task, we should search the scriptures to find the one right way that is pleasing to God. We should therefore be just as informed on the administration of the church as we are informed on the plan of salvation, or any other doctrine.

Precious Ones, what I’m about to write will not come from my own opinion, but strictly from the Word of the Lord. Paul (an apostle) shared with Timothy (a future pastor) this principle, “Let the elders (pastors) that rule well (and remember, only pastors rule churches) be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine”. In the original context, the word “honor” meant “wages”. If you read the entire 5^th chapter of I Timothy, you will notice that Paul referred to “relief” (money) for the widows in the church (I Timothy 5:16). Yet, with respect to pastors or elders, “honor” means more than money. The scripture also teaches us that an elder is worthy of “double (respect)”. Paul also said, “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father...” (I Timothy 5:1).

Chosen Ones, God commands that the pastor receive this kind of respect because it is His Spirit that oversees the pastor. Pastors are commanded by God to “take heed...unto (them)selves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made (them) overseers, to feed the church of God” (Acts 20:28). Beloved, this testifies that a church body can have only one head - otherwise, it would be considered a “freak”. In the church, the “feeder” is the head or overseer. These are the terms from which come the words “shepherd”, “pastor” and “leader”. Beloved, we must therefore conclude that the pastor is the head of everything in the local church. He or she is responsible for the proper administration of all church business. Whether spiritual or natural, every office in the church is subordinate and assistant to the pastor.

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this...

I love you all SO very much.

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Age Beseeches Youth (Conclusion)

Beloved, in conclusion of our theme, “Age Beseeches Youth” - let us read how the (“aged”) father of the prodigal son reasons with his older son (the “youth”) - “It was meet (necessary) that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead (to who he really was), and is alive again (he now knows who he is); and was lost (confused), and is found (has his right mind). Beloved, what the “aged” father was beseeching (begging) the “youth” to understand was this - “Your younger brother didn’t communicate with us and I stood ready to receive him when he returned. Now I’m happy that he is restored to his rightful place in the family”. Beloved, the late founder and president of the Tuskegee College, Booker T. Washington, said, “You can’t keep a man down without staying down with him”. The “aged” father understood this. He understood that as long as his son was lost, a part of him would be lost as well, and that when his son was restored, restoration would likewise return to him. Beloved, we must “beseech” our “youth” to succeed. Remember, our sustained success is only as effective as the success of the next generation!

Precious Ones, the “aged” father wanted the older “youth” to understand this - “thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine” (Luke 15:31). In other words, he was saying to his son, “You have been my support and joy in my declining years. Your younger brother could not comfort me in my illnesses or sorrows. He could not know the joy of serving or cheering or gladdening the hearts of those who loved him. Besides all this, he has already received and wasted his inheritance. All he can hope for is whatever he may acquire from now on!” This reminds me of what Paul said, “he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; YET SO AS BY FIRE (hard penalties)” (I Corinthians 3:15). Beloved, many of our youth are already paying hard penalties for the few moments of pleasure that they indulged during their lives. Let us who are “aged” not add to their challenge by resting on our self-righteous laurels and neglecting their immediate needs.

Chosen Ones, let us who are “older” admonish those who are “younger” to look to the end result of their actions before they begin them. It is necessary to “beseech” or beg them in order to spare them from enjoying momentary pleasures which lead to eternal damnation. We should have no greater joy than to see our “youth” walk in truth.

I love you all SO very much,

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Age Beseeches Youth (Continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “Age Beseeches Youth” - there was yet another grief for the father (the “aged”) of the prodigal son (the “youth”) to bear. His older son became angry as jealousy reared its ugly head within him, and he refused to join in the rejoicing. Beloved, we must imagine the grief of the father as he witnessed his older son forfeiting wisdom for jealousy! The father had to explain to his “aged” son, who should have known better, “all that I have is thine” (Luke 15:31). The older (aged) brother should have realized that this was the wrong time to create a lamentable breach in the relationship between himself (the older saint) and his father (God) by not being there to assist his brother (the younger saint) to repentance. By rubbing their mistakes in their faces, older saints can sometimes cause younger saints to draw further away from God.

Chosen Ones, listen to the “aged” brother rub salt in his father’s wound as he complains about his younger brother’s mistake - “as soon as this thy son was come, which devoured thy living with harlots, Thou hast killed the fatted calf for him” (Luke 15:30). Yet, the lesson that the father tried to teach his jealous older son was that “age” is supposed to beseech “youth”. The older son hoped to make his father feel bad about rejoicing at the younger son’s return, rather than taking revenge on him. Yet, the older son did not get his wish - his father felt only joy that his son, who had been lost, was now found.

Precious Ones, now comes the father’s final heartache - listen to him as he reasons with his older son, “It was meet (necessary) that we should (be) merry, and be glad” (Luke 15:32). Beloved, when the “youth” fail, they need to know that someone will be glad (merry) to receive them and guide them in the right direction. They do not need someone who will suppress them by unforgiveness, but rather, they need an “aged”, mature servant of God who will stand ready to forgive their youthful transgressions, just as they themselves were forgiven in their youth.

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this...

I love you all SO very much.

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Age Beseeches Youth (Continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “Age Beseeches Youth”, - consider the reaction of the prodigal son to the love that he felt from his father - “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son” (Luke 15:21). What remorse! Can you imagine what the son, in his “youthful” shame, would have given to be able turn back the clock, pay heed to his father’s advice, and wait until he was ready to receive his inheritance? Beloved, this is a strong indication that those who are “aged” should “beseech” the “youth” in their affairs. No human being is born ready to receive his pre-destined gifts and callings for ministry. One must be properly prepared and instructed in how to operate in his calling according to the will of God. Even the Apostle Paul shared with us how important it is to be patient and wait on our call to the ministry in God’s Kingdom. The scripture exhorts us to “give diligence to make (our) calling and election sure: for if (we) do these things, (we) shall never fall” (II Peter 1:10).

Precious Ones, behold, yet again, the maturity of the father’s love as he instructs his servants to “bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (kill) the fatted calf...and let us eat, and be merry (happy): For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:22-24). Beloved, the angels rejoice when one of God’s creation has been transformed by a renewed mind. Often, the answer to the ignorance of youth is found in the wisdom of the aged. I’m sure that you would want to please God by instructing a young life in the ways of godliness. “Wherewithal (how) shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9). Solomon tells us how this is done - “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father (not necessarily your father), and attend to know understanding” (Proverbs 4:1).

Chosen Ones, our youth need direction in this age. Remember, someone took the time to instruct us. It is also proclaimed that we must “hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not” (Proverbs 8:33). Beloved, good instruction is “the robe” of righteousness, “the ring” of love, “the shoes” of holiness, and the “fatted calf” of abundance. Let us not deny our youth of these blessings.

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this...

I love you all SO very much,

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Age Beseeches Youth (Continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “Age beseeches Youth” - Can you imagine the regrets that the younger, “prodigal” son must have felt? In his distress, I’m sure that he remembered how even the servants in his father’s house were better off than he. Can you imagine the battle he had with his pride to bring himself to the point of going back home? He had to acknowledge that he was not as wise and able to care for himself as he thought! Yet, Beloved, the maturity of wisdom and the “age” of the father had to “beseech” his “youthful” ignorance. The young prodigal thought that he would need to humbly beg for a job rather than to have his sonship restored. I’m so thankful that at least he found the grace to do so, whereas many today never make it. We are losing many young people (chronologically and spiritually) because those who have “aged” (in years and in Christ) refuse to exercise more maturity than those who are “younger”. Too often, “older” saints fail to “beseech” the younger saints over their mistakes, thus forfeiting opportunities to share their wisdom with them.

Precious Ones, all of us must place ourselves in the prodigal son’s deplorable state at one time or another during our lives. We all have had to travel that long and wearisome journey home after we made mistakes - wondering, “How will God receive me? What will my family think? Will the person I offended ever forgive me? Like the prodigal son, we may find ourselves asking, “What will my brother say? How will the servants accept me? Can I face them all and ever be able to hold up my head again? Oh, if only I had listened! Oh, the disgrace of it all!”

Chosen Ones, can you imagine the grace and love that was manifested when his father, seeing him coming, “ran (to meet him) and fell on his neck and kissed him” (Luke 15:20)? Beloved, when “age beseeches youth”, there is opportunity for reconciliation and healing, no matter what the offense. However, when the youth, who will make their mistakes, have no one “aged” to turn to, they will be lost.

I will write more on this subject next Sunday. Until then, know that...

I love you all SO very much,

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Age Beseeches Youth (Part 1)

Beloved, I’m impressed of the Lord to write to you from a new theme entitled “Age Beseeches Youth”. Beloved, we find Jesus uttering the words, “When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest” (John 21:18). These words were addressed to Peter, and Peter was up in years when he was called - certainly, he was the oldest of the twelve. Jesus spoke of the manner of Peter’s life in his youth. I’m not advocating that Jesus considered Peter a singular or peculiar case. Rather, Jesus spoke of the attitude of youth as a whole. In growing up, we all passed through a phase in our youth where we wanted to try everything for ourselves. If you can think back to when you were young, you will remember that this was a time when we struggled for independence. After we reached maturity, we realized that our youthful mistakes and youthful accomplishments served to establish the pattern of our adult lives. This is the reason why some would rather live for “the moment” rather than seeking opportunities for the future.

Precious Ones, the wise man Solomon devoted himself to finding out “what was that good for the sons of men” (Ecclesiastes 2:3). Beloved, Solomon was not just experimenting for his own pleasure, but also to be able to advise others for their own benefit. However, the nature of youth is to want to make its own mistakes, regardless of how detrimental these actions may be to the future. For example, how many times have children said to their parents, “You have experienced your life, and now you don’t want us to experience ours!” Beloved, it has been said that “experience is the best teacher”, but that is not always true. In some cases, experience is the most expensive teacher. In their youth, people can experience some things that maim the body, pervert the mind, stifle the spirit and destroy the soul.

Chosen Ones, this is why Solomon stressed to the young that “age beseeches youth”. In other words, Solomon urged the youth to “forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

There will be more on this subject later.

I love you all SO very much.

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Marked (Conclusion)

Beloved, in conclusion of the theme we have been ministering from, entitled “Marked” - Jesus declared that he had come “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus was “marked” to do so. However, since Jesus’ crucifixion, the “mark” has shifted from Him to us. Now, this responsibility descends on us. Paul explains it this way, “All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing (counting) their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us (the saints) the (spoken) word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ” (II Corinthians 5:18-20). In other words, Beloved, God has given us the power to reconcile man back to his God, because we are “marked” to “speak” it into existence by God’s Word. This is what marks us to be “ambassadors for Christ”. In what greater manner can we show the “marks” of the Lord Jesus Christ? Speak the salvation of your families and loved ones into existence, and you will see results. Remember, Solomon said, “death and life are in the power of the tongue...” (Proverbs 18:21).

Precious Ones, because of the “mark” on our lives, our ministry reveals the weakness of “the laws of Moses” and the strength of “the Gospel of Jesus Christ”. The Law divided men, but the Gospel united men. The apostle Paul maintains that Jesus has “made both one (that is, both Gentiles and Jews, both sinners and saints), and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:14). Now, Beloved, both sinner and saint can get an audience with God, because the old ordinances of “the law” were taken away by virtue of being nailed to the cross.

Chosen Ones, in conclusion - Paul, as the apostle to the Gentiles, recognized the signs that followed those who were in Christ and of Christ. The true “mark” of a born-again Christian is the understanding that everyone can be saved.

I love you all SO very much.

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Marked (Part 1)

Beloved, our Savior Jesus Christ has inspired me to write unto you from a new subject entitled “Marked”. My favorite apostle, Paul, is quoted as saying, “from henceforth let no man trouble me (or worry me): for I bear in my body the MARKS of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). Beloved, it would be a simple matter for us to direct our thoughts toward the sufferings of Jesus, and consider that Paul was referring to the continuation of those sufferings in himself. We understand Paul to say, “(I) now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24). In other words, Paul tells us that his joy in sufferings came from knowing that “the church” would benefit from them.

Chosen Ones, no doubt Paul suffered more than any of his contemporaries, because to him was “given much”, and Jesus said that “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). Let me pause and say that many of you are marked to suffer some things because you are marked to receive many things. Paul testified of his imprisonments (see II Corinthians 11). He told of the five different times he received thirty nine stripes on his back, of the beatings with rods, of his three shipwrecks, of the hunger, thirst, cold and nakedness that he had to endure. He also told of his many periods of fasting, and of his most severe time of suffering, when he was stoned, dragged out of the city and left for dead. Yes, Beloved, he carried many “marks” of these “sufferings” in “his body”. This was even climaxed by his being beheaded by Nero, the great emperor.

Nevertheless, Precious Ones, I would have you to understand that none of these things fully explains what the apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote that he bore the marks of Jesus Christ in his body (Galatians 6:17). The correct interpretation of Paul’s words is that he was actually speaking of the change that took place in him when he became a new creature in Christ. Beloved, it was a change so sensational that people of Galatia and the nearby regions of Syria (in Greece) marveled and said of Paul, “ he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which he once destroyed” (Galatians 1:23).

I will write more on this subject next Sunday. Until then, know this...

I love you all SO very much.

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

The School-Master (conclusion)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The School-Master” - Paul reminded Timothy that some had swerved and turned aside from their original faith. According to Paul, these were “desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they (said), nor whereof they affirm(ed). But we (Paul and Timothy) know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully” (I Timothy 1:7-8). Beloved, proper teaching concerning the Law is quite necessary for us today, since we were not under the “school-master” in our youth. Before we came to Christ, most of us knew very little of what God required in His Law. Therefore, our knowledge of what constitutes godly righteousness and true holiness was very limited. Because of this, man’s ideas and precepts have crept into the doctrines of many churches. However, I assure you, Anointed Harvest Family, that this will never be a practice of your Pastor. It’s either “chapter and verse or chatter and worse”. You must understand that when men’s ideas and precepts govern a church, this does not help - it only brings divisions among the membership. What we need to know is the truth of God’s law so that we will not sin against Him. Remember, our God is the most offended by sin - not man!

Precious Ones, when an immigrant comes to our country, he or she will know little of our language, customs, dress and laws - the things that U.S. citizens have learned from their youth. Many immigrants, in the process of becoming U.S. citizens, attend night school and special class sessions to learn the things that are well known by us, and they are taught by a “school-master”. Likewise, we Gentiles who have ceased to be “foreigners, but (have become) fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19), need now to go to the “school-master”. His Name is Jesus Christ!

There will be more on this subject next Sunday.

I love you all SO very much,

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy