Exposition of the Kingdom and The Church
“A biblical perspective on New Testament teaching and procedures”

God has ordained that the true church should “earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).” As Jesus Christ’s representatives in this world; we preach and teach the Apostle’s Doctrine with authority and the (5) five fold ministry as spoken of in Ephesians 4:7-14.

There is a realization that the church is at the very center of God’s will, plan and purpose in the earth. God is working toward one eternal purpose throughout all eternity that is revealed in His Kingdom. It is very essential for us to understand the differences between the church and the kingdom. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS GREATER THAN THE CHURCH. “ Is the Church Gentile and the Kingdom Jewish? Is the Kingdom material or is it spiritual? Is the Kingdom present, past or future? What relationship is the Kingdom with the Church?”

The summary of bible teaching ultimately will find expression in the Kingdom of God . The word “Kingdom” occurs over 50 times in New Testament alone. In almost each case, the kingdom indicates the royal reign of God. God is the King of His kingdom. In Matthew 6:9,10, the Lord teaches for us to pray ”His Kingdom Come, His will be done.”  We are to pray His Kingdom to come, that is the rule and reign of the King of kings to be recognized in his rule in the earth. The church is be an expression of the kingdom in the earth.

We read of the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. Are these terms both the same or interchangeable? Cross references in the scriptures provides an answer to this question. “Exposition of the Kingdom and The Church” is a defining and biblical approach to teachings concerning the kingdom of God . It is a biblical guide to leadership in church’s ministry. Written for a laymen understanding and study, the body of  COGIC, USA have certified it as a text book for church’s order and procedures.  You may find it very helpful as a teaching tool in bible classes or upon examination, it may prove supportive as a supplement to studies in Bible Colleges courses relating to church or the kingdom.

A Living Legacy

One really does not completely know who the Honorable Dr. J. L. Payne is. He is a living legacy in the Pentecostal tradition and movement of the Apostle’s ministry and faith. For almost a half century, having exercised all the gifts in the five fold ministry, it became very apparent that scripture is fulfilled when it stated: “the church is a body’s ministry.”

There are no superstars or any single person to effect the completion of our Lord’s Kingdom work. We are called together as one in unity to work together. St. John chapter 17, says “so that they be one even as you and I are one.”

Bishop Payne believes that ‘oneness’ is the goal of the church. The Bishop believes that there is a powerful unveiling of Faith in positive preaching, teaching and praying in the “The Word Of God.” As Dr. Payne often quotes, “ we believe in living from the inside out, not totally horizontal but vertical, not by what we see but by faith. “We have power over all our circumstances.”

As a man of God, he gives leadership and the Apostle’s order in the church. In 1961, Bishop Payne was led to establish the New Testament’s Order of the church in Evangelism and established the first Soul Winner’s Conference in Hawaii , then on to California in 1965 and Memphis , Tennessee in 1968. Twenty years later, the Christ Churches of God in Christ, USA - International ’s vision and foundation was set.

Bishop Payne believes that it is not buildings, money, positions, fame, whomever thinks they are the greatest in name or fame, that our Lord shall return for. Our Lord’s return is only for SOULS in the Kingdom.

It is about the salvation of souls. Reaching those souls and establishing God’s Kingdom, Foundation and Principles in the church. Dr. Bishop J. L. Payne, one of the original spiritual warriors of the Church of God in Christ.

Inrtroduction

In the minds of conceited men, God has been often been thought and spoken of as a figment of man’s imagination.  The reading of the Koran is considered a pious duty by every Muslim, a good Muslim declares this reading to be the Message of God. The Koran teaches that God’s purpose is eternal, and His plans perfect, “but man’s intelligence is limited at its very best” (page 11 commentaries on the Koran,  Holy Qur-an by Abdullan Yussuf Ali).

It is a blessed thing to realize that when we fear the Lord (Psalms 25:1, 4)  and keep a proper attitude of humility (Luke 10:21 ), We can expect God to come to us as a revealer of secrets--even when it comes to some weightier matters. It is God’s desire to “tip us off,”  so to speak, in regard to His plans and purposes (page 2 “Leadership, God’s Plan” by  Bishop J. L. Payne). 

God is the source of all knowledge and He has a full and perfect understanding of everything (Colossians 2:3).  Not only has God known all of His works from the beginning (Acts 15:18 ), but He is also the one and only one who is able to declare the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10).

In the diversity of a modern minister’s life in a so-called modern church, there is a constant need to understand the God who is not limited to man’s limitations, neither his thinking. We stand at the threshold of a new era that has demanded an academic spiritual mind and activating spirituality must be a daily experience in the life of every true man of God.  This book, ‘Exposition of the Kingdom and the Church’ is here to help in our search for completion in the never ending task of a preacher.  Although we are limited, yet our God is capable and able to equip us with His tools and authority to do His bidding among men and especially the household of faith. We, in the Christ Churches of God in Christ, USA - International Inc. (CCOGIC, USA) serve the body of Christ through the 5-fold ministry leadership. This writing is an effort for us to address those procedures.  The Psalmist says, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do” (Psalms 11:3)?  The righteous demand a plan and order for existence. We are believers in our Lord’s purpose, plan, and order for man.  The Bible is our guide and map to God’s foundation of ministry.  The scriptures attest this in its entirely.  We in the church sustain these facts by practicing its precepts, instructions, and rules based on the Apostolic order and practice. We subscribe to the New Testament’s church principles.

Secondly, this writing is an ongoing text of the doctrines of this great fellowship – the CCOGIC, USA.  We pray this presentation will serve as a catechism and guide to the development of your ministry and others you care about or are involved with. We invite all ministries to consider its use.

This text has been prepared for the body of ministry within the  Churches of God in Christ, USA-International  Inc. and all concerned and also to those who desire to use it.  It is not by far a conclusion of the church presents upon these subjects but rather a continual presentation toward the whole person in Christ that we seek in life, ministry, and service.  We invite all to consider its guide, its instruction, pattern, and rule of order for us in church thought and procedures.  I pray the use of it will be helpful in your church efforts.