Mark 12:28
 

          Like our New Testament forebears, we continue to preach and publicly declare the uniquely, simple message of the gospel. We preach not just the gospel, but the gospel of the Kingdom. Jesus was pointedly clear when He remarked “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come unto you . . .” (Matthew 12:28). On numerous occasions He informed His disciples that the Kingdom of God has come. He made it plain that God has broken in.

            That remains the overriding theme and message of the New Testament – the God of all humankind, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has broken into our woefully sinful existence to bring salvation and transformation to Adams’s fallen race (Acts 3:12.13) He has broken in to act radically and decisively on our behalf. It’s still a source of great celebration and joy for the church even in this twenty-first century and in these unprecedented times. In the fullness of time, He broke in and He continues to break in over and over to work miracles on our behalf. Through Him we learn that the church is supposed to make visible the Kingdom of God.

            Our message, according to the Biblical revelation is two-fold. It declares that the Kingdom of God is coming, but it also unequivocally declares that the Kingdom of God has come. It is here but not yet here! It is present, but it is also future. It is realized, but not yet realized fully. It is therefore with great joy we repeatedly proclaim that God the eternal Creator has broken in as Redeemer. Our sins past, present and future have already been dealt with in Him.

            It is the clear teaching of Scripture that the Kingdom of God’s rule is revealed in the presence and coming of Jesus, but it shall be finally consummated in the not yet of the future. God’s special reign has broken into history through the person of our great Lord and Savior.

            However, it must be pointed out that in Jesus we had a two-fold pattern of ministry, first the proclamation and then the demonstration. He preached repentance, the good news of the Kingdom, and then He cast out demons, healed the sick, raised the dead – and by so doing He powerfully demonstrated and bore witness to the dynamic presence of the Kingdom in our midst.

            The question now is – shouldn’t the church of today do like He did – proclaim and demonstrate the reign of God in our midst? Has He not sent us “. . . to preach good news to the poor . . . to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor? (Luke 4:18,19). Surely the powers of the age to come, have indeed invaded this age as demonstrated in the words and deeds of the Messiah.

             Let us therefore remain inspired to preach total liberation of both spirit and body, spiritual and physical. We declare complete liberation through proclamation and demonstration through the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. We declare again God’s rule has broken into history!  

             The captives can be fully delivered and set free! We proclaim the message but like our Messiah we seek to demonstrate the message in our lives and through the manifestation of signs and wonders. May we go beyond mere proclamation to actually demonstrating the power and presence of the Kingdom of God among us. Jesus did not only exemplify the Kingdom in word but in deed. Having proclaimed the message, we urgently pray now for manifestation and demonstration.  

                              Leroy V. Greenaway
                Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region

April 17, 2021

                                                                 Leroy V. Greenaway
                                                     Regional Bishop – Northeast Region

April 3, 2021

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                                                          PLEASE NOTE

          In collaboration with our District Overseers, the Church of God of Prophecy submits to the wisdom of continuing to ‘Shelter in Place’ for the safety and protection of the flock. This is to be observed until further notice and the present virus is better contained. Should the need arise to meet, we are advised to meet in groups of no more than 10, while we strictly observe the protocols of social distancing, wearing of masks and aggressive sanitizing of our hands and surfaces frequently touched.

          Please let us patiently observe these practices to keep each other safe and alive. We are reminded that we are indeed our brother’s keeper. Stay home! Stay Healthy! Stay Hopeful! We shall soon get through this! Premature re-openings of our churches seem not to be the wisest way to go at this point. Let us continue to pray, caring for each other and staying connected.

Leroy V. Greenaway
Regional Presiding Bishop — Northeast Region