ACOJ Book of Discipline

THE BOOK THAT GOVERNS OUR APOSTOLIC FAITH

When we examine the highest to the lowest of God’s creations, we see some of the most perfectly organized structures; for example, the solar system, the stars, the sun and the moon, and how they have all been perfectly placed. This wonderful display of the power of God’s system of management is an indication of how God views government, and desires for it to be developed and maintained. Note how the solar system is structured – each member appears to be dependent of the other, however upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that each member of the system plays a significant role in maintaining the balance thereof.

When we turn to examine God’s direct dealings with man, again the display of this planned system of order becomes evident. Let us observe for instance God’s government of the children of Israel. God made laws and commandments which were intended to govern them. He established commandments with very specific instructions as to how they were to be carried out. He also put specific people in place to ensure that the commandments were adhered to. “To see, thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee on the Mount.” 

When we study the work of Christ and of his apostles, once again we cannot help but observe the same carefully structured order; a simple, yet significant form of government. Jesus chose his twelve apostles and gave them explicit training and commandments concerning the Kingdom of God. Matthew 28: verses 19 and 20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” The apostles obeyed the Lord and went forth everywhere preaching and compelling everyone to “repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.”

When some heard the word the apostles preached, “…they were pricked in their hearts and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and Brethren what shall we do?’ Then Peter said unto them, ‘repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and your children and to all that are afar off even as many as our God shall call’ (Acts 2 vs. 38-39).

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
Acts 2: 39, Acts 10: 44 -48 & Acts 19: 5 - 6.