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An Open Letter from Bishop Otis Daniel
Former Pastor, Zion Hill; Dated: 11/03/05
...to Whom It May Concern, in response to a letter dated 10/11/2005
from Bishop Robert Pruitt, General Overseer of The Church of God
November 3, 2005
To Whom it May Concern:
This letter is in response to a letter sent to me dated October 11, 2005 in which it deals with the subject of heretics and rebellion in The Church of God. I would like to address one point of the letter. It refers to the statement made in the Solemn Assembly “Heresy will be dealt with swiftly and resolutely according to biblical definition and discipline.”
First of all, the definition you gave is very hard to accept as Biblical. Quote: Heresy arises when a party develops around a particular leader (self willed and possibly self-appointed) whose opinion opposes some common practice, doctrine or teaching of the Church. End of quote. In research I cannot find it to be Biblical neither in the Greek, English or Latin languages. Secondly, are we acting so swiftly that there is no discernment between rebellious members and concerned members? Have we so soon forgotten that we were all called rebels by the other organization a few years ago while we called ourselves “The Concerned”? Are we acting so swiftly that we have to act outside the Assembly guidelines to deal with business matters?
Are we acting so swiftly that our forefathers would be embarrassed and we would be rebuked by them if they were here? Listen to the voice and feel the spirit of A.J. Tomlinson, the former General Overseer of The Church of God as he deals with these matters.
“I think I am becoming more bold than ever. Heresy must be put down. We will not do it by argument, or by declaring certain teachings are heresy, but we drown out heresy and wrong teaching by pouring in the great slices of truth that we know we have from the Bible rightly divided.” (A.J. Tomlinson, by Lillie Duggar, Page 683)
“I have a kind of a giant feeling that we can keep out of the Church all poison and heresy that will work against the right. We are fighting for the right. We have had many kinds of wrong teaching introduced, and may have more yet, but if any makes it appearance, it should be exposed and put out of the way as soon as it is discovered. However, it always takes the very best wisdom and love to dig out the poison or wrong and save the person that has caught the venom. It would be a mistake to speak or preach harshly and thus often drive the one away that is affected. We must be kind and gentle, longsuffering and patient. And be sure that no one goes on extremes in any manner, and thus fail in winning those you are anxious to save from error.” (A.J. Tomlinson, by Lillie Duggar, page 684)
“I am afraid to many of our members have been excluded for trivial offences. Even if they have done wrong, pray for them and save them and keep them in the Church. It is indeed a serious thing to turn anyone out of the Church. Read and ponder well the instructions given by John: “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death!” This is a positive statement. Prayer shall save a sinning brother instead of turning him out of the Church. This is saving the sinning brother when he has not committed the death sin. And this is the way John instructs to deal with the sinning brother instead of turning him out. For heaven’s sake, please stop turning so many of our sheep out of the Church. Only in extreme cases are we to turn any of our members out. The Church is to save people instead of throwing them away.” (A.J. Tomlinson, by Lillie Duggar, page 686)
Somehow I do not feel that actions by some is in agreement at all with A.J. Tomlinson’s advice and the Bible. When lifelong ministers license are revoked and lifelong members are turned out, some turned out that have been members for over 73 years, and functioning churches are disbanded, then something is deadly wrong.
There is a thunderous roar from some that this is God cleansing the Church, but if they would only listen to the Master as he stated to "the Sons of Thunder” “Ye Know now what manner of spirit ye are of.” For the son of man came not to destroy men’s lives but to SAVE THEM.
If this type of behavior is the road to perfection I’m afraid I can’t go along with the actions. God would not allow me to. My conscience won’t let me and the spirit in me stands firm against these actions. I cannot see the spirit of the Good Shepherd in this type of behavior.
David had thirty seven mighty men, but only one death was mentioned. Uriah was one of the thirty seven. God held David responsible for his death. Who else did God hold responsible? David wrote the orders for Uriah’s death. Joab gave the orders, and the other mighty men carried out the orders, and left Uriah to fight and die alone. The Holy Ghost tells me that God held them responsible also. Too many mighty men in The Church of God are being killed. Who will God hold responsible? Whoever is to blame God knows and his judgement awaits.
Sincerely,
Otis Daniel
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