by Donalhue Grimes – Georgia State Overseer

Theme Scripture

“Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth” (Psalms 60:4)

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Article

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the following: “The flag of the United States should be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” Between then and 1960, the American flag was changed 26 times, eventually stopping with the flag we currently have.

Why do we not still use the flag with 13 stars? 20 stars? 30 stars? 45 stars? 48 stars? Because even though they are a part of our heritage and wereappropriate for their time, they can no longer  represent this  nation.

Our key verse,”Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth” (Psalms 60:4) gives us the one and only reason to display a banner: the banner represents the truth. The Bible does not declare the banner, but a banner; it does, however, declare the truth because there is only one truth. The  banner displayed is not the truth, but it is displayed by the

Church because of the truth.

Our former flag now waves over congregations with many doctrines and beliefs contrary to the word of God. When we see the banner being displayed, we should know without a doubt, this congregation believes in the truth. Sadly, this can no longer be said about our former banner.

This is not saying that none of those congregations teach the truth, but that we could be subject to any number of teachings where it is displayed. 1Corinthians 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

I want to quote again from 1933 and 2001:

1933: “If a better and more appropriate design can be found, it will be satisfactory to me, but I think the time has come for the Church to have a flag with a design of its own, and which cannot be duplicated by any other institution or government.”

2001: “We recommend that TCOG have a flag that is unique to and for TCOG. A flag that is solely the property of TCOG, and exclusively belongs to TCOG. A church flag that may be hoisted in all nations where TCOG is organized. A church flag that is truly an all nations flag. A church flag that is honored and revered from God’s holy word and is displayed because of the truth.”

Bro. Tomlinson in 1933 did not determine what the design was to be. He simply stated that there should be a banner. The Q&S committee in 2001 did determine the design  but  only  presented  it  for  the  Assembly’s consideration. The Holy Ghost approved it, and the General Assembly accepted it.

Through theocratic government, rulings are handed down through the General Assembly, which as members, you and I are a part of. Then, when acceptance is unanimous among thosee present, as a member, present or absent, it  is our duty, to comply. This is why even though at the time I did not agree with the new flag, it was my theocratic duty to comply. But I wanted to not only comply, I wanted to know for myself that it was right. I asked God for His guidance ,and He opened the scriptures and showed me just how beautiful our flag is. Each of the colors and symbols displayed on the church flag are significant. The red of the flag represents the blood of our Saviour; the blue represents truth; and the white, purity. The purple of the scepter, star, and crown represents royalty or kingship. The white stripes and oval declare the purity of Christ; they also hold forth the goal of a pure and perfect Church as His Bride. The blue stripes, which form a square with openings at the top and bottom, represent the fold or the Church.

As we examine our current design, we see the biggest change being the addition of more white in the middle, which stands for purity. Has the Bible not declared that we as the Church and as individual members must purify ourselves even as He is pure? The other significant change is that all the symbols are now inside the oval. Do we not still believe that Jesus is coming back after one Church? Matthew 17:4-5 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles;  one  for  thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. (vs: 8) And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. God had only one church then, and, He has only one now! Zech 13:8-9 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, it is my people: and they shall say, the Lord is my God.

God has been, He is today, and He always will be in control! He has given us our banner. Let us display it “because of the truth”!