History of the Church

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#003333" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="04dd4c00dduajq.gif"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="95" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 46 WIDTH="91"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="46" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="91" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> The Church has been established for centuries, and the dedicated efforts of its leadership has ensured that no apostasy has prevailed during its history</div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="05894943.jpg"> <div> <B>Church of God (Seventh Day) South Africa</B><B>     |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church of God (Seventh Day) South Africa"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church of God (Seventh Day) South Africa"><U>Church of God (Seventh Day) South Africa</U></A>   |   <B>History of the Church</B>   |   <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mission"><U>Mission</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Differences with other churches"><U>Differences with other churches</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Statement of Beliefs"><U>Statement of Beliefs</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Documents"><U>Documents</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Literature List"><U>Literature List</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id57.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bible Study Program "><U>Bible Study Program </U></A>   |   <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Related Links"><U>Related Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id143.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Audio Material"><U>Audio Material</U></A></div> <div> History of the Church</div> <div> The Church grew from the efforts of dedicated Christian believers living in Michigan and Iowa in the late 1850's. In 1863, the Michigan church began to extend its influence into the eastern and central U.S. through a publication called <I>The Hope of Israel</I>. This created interest in the Church's distinctive doctrines: The authority of the Bible <B>alone</B> for Christian faith and practice, the second advent of Christ to restore the Kingdom of God to Israel and beyond, and the seventh-day Sabbath as one of the Commandments under the new Covenant.</div> <bR> <div> The General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day) was organized in 1884 and incorporated in Missouri in 1899. Its offices were located in Stanberry, Missouri, until 1950, when they were transferred to Denver, Colorado.</div> <bR> <div> <I>The Hope of Israel</I> went through several name changes, and finally became known as the <I>Bible Advocate</I>. More than 137 years later, this flagship publication of the Church continues to be mailed ten times a year from the Denver offices.</div> <bR> <div> The Church of God (Seventh Day) recognizes more than 190 congregations in the US and Canada. It has affiliated ministries in more than twenty-six countries outside of North America. With missions and contacts included, The Church is active in over 40 countries. Worldwide fellowship exceeded 200,000 members in August 2002 if we include all sister Churches and associations. Each national Church is considered autonomous and is regarded as a sister-conference.</div> <bR> <div> As an agent of God's grace, the Church offers warmhearted fellowship and support for people everywhere who trust and obey the same Savior and Lord.</div> <bR> <div> As servants of Christ, we believe and practice:</div> <bR> <div> Church attendance that provides warm and lasting friendship.</div> <div> Opportunities for worship, preaching and Bible study.</div> <div> Wholesome social and recreational activities.</div> <div> Member participation in the ministry and polity of the Church.</div> <bR> <div> To assist the members and congregations in accomplishing the Mission given to us by Christ, the General Conference offers these services:</div> <bR> <div> The Bible Advocate Press, which produces the magazine, literature, leaflets, Bible study lessons, the Hymnal and church newsletter.</div> <div> The Ministerial Training System offers programs to equip ministers and lay workers for Christian service.</div> <div> Missions Abroad assists in establishing and maintaining sister churches and missions outside North America.</div> <bR> <div> After a presence at the International Ministerial Conference in August 2002, the Church is being established in South Africa, from the West Rand in the greater Johannesburg area. Any person interested in literature or fellowship can contact us for information. Any person interested in establishing the Church in their home town can be assisted with material. Please see the literature list page and also the contact details page. We will be glad to hear from interested people, answer any questions, and forward literature to you.</div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>