THE HISTORY:
The Beginning of the Church in Ibitinga Chapter 1
It was the mid-1960s and God was beginning to stir our country with his glorious power. Many brothers from various denominations gathered in spiritual retreats with a single objective: To seek a great revival. As the retreats ended, each one returned to their original denomination. It happened that, having been baptized in the Holy Spirit, they could no longer be as before because now they glorified God in loud voices, spoke in strange tongues, had visions, there were manifest prophecies and even more: all this generated in those beloved brothers a burning desire for sanctification and preparation for the rapture of the Church. Such novelties contrasted with the spiritual complacency that had hitherto prevailed in many evangelical denominations, which ultimately gave rise to the movement that became known as spiritual renewal. Our late and illustrious Pastor Samuel Alves de Arruda was with the brothers of the spiritual renewal movement in the city of Campinas (SP) and, having received the doctrine of baptism in the Holy Spirit, upon returning to his original denomination which, at first had not received him - which resulted in his dismissal in July of 1964. However, they ended in agreement, because all eventually received the spiritual renewal. In early 1965, according to testimony from Pastor Samuel himself, he was in the State of Paraná to meet with some brothers he had known at the spiritual retreat in the city of Campinas (SP). He was then invited by them to participate in a Spiritual Retreat in the city of Rio de Janeiro, where he learned more of God's Word. It was there that he discovered that God's movement was not only to renew his Church, but that beyond the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, God was calling it to Restoration which meant returning to the origin of the Church and living its practice from apostolic days, namely: That the Church should practice the unity of all God's people around obedience to his Word, without any sign or banner;
- That the servants of God should cover themselves with a veil to pray and prophesy;
- That the Christian greeting is with the Peace of the Lord Jesus and with a holy kiss;
- That Christian baptism should be performed in running waters;
- That the Lord's Supper should be practiced annually by the Church;
- That the Lord's Supper should be performed with unleavened bread (or azyme) and pure wine;
- That the entire Church should practice foot washing, on the occasion of the Lord's Supper;
- That women should dress honestly and with modesty. Upon returning to his original denomination, Pastor Samuel expounded the doctrine he had received, that is, the divine decree of the Restoration of the Church, telling how the brothers, especially several Baptist pastors from Rio de Janeiro had received the aforementioned message. As he did not succeed in his preaching among the brothers of his original denomination, he ended up being dismissed from the Baptist Church of Ibitinga according to his information: "on 08/08/1965, the following were dismissed from the Baptist Church: Pastor Samuel, his wife Sister Elza de Pardo Arruda, his father-in-law Brother Domingos de Pardi, brother Everaldo Gabriel and his family. Already in the following month (September) 10 more brothers who embraced the message of Restoration were dismissed". And thus, the Lord Jesus gathered the brothers who participated in the beginning of the Restoration of his Church in the city of Ibitinga.
The Message of Restoration Chapter 2
Beyond the prayers, vigils, fasts and constant biblical studies with much unction, the Church, now fighting in the Restoration of all things, according to the sacred text of Acts of the Apostles, chapter 3, verses 19 to 21: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” begins the preaching of God's Word over Ibitinga Radio, which reached brothers from neighboring cities and rural areas. The Church devoted itself to evangelization through visits and services in the homes of brothers and people interested in the message of the Gospel and the Restoration of the Church. They were days of many wonders, many blessings that even today the brothers remember with great longing. Pastor Samuel soon arranged for the deactivation of a farm shed he had in the back of his house and adapted it to be the first place of worship of the Church in Ibitinga/SP, whose light was a kerosene lamp. Soon after, he built a small temple beside his house, a place that until then had served him as a garage, whose inauguration took place on October 10, 1965, linked to the Ministry of the Work of Restoration, headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. On the occasion of the inauguration more brothers made their decision to receive the message of the Restoration of the Church and united with the Church in Ibitinga (SP). It was not long before the late brother Luiz Arruda Camargo, father of Pastor Samuel, donated a piece of land beside the worship hall for the construction of the first temple on its own property. War was declared against the apostasy of the Church, against spiritual coldness, against idolatry, against witchcraft, against all evil, and thus the battle was joined. The city was very small at that time and the message caused great impact and much commotion. In those days the cooperation of pastors and other brothers coming from the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Santos and São Paulo was constant and the Church grew and strengthened in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Revelation Chapter 3
It was in 1968 when several unitarian brothers from our city became interested in the biblical and apostolic doctrines that the Church in Ibitinga had been preaching. Among them was brother Ricardo Adriano Pereira - who today congregates with us and is an evangelist - who handed to Pastor Samuel a pamphlet entitled: "Why baptize in the name of the Lord Jesus?" And, just below answered: "Because in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians, 2:9). Concerned with the flock and with obedience to God's Word, Pastor Samuel set out to study the subject, being reached by the marvelous revelation of the unity of the Godhead (the oneness of God) and baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In those days a sister, who did not congregate in the Work, according to what Pastor Samuel reported to the Church on various occasions, told him that she had received a revelation in which she saw God's people gathered, observing that all the sisters covered themselves with a veil; however she said: "it was a cloth veil and not a net or tulle". This fact awakened in Pastor Samuel the need to study the subject, coming to understand that the Bible commands that the sisters cover themselves with a veil to pray and prophesy (I Corinthians, 11:5-6 and 13) and that net or tulle is not proper for such covering, so much so that no one uses it for their garments, because it does not cover. Unable to travel, Pastor Samuel sent information to the ministerial headquarters which appointed a commission to come to Ibitinga to address the matter. This was led by the Pastor vice-president of that time. The meeting took place in the facilities of the old Hotel Henrique and lasted all day. Meanwhile, the Church in Ibitinga remained in prayer. There was a great impasse, as the pastors on the commission did not accept the doctrine of the Oneness of God, baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus and that it is necessary for the sisters to cover themselves with closed cloth veil to pray and prophesy, according to the Scriptures. On the other hand, Pastor Samuel did not give up what he had received from God, so that the meeting did not achieve reconciliation. Many times one heard from Pastor Samuel the account that the Pastor presiding over the commission followed the counsel of Gamaliel (Acts, 5:38), saying to the others that "if it be of God, it will prosper; if not, it will perish". He also argued that no worker would be sent to the city of Ibitinga and at any time Pastor Samuel could change his mind and seek them out in Rio de Janeiro. Thus, Pastor Samuel and the Church in Ibitinga were separated from the Work of Restoration, headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. Still in 1968, the late Pastor Sebastião da Silva united with Pastor Samuel and the Church in Iacarei (SP) began, joining the two already existing ones from 1966 the Church in Tabatinga (SP) and from 1967 the Church in Iacanga (SP).
The March Begins Chapter 4
According to Pastor Samuel used to report upon understanding the oneness and baptism in the name of Jesus and understanding that the veil must truly cover the head of the woman to pray and prophesy, the Church in Ibitinga had between 30 to 40 members and he thought that he would remain only with the local Church preparing it for the rapture, but was surprised by God who did a great Work, as He had promised him when he was in his first spiritual retreat now in Rio de Janeiro. Pastor Samuel began his journey of preaching Oneness and Baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, first to the Church in Ibitinga. In March 1.969 the first baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus was held at the Church in Ibitinga, when brother Ricardo baptized Pastor Irani and both continued with the baptisms of those who gladly had understood the message of the Word of God. In the same year, some brothers from the city of Itápolis (SP) were reached by the power and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the formation of the Church in that city begins. The Church in Ibitinga maintained a program on the local radio and Pastor Samuel announced the Good News of Salvation and the biblical and apostolic doctrines to be practiced by the Church and through the radio waves, the message reached Novo Horizonte (SP), brother Pedro Guimarães hearing the Word invited brother João Sanches and they came to Ibitinga to see what God was doing and with great joy received the touch of God's trumpet for the Restoration of the Church. Being assisted by the brothers of Ibitinga and guided in the Word of God, the Church in Novo Horizonte (SP) was born which overcoming challenges, today has three temples in that city, besides pastoral house, party hall, classrooms for children, adolescents and music, proper transportation for the brothers who do not have means of transportation and with unity and God's guidance, through Pastor Adilson Aparecido Serafim Rodrigues, began to reach other cities.
The march continues in the 1.970 decade Chapter 5
F inished the construction of the Ibitinga Hydroelectric Plant, by transfer, brothers Carlos Alexandre da Costa and his wife sister Anália Garcia da Costa moved to the city of Ilha Solteira (SP), as there the construction of a new Hydroelectric Plant was starting. They brought the testimony of the Gospel and the Message of the Restoration of the Church and, having acceptance by many people, the Church in Ilha Solteira (SP) began in 1.970. In the year 1.972, it was the turn of Campinas (SP) to receive the message of the Restoration of the Church. The late Pastor Henrique Vicari, with his family and other brothers coming from the Capital of São Paulo, begins to provide spiritual assistance to some brothers and the militant Church is born in the Work of Restoration in that city. In the same year some brothers from the city of Catanduva (SP) also receive the message. Concerned that Ilha Solteira could empty with the end of the Hydroelectric Plant construction, the brothers decided that they needed to take the message to the city of Pereira Barreto (SP) and so they did during the year of 1.973. It was a great blessing and soon conversions and baptisms began forming the Church in Pereira Barreto. They acquired the land and built the wooden temple. Many struggles and challenges came, but greater were the victories for, over the years, they built a new temple and beyond Pereira Barreto reached several other surrounding cities. Highlight to the pioneers of the Church in that city, our brothers Luiz de Brito and Luiz França, the latter by the grace of God, composed several hymns - including the Hymn of the Work - and recorded an LP in partnership with a brother and, also, a CD in partnership with another. After meticulous work by the late Pr. Sebastião da Silva, in the year of 1.973, the Church in São José da Boa Vista (PR) received the message of the Restoration of the Church joining the Church in Ibitinga, it was when Pastor José Antônio de Melo and others came to participate in the meetings of the Churches in Ibitinga. It is worth remembering that due to the great drought that hit the north of the State of Paraná, causing much damage and despair, in the years of 1.978 and 1.979 Pastor José Antônio de Melo and 66 more brothers moved to the city of Ibitinga; among them were workers and vessels of God, who were brothers experienced in Christ and who contributed greatly to the advancement of the local Church. Among those who came, were Pastor João Batista de Melo - currently working on missionary trips - and Pastor Jair Antônio de Melo Souza, currently pastor in the Church in Aparecida de Goiânia (GO). Pastor José Antônio de Melo for many years acted as a field worker (on missionary trips), in addition to having pastored the Churches in Tabatinga, Novo Horizonte, Vila Maria and Vira dos Bancários, these 02 latter in Ibitinga (SP). Also in the same year of 1.973, Londrina (PR), called the capital of the north of Paraná, receives the message of Restoration and the Church begins to form. Today it constitutes a strong and united people that has expanded to several other cities. The late Pr. Irani Pedroso de Oliveira moved with his family to the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP) and there began the preaching of the message of the restoration of the Church, besides the Good News of Salvation. Thus in 1.975 God found there sincere hearts and willing to embrace the message of the end time and begin to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in the baptismal waters. Still in the same year of 1.975 God raises two more new Churches, one in Castilho (SP) and another in Taquaritinga (SP). The late Pastor Henrique Vicari moved to the city of São Simão (GO), to work, taking him the message of the Gospel and the Restoration of the Church, in 1.976, God raises the local Church. In the same year the message reached the cities of Americana (SP) and Araraquara (SP) and two more Churches are formed for the Glory of God. Almost ending the decade, already in 1.978, the message of the Restoration of the Church echoes in the Paraná capital: Curitiba (PR) is reached and another Church rises to live the biblical and apostolic doctrines.
The 1.980 decade Chapter 6
F it was a special year, 1.980, with the beginning of the Churches in Matão (SP), São Carlos (SP) and São José do Rio Preto (SP), besides the Church in Iturama (MG). Already in the following year, 1.981, the message arrived in the city of Bauru (SP) giving rise to another local church. The prosperous and beautiful city of Sertãozinho (SP) received the message of Restoration in 1.982 and, since then, the Church in that city has marched at firm steps in sanctification, preservation of biblical doctrine and evangelization, serving as a divine instrument to reach other cities, such as São Sebastião do Paraíso (MG), Pitangueiras (SP), Pontal (SP), Cruz das Posses (SP), Barrinha (SP) and Jaboticabal (SP). A sister from the north of the State of Minas Gerais received the Word of the Gospel and was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Upon return to her city, she found it impossible to congregate with the evangelicals there, for they wanted her to pray without the use of the veil. When she explained that it was not merely a custom, culture or tradition, but rather a biblical order, other ladies also believed and desired to receive the veil to pray and prophesy (I Cor, 11.5). It was when she asked the late Pastor Samuel Alves de Arruda to send a worker to better clarify the Word for the people who were interested. Starting with this small commotion, God led the workers there who, preaching the Word and clarifying biblical doctrines, in the year of 1.985, another Church began, this time in Senador Mourão (MG). the first local Pastor was the late Edézio Batista Dantas, a man dedicated to evangelization and prayer, without neglecting sanctification and doctrine. Since then, the Church advances through the north of the State of Minas Gerais, reaching: in 1.991, Inhaí; in 1.992, Olhos D'Água; in 1.994, Couto Magalhães; in 2.005, Itamarandiba and Ibitira; in 2.012, Belo Horizonte, Ibiritê, São Joaquim de Bicas and Betim; in 2.014, Diamantina; and in this year of 2.015, Sete Lagoas, Felício dos Santos and Caratinga. Still in the 80s, more precisely in the year 1.986, new local churches are raised by God to walk in restoration, in the cities of Sumaré (SP), Limeira (SP), Ibitinga - Vila Maria (SP); Três Lagoas (MS) and Curitiba (PR) - Vila Verde. In 1.987, it was the turn of the city of Gavião Peixoto (SP) to receive the message, from the preaching of the Word of God by Pr. Aparecido Mattiassi and, since then, walks in preparation for the rapture, whose day rapidly approaches. Brothers from the city of Ibitinga (SP) moved to the city of Aparecida de Goiânia (GO) and soon began to announce the infallible Word of God which, being promptly received, in 1.988, gave rise to the Church in that city. Today the brothers have there three temples where they announce the restoration of the Church.
The 1.990 decade Chapter 7
In the year of 1.990, the message arrives at Jaboticabal (SP) and yet another Church rises up. Already the year of 1.991 was special, as God raised the militant Churches in the Restoration in the cities of Igaraçu do Tietê and Ibitinga - Vila dos Bancários (~P); Jardim Olímpico in Goiânia (GO); Inhaí (MG) and Paranoa - Brasília (DF). The march continued and, in 1.992, two new Churches were formed for the glory of God: Olhos D'Água (MG) and Dourados (MS). In 1.993 three more new local churches were raised up by God, one in Jardim Aeroporto in Novo Horizonte (SP) and two in the center of the country: in Guarará and in Ceilândia - P. Sul, both in Brasília (DF). God visits Rio Grande do Sul and in the city of Igrejinha the Church is formed, in the year of 1.994. In the same year the Word of the Restoration arrives at Santa Fé (PR) and Cruz das Posses (SP) and new churches rise up to march in the obedience of the message of the end times. Couto de Magalhães (MG) also receives the message and yet another Church rises up for the exaltation of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In 1.995, the message reaches the cities of Pontal and Marília (SP) and São Sebastião do Paraíso (MG) and three new churches begin their march in the obedience of biblical and apostolic doctrines. We arrive at the year of 1.996 and new churches rise up to march in the Restoration, namely: Sud Menucci (SP), Leme (SP) and Jardim Marchesi - Ribeirão Preto (SP). Once again God visits Minas Gerais and this time so that Uberaba would receive the touch of the trumpet for the restoration of the Church and thus God raises up the Church in Uberaba (MG). The brothers began to preach in the city of Balsa Nova (PR), in the São Caetano neighborhood and sincere people examining the Word of God embraced faith in Christ Jesus and the message of the Restoration; they also preached in Pitangueiras (SP) and so it was that, in 1.998, two more churches begin to walk in this marvelous work. Before the millennium ended, in the year of 1.999, one more Church in the Federal District and two in the State of São Paulo are called to the glorious Work of the Lord: Itapoã (DF), Guarulhos (SP) and Nova Europa (SP).
New decade, new century same message: Restoration Chapter 8
Faithful to His promise, pouring out copious and ineffable blessings upon His Church and guiding it by His Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ continues to call those who wish to see His face and be with Him in eternity, that is, those who wish to compose the bride who adorns herself and prepares for the great and glorious day of the rapture and therefore new churches are rising up for the obedience of the divine decree: "It is time for restoration!". In the year 2.000, three new churches rise up to walk in harmony with the message of restoration, preparing themselves for the rapture: Castro (PR); Jardim Imperial - Catanduva (SP) and Birigui (SP). The message arrived in Bahia in the year 2.001 and Philadelphia is reached with one more local church emerging. Also in the Cidade Aracy neighborhood in São Carlos (SP) and God raises up one more Church. Many blessings were granted by God in the year of 2.003 causing the Message of the Restoration of the Church to echo in Porto Alegre (RS) and in Barro Vermelho (MA), passing through Goiás and the Federal District forming two new churches, in Valparaíso (GO) and in Recanto das Emas (DF). Still in the State of São Paulo new local churches come into existence: in Jardim Bela Vista Sul - Ibitinga (SP); in Capivari (SP) and in Jardim Nova América - Capinas (SP). More brothers were arriving for obedience of the Word and the Church was extending itself. In the year of 2.004, God raised up more local churches in Bahia, in Minas Gerais, in Paraná, in Mato Grosso do Sul and in the interior of São Paulo. We are speaking of the churches in Ibotirama (BA), in Poços de Caldas (MG), in Umuarama (PR), in Nioaque (MS), in Bocaina (SP) and in Jardim Verona - Ibitinga (SP).
The Churches in Itamarandiba (MG) and Ibitira (MG) and the Churches in Lins (SP) and Hortolândia (SP) were raised up by God in the year of 2.005. Borborema (SP) receives the Word of God in the year of 2.006, thus beginning the Restoration local Church; the same occurred in Andradina (SP), in 2.007. In 2.008, God raises up one more Church in Bahia, in the city of Água Doce (BA) and two in the interior of São Paulo in: Bariri (SP) and Olímpia (SP). Before the close of the first decade of the new millennium, in 2.009, God visits new places through the preaching of His Word, as it was in the days of the apostles, and new churches are born in Barreira (BA), in Campo Grande (MS), in Barrinha (SP) and in Nova Odessa (SP).
The expansion continues in 2.010 Chapter 9
At the beginning of the decade, 2.010, God reached brothers in the cities of Ibatê (SP), Bandeira do Sul (MG) and Santo Antônio do Descoberto (GO). Continuing, in 2.0ll, Our Lord Jesus Christ, for His Glory, raised up new churches: In the Campo Grande neighborhood, in Campinas (SP), in Jardinópolis (SP) and in Jardim Simpatia, in Novo Horizonte (SP); in Cianorte (PR) and in São Tomé (PR); in Agrovila 20, in Serra do Ramalho (BA) and in Faísa (MA). In 2.012 was the year in which new churches were born in the State of São Paulo: Porto Ferrão, in Novo Horizonte, Jardim Giuseppe Spina (Pachá 11), in Catanduva, Taiaçu and in Santo Amaro, in the Capital; in the State of Minas Gerais: Ibiriité, São Joaquim de Bicas, Betim and in the capital Belo Horizonte; and also, in the State of Paraná in Ribeirão dos Pinhais. In 2.013 two more new churches: Sarandi (PR) and Jardim América in Novo Horizonte (SP). Once again, in 2.014, God visits the State of Bahia and this time raises up the Church in Cícero Dantas. However, God does not fail to visit the State of São Paulo and new churches are organized: In Valinhos; Potirendaba and Santa Bárbara do Oeste. Already in the state of Minas the divine message reaches the cities of Uruana de Minas and the historic Diamantina. In the current year, 2.015, the doors of the Church were opened in several Brazilian states, in: Paranáiba (MS); Querência (MT); Foz do Iguaçu and Alvorada do Sul (PR); in Minas Gerais: Sete Lagoas, Felício dos Santos and Caratinga; Cidade Livre, in Aparecida de Goiânia (GO) and in the State of São Paulo: Boa Esperança do Sul, Araçatuba, Valparaíso and Lençóis Paulista. All honor and all glory be given to the owner of the Church, our Lord Jesus Christ who purchased it with His precious blood in the redemptive sacrifice performed by Him on the cross of Calvary. We know that the coming of the Lord approaches and God is preparing, adorning His bride for the Great and Glorious Day of the Rapture. And you, dear reader, have you observed and obeyed the Word of God? Are you in restoration? Are you certain of your salvation? Come to biblical truth!
MESSAGE: The DNA of the church
We live in a time in which much is said about the term church, and taking advantage of the fact that we are in the year in which we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Church in Ibitinga/SP, and also in Brazil, I would like to bring a reflection on what is the church, its foundation and identification. Having the bible as our rule of faith and practice, we cannot seek in another source the real meaning, as well as all the clues and instructions for identifying the church in the midst of the world that increasingly calls itself "believer" and less differs from a dissolute life. The Greek word translated as "church" literally means "called out" and thus refers to a group of people called to come out of sin in the world and serve the Lord. One cannot continue to live in sinfulness and be part of the church. (Malachi 3:18) We find in the Bible that the Church is the body of Christ. (Ephesians 1:20 to 23, I Corinthians 12:27, Colossians 1:18 and 24) Understanding the biblical concept of church as a body of people called out of sin, to be holy, helps us appreciate the wealth of the biblical description. Now, we make the following reflection: Being the church the Body of Christ, how many bodies does Christ have? Ephesians 4:4 says there is one body. We can then compare the church with the human body. And in this comparison we see that there is something in our organism that identifies the members of our body, DNA. DNA or ADN in Portuguese is the acronym for deoxyribonucleic acid, which is an organic compound whose molecules contain the genetic instructions that coordinate the development and functioning of all living beings. As a rule, the DNA of each individual is exclusive. It contains information to build and maintain an organism. Understanding that the church is a body and that every body has its DNA, we can analyze what is the DNA of the church, for thus we identify all the members of this body, even though physically distant from each other, but united by the exclusive DNA of this body. We find in Ephesians 2: 19 and 20 that the foundation of the Church are the apostles and prophets, therefore, to know this foundation, we need to know what doctrines the Apostles and Prophets preached. To know if we are part of the Church of Christ, we need to answer what are the apostolic and prophetic doctrines, for all members of the body are identified by the zeal and holiness expressed in the obedience of these doctrines that make up the genetic structure, the DNA of the Church. Although our space here is small to describe in detail the entire structural and doctrinal composition that identifies the members of this body, I only want to highlight some points, placing ourselves at your disposal for further clarification in the light of the Holy Scriptures.
Oneness of God (Pure Monotheism) - Ephesians 4:6, I Timothy 3:16. Baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus and in running water - Acts 2:38, Acts 19:1 to 6.
Use of the veil by the sisters to pray and prophesy - I Corinthians 11:1 to 16.
Greeting with the peace of the Lord Jesus and holy kiss - Romans 16:16 to 18 and I Peter 5:14. Long garments, being for the woman a long skirt and long-sleeved blouse or long dress, and for the man pants and long-sleeved shirt - Isaiah 49:18, I Timothy 2:9 to 14, I Peter 3:1 to 5. Fighting against the denominational system - Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 5:27.
Annual supper with unleavened bread, pure wine and foot washing - Exodus 13:10, I Corinthians 5:7 and 8, Deuteronomy 32:14, John 13:2 to 17.
Tithes and offerings - Malachi 3:8 to 11, Luke 11:42.
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Ecclesiastical composition with pastor, evangelist and deacon - Ephesians 4:11, I Timothy 3:13.
Do not adhere to vanity, rejecting the use of jewelry and makeup - I Peter 3: 1 to 4, I Timothy 2:9, 10 Living in humility, zeal and sanctification. - Hebrews 12:14, Titus 2:14 Living love - Matthew 22.37-39
CHURCH IN RIBEIRÃO PRETO
The Work in Ribeirão Preto began around the year 1975 with the arrival of Pastor Irani. In the year 1979 the brother Aristeu Adriano do Carmo moved to the city who in the early 1980s was ordained Evangelist and later pastor, taking responsibility for serving the Church until 15/06/2011, the date on which the Lord Jesus took him to himself, being replaced by his son, Pastor Izaias Lopes do Carmo. Until 1985, the local Church did not have a temple, going through various places in the city in rented halls and in this year acquired a plot of land from the late brother Airton, thus building the tabernacle followed by the main temple in the Ipiranga neighborhood which was inaugurated in the year 1986. In the photo of the youth and the wedding of brother Adivaldo Batista dos Santos and sister Ana Maria Borges dos Santos, it was held in the existing tabernacle, but the temple was being built on the outside, and was already inaugurated the following year. By the grace of God, in the year 1996, the second temple of the city was inaugurated, where we see the late Pastor Aristeu helping in the construction of the temple, and he worked hard in this city, for 32 years, together with several brothers who will not be mentioned so as not to commit injustice to any of them, and after his retirement the Church today follows in the direction of his son, Pastor Izaias Lopes do Carmo.
Memories ... The work of God
In recalling times past, of the Church in Ibitinga, we must record that the divine provision of the Word was abundant, but the material provision was scarce, Ibitinga was a very poor city, without industries, without jobs, one might ask for what reason God raised his Work in the interior, in a small town that at the time had no paved access ... The Bible teaches that God reveals to the small to confound the great, without a doubt God did so by choosing a small place to show the greatness of his glory and be exalted. God transformed the city of Ibitinga by giving it resources, industries, jobs, and many access highways with paving to such an extent as to receive many residents and workers from other regions and to repatriate many of the Ibitinguese scattered by the economic situation. After God raised his Work, Ibitinga became an industrial hub and tourist commercial center that attracts many for the acquisition of its goods every day, especially on weekends. In those times the sisters helped in the construction of the temple carrying bricks and kneading the clay. The brothers would gather to pick cotton on Sundays to donate the day of service for the construction; each one helped as he could. It was the creativity and dedication, as a motor, impelling them to the result they sought, in a work of love and passion, preparing a place for the worship and praise of the name of the Lord Jesus. Where the main temple is currently located (Rua Horizontino Negrão, 555) one could see the spirit of the brothers to serve God, as soon as one arrived at the temple block one caught sight of the wagons and carts, whose animals they tied to the fences. Upon entering the temple one understood why such enthusiasm, the power of God was poured out in a singular way, strange tongues, visions, prophecies, spiritual songs and the signs manifested themselves in the healings and deliverances of people oppressed by the enemy, in addition to the clear and objective exposition of God's message for this time of his Church through the late Pastor Samuel Alves de Arruda. People came to know, but when they entered the temple they felt so much the power of God manifested in the Church that they were amazed, accepted Jesus and surrendered to Him, becoming part of the Church. Joy impelled the sisters and brothers to announce the Gospel, prayers in the early mornings and at 15.00 hours (ninth hour), the invitations and visits did not cease, a sound truck was used through the streets and a trumpet on top of the temple; meanwhile the enemy made his fury plain, for many times the Pastor was called to the Police Station because the noise of praise and prayer bothered those who did not want to listen; but, God who always gave victory to his people, never left the Church in Ibitinga (SP).
Testimony of conversion to the Word of God
In the beginning of the year 1983, a burning desire was born in my heart to serve God better and it was there that I began to read the Holy Bible. To acquire a copy of the Bible was very difficult because I lived on a farm and did not go much to the city and all the people I talked to and asked about God told me that I would only find the truth in the Bible. So I sought out the priest of the city and he told me he did not have a Bible and gave me a rosary and I returned to my house. But that thirst for righteousness continued in my heart, I went back to see the priest commenting on my feeling, he gave me a catechism. Returning to my house, for several days I read the catechism, but that desire to know God, the Creator, continued stronger. Continue, then, my search for the Holy Bible. I turned to a neighbor and friend, but nothing of finding the Bible. One day I went for a walk with my family at the house of a sister-in-law who had just married, she invited my wife to come into her room and when she opened the dresser, my wife caught sight of two books with black covers and asked what they were and she answered that they were Holy Bibles. My wife told her of my search for a Bible and my immense desire to read and that I could not find one; my sister-in-law told her take one for you, because I have two and I don't read either! When my wife told me: I got a Bible for you, my joy was very great. We soon returned home and I couldn't wait to arrive and be able to read the Bible.
As I read the Bible I could see how disobedient I was to God. I continued to examine the Scriptures and soon came the desire to be baptized and conversing with my wife one night, I said let's be baptized, as the Bible says and she answered me: Let's, but who will baptize us? I answered: God will provide. I sought out some evangelical denominations, but no one gave us due attention, until one day I was going to the city, before reaching the bus stop, I caught up with a man and together we boarded. Talking with him, he told me that he was a believer, I said: What a good God, because I want to be a believer, and he promptly told me: I will go to your house to lead a worship service to God. I said: You will really! And he went several times and led services in my home, until my wife and I were baptized in the Parafuso river, on the Parafuso farm, in the city of Iturama (MG), on December 31, 1983 and it was a great blessing for me. I am the father of 5 daughters and one son, all married, and thank God, all are serving the Lord Jesus Christ, baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and God granted me the grace to be Pastor in the Church in Iturama (MG), working in the Work in Restoration. Our temple is located at Av. S. Benedito, 215 - Bom Sucesso neighborhood.
Testimonies
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"Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, and today, and forever". Hebrews 13.8 Throughout these 50 years of the Church working in the Restoration, there are countless testimonies of brothers, family members and friends who received the prayer of faith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and were healed, in Ibitinga (SP) and where God has raised up a people to preach the Restoration of the Church. Healings of sicknesses, solutions to material and spiritual problems, deliverance from evil spirits; showers of blessings upon all the people of God has been constant in the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in all the places where His warning cry has been heard: "IT IS TIME FOR RESTORATION': FIRE IN THE CAMP! Every year the Churches that work in the Work of Restoration meet at the Biblical Camp in Ibitinga and it was in one of these meetings that God impressed the people with His power. At that time, I do not recall the year, we would gather in a very simple shed at our spiritual retreats, in the place where we now have our Biblical Camp. One night the people were worshiping the Lord God, singing, praising, praying and receiving the fire of heaven in their hearts, when some people in the city saw fire and worried said: "There's a fire at the believer's meeting farm" and they called the police who came to the location, but upon arriving here there was no natural fire, only the fire of heavenly power! Sister Claudete Miranda Prado who today walks with us in the Church in Ibitinga recounted that she lived on Horizontino Negrão Street on the border with Av. Ivanil Francheschini and that her father called her to the porch to see the fire fall upon the camp. HEALING OF A PARALYTIC Brother Romildo from Bocaina (SP) tells us that tired of going to doctors so much and without a solution for the problem of his wife sister Rose, who was in a wheelchair, without hope of healing. Every day he would place her near the railing so she could get sun and see people pass by and later he would bring her back inside. It was then that he had contact with sister Idalina who told him that if he believed and his wife received the prayer of faith, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, she would be healed. He answered that he had already taken his wife to many places and religions that promised healing, but nothing happened. Sister Idalina insisted saying that she was speaking of Jesus who has all power in heaven and on earth. Brother Romildo thought: "I've been to so many places ... my wife needs to be healed ... why not go to this one now?" and then he asked the sister: "Who performs this prayer? The sister said the Church in Ibitinga, we need to take her there. Thus, overcoming difficulties, including lack of fuel, they arrived in Ibitinga, they went to Pastor Wanderlei Pedrassoli's house who cried out to the Lord Jesus and in this glorious name rebuked and cast out the evil and determined that the sister rise up and walk in the name of the Lord Jesus. The sister rose up! She strengthened her steps! And never returned to the wheelchair for the glory of the Lord Jesus. Since 2004 her home has been the meeting place of the Church in Bocaina (SP), where she lives and continues to give testimony of the great blessing received from the powerful hands of the King of kings and Lord of Lords.
Biblical and Apostolic Doctrines
The handling of the Bible and its systematic study have been the source of victory for millions of God's servants. To investigate the prophecies, to observe their fulfillment, to discern the spiritual riches of its proverbs and its parables, its allegories and its promises is more than a useful pastime, it is a sacred duty, a beneficial occupation that perfects the spirit in this existence and enables it for eternal life. In this time when emotion takes over and sets the tone for the worship of many evangelicals, God calls the attention of His people to rational worship, that is, worship with understanding and revelation of the mysteries of His Word. Yes, dear reader, in this time of open departure from obedience to biblical and apostolic doctrines, God is restoring His Church, He is adorning her as a bride for the great and glorious day of His rapture. God makes Himself known in this time by His NAME and reveals Himself as the ONLY AND TRUE GOD. The hour has come! We are already close to the rapture of the Church and therefore two paths present themselves to each of us. One is God's plan for His Church in this time and the other is apostasy. Outside of God's plan for this time, that is, the RESTORATION OF THE CHURCH, one falls into apostasy. Restoration is sanctification and this comes by obedience to the doctrines that had been forgotten through the centuries. Apostasy is the departure from biblical and apostolic doctrines, it is following the plan of human wisdom, fulfilling what was predicted by the apostle Paul. in I Timothy 4.1 and 2-II Timothy 4.3 and 4. JESUS THE TRUE GOD There is only one God, one true God. There are more than fifty passages in the Scriptures that teach that God is one and that there is no other. No other truth in the Bible receives more importance than the Oneness of God. Deuteronomy: 6:4 "Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is the only Lord". Isaiah: 44:8: "Is there another besides me? Is there no other God that I know" I Timothy 2:5 "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, Jesus Christ man". James 2:19 "You believe that there is one God: you do well. Even the demons believe and tremble". More references: Isaiah 45:5, I Corinthians 8:4, Revelation 4:2, Isaiah 46:9 and Mark 12:32. Only one conclusion is possible, if Jesus were not God, we would all be lost, for only God forgives sins; and if He is God, He could not be another, but the great God of the Old Testament, whose name was secret (Isaiah 52:6). The Bible is emphatic in affirming the existence of a single GOD. It is fitting to recall that our Lord Jesus said: "If you do not believe that I AM you will die in your sins" (John 8.24). The expression I AM is the same used in the past when Moses asked for the name of the Lord (Exodus 3.14) to inform the children of Israel. God said: "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: I AM sent me to you". This expression means: I am God, and that is why the Jews wanted to stone Him, for they clearly understood that Jesus declared Himself divine. The Jews knew Deuteronomy 6.4 "Hear, Israel, the LORD, our God is the only LORD" and thought that Jesus was saying He was another God or a second God as many people still think in our days. In this end time, God reveals Himself as the one and true God, whose name is Jesus. The Bible teaches the existence of ONE ONLY GOD who manifested Himself in the past as FATHER creating all things; as SON when He took human form; and as HOLY SPIRIT or COMFORTER from the days of Pentecost onwards. We have ONE great and eternal God (only one) who made Himself known through three great manifestations. However, many are confused thinking that it is THREE in ONE and from then on they seek to justify their contradiction. CHRIST WAS A MAN When the apostles were preaching about Him, they proclaimed that He was a man. Acts 2:22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth is a man approved by God among you by miracles': When Jesus spoke of Himself He declared that He was a man, to the Jews who had death in their hearts: "But now you want to kill me, me a man who told you the truth" (John 8:40). THIS MAN WAS ALSO GOD, But supposing that at this point, I should close my Bible and say "Behold Jesus'; I would commit a grave error, for it is not enough to say that Christ was a man. There is no lie that is as dangerous as a half truth and it is only a half truth about Jesus to affirm that He was man. If you say that He was a man and that is all you have to affirm about Him, then you will have told an untruth about Jesus. Hear friend, here is the profound, and yet simple truth. This man was also God. He was as genuinely God as He was genuinely Man. "John 1:1... "And the Word was God': Hebrews 1:8 "But concerning the Son said: your throne, O God is forever': John 20:28 "My Lord, and my God!" It was not an expression of amazement from Thomas, but a confession of faith: and Jesus accepted that confession and worship of Thomas. Romans 9:5 "God blessed forever': Titus 2:13 "The great God and our Lord Jesus Christ". I John 5:20 "This is the true God and eternal life". II Corinthians 5:19 "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself". The Bible reveals to us a dual nature, the mystery of the eternal and true God who became man and did not cease to be divine. CHRIST IS THE SON In Luke 2:40 The Son grew and became strong In John 17: 1 The Son prayed In John 3:16 The only begotten Son In Mark 13:32 The Son did not know In John 14:28 The Son is less than the Father In I John 1:7 The Son had blood In Galatians 2:20 The Son died! In Galatians 4:4 His Son begotten of a woman. All of this shows that as a Son, Christ was man. Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
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JESUS, SINGULAR NAME Jesus did not tell his disciples to baptize, repeating the words Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He told them to baptize in the NAME of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The words Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not a name, but titles that indicate a person, who has ONE NAME and this NAME IS JESUS. BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF JESUS Nevertheless knowing of the opposition to the TRUTH, we will give some reasons why we should baptize in the NAME OF JESUS. Peter had just heard the words of Matthew (28:19), spoken a few days before. He had just received the Holy Spirit who was to guide him into all truth. Would it be possible that he had made a mistake? No, never! a) - Remission of sins, is in the NAME OF JESUS Luke 24:47. b) - There is no other NAME by which we can be saved. Acts 4:12 -. c) - The family name is Jesus. We are his children and we take his NAME - Ephesians 3:15 d) - The Bride (Church) always takes the NAME of the husband - Ephesians 5:23. e) - Whatever we do, in word or deeds we do them in the NAME OF JESUS, baptism by water is word and deed - Colossians 3: 17. f) - In Baptism by water we identify the death, the burial and the resurrection - Romans 6:3-5. What is the name of the one who died, was buried and is alive? The apostles had the revelation (Luke 24:45; Galatians 1:12) and for this reason, in fulfillment of Matthew 28:19, they baptized using the NAME of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, as we see in: Acts 2:38-Acts 8:14-16-Acts 10:48- Acts 19:1-7 and Acts 22:16. We conclude then, that Jesus Christ came to manifest the name of God to men.
1) "I have manifested Your name": John 17:6;
2) "I have made known to them Your Name". John 17:26;
3) "I have come in the Name of my Father" John 5:43;
4) "The Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in Name": John 14:26.
5) "WHAT IS SUFFICIENT FOR US": John 14:8 Do not fail to note that the revelation of the name of Jesus is a promise "to as many as the Lord our God shall call (Acts 2.39)". "Therefore, my people shall know my name (Isaiah 52.6).
The Bible affirms that there is one baptism (Ephesians 4:5) and that the entire primitive Church baptized in the name of Jesus, in our days it cannot be different, for the Word affirms the divinity of Jesus and that this name is the name of the Father.
DOCTRINE A matter of great importance in the Church. Doctrine is teaching or instruction, therefore biblical and apostolic doctrines are the doctrines (teachings) found in the Holy Bible, which were ministered by the apostles to the Church of Jesus, in all times and in all places. It is common nowadays to find preachers who cannot bear to speak of doctrines and therefore seek to reduce everything to customs, traditions and teachings of men. They encourage a doubtful freedom, for this does not sanctify and nor generates a true intimacy with God. In these the word of God is fulfilled, II Timothy 3.13 "they will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived": Paul, the apostle, prophesied that after his departure grievous wolves would enter in among the flock, which would not spare the flock (Acts 20.29). The prophecy was fulfilled and the Church was led to a departure from apostolic doctrine. However, another prophecy is being fulfilled in our days (Acts 3.21) and this speaks of times of restoration and, therefore it is that God is leading his flock to obedience of the doctrines that were forgotten. Check the texts: Acts 2.42 "And they continued steadfast in the doctrine of the apostles.?"
I Timothy 4.13 "Give attention to reading, exhortation and teaching. "
I Timothy 4.16 "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. :'
I Timothy 5.17 " ... especially those who labor in word and in doctrine"
I Timothy 6.3, 4 and 5 "If anyone teaches any other doctrine ... is proud and knows nothing, but raves ... withdraw from such"
II Timothy 3.16 "All Scripture divinely inspired is profitable for teaching ... instructing.
II Timothy 4.2 "Preach the word ... exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine"
II John VS. 9 "Whoever transgresses, and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God;" II John VS. 10 "If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him in your house, neither greet him"
THE LORD'S SUPPER
The Lord's Supper that every church should partake of has as elements: Bread and Wine. And by ordinance it should be UNLEAVENED BREAD, that is, without leaven. Never was leavened BREAD used by the Jews in the celebration of Passover, Leviticus 23:4- 5. Also read II Chronicles 35:17 and Ezra 6:22, if that were enough our brother Paul would not say that Christ our Passover, was sacrificed for us, without leaven, I Corinthians 5:6 to 8, the same Bread was used by Jesus in the celebration of Passover, and soon after in the institution of the SUPPER, that is, the First SUPPER of the Lord, Matthew 26:17 and Luke 22:1,7 to 20. I Corinthians 11:23-33. From reading and analysis of the biblical texts it becomes very clear to us that the Lord's Supper is practiced by his Church, annually, as it is in memory of the death of the Lord and equivalent to the Jewish Passover which was never celebrated monthly or bimonthly, but, at the appointed time (Leviticus 23:4). FOOT WASHING IS an ordinance given by the Lord Jesus Christ. The basic text is in John 13:1 to 17. Practiced by the Lord Jesus and ordered by Him himself: "Now if I, Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you ought also to wash one another's feet'; John 13: 14: "I have given you an example so that, as I have done, you also do'; John 13:15. "Washed the feet of the saints" I Timothy 5:10. In the context of Christ's order we have an enlightening dialogue. The apostle Peter refused, he did not want the Master to wash his feet and retorted vehemently: "You shall never wash my feet': But when Christ said it was necessary to have part with Him, then he changed his mind and said: Master, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head. To which the Master replied: "He who is already clean does not need to wash, except his feet': It is evident that this is not a matter of custom or tradition. We have here a simple, direct order and an enlightening dialogue. We ask: is contending easier than obeying? Failing to practice is more sublime, is it more spiritual?
THE VEIL
The doctrine of the veil has biblical basis in the New Testament, I Corinthians 11:1 to 16. In verses 5 and 6, we read: "Every woman who prays with her head uncovered or prophesies without a veil, dishonors her own head, because it is as if she were shaven, "Therefore, if a woman does not cover herself with a veil, in that case let her cut off her hair. But if it is shameful for a woman to cut short or shave herself SHE MUST WEAR THE VEIL. This Scripture makes clear that it is disobedience for a woman to pray without a veil, the word says: she dishonors her own head, if the husband is the head of the woman, then she is dishonoring her husband, therefore there is no more respect, nor the due benevolence of one toward the other, all because of disobedience to the Word. In verse 10, note the importance "TO WEAR THE VEIL" if the hair is a veil there is no need to wear it, for it is already on the head, there is no possibility of forgetting, even more: "that she put on a veil'; for if the hair is a veil, why put it on? The word says: that she put on, because of the angels and not because of man. The Bible does not state that the veil can be replaced by hair .. Perhaps the dear reader has even heard tell a story, as a matter of fact, some have even included it in the footnote of some Bible version. Such a story tells us that Corinth was a port city and that there were many prostitutes and that these shaved their heads; when they were converted the apostle Paul ordered them to wear a veil, until their hair grew and that, therefore, the commandment was only for the Church in Corinth. Well, the footnote of a page and other annotations are not of divine inspiration and can never annul the sacred text. This story of prostitutes with shaven heads has no support from the Scriptures, being nothing more than a hoax, manipulation by those who twist the Word of God to their own condemnation, otherwise let us see: Paul commands to wear the veil because of the angels, they argue that it was because of prostitutes. Would it be possible to confuse angels with prostitutes? The apostle says that the letter is addressed to "all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ .. " (I Corinthians 1.2). Well, if it is for all in every place, how can they want to sustain that it was only for Corinth?
THE CONDUCT OF THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN
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The Christian woman must, in everything, distinguish herself from the woman of the world. "Their adornment SHOULD NOT be external, in the braiding of hair, in the use of gold jewelry, in the arrangement of clothing": Vanity, pride and sensuality should not be found, not even slightly in the bearing of the Christian woman. In her way of living in the home, in the Church and in society, she is sober and humble (I Peter 3:1-6). She must be honest and faithful in everything (I Timothy 2:9); subject to her husband (Colossians 3:18); hospitable, demonstrate modesty and be esteemed for her good works (Romans 16:1-2). She must cover herself with the veil to worship God (I Corinthians 11:6); remain silent in the Church, in the sense of not having the word of leadership or authority (I Corinthians 14:34-35) and rejoice in the mission of motherhood (I Timothy 2:15 and Psalm 128:3-4). It is worth remembering that modesty indicates shame in displaying parts of the body that provoke sensuality. Is it that in the current way of dressing verified in the world and in "churches" modesty is present? Or are only exhibitionist fashions of "toned" bodies for sin present? It is a time of decision or will one walk towards sanctification through the restoration of apostolic doctrines (God's plan for His Church) or will one walk towards apostasy, following the course of the world, its customs and its fashions. THE GREETING WITH A HOLY KISS The saints must greet one another with the peace of the Lord Jesus and with a Holy Kiss. The apostle of the Lord, greeting the Church in Rome, "greet one another with a holy kiss. The Churches of Christ greet you":
EXAMINE THE TEXTS: Romans 16:16-1 Thessalonians 5:26 -1 Corinthians 16:20 -1 Peter 5:14 - II Corinthians 13:12. In four letters of Paul and one of Peter, this glorious commandment for the Church is taught. In none of these passages do we find restriction as to gender for obedience of this commandment, that is, sisters greeting only sisters, and brothers greeting only brothers. To make such a separation is to confess the existence of malice. ACCESS THE COMPLETE MAGAZINE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xe4TrP9jI5IMS_XLAoGU7DYuG78_dv5m/view?usp=sharing