COGVA NEWS

Newsletter Date
October/November 2017
Volume 1, Issue 1
Volume 5, Issue 1 &2

Write the vision and make it plain on the tablet so that it might be read quickly.
Habakkuk 2:2 (LEB)

Table of Contents:
Atkins FCOG Burns Their Mortgage!
Neaces Pieces 2

Restore Family Conference

Extends Early Bird

Rates 2
October is Pastor

Appreciation Month 3

COGVA Comes Together

in Picnic Setting at

Camp Bedford 4

Southern Gospel

Gathering Comes to Interim Pastor Mike Welch, Board members Jerry Buck, Chairman
Southwest Virginia 4 Harold Henderlite, Former pastors Ron Whitener, Charlie Walker, Justin
Keene and Board Member Bobby Williams burn the note!
COGVA Budget 5
On Aug. 27,2017 the
Mark Your Calendars 6
Atkins First Church of God
congregation celebrated
their Mortgage Burning
Service.
In 1989, Pastor Ron
Whitener and the church
leadership had recognized
they were rapidly out-
growing their then current
facility. They built a
Family Life Center to
accommodate their growth
in an attempt to reach out
to their community. The
cost was $128,000.00 and
the Lord allowed them to
burn the mortgage for that
indebtedness in 22
months. Through a
capital funds campaign,
God blessed the church
by raising $250,000.00 in
two years toward the
building of a new worship
facility. Once this goal
had been reached, the
remaining $500,000.00
was secured at the bank
to begin the process of
building the current
worship center.
In 1996, the congregation
officially moved into their
current worship center.
The building houses
seating for 500+ people,
as well as a fellowship hall
in the basement, offices
and class room settings.
Through many miracles
provided by the hand of
God, the church built their
current facility for 60% of
what the architects had
called for. The Atkins
church, according to
former pastor Ron
Whitener, Prayer built this
church This building
worth 1.3 million dollars in
1996 was built for 60% of
its cost. This service of
burning the mortgage was
truly a reason for
celebration.
Former Pastors Rev. Ron
Whitener, Rev. Justin
Keene and Rev. Charlie
Walker, and Interim
Pastor Mike Welch all
participated in the time of
celebration. Former
Pastor Nouhad Melki was
unable to attend due to
illness.
 COGVA News
Neaces Pieces
An extremely wise man
cautioned me early in
ministry to never go to the
pulpit because I had to
say something, but always
go to the pulpit because I
had something to say. I
have tried to adhere to
that advice and am
convinced my writing
block for Neaces Pieces upbringing had never
this month was God
ordained. I have
struggled until today with
what to say in this edition
of COGVA News.
Last night, I heard a
young man who, by his
own admission, thought
he was not the man to
assume the role of
leadership in which he
had found himself.
Restore Family Conference Continues to grow in
Excitement
We have been so
encouraged by the
overwhelming response to
our RESTORE Family
Conference coming in
June 2018. Many of you
have registered and
booked your room to join
us in Williamsburg next
Without re-telling all he
had said, Benjamin
Holland of Cornerstone
Academy in Morristown,
TN brought a word to me
that had me tearing up
and giving serious thought
to my own ministry, locally
and in COGVA.
Ben had said his Christian
really challenged him in
his prayer life. Living in a
society with his needs met
fairly easily, his faith had
never been called upon to
do unusual things. But
just a few years ago, a
friend had made an
appointment for him (I
have some friends like
that ) to interview for
the Headmasters position
year. Thank you for your
support and let's keep the
momentum going as we
embark on a new day for
the Church of God in
Virginia.
Special rates are as
follows:
Page 2 of 14
in a very small local
Christian school. Not
expecting to get the job
due to numerous
obstacles, he went
confident he was only
fulfilling the request of his
friend. Upon leaving the
interview, he had been
offered the position, and
accepted it.
Within the first week of his
tenure, he was faced with
a mortgage payment of
over $16,570.00, and no
money in the bank. You
read that right. When
discussing this with a
member of the school
board for this school,
(Continued on page 7)
VIP Registration: $250.00
Family Registration:
$199.00
Individual Registration:
$159.00
Visit
www.restorefamilyconfere
nce.com/registration
today to register.
Make sure you and your
church know about this
incredible event coming to
Williamsburg, June 24-27,
2018.
Serving HIM Together,
Chris McMurray,
RESTORE Event
Coordinator
Dr. Bob Neace, COGVA
State Minister
 Page 3 of 14 COGVA News
Page 3 of 14

October is Pastor Appreciation Month

October is upon us once their approval comes from blessings and strain as the
again, but before you get God, but they crave a pat pastormore often, the
out the candy and carve on the back now and then strain. If you can figure out
jack-o-lanterns, do like anybody else. how to bless the family,
something that will really the pastor is also blessed.
Step 2: Understand that
make an impact. Show Are the children young?
most pastors didnt sign up
your pastor(s) some Arrange a date night
for the job to make money.
appreciation. complete with babysitting
They accepted a divine
by trusted individuals. How
It is, after all, Pastor call, often at great sacrifice
long has it been since your
Appreciation Month. Of to self and family. More
pastor was given a
course, we hope youll often than not, theyre
Sunday off (and the week
demonstrate how much grossly underpaid (you
surrounding)? If youre on
you love your pastors may never hear about
the board, or if you know
through the year. But those late nights or the
someone who is, secure a
October has been set incredible pressure placed
guest speaker and make it
aside to give them a little on their shoulders). A
happen. Better yet, see to
boost, perhaps just what monetary gift of any size
it that the pastor is
theyll need before the speaks volumes, and
afforded quality time with
second busiestand not makes a bigger difference
his or her family
always so merryseason than you might think.
throughout the year.
of church leadership.
Step 3: Get to know your
Step 5: Write a note of
But maybe you dont know pastor throughout the
thanksgiving to your
where to start. You want year. Learn what he or she
pastor, and dont forget the
your expression of likes, including hobbies
chaplains in your area.
appreciation to mean and interests that go
Remind your pastor of the
something, but you dont beyond the ministry. Does
difference he or she has
want it to be cheesy. You your pastor like the great
made in your life.
dont want to go outdoors? How about a gift
Demonstrate to your
overboard, but you want to card to Bass Pro Shops?
pastor that you wont take
avoid all appearances of Is your pastor a voracious
their efforts lightlyyoull
cheap. Thats why weve reader? Consider a gift
have their back for the
prepared this handy guide card to Barnes and Noble
long haul and show
to Pastor Appreciation or Amazon. What kind of
appreciation November
Month. food does your pastor love
through September, too.
to eat? Maybe a gift card
Step 1: Realize that your Step up and surprise your
to a certain restaurant
pastor probably isnt going pastor by volunteering to
would do the trick. Not
to ask for anything. Lets lead a new ministry or help
only are such expressions
face itpastors are with an existing one.
of appreciation practical,
people, too! Its plain Commit to arrive early or
but they also demonstrate
awkward and goes against stay late at worship
thoughtfulness.
their humble spirit. This services and church
does NOT mean they Step 4: Consider your functions when the pastor
wouldnt be super blessed pastors family. Often is often alone to do the
by your expression of overlooked, these precious
appreciation. They know ones experience the same (Continued on page 12)
 COGVA News
COGVA Comes Together in Picnic Setting at Camp
Bedford
The fellowship of Gods
people is a rich blessing
and something COGVA
aspires to at our
gatherings intended to
foster unity among the
brethren (and sisters too.
). Septembers
COGVA Picnic at Camp
Bedford lived up to that
expectation. As Brother
Tonee Haywood of the
Joynes Road C.O.G.
helped to inspire us to
worship as Rev. Judy
Joness from Roanoke
F.C.O.G. led in singing.
Rev. Calvin Peterson of
Bellamy Avenue C.O.G.,
coming off a very heavy
Southern Gospel Gathering Comes to Southwest
Top: Rev. Calvin Peterson, Virginia
Center: Timothy Peterson The Mountain Empire
Bottom: Tonee Haywood, Rev. District of the Church of
Judy Joness Shelby Davis-
God enjoyed some of the
Myers, Rev. Silas Oliver
heritage the Church of
God is known for. Hosted
at the Atkins F.C.O.G., the
second annual Southern
Gospel Gathering took
place with Greg Alexander
and Eventide, the Little
Paint Quartet, the
Townesmen Quartet,
Saxophonist Scott Snyder,
and Common Bond. Each
of these groups have a
strong Church of God
heritage behind them and
are not ashamed to
Common Bond
proclaim Christ in all their
venues. This particular
night saw the gathering of
people from southwest
Page 4 of 14
work schedule, did a service with great food
masterful job inspiring the carried in by Church of
saints gathered through God folks who knew this
sound preaching. crowd could, and would,
eat. Members of COGVA
After service, Rev. Heny
throughout the
Haskins, COGVA Vice-
Commonwealth should
Chair, introduced
continue to seek every
Lynwood English as the
opportunity on state and
new care-taker for Camp
local levels to bring about
Bedford. Brother
the kind of fellowship
Englishs work preparing
enjoyed by one another
the grounds and
last month. Fellowship
tabernacle for the days
fosters relationship, which
events was noticeable and
in turn exhibits our unity to
COGVA is proud to have
a fractured world.
him as part of our team
and family.
The blessing of fellowship
ensued after the worship
Virginia and northeast
Tennessee coming
together with like minds to
sing praises to God.
Almost every church in the
district was represented
and some are making
plans for next years Greg Alexander and
annual Southern Gospel Eventide
Gathering.
This crowd enjoys Southern Gospel Music
Page 5 of 14 COGVA News
Page 5 of 14

COGVA Budget
Summary of COGVA Expenditures
August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
Categories Budget 1st Qtr
1000 State Office
1100 Business Office $3,500.00 $137.66
1200 Insurance $14,800.00 $3,698.25
1300 Office Manager $14,437.50 $2,406.24
1400 Income Taxes $3,320.00 $586.48
Subtotal $36,057.50 $6,828.63
1500 Chair $800.00 $
2000 State Minister
Reimbursement Fund $16,050.00 $
Subtotal $16,850.00
3000 Executive Council/Standing Ministries
3100 Executive Board $ 800.00 $177.56
3200 Ministry of Church Service/Credentials $ 300.00
3300 Ministry of Christian Education $ 75.00
3400 Ministry of Evangelism $ 50.00
3600 Ministry of Program $ 2,000.00
3800 Ministerial Fellowship $ 100.00
3900 Church Property Team $ 75.00
Subtotal $3,400.00 $177.56
5000 Property and Maintenance
5110 Camp Bedford
5110 Caretaker $5,000.00 $833.34
5120 Campground Expenses (Maintenance) $ 1,000.00
Capital Improvements $ 750.00
Vehicle Maintenance $ 300.00
Camp Bedford Mkt/Advertising $ 500.00
5140 Utilities $ 6,000.00 $865.66
Subtotal $13,550.00 $1,699.00
5200 Camp Christi
5210 Caretaker $26,565.12 $4,427.52
5220 Health Insurance $ 7,000.00 $ 1,192.00
5250 Utilities $14,000.00 $3,315.09
5260 Maintenance $ 4,000.00 $
Camp Christi Mkt/Advertising $ 500.00
5270 Capital Improvements $ 750.00
5280 Vehicle Maintenance $ 500.00
 COGVA News Page 6 of 14
5300 Legal Fees $ 500.00
5400 Ministry Expenses $ 300.00
Christmas Bonus $ 1,300.00
Subtotal
$55,415.12 $8,934.61
Total Expenses $17,639.80
Total Income $12,237.58
Difference $-5402.22

Mark Your Calendars

October
26th -27th Ministers and Spouse Fall Gathering at Christiansburg FCOG See Flyer at end of this issue
of COGVA News for specifics

November
4th C.W.C./W.C.G. Luncheon in Roanoke - Guest Speaker: Rev. Tammy Clark

December
25th Christmas Everywhere

February
17th C.W.C./W.C.G. Luncheon at Joynes Road Church of God Guest Speaker: Rev. Charlene Aaron

March
9th 11th Statewide Youth Convention Fredericksburg, VA
17th C.W.C./W.C.G. Prayer Breakfast, Tibitha Church of God, Reedville,
April
20th-21st C.W.C./W.C.G. Convention Roanoke FCOG
 Page 7 of 14
Page 7 of 14
Neaces Pieces (Continued)
the board members
response was, we need
to pray. This was the
catalyst for intensive
prayer for this young man.
The night before the
payment was due, he was
in his office stressed with
the same situation just
described when a parent
of one of his students saw
the light on, rapped on the
window, and startled him
from his prayer. When
asked how things were
going in his new position,
he presented the problem,
and God provided through
this man the exact dollar
amount needed to make
that months payment.
He continued to tell more
stories of Gods provision
for the school, and
described some of the
meetings (some
contentious) the board
and staff had. They
began to pray bold
prayers for specific things
to advance what they
believed to be the will of
God for their school. The
school has gone from
unable to pay its bills to
being currently housed in
a $10,000,000.00 facility
with absolutely no debt,
and an attendance of
students that has grown
by 50% each of the last
five years.
As he told this story, I kept
hearkening in my mind to
George Mller. George
was a Christian evangelist
who lived in the 1800s.
He cared for over 10,000
orphans during his
lifetime. In addition to
this, he built 117 schools
that ministered to and
educated over 120,000
children, many of whom
were orphans. According
to his biography, these
accomplishments, and
many more, were met by
God through prayer,
without a single plea from
Muller to any specific
individual. We serve a
mighty God with
resources beyond our
wildest imaginations!
It has been months since I
have had a solid nights
sleep for more than a
single night. I have found
myself up walking the floor
over personal issues,
ministerial obstacles in my
local church, frustrated
over doubts placed in my
mind by seeds an enemy
disperses, and
discouragements that
same enemy feeds. It
occurs to me, as I listened
to Benjamin Holland last
evening, that perhaps my
prayer life has been
misdirected, or even, dare
I say it, not as useful and
strong as it can be. I
believe I have heard it
preached that confession
is good for the soul others to partner in prayer
I believe we serve a God
who wants to bless His
children. He said in His
word, Verily, verily, I say His.
unto you, He that
believeth on me, the
COGVA News
works that I do shall he do
also; and greater works
than these shall he do;
because I go unto my
Father. And whatsoever
ye shall ask in my name,
that will I do, that the
Father may be glorified in
the Son. If ye shall ask
any thing in my name, I
will do it. (John 14:12-14).
I know I run the risk of
sounding like a prosperity
gospel preacher, I am far George Mller
from it. I am, however,
convinced there are times
when Christian people live
below their means
because we have not
availed ourselves of all
God has in store for those
who trust Him. The key to
this promise made by
Jesus Himself, is that our
prayers and pleadings
must be in line with what
His will for us might be.
Another portion of
scripture says, (We) ask,
and receive not, because
(we) ask amiss, that (we)
may consume it upon
(our) lusts. (James 4:3).
Is it possible we live below
our means because we
are selfish, unfaithful,
unbelieving, or even
apathetic?
In the last few months, I
have asked readers and
with me concerning the
brokenness of our society,
and to break my heart
with the things that break
(Continued on page 8)
Page 8 of 14
Page 8 of 14
Bryson Wyatt James Dunn Makes Grand Entrance
Neaces Pieces (Continued)
This prayer has caused
turmoil for me because it
angers an enemy. So be
it. Id rather anger Satan Restore Family
than disappoint Christ. I
am asking you to join me
in even more prayer.
Last August, we
announced some big
things. We spoke of
casting vision. We talked
about a three- pronged
approach to our future.
One was church planting.
Without going over those
details again, the Lord has
given us a viable option
for planting a church
within the next five years.
Church development was
another place in which
COGVA needs to focus
our energies and
resources. This can be
done through leadership
development in our
camping and youth
programs, but also
through continued training
through S.H.A.P.E. and
Bryson Wyatt James
Dunn, son of Jeremy and
Amy Dunn, Pastors at
Chatham Hill Church of
God in Saltville has made
his appearance, albeit
several weeks early. He
came into this world
August 30th, 2017. He
topped the scales at 4lbs
other educational and
relational resources
available to us. Finally,
Conference to be held in
Williamsburg June 24-27.
If youve not registered
yet, please do so quickly
at
http://www.restorefamilyco
nference.com/.
While this vision is lofty, I
believe it only scratches
the surface of what God
wants to do with us in
COGVA. I am asking
those who have been
praying with me for
previous issues, to join
with me in prayer that we
might see the
accomplishments of a
successful Restore Family
Conference, with souls
saved and families
encouraged and
strengthened. I am asking
for the prayers of the
saints as we look to
develop leaders for our
congregations in
COGVA News
10oz, and was 17 1/2 in in
length. After a stint in the
N.I.C.U. in Johnson City,
TN, Bryson and his family
are enjoying life at home.
Please join them in
celebration of this new life
and also in prayer as
Jeremy and Amy adjust to
this new chapter in their
lives.
COGVA and abroad. I
am asking you to help
me pray for the planting
of a new church and that
God will provide the
leadership for such a
venture, and with no
debt. I am further asking
that you be specific in
helping me pray that
COGVA can meet our
budget and see it
increase to a place
where we spend more
time and resources on
ministry and
spiritual/numerical
growth than trying to
cover overhead.
According to His word,
as we serve Him, and
continue in His will, there
are no impossibilities!
Lets see what God can
do in COGVA when we
ask in His name for the
tools and equipment to
further the gospel of
Jesus Christ.
 Page 9 of 14 COGVA News
Page 9 of 14

COGVA News Recognizes 500th Anniversary of Protestant

Reformation
Many scholars credit the Reformation with the moment Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the dor of the Catholic Church
October 31, 1517. In honor of the 500th anniversary of this momentous event, COGVA News is pleased to present a copy
of that document:

95 Theses Martin Luther nailed on the church door at Wittenburg.

OCTOBER 31, 1517
Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the
presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at
that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.
In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
1. When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, "Repent" ( Matthew 4:17 ), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of
repentance.
2. This word cannot be understood as referring to the sacrament of penance, that is, confession and satisfaction, as administered
by the clergy.
3. Yet it does not mean solely inner repentance; such inner repentance is worthless unless it produces various outward
mortification of the flesh.
4. The penalty of sin remains as long as the hatred of self (that is, true inner repentance), namely till our entrance into the kingdom
of heaven.
5. The pope neither desires nor is able to remit any penalties except those imposed by his own authority or that of the canons.
6. The pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring and showing that it has been remitted by God; or, to be sure, by remitting
guilt in cases reserved to his judgment. If his right to grant remission in these cases were disregarded, the guilt would certainly
remain unforgiven.
7. God remits guilt to no one unless at the same time he humbles him in all things and makes him submissive to the vicar, the
priest.
8. The penitential canons are imposed only on the living, and, according to the canons themselves, nothing should be imposed on
the dying.
9. Therefore the Holy Spirit through the pope is kind to us insofar as the pope in his decrees always makes exception of the article
of death and of necessity.
10. Those priests act ignorantly and wickedly who, in the case of the dying, reserve canonical penalties for purgatory.
11. Those tares of changing the canonical penalty to the penalty of purgatory were evidently sown while the bishops slept (
Matthew 13:25 ).
12. In former times canonical penalties were imposed, not after, but before absolution, as tests of true contrition.
13. The dying are freed by death from all penalties, are already dead as far as the canon laws are concerned, and have a right to
be released from them.
14. Imperfect piety or love on the part of the dying person necessarily brings with it great fear; and the smaller the love, the greater
the fear.
15. This fear or horror is sufficient in itself, to say nothing of other things, to constitute the penalty of purgatory, since it is very near
to the horror of despair.
16. Hell, purgatory, and heaven seem to differ the same as despair, fear, and assurance of salvation.
17. It seems as though for the souls in purgatory fear should necessarily decrease and love increase.
18. Furthermore, it does not seem proved, either by reason or by Scripture, that souls in purgatory are outside the state of merit,
that is, unable to grow in love.
19. Nor does it seem proved that souls in purgatory, at least not all of them, are certain and assured of their own salvation, even if
we ourselves may be entirely certain of it.
20. Therefore the pope, when he uses the words "plenary remission of all penalties," does not actually mean "all penalties," but
only those imposed by himself.
21. Thus those indulgence preachers are in error who say that a man is absolved from every penalty and saved by papal
indulgences.
22. As a matter of fact, the pope remits to souls in purgatory no penalty which, according to canon law, they should have paid in
this life.
23. If remission of all penalties whatsoever could be granted to anyone at all, certainly it would be granted only to the most perfect,
that is, to very few.
24. For this reason most people are necessarily deceived by that indiscriminate and high-sounding promise of release from
penalty.
Page 10 of 14

Page 10 of 14 COGVA News

25. That power which the pope has in general over purgatory corresponds to the power which any bishop or curate has in a
particular way in his own diocese and parish.
26. The pope does very well when he grants remission to souls in purgatory, not by the power of the keys, which he does not
have, but by way of intercession for them
27. They preach only human doctrines who say that as soon as the money clinks into the money chest, the soul flies out of
purgatory.
28. It is certain that when money clinks in the money chest, greed and avarice can be increased; but when the church intercedes,
the result is in the hands of God alone.
29. Who knows whether all souls in purgatory wish to be redeemed, since we have exceptions in St. Severinus and St. Paschal,
as related in a legend.
30. No one is sure of the integrity of his own contrition, much less of having received plenary remission.
31. The man who actually buys indulgences is as rare as he who is really penitent; indeed, he is exceedingly rare.
32. Those who believe that they can be certain of their salvation because they have indulgence letters will be eternally damned,
together with their teachers.
33. Men must especially be on guard against those who say that the pope's pardons are that inestimable gift of God by which man
is reconciled to him.
34. For the graces of indulgences are concerned only with the penalties of sacramental satisfaction established by man.
35. They who teach that contrition is not necessary on the part of those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to buy
confessional privileges preach unchristian doctrine.
36. Any truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without indulgence letters.
37. Any true Christian, whether living or dead, participates in all the blessings of Christ and the church; and this is granted him by
God, even without indulgence letters.
38. Nevertheless, papal remission and blessing are by no means to be disregarded, for they are, as I have said (Thesis 6), the
proclamation of the divine remission.
39. It is very difficult, even for the most learned theologians, at one and the same time to commend to the people the bounty of
indulgences and the need of true contrition.
40. A Christian who is truly contrite seeks and loves to pay penalties for his sins; the bounty of indulgences, however, relaxes
penalties and causes men to hate them -- at least it furnishes occasion for hating them.
41. Papal indulgences must be preached with caution, lest people erroneously think that they are preferable to other good works of
love.
42. Christians are to be taught that the pope does not intend that the buying of indulgences should in any way be compared with
works of mercy.
43. Christians are to be taught that he who gives to the poor or lends to the needy does a better deed than he who buys
indulgences.
44. Because love grows by works of love, man thereby becomes better. Man does not, however, become better by means of
indulgences but is merely freed from penalties.
45. Christians are to be taught that he who sees a needy man and passes him by, yet gives his money for indulgences, does not
buy papal indulgences but God's wrath.
46. Christians are to be taught that, unless they have more than they need, they must reserve enough for their family needs and
by no means squander it on indulgences.
47. Christians are to be taught that they buying of indulgences is a matter of free choice, not commanded.
48. Christians are to be taught that the pope, in granting indulgences, needs and thus desires their devout prayer more than their
money.
49. Christians are to be taught that papal indulgences are useful only if they do not put their trust in them, but very harmful if they
lose their fear of God because of them.
50. Christians are to be taught that if the pope knew the exactions of the indulgence preachers, he would rather that the basilica of
St. Peter were burned to ashes than built up with the skin, flesh, and bones of his sheep.
51. Christians are to be taught that the pope would and should wish to give of his own money, even though he had to sell the
basilica of St. Peter, to many of those from whom certain hawkers of indulgences cajole money.
52. It is vain to trust in salvation by indulgence letters, even though the indulgence commissary, or even the pope, were to offer his
soul as security.
53. They are the enemies of Christ and the pope who forbid altogether the preaching of the Word of God in some churches in
order that indulgences may be preached in others.
54. Injury is done to the Word of God when, in the same sermon, an equal or larger amount of time is devoted to indulgences than
to the Word.
55. It is certainly the pope's sentiment that if indulgences, which are a very insignificant thing, are celebrated with one bell, one
procession, and one ceremony, then the gospel, which is the very greatest thing, should be preached with a hundred bells, a
hundred processions, a hundred ceremonies.
56. The true treasures of the church, out of which the pope distributes indulgences, are not sufficiently discussed or known among
the people of Christ.
57. That indulgences are not temporal treasures is certainly clear, for many indulgence sellers do not distribute them freely but
only gather them.
 Page 11 of 14 COGVA News
Page 11 of 14
58. Nor are they the merits of Christ and the saints, for, even without the pope, the latter always work grace for the inner man, and
the cross, death, and hell for the outer man.
59. St. Lawrence said that the poor of the church were the treasures of the church, but he spoke according to the usage of the
word in his own time.
60. Without want of consideration we say that the keys of the church, given by the merits of Christ, are that treasure.
61. For it is clear that the pope's power is of itself sufficient for the remission of penalties and cases reserved by himself.
62. The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.
63. But this treasure is naturally most odious, for it makes the first to be last ( Matthew 20:16 ).
64. On the other hand, the treasure of indulgences is naturally most acceptable, for it makes the last to be first.
65. Therefore the treasures of the gospel are nets with which one formerly fished for men of wealth.
66. The treasures of indulgences are nets with which one now fishes for the wealth of men.
67. The indulgences which the demagogues acclaim as the greatest graces are actually understood to be such only insofar as
they promote gain.
68. They are nevertheless in truth the most insignificant graces when compared with the grace of God and the piety of the cross.
69. Bishops and curates are bound to admit the commissaries of papal indulgences with all reverence.
70. But they are much more bound to strain their eyes and ears lest these men preach their own dreams instead of what the pope
has commissioned.
71. Let him who speaks against the truth concerning papal indulgences be anathema and accursed.
72. But let him who guards against the lust and license of the indulgence preachers be blessed.
73. Just as the pope justly thunders against those who by any means whatever contrive harm to the sale of indulgences.
74. Much more does he intend to thunder against those who use indulgences as a pretext to contrive harm to holy love and truth.
75. To consider papal indulgences so great that they could absolve a man even if he had done the impossible and had violated the
mother of God is madness.
76. We say on the contrary that papal indulgences cannot remove the very least of venial sins as far as guilt is concerned.
77. To say that even St. Peter if he were now pope, could not grant greater graces is blasphemy against St. Peter and the pope.
78. We say on the contrary that even the present pope, or any pope whatsoever, has greater graces at his disposal, that is, the
gospel,spiritual powers, gifts of healing, etc., as it is written, 1 Corinthians 12:28 ).
79. To say that the cross emblazoned with the papal coat of arms, and set up by the indulgence preachers is equal in worth to the
cross of Christ is blasphemy.
80. The bishops, curates, and theologians who permit such talk to be spread among the people will have to answer for this.
81. This unbridled preaching of indulgences makes it difficult even for learned men to rescue the reverence which is due the pope
from slander or from the shrewd questions of the laity.
82. Such as: "Why does not the pope empty purgatory for the sake of holy love and the dire need of the souls that are there if he
redeems an infinite number of souls for the sake of miserable money with which to build a church? The former reason would be
most just; the latter is most trivial.
83. Again, "Why are funeral and anniversary masses for the dead continued and why does he not return or permit the withdrawal
of the endowments founded for them, since it is wrong to pray for the redeemed?"
84. Again, "What is this new piety of God and the pope that for a consideration of money they permit a man who is impious and
their enemy to buy out of purgatory the pious soul of a friend of God and do not rather, because of the need of that pious and
beloved soul, free it for pure love's sake?"
85. Again, "Why are the penitential canons, long since abrogated and dead in actual fact and through disuse, now satisfied by the
granting of indulgences as though they were still alive and in force?"
86. Again, "Why does not the pope, whose wealth is today greater than the wealth of the richest Crassus, build this one basilica of
St. Peter with his own money rather than with the money of poor believers?"
87. Again, "What does the pope remit or grant to those who by perfect contrition already have a right to full remission and
blessings?"
88. Again, "What greater blessing could come to the church than if the pope were to bestow these remissions and blessings on
every believer a hundred times a day, as he now does but once?"
89. "Since the pope seeks the salvation of souls rather than money by his indulgences, why does he suspend the indulgences and
pardons previously granted when they have equal efficacy?"
90. To repress these very sharp arguments of the laity by force alone, and not to resolve them by giving reasons, is to expose the
church and the pope to the ridicule of their enemies and to make Christians unhappy.
91. If, therefore, indulgences were preached according to the spirit and intention of the pope, all these doubts would be readily
resolved. Indeed, they would not exist.
92. Away, then, with all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Peace, peace," and there is no peace! ( Jeremiah 6:14 )
93. Blessed be all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Cross, cross," and there is no cross!
94. Christians should be exhorted to be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, death and hell.
95. And thus be confident of entering into heaven through many tribulations rather than through the false security of peace ( Acts
14:22 )
Page 12 of 14
Page 12 of 14
Church of God COGVA News Submission Guidelines
in Virginia COGVA News is a tool for the
Church of God in Virginia to
disseminate news of the Church
4704 Roanoke Road at large and has begun to grow
Christiansburg, VA 24073
where clearer guidelines are
necessary. Under direction from
PHONE:
(540) 268-2040 the Executive Board in their
FAX: meeting of March 13, 2015,
(540) 268-2040 COGVA News will operate under
the following guidelines. What
E-MAIL:
follows is a work in progress as
brobob4691@gmail.com
other State Newsletters are
consulted. All articles should be
cogvaoffice@gmail.com
October is Pastor Appreciation Month (Continued)
preparation and cleanup.
Showing up and offering to
help may mean more than
any card or letter ever could.
Step 6: Help us create a
visual representation of
gratitude by participating in
our word cloud project. This
one is created from words
shared in response to I love
Were on the Web! About the Church of God in Virginia
See us at:
www.cogva.com The Church of God in
Virginia consists of 50
churches across the
Commonwealth and
according to current
CHURCH OF GOD IN VIRGINIA
4704 Roanoke Road
Christiansburg, VA 24073
limited to a length of 500 700
words. Submission to COGVA
News implies permission to edit
submitted articles for clarity and
space availability. Priorities of
space will be given to items of
news of local
congregations/ministries,
COGVA functions, regional
activities, and COGVA Entities
(C.W.C/W.C.G., M.C.G.,
Christian Education, and all
ministries of COGVA).
my pastor because by
our CHOG Ministries
employees. Would you send
us your words? We want to
add to this and share it on
our website! Just send your
completion of that sentence
to chognews@chog.org.
Remember, pastors arent
perfect. The loneliness,
accounting serve over
2,500 constituents each
Sunday Morning. Our
current State Leadership
consists of Chair - Rev.
COGVA News
Non-news items and editorials
must be original to the author
and quotes attributed to its
proper sources. Priorities of
space will be given to items of
news of local church news,
COGVA Ministries.
Submission of articles should be
limited to a minimum of one
article per local church/ministry
per quarter. A quarter will be
defined as Aug.-Oct., Nov.
Jan., Feb. Apr., and May Jul.
discouragement, and fear
you sometimes face can be a
struggle for spiritual
shepherds, too. But you
really can make a difference.
So, you appreciate your
pastor? Then SAY IT.
SHARE IT. SHOW IT.
(Taken from:
http://www.jesusisthesubject.
org/guide-pastor-
appreciation-month/)
Dick Gilbert, Vice-Chair
Rev. Henry Haskins
Secretary Sister Cathy
Atkins, and State Minister
Dr. Bob Neace.
Page 13 of 14 COGVA News
Page 13 of 14 Fall 2017 COGVA Minister and Spouse Gathering
October 26 27
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon
me was not in vain 1 Corinthians 15: 10 a
Host Church Christiansburg First Church of God 650 Canaan Road SE, Christiansburg, VA
Host Pastor Rev. Lance Jenkins
Rev. Melvin Hooker
Opening Message
Thursday, Oct. 26
7:00 pm

Dr. Bob Neace

Identifying the Call to
Christian Leadership
Friday, Oct. 27 9:00 am

Rev. Lonnie Wickard Rev. Lance

The Response to the Jenkins
Call of Christian The
Leadership Challenges of
Friday, Oct. 27 Christian
10:45 Leadership
Friday, Oct.
27 1:30

Rev. Rev. Henry

Barbara Haskins
Parker Closing
The Joys of Service,
the Call to Friday, Oct. 27
Christian 7:00 pm
Leadership
Friday, Oct
27 3:15

Lunch is an opportunity for colleagues to eat together, and supper is intended to be a group venture at the local Golden
Coral at 4:30. The Executive Board will meet at lunch time in the fellowship hall of the host church.
Overnight accommodation information:
Holiday Inn - $99.00 + tax 2725 Roanoke St, Christiansburg, VA 24073 (540) 382-6500 2659
Fairfield Inn & Suites $109.00 Roanoke St, Christiansburg, VA 24073 (540) 381-9596
Camp Christ FREE! Linens and towels must be brought with you and rooms are secured on a first call/first serve basis

540-268-2040
Page 14 of 14

Page 14 of 14 COGVA News

Granby Avenue Flyer

First Church of God

8600 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23503
757-587-1310
Church Services: Sundays, Contemporary Service-9 am, Traditional
Service-10:45 am, Wednesdays, Bible Study, 6:00 pm

Super Seniors Fall Folly

October 10th, 4-6 pm, 17th, 4-6:30 pm, and 24th, 4-6 pm
Free Concerts and Refreshments for the Community

Sunday, October 29th

Calvarys Mercy performance during Morning Worship Service
Cookout following Morning Worship Service

Holiday Celebration Vendor Event

October 14th, 9 am-3 pm
Fun, Food, and Family Friendly Shopping

Girl Talk, Ladies time of fun, encouragement, and refreshments

3rd Thursday of every month
10 am-12 pm
Come and bring a friend. Youll be glad you did!