JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

October 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your recent inquiry. You asked us to comment on another religion.

Although we appreciate the confidence you have placed in us, we do not publish literature that discusses the various church denominations and ministries of others. Perhaps you realize that there are over 450 sects and denominations extant today, making it next to impossible to evaluate the doctrines and teachings of each one. Since this is also not what God would have us do, we prefer to point out certain scriptural teachings which will help you identify God's true Church.

Jesus said He would build HIS Church and that it would be preaching the Gospel of His soon-coming Kingdom as a witness to the world (Matt. 16:18; 24:14). But how can you know which is the true Church Christ built? The Bible answers: "Wherefore by their FRUITS ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me (Jesus Christ) in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils (demons)? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt. 7:20-23).

According to Jesus, then, there are many who sincerely believe that they are doing His Work -- yet are actually "working iniquity." That means they are breaking God's laws. Therefore, when listening to any minister or religious organization, ask yourself these questions: Is OBEDIENCE to God's laws being taught? (I John 2:3-4; Isa. 8:20). Is Christ's Gospel being preached -- the Gospel of the soon-coming Kingdom of God? (Mark 1:14-15). Does the minister or religious organization understand and obey God's law concerning the Sabbath and Holy Days? Is God's purpose for man being taught clearly? If these truths are not understood or preached, the minister or church is not being used of God.

Even some of those who do speak about the Kingdom of God mistakenly place it in heaven for a thousand years, or in men's hearts, or in some other way distort the fact that Christ is coming soon to literally rule on earth a thousand years. Also, some who know about the weekly Sabbath refuse to also honor God's annual Sabbaths, which are equally as applicable today.

It is our individual responsibility to prove where God's one true Church is today (please see Ephesians 4:4; I Corinthians 14:33; I Thessalonians 5:21). We have said for years, "Don't believe us, but LOOK IN YOUR BIBLE and BELIEVE WHAT YOU FIND THERE." That is the challenge given by all true ministers of God.

To help you do this, please request any of the material listed below -- or any literature offered on The WORLD TOMORROW programs or in our publications.

- Correspondence Course in Bible Understanding

- WHERE IS THE TRUE CHURCH?

- WHAT IS THE TRUE GOSPEL?

- THE UNITED STATES AND BRITAIN IN PROPHECY

- WHICH DAY IS THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH?

- WHY WERE YOU BORN?

- ALL ABOUT WATER BAPTISM

- THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOMORROW -- WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE

- PAGAN HOLIDAYS -- OR GOD'S HOLY DAYS -- WHICH?

The Personal Correspondence Department is also happy to answer questions about the Bible. Please feel welcome to let us know whenever you would like our help.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT