The Final Phase of the Work

The Continuing Church of God believes that its top priority needs to be to complete the work of Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20 and contribute to the completion of Romans 11:25, which is part of the final phase of the work. What is the "final phase of the work"? Is this something that you want to be a part of it? Are there dangers associated with the final phase of the work?

The transitional phase is over. The beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:4-8) and the final phase of the work have begun. What should you do if you wish to support the final phase of the work?

Herbert Armstrong's Definition of the Work of the Church

To answer the question, JUST WHAT IS THE WORK?, Herbert W. Armstrong personally wrote:

Notice that Herbert Armstrong believed that God mainly worked through the leadership of one man at a time to lead various phases of the work. Not a committee, not a bunch of independent churches and members, but one top leader.

Scripture shows that the mantle passed from Elijah to Elisha (2 Kings 2:9-15). The 'mantle' would currently be with the person/group that truly functioned as the 'pillar and ground of truth' (1 Timothy 3:15).

For fifty years in the second century, according to Herbert W. Armstrong, that man was Polycarp:

The transitional phase, since his death, included leaders such as Aaron Dean, Roderick Meredith, Dibar Apartian, and many other generally faithful evangelists who had been part of the old Worldwide Church of God. They tended to hold to many, though not all, of the basic doctriness--but did not appreciably add to the restoration of all things, which was to happen before the end (Matthew 17:11). Furthermore, none of them, however, appear to be part of any COG that officially teaches about the final phase of the work (this was demonstrated by an internet search of the main official websites of many of them on December 27, 2021 as none of them even had the precise expression "final phase of the work" in anything online).

According to the late evangelist Dibar Apartian, it was to be Dr. Bob Thiel. On October 16, 2008, he first brought this up in person in Evian, France during the Feast of Tabernacles. He and I also discussed it in the Summer of 2009.

The O N E M A N at this time is Dr. Bob Thiel, who while assisting in the directions of others who are supporting him, is proclaiming Christ's Gospel of the Kingdom by radio, via YouTube "television," via internet articles, in person, and in print as he leads the Continuing Church of God. And yes, he could be replaced if that if God's will.

I, too, have striven to be faithful and to not compromise the Word. And, I believe, that prophesied signs from Acts 2:17-18 demonstrate the scriptural appropriateness of my position (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).

True Philadelphians will realize that they need to support the Philadelphian remnant church, which is best represented organizationally at this time by the Continuing Church of God.

Persecutors have lied about me and have wrongly called me, Bob Thiel, a "false prophet." As far as accepting what I write, I only expect people to believe me as I teach matters consistent with the Bible and facts. Don’t simply believe me, believe the truths preached that are backed up by the Bible and/or historical or other facts.

Under Dr. Thiel's direction, the Continuing Church of God has essentially hit that 30% growth per year that the old Worldwide Church of God used to claim it had for decades (there are over 5,000 with us now). Many of those that we have with us did NOT have a WCG background as we reached people others had not. No xWCG COG has grown as fast as the Continuing Church of God in the 21st century.

Well, someone sent me a post dated 11/26/18 from former WCG member James Tabor (who consulted with Dixon Cartwright and others) that contained the following information:

*Note: James Tabor made a typo or had a misunderstanding regarding LCG as it had more like 9K then than 3K–so I placed it before CCOG above. RCG probably has less than 2K and PCG seems to have more than 2K based on information I have seen.

Anyway, the only group in the list above to add over 5,000 congregants in the past dozen years is the Continuing Church of God which began with 5 people on December 28, 2012 (we now have over 9,000). The three groups with more congregants than CCOG above (UCG, COGWA, LCG) have basically been stagnant as far as congregant growth goes in the past decade (they have had relatively little) and the two groups with less congregants than CCOG in that list have significantly lost congregants during that period.

Thus, the only group of the six listed that has the fruits of a prophet is the CCOG.

They say, well anyone can get Africans to come with them, and since CCOG has mainly Africans, this does not count.

Well, that was basically the same attitude that the Jews had in New Testament times concerning the calling of Gentiles. They did not think that the Gentiles counted.

Before going further, consider that according to Jesus, it is the Laodiceans that are wise in their own eyes (cf. Revelation 3:14-18)--and the bulk of the Laodicean Christians that do not properly accept the fulfillment Romans 11:25 as being necessary.

The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

Clearly, we are much closer to the time when all the Gentiles are to come in to later be kings and priests!

The end does NOT come until the 'gospel of the kingdom' reaches enough nations and the full number (as the NIV, NLT, BSB, CEV, GNT, HCSV, ISV, and NET Bible, put Romans 11:25) of Gentiles God wants in this age come in (see also What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?).

If you really are praying for the kingdom to come as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:10, then you should support CCOG.

Dr. Thiel is writing, speaking, and visiting using modern technology including the internet, email, printing press, radio, internet television, and traveling to reach people (in Gentile areas like Africa, Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe, and 'Israelitish' areas like the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Israel), work with others to reach people.

Oddly, certain ones since the death of Herbert Armstrong teach that he completely 'finished the work' of proclaiming the Gospel and/or that he was the prophesied 'Zerubbabel.'

But that is not the case (regarding Zerubbabel, check out the article Zerubbabel and Prophecy).

It is true that Herbert Armstrong ultimately believed that he finished the phase of the work that God gave him to do. Yet, from the time of his death in 1986 until 2009/2010/2011/2012 the church was in a transitional phase.

The late WCG evangelist Dean Blackwell taught that the work would need to be revived and cited the following scripture:

When the preceding verses in Habakkuk 2, such as verse 6 was in the process of getting closer to being fulfilled:

That is NOW in the 21st century as the USA has become the most indebted nation of all time! The USA is setting itself up to be being destroyed by some of its creditors as verses 7-8 of Habakkuk 2 discuss.

Presuming that explanation is correct, that place of safety comment would be sooner from now!

Now as far as Herbert Armstrong's beliefs go, understand that he felt that the organized proclamation and witness phase would continue until the Philadelphian Church went to a place of safety. Notice:

Since the Philadelphians have not yet fled, that portion of the work is not done. Up until (and even for several years after) Herbert Armstrong, died the "Personal Correspondence Department," in a standard letter about the 1290 and 1335 days Daniel, included these statements:

Notice what Herbert Armstrong wrote about the work prior to the time of fleeing and until the return of Jesus Christ:

The 1335 days have not ended, nor as of the last time this article was updated, have they yet have even started, so the work needs to be done. In addition to the types of proclamation efforts that the old WCG engaged in, notice that Herbert Armstrong listed additional components, such as the two witnesses. There are additional components to it as we getting closer to the end and some of these components and specifics make up the final phase of the work. Herbert Armstrong mentioned endurance.

The more faithful will not have their love grow cold. They will live as Christians (Living as a Christian: How and Why?) and support the work of God.

Perhaps this would be a good time to mention that, according to AWstats, CCOG quickly reached people in over 220 countries/territories have accessed our websites. Related to "new doors in television," according to YouTube, our BibleNewsProphecy videos, ContinuingCOG channel, and other videos have been viewed millions of times by people in at least 220 countries/territories. Furthermore we are on multiple video platforms around the world as well as streamed television in Ghana (see CCOG Multimedia).

According to Google, over 368 million impressions on computers around the world have been occurred through CCOG's 'church history' and 'universal offer of salvation' campaigns, since we started this with them in May of 2013 (though we do not know how many are unique computers as opposed to those being reached multiple times). We also have a special campaign on Microsoft which focuses on the Sabbath which has had over 150,000 computer impressions.

Millions of people have been reached over the radio. Dr. Thiel has been a radio guest hundreds of times on stations across North America. We have paid to be on commerical radio in Ghana (two stations, which also stream on television in Ghana) and in Kenya (two more stations, and one of which also reaches Tanzania). While I still sometimes do radio interviews, we are currently on commercial radio in Africa--and people are responding. In addition we are on a separate program four day per week on AM radio in Padua, Italy which reaches into up to a dozen or so European nations. It also broadcasts via shortwave to cover the entire continent of Europe, as well as into the Middle East, and parts of north Africa via shortwave. We are also on AM/FM stations in the USA. See also: CCOG Multimedia.

We have materials in European, African, and Asian languages, and thousands of printed books and magazines have been given away.

Other than COGwriter, here is a listing of links to various CCOG websites and media sites:

We have made at least some of our materials available in over 900 different languages (a listing with links is also found at www.ccog.org).

We have established a separate European website, which we are adding European languages to.

We also have separate Asian, African, and other area websites, most of which have materials in multiple languages.

Actually, the Continuing Church of God has literature in more languages than any known Church of God in history--and this seems to be necessary in order to fulfill Jesus' statements in Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20. Our English language book, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God, has been translated into over 1500 languages.

The total reach and impact of the websites of the Continuing Church of God exceeds the impact of the bottom 90% of groups with origins in the old WCG combined. Furthermore, the popularity of the COGwriter.com website exceeds all but a few of COG groups. The Continuing Church of God has been quite effective on the internet.

We Christians are to preach “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations” (Matthew 24:14), “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19), and ultimately results in followers from “all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues” (Revelation 7:9; Romans 11:25; cf. Daniel 7:14). Thus, it makes sense to get materials into whatever languages God will open up to us (cf. Revelation 3:7-8; 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12).

Some of the result of God's people supporting the final phase of the work will include:

(Wouldn't that be the group working to reach the 'full number' of the Gentiles (see also What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?)? Wouldn't that be a group leading the final phase of the work and getting information on the gospel of the kingdom of God than any group throughout the entire church agehich is something that the Continuing Church of God has done?

Furthermore, since the formation of CCOG, Dr. Thiel has visited the Middle East, preached in North America, preached in South America, preached in New Zealand, preached in Europe, explained COG doctrines in Asia, and preached in Africa. CCOG has congregations around the world (see Congregations of the Continuing Church of God).

One thing that we have striven to restore in the Continuing Church of God is teaching all of Jesus’ words and commands. To truly fulfill His command in Matthew 28:19-20, we have covered ALL THE WORDS of Jesus in the New Testament as well as covering all the verses in the gospels in our English sermons.

Here are links to some of the sermons that show that we have been faithfully fulfilling Matthew 28:19-20:

We have also made all those sermons available to the world on our ContinuingCOG YouTube channel. Perhaps it should be mentioned that when in Africa in 2017, I (Bob Thiel) publicly told those in attendance (which included leaders from six African nations and one European nation) that they needed to also go through and teach everything that Jesus commanded in the New Testament. We want to fulfill Matthew 28:19-20 in as many languages and to as many people as we possibly can. We are preaching the Bible, including the gospels--in fulfillment of Jesus' commissions in Matthew 24:14 and 28:19-20. This shows love to our neighbor as well as obedience to Jesus. We have also gone through more books of the Bible than are listed above (see Going Thru the Bible).

We have reached many millions via radio since formation--by being a radio guest on many secular radio stations and sponsoring our own programs, plus we also have a 24 hour per day online radio presence (see also Continuing Church of God Multimedia page).

Of course, being on radio is something that COG leaders have done since no later than the 1930s. Radio was used so much to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom and other biblical messages, that after he left CG7, the late Herbert W. Armstrong initially named his group the Radio Church of God. Radio is one of the forms of mass media that we in the Continuing Church of God use to teach people about Jesus’ gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14), warn the world what is coming to pass (Ezekiel 33:1-10; watch also Go, Set a Watchman), and provide other teachings (Matthew 28:19-20). I, personally, have been interviewed, on average, just over once every month since the official formation of the Continuing Church of God on 12/28/12. This seems to be significantly more than any other COG leader in the 21st century that I am aware of. It remains my belief that getting secular media coverage will be part of how we will be able to reach the world with the witness of the Kingdom of God that Jesus said would happen prior to the end (Matthew 24:14).

Gospel Proclamation and Your Part

Notice that the end comes after the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached to all the world as a witness to God's satisfaction.

Notice what else Herbert W. Armstrong specifically taught about preaching the gospel, when that work ends, and preparing the church:

Notice that although Herbert W. Armstrong felt that the ministry had to prepare the church, the gospel still needed to preached until the European empire was perfected, and we flee to a place of safety. The European empire has not been perfected yet, nor have the Philadelphians fled to a place of safety, therefore, the gospel still must be preached. And preparing the people is part of the final phase of the work Christians are to be prepared by growing in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18) and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Each member needs to pray and support the Philadelphian work.

The last phase of the work is also a reason to specifically be on the radio in Europe (which we are--see also Continuing Church of God Multimedia page).

Although Herbert Armstrong once thought that by the Spring on 1971 was when the church was being moved to the "final phase of the Work for this age" (Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, April 12, 1971), he then asserted the last phase began January 7, 1972 (Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, February 24, 1972). But also in 1972, the following was published:

Also, in the late 1970s the "last phase" was again taught in his magazine to happen just before God intervenes and His Kingdom comes (Hill DJ. What's the Word for Today? Plain Truth, April 1978, p, 28).

Also note that Matthew 24:34 was referenced in the 1972 article. Notice what that scripture says:

Yes, we, the generation that has experienced the start of the "beginning of sorrows," are the generation to be involved in the last phase of the work.

Herbert Armstrong taught the idea of the final phase of the work. In his December 28, 1980 letter, he wrote:

Herbert Armstrong, probably in 1985, said something to the effect that God used him to lay the Philadelphia foundation and that the details would be filled in. A month after he became Pastor General, Joe Tkach referred to his administration as "this final phase of His work" (Tkach J. Pastor General's Report, WCG. February 21, 1986, p. 1)--presumingly that was what Herbert Armstrong expected Joe Tkach would lead. Yet, his administration did not lead the final phase of the work. Instead of adding the details and preparing which is what Herbert Armstrong had previously indicated, the Tkach Administration worked to destroy the foundation.

Furthermore, it should be noted the two groups I was part of after WCG did not restore the details nor get ready for the final phase of the work, even though for many years I was led to believe that they were interested in doing that. And some of those details that were to be filled in on the foundation are part of the final phase of the work--as knowledge is to be increased (Daniel 12:4) and all things are to be restored (Mark 9:12; Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things).

But that does not excuse us from working to fulfill the commissions from Jesus now in this generation as Matthew 24:14, to cite one example, is part of what this generation would be involved in.

I also should add that one person argued with me that since Jesus does not return until after the place of safety, that this verse does not mean we need to proclaim the Gospel now. Since it is likely that many of God's people will die before then, for them, the Master could seemingly come anytime. Furthermore, Jesus pointed to the Great Tribulation starting AFTER Matthew 24:14 is completed to God's satisfaction.

Yes, this is a discussion of giving, and not just money, but also in other ways, so the work can be done.

Praying is another way we obey. The New Testament repeatedly says we should pray (e.g. Matthew 6:5-13). And have faith when we do it:

Since most end time Christians are NOT Philadelphian, the bulk of Christians do not have a deep enough faith.

Thus, it would seem more logical that the work should continue to be done now. Those who wish to be Philadelphian Christians are to be supporting that.

Jesus will "finish the work" (Romans 9:28), but He expects us and His church to do our parts.

And the giving is not always financial. Everyone is different and has differing talents. We have volunteers who assist with videoing, hosting online church services, editing publications and letters, online radio production, translating, managing Facebook pages, hosting groups where we have no ministers, festival coordinating, website maintenance, uploading videos, literature production, uploading radio broadcasts, assisting in radio broadcasts, and in various other activities that support the final phase of the work. Some pray a lot more than others. Some give more encouragement than others. Some support the work in other ways.

We are to be examples (1 Thessalonians 1:7; cf. 4:12). Or as we also say, Christian ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20).

We are also supposed to be sowers of good. Here is how The Message version of scripture renders Galatians 6:7-10:

Those in the Church of God realize that Christians are warned about those who twist scriptures:

Since some twist scriptures, many end time Christians do not properly support the work.

Furthermore, it looks like some faulty private prophecies will apparently be also used by the unstable to twist the meaning of scriptures against us. Therefore, many of the faithful of the Philadelphia remnant will benefit by having a better grasp how Satan will likely have some of his followers do that (we have an article related to that called Satan's Plan).

Zerubbabel Parallels

Though some claimed that Herbert Armstrong was the prophesied 'Zerububbabel' and finished the work, notice the following scriptures:

Herbert Armstrong did not FINISH THE WORK, Herbert Armstrong only finished the portion of the work he was given to do.

Of course, since HWA is dead, he is not finishing the spiritual temple to be ready for Jesus' return, and thus, he also is not Zerubbabel. But ALL of us now need to pitch in and support the work.

Also, notice that Zerubbabel was involved with the SECOND Temple and that Herbert W. Armstrong was involved in the FIRST part of the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God which was effectively ended by the Tkach Administration, but not the SECOND! But all who support the CCOG now are!

Now, we in the CCOG do NOT have the same type of fancy buildings of the old WCG either--and I knew that, which is why for example, the building shown on the front cover of our songbook, The Bible Hymnal, is a picture of what is believed to have been the first church building--which was also made of stone and mud, and not Ambassador Auditorium that was shown on WCG's songbook. There are parallels here!

The "last phase" the old WCG referred to from Daniel 12 did not happen in the 20th century--but is for the 21st! Yet, many people today will not support the CCOG because we do NOT have the fancy buildings, etc., despite some of us seeing the old fancy building at its prime. That is another parallel to Zerubabbel.

Notice also the following explanation from the Pulpit Commentary related to parts of Zechariah 4:

The work is being done now and the final phase will be finished. Notice that humans are to be involved with the finishing stroke. (More on Zerubbabel is discussed in the article: Zerubbabel and Prophecy).

Stammering Lips?

Having materials in numerous languages is part of the final phase of the work.

While we have materials translated into over 1500 languages, not all of our translation are as precise as we prefer. Even among native speakers in CCOG, there are differences of opinions about how certain works in the Spanish language should be translated.

But even this seems to be prophesied:

9 "Whom will he teach knowledge? And whom will he make to understand the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just drawn from the breasts? 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little."

11 For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, 12 To whom He said, "This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest," And, "This is the refreshing"; Yet they would not hear. (Isaiah 28:9-12)

The Bible says that we are to reach people in multiple languages, despite the fact that most will not respond in this age. And that there may be troubles caused by translations.

Notice the version of Isaiah’s statements in the New Testament:

21 In the law it is written:

"With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,"

says the Lord. (1 Corinthians 14:21)

But that Bible tells us that during the millennium many will understand:

1 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, And princes will rule with justice. 2 A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, And a cover from the tempest, As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. 3 The eyes of those who see will not be dim, And the ears of those who hear will listen. 4 Also the heart of the rash will understand knowledge, And the tongue of the stammerers will be ready to speak plainly. (Isaiah 32:1-4)

Yet also notice something that the Bible says will happen BEFORE the millennium:

33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many ... (Daniel 11:33)

Our sermons, sermonettes, magazines, booklets, and books are intended to assist with this. This is one reason why we have longer booklets and books than many earlier COG Christians did.

Yes, YOU, if you are Philadelphian, may be involved in this instruction--notice some New Testament passages by the Apostles Peter and Paul along those lines:

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15, KJV)

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV)

6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:6)

If you do not learn, so you can give proper answers (or at least know where to refer people to in order to get them) you are in violation of those verses.

But that does not mean trying to be offensive and trying to cram the true religion down people's throats. But we are to let our lights shine to be proper witnesses (Matthew 5:16).

The Apostle Paul taught that as well:

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:9-10)

The knowledge is to be used to be fruitful--not just for your own sake. That is, being fruitful, for you assist in reaching many--via the church--but also possibly yourself.

As Jesus taught:

20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. (Mark 4:20)

Are you one who has been sown in good ground?

What about reaching people in other languages?

The Apostle Paul wrote:

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. (1 Corinthians 14:10-11)

Since there are languages people do not understand (cf. Psalm 81:5), then obviously more languages than one need to be used to teach. And notice that ALL languages, according to the word of God, have significance.

It may also be that some type of 'tongues' miracle will occur again, such as like what happened in the second chapter of the Book of Acts. But Jesus never said, "IF there is a miracle of hearing in original languages, THEN go to all the world to preach the gospel of the kingdom of God as a witness. He said to do it.

As mentioned before, Jesus gave the following commission:

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

This involves being about to reach people in multiple languages. Again, no language miracle is stated to be done to do that.

The Apostle Paul also wrote:

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,

Who bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:12-15)

How can they hear if they do not understand the language?

What about the value of seemingly ‘minor’ languages?

Consider Jesus’ words:

4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' (Luke 15:4-6)

Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)

We are to sow bountifully! This may also help us find the lost sheep, or in this case, make it easier for the sheep to see the fact the Father is looking for them (cf. John 4:23-24).

Notice something else the Apostle Paul wrote:

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:7-10)

Having materials in many languages helps serve ALL as well as those who are in the household of faith.

Initially, God did a language miracle when the New Testament church began:

1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs -- we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." (Acts 2:1-11)

While God could cause a hearing miracle again like He did in Acts 2, scripture does not record that God continued to do the type of miracle where people heard the message came out in one language and then was heard in the language of the hearer’s birth. Nor do we see major evidence of this occurring again throughout Church history.

Perhaps it should be mentioned that the Bible (NKJV) version uses the term “translated” thirteen times. And, since relatively few people know ancient Hebrew AND Koine Greek, we need translations to understand the Bible.

But as people need help understanding the Bible from the ministry (Acts 8:31-35; Romans 10:12-15; Ephesians 4:11-16), having booklets and other literature in multiple languages helps answer the question Philip asked someone reading the Bible:

30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"

31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me? " (Acts 8:30-31)

Literature in various languages help guide those to better understanding.

The Bible shows that this ultimately results in followers from all over and in all languages:

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:

"You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth." (Revelation 5:8-10)

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:9-11)

14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14).

Thus, it makes sense to get materials into whatever languages God will open up to those of us actively supporting the final phase of the work.

Consider the following:

7. "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":

8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. (Revelation 3:7-8)

What is the "open door"?

Let us look at this concept within the New Testament and let the Bible interpret itself.

Paul wrote:

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord (2 Corinthians 2:12).

8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me (1 Corinthians 16:8-9).

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak (Colossians 4:2-4).

Luke wrote:

27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:27)

Thus, the Bible is quite clear that the open door is the door to proclaim the Gospel--and that Gentiles were an important part. You, if you support the CCOG, are helping us go through the doors that Jesus opens.

The late Herbert W. Armstrong understood that the door was opened to proclaim the gospel:

The human leader to be raised up somewhat shortly prior to Christ's Second Coming was to prepare the way--prepare the Church--for Christ's coming, and restore the truth that had been lost through the preceding eras of the Church.

Also a door was to be opened for this leader and/or the Philadelphia era of the Church to fulfill Matthew 24:14: 'And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come' (Mystery of the Ages, pp. 290-291).

And he and his church did reach people with the message in many languages. And he died decades ago (January 16, 1986)--Herbert Armstrong felt that a restoring leader was to be around until about the time Jesus returned--and that is true--and it must be one in the 21st century.

Consider that it was not until after Herbert Armstrong died that there was widespread access to the internet so that this door was open as wide to be able to reach as many people in as many lands.

God's plan for Gentiles was to include a 'fullness' being saved in this age:

11 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. 12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! (Romans 11:11-12)

25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. (Romans 11:25)

Romans 11:25: Romans 11:12, the analogous expression τὸ πλήρωμα αὐτῶν was used in the sense of “their full number." ... The expression τὸ πλήρωμα τ. ἐθνῶν is therefore to be taken numerically: the plena copia of the Gentiles (of whom in the first instance only a fraction has come and is coming in), their full number.(Meyers NT Commentary)

Romans 11:25: the fulness of the Gentiles] Cp. note on “fulness” in Romans 11:12. The word here plainly means the full destined number of the Gentile Church, with the underlying idea of the greatness of that number. (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges)

The Greek word, translated by the NKJV as "fullness," pleérooma (πλήρωμα) is the same in both Romans 11:12 & 25. While reaching the end time descendants of Israel is important, notice that the end does not come until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. Paul also uses in places like Galatians 4:4 and Ephesians 1:10 where the "fullness of times" is mentioned and in Ephesians 3:19 discussing the "fullness of God" and Ephesians 4:13 related to the "fullness of Christ." It does not have to, thus, be discussing a number, but does seem to be precise. There is something precise about the calling of Gentiles.

This was sometimes taught, though not necessarily fully understood in its entirety, by the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God:

Isaiah 11 tells us of the Millennium. The Gentiles are going to seek God (verse 10) and Israel and Judah are going to be gathered THE SECOND TIME from the heathen nations (verse 11). This could not be speaking of any "spiritual Israel." The last verses in this chapter speak of men crossing rivers and highways as they leave the Gentile nations and return the second time to the land of promise.

This is the time spoken of by Paul. "Blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins" (Romans 11:25-27).

Here is GOOD NEWS! Here is part of the gospel message. Blindness is happened to Israel, not forever, but until the full number of Gentiles who are to be converted in this age comes into the Kingdom. (Hoeh H. The Coming UTOPIA... Wonderful World of Tomorrow. Plain Truth, March 1957)

Paul calls this a "mystery" — "that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved..." (verses 25, 26). What Paul is saying is simply this: God has determined to call and choose only a limited number from Israel in this age. He is not trying to save all Israel now! He therefore calls those Israelites whom He wills, but allows the rest to remain blinded so that He can call a number of Gentiles to fulfill His purpose. (McNair R. The Second Resurrection: Part IV. Good News, April 1974)

"Blindness in part is happened to Israel [HOW LONG? Forever? No — note it], UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in" — the end of this age during which God is calling a people from among the gentiles to bear His name (Acts 15:14). (And so, says Romans 11:26, "all Israel SHALL BE SAVED [how?]: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob."

The Deliverer, Jesus Christ, is coming again! When He comes, the gentile times will be over — the BLINDNESS will be removed from the Israelites – and their opportunity — their FIRST chance — of salvation will then come to those whom God had blinded! (Armstrong HW. Where Will The MILLENNIUM Be Spent? Good News, September 1981)

Look again at Jesus' words in Matthew 24:14:

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

Matthew 24:14 has NOT yet been fulfilled in its entirety. And if you look at places like Africa, where we in the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) have had the most growth, you will realize that Gentiles are being called to come in (see also CCOGAFRICA.ORG). The Kingdom of God will not come "until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in" (Romans 11:25)--that has not happened yet, but we are planting the seeds for that now, and getting a partial harvest now--as Romans 11:25 must be fulfilled!

Matthew 24:14, then, is not JUST a witness, but will bring fruits, including those who are not physically Israelites! We in CCOG are pointing out this truth and relatively few have understood since the Apostle Paul wrote Romans 11:25. It was not directly connected by the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God to Matthew 24:14 in any literature I could find--but the Radio/Worldwide Church of God did teach Romans 11:25 would be fulfilled prior to the start of the millennial Kingdom of God.

Based on the Bible, as well as what the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God taught about Romans 11:25, what we in CCOG are teaching is consistent with both.

We in the Continuing Church of God are going through the doors that Jesus opens for us. And getting materials in more languages than any other known COG in history is one of them--reaching many Gentiles, in their languages, is part of the final phase of the work.

World Leaders

The late Herbert W. Armstrong met with many world leaders.

Is more of that expected in the future?

Yes.

Notice something from the Old Testament:

29 Do you see a man who excels in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before unknown men. (Proverbs 22:29)

Philadelphian Christians are to excel in supporting God's work.

Now notice something from the New Testament that Jesus spoke:

12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. (Luke 21:12-13)

While the above is in the context of persecution, it also includes meeting with the influential in the world. That also is consisent with the following words of Jesus:

9 "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. (Luke 16:9)

Herbert Armstrong used valuable gifts as one way to meet some leaders in the world.

That being said, making contacts with world leaders is part of the final phase of the work. Partially to give them a witness (Matthew 24:14) and partially because sometimes they may be of assistance after the start of the Great Tribulation--and likely to also assist with matters related to the two witnesses of Revelation 11.

Meeting with various leaders and bureaucrats in the world, but mainly 'behind the scenes,' is something that has been happening in the CCOG.

Reaching Those of Various Beliefs

In addition to languages and regions, we are also producing materials to reach to people of different belief systems.

As far as Jews (and other descendants of Israel), we are proclaiming the Ezekiel warning (see What is the Ezekiel Warning?). To reach that Greeks and other Gentiles, we are reaching them and realize that the fulness of the Gentiles will be fulfilled (What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?). As far as the Church of God goes, we have dozens of articles explaining how various groups differ from the original faith--it is not giving offense to encourage them "to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3; cf. Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22).

To reach people interested in prophecy, Church of God matters, and news, there is the www.cogwriter.com and biblenewsprophecy.com websites.

To reach those with a Sabbath keeping background, we acquired the URL cg7.org in 2020. That website is named Church of God Seventh Day Sabbatarian Christians. This website is intended to reach people who wonder about the Sabbath as well as those who want to know about different churches that keep the Sabbath. In addition to history and doctrinal materials, it also has dozens of articles on COG and non-COG groups that keep the seventh day Sabbath.

To those with a Protestant background, a book was developed along with fourteen video messages:

The following is intended to potentially reach atheists, agnostics and claimed scientists in order deal with their objections:

The following following are intended to potentially reach Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholics:

If you read and truly understand what we are teaching, God may use you to instruct many.

Final Phase Overview

It is the highly dedicated in the real Church of God that will finish the human part of the final phase of the work before (Matthew 24:14-15) and during (Revelation 11:3-14) the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord. Presuming no significant organizational changes, for many reasons, the final phase of the work will be led by the Continuing Church of God (throughout Church of God, COG, history there have been significant organizational changes, so one must be cautious as more can happen).

The final phase of the work began during the time that Jesus referred to as the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:4-8), will include the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, and does not end until the return of Jesus Christ.

This final phase of the work includes the of identifying what is happening in the world (specifically also in Europe, the Middle East, and the Anglo-descended nations), finishing the proclamation of Christ's gospel of the kingdom as a witness (including the preparation for the short work) along with persecution (Matthew 24:9-14), the rise and work of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:2-12; which will likely overlap a few days with Matthew 24:14), the likely assistance to the two witnesses by the scattered flock (Revelation 20:4; cf. Luke 9:2-6), the three angels' messages (Revelation 14:8-11; plus other angelic interventions), and the witness of those persecuted and martyred for Jesus (cf. Revelation 17:6; Isaiah 43:10a; Acts 29-32). And then Jesus will return and establish the Kingdom of God.

It should be clear to those who truly understand the warnings in the Bible that the final phase of the work for God’s people will also specifically involve:

Part of the point of the sermon messages is to give you information so you will know about these and other things. As you support aspects of the final phase of the work, YOU are being prepared to be part of it--God may use you to speak.

The Holy Spirit will bring things is remembrance what you learned. Learning now is part of how you can be supporting the final phase of the work.

Christians are to add knowledge, at least partially so we will NOT be unfruitful.

We have had people with us that thought they had knowledge as well as Laodiceans who have not been with us because they think they have more important knowledge than supporting God's most faithful work at this time. They tend to forget that you love God by loving others and supporting God's work. Not by holding to pet doctrines you have convinced yourself are more important.

Yes, one way you are to be part of the final phase of the work is to support proper Philadelphian hierarchical governance.

That said, perhaps it should be mentioned that the Bible points to being killed as the result of persecution as seemingly also part of the final phase of the work that some of God's people will endure:

Even though other parts of the Book of Revelation show that persecution will come from a combination of church and state (i.e. 13:1-8), various verses (i.e. 12:13-17) show that it is truly Satan that is behind the persecutions.

Having looked over a variety of Roman and Byzantine Catholic private prophecies, I would suggest that Satan’s planning has not always been completely in secret and that such private prophecies will be cited as “justification” for some of the coming persecutions (see also Persecutions by Church and State; there is also a YouTube video: The Coming Persecution of the Church).

Back in November 2002 (it was the last time I was at LCG services in San Diego as it was before LCG moved its headquarters to Charlotte, NC), the late Dr. Roderick C. Meredith and I had a discussion about how Matthew 24:14 would be fulfilled. I reminded him that he said that LCG’s influence was like 1/2 a peanut shell in the Pacific Ocean. And got him to understand that even if LCG doubled it television coverage that this would not fulfill Matthew 24:14. During that meeting, and subsequent meetings with other LCG evangelists, I put forth my view that for a short time, the media would focus on the message of the Philadelphian work–particularly after identifying the King of the North and explaining what he would do (cf. Daniel 11:39-43). All the evangelists seemed like they had not thought of that, but that they agreed with the vision I laid out.

Now, as it turns out, Herbert W. Armstrong taught something similar about how the timing of the work being finished, that although I must have read years ago, did not remember, or tie it in with this until 12/29/21. Anyway, Herbert Armstrong wrote:

That being said, over the telephone in/near 2004, evangelist R.C. Meredith and I were talking and he agreed with various points I was raising about the end time work. And back then, I was able to help lead him to essentially state that in the end it would not mainly be the message of the COG vs. the Protestants (although Protestants need to be reached and sometimes are more open than Greco-Roman Catholics), but it would be the COG basically vs. the ecumenical religion that will rise up in the end that will likely (for a while) refer to itself as "Catholic" (evangelist Richard Ames confirmed the same thing with me on the Last Great Day in 2012). In 2005, during the Feast of Tabernacles in Clearwater Beach, after a private lunch, we and our wives met at his hotel room and I also discussed various aspects of the final phase of the work with Dr. Meredith--and I had other meetings, discussions, and emails related to that with the other Charlotte evangelists through December 14, 2012.

Yet, even though Dr. Meredith and others in his church agreed to take many steps related to the final phase of the work, few, if any, of the promised steps were taken by his group--this is a major part of why the Continuing Church of God needed to form. Instead of correcting literature errors that would interfere with the final phase of the work, in that church, these errors have continued and perpetuate Greco-Roman Catholic myths--this is not something that the leader of the final phase of the work would do.

Furthermore, Dr. Meredith and others also made statements to me directly and indirectly that they would NOT teach certain beliefs publicly as they felt that teaching about certain doctrinal subjects would get them kicked off of television stations, especially those stations that were or leaned toward Protestantism--although I tried to work with them on this, they would not budge. To a major degree, they have been in a massive self-censorship mode of operation there. And while prudence is wise, this compromise was another reason that LCG could not be counted on to lead the final phase of the work.

LCG and the other COGs are simply not focused on preparing for the final phase of the work. It reminds me of what an archery instructor said to a hesitant novice: If you aim for nothing, you will hit nothing. CCOG is aiming for the short work and leading the final phase of the work.

Furthermore, we also have literature such as Gospel of the Kingdom of God. We have that one in over 1500 languages.

In order to "instruct many" God's Philadelphian remnant needs instruction prior to that time and we in the CCOG are preparing and teaching those potential teachers.

During the final phase of the work, the faithful in God's Church will take a stand against the views of those who will support the compromised persecuting religious power (cf. Revelation 17:1-6). And though aspects of this have occurred throughout history, in the end it will be a major testing of their patience (cf. Daniel 11:28-35; Revelation 14:8-12).

A bolder, yet truthful, willingness to "name names" and call out what is happening will need to happen more than the official COG groups formed between 1986 and 2011 have done--and this would seem to have to be led by the Continuing Church of God. (I have emails from one or more LCG evangelists where they objected to doing parts of this themselves, as well as notes from a meeting where they told me--and one was Dr. Meredith--that they were afraid that I could become too bold and that they did not want to take bold proclamation steps that could trigger the persecution that they teach is biblically prophesied.)

Faithful Christians need to be “ready to give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15, KJV), “ready to give a defense” (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV) to those that will tend to support the power that God opposes. And they are not to be “ignorant” of Satan's devices (2 Corinthians 2:11) nor be deceived by “doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). Part of the way that the more faithful will do this will be by better understanding the Bible, church history, prophecy, and Satan's plans and tactics. Educating the membership about this is part of the final phase of the work. This is something that the Continuing Church of God realizes and is working to accomplish.

Notice what the late evangelist C. Paul Meredith wrote about where have many Greco-Roman Catholic (and Protestant) traditions, including certain prophetic understandings, come:

Part of the way that the more faithful will be able to resist these “traditions” will be by better understanding the Bible, church history, prophecy, and Satan's plans and tactics.

Matthew 24:14-16, The Great Tribulation, and the King of the North

The end has not yet come--the final phase of the work is not over. People have not needed to flee related to this. Materials need to be available to more people and in more languages (see also Preaching the Gospel in Over 1500 Languages).

We are boldingly teaching about prophecies involving Iran, Syria, and Israel that other COGs are not teaching (see Iran in Prophecy). It may be that some will look our way after events align with those teachings.

It is my belief that sometime after the peace deal in Daniel 9:27 and the deal of Daniel 11:23 has been made and/or confirmed by “the prince to come,” that the group that best represents the “sect of the Nazarenes” (the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the church per Revelation 3:7–11, as led by the Continuing Church of God) in the 21st century will begin to publicly identify the person who confirmed the deal (“the prince”) as the one who fulfilled Daniel 9:27/11:23-24. This apparently will enrage the King of the North so much that he initially tries to eliminate these people through political pressure and selected persecution.

When the more faithful in the COG (which will, as it now looks, be the Continuing Church of God, and others who may somewhat follow that lead) publicly identifies the King of the North as well as keeps reporting about the final Pope/Antichrist (the initial reporting about the final pope will likely get lost in the media until later as many will write about the final pope) and this may result in massive media coverage. This magnification of the true Church will help fulfill Matthew 24:14 as the media and others will pour through CCOG literature. Catholic scholars (probably getting some direction from the last pope) and others will tear through COG literature and attempt to challenge the credibility and the integrity of the COG message--this will initially cause "vigilante-type" persecution, but will also be followed by more institutionalized persecution (Matthew 24:-10; Daniel 11:28-35; 7:25). Notice that Matthew 24:14 shows that the "end shall come" after the gospel of the kingdom has been proclaimed to the world as a witness. Media spotlighting of what we the Continuing Church of God will thus get a witness into many lands that otherwise may not have realized much or anything about the gospel of the kingdom.

It may be that prior to going to a place of protection (please see There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra), some Christians will flee out of the European (and certain other) lands dominated by the rising King of the North (and/or his sympathizers) prior to him moving into Jerusalem. This probably be during verses 28-30 of Daniel 11 as this is when the King of the North begins his anger against God's most faithful (and I believe that since God's faithful will understand these passages in Daniel 11 by then, some will not wait until verses 30 or 31 to flee from the north--and will most likely go to Judea).

Now at "the appointed time" (again PRIOR to going to the place of protection) something will trigger the King of the North going towards the south:

Note: the Hebrew term translated as "Cyprus" in the NKJV is a mistranslation. The KJV uses the term Chittim which can mean "Western lands." Hence the King of the North will apparently be temporarily stopped by a Western naval power (this also parallels Numbers 24:24 which also uses the term Chittim and is talking about an Assyrian/European power being troubled by a naval power).

Notice that the King of the North will be even further enraged by the people of the "holy covenant" and most likely try to stop the supporters of it from proclaiming the truth about his intentions and the gospel of the kingdom (c.f. Matthew 24:14). The King of the North will probably attempt to learn more about how to eliminate them by being nice to apostate members (those who "forsake the holy covenant")--apparently he attempts to get them to betray true Christians (Matthew 24:10). It strikes me as important that although a naval power stops the King of the North momentarily, the King of the North becomes apparently more enraged with the people of the holy covenant than the naval power.

Most likely this occurs because the people of the holy covenant are proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14, as that immediately precedes "the end") and teaching that the King of the North is fulfilling prophecies in Daniel 11.

Notice that after the King of the North returns home, he decides to come back to the Jerusalem area, but this time with a much more determined military presence:

The above event, which apparently will involve the King of the North sending in forces into Jerusalem, was spoken of by Jesus (Matthew 24:15) as a warning of the final end time. So after the gospel has been preached enough to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14), Jewish sacrifices are stopped (Daniel 9:27), the abomination is set up (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), and a decree is issued (Zephaniah 2:1), the most faithful Philadelphians will flee per Jesus' statements in Matthew 24:15-16.

And during this time, the northern King will apparently corrupt the corruptible and continue to be responsible for persecuting the people of God:

It is likely that the remnant of the Philadelphians are the ones who are strong, they will instruct many, and will carry out something important--and that will be part of the final phase of the work. This could also include members doing miracles (Acts 2:17-21; see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?). And this seems to have to be led by the Continuing Church of God as we are the ones who are willing to be properly bold, while also actually reaching millions. It should be noted that the words great exploits in the NKJV (Daniel 11:32) do not literally appear in the Hebrew text; but perhaps these faithful Christians have the types of signs that Jesus mentioned in Mark 16:15–18, in addition to the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), as well as the prophesied work of martyrdom (cf. Revelation 6:11). Fruits, in terms of numbers of believers, will also apparently become more evident (cf. John 15:5-17).

Our teachings on this, particularly after these prophecies are being fulfilled and we publicly point that out--as well as us identifying the Beast of Revelation, who is also the final King of the North--looks to be something that will give us the “fifteen minutes of fame” that late Andy Warhol indicated individuals or phenomena would be able to experience. Because our booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God, is available in hundreds of languages, many will get a witness as part of the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14.

This gospel proclamation success, combined with the martyrdom associated with it, will result in the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation, the start of the Great Tribulation, and the King of the North (the "he" in Daniel 11:39) invading the those with the strongest fortresses (which in the 21st century is the USA and its Anglo-Saxon descended allies):

The Philadelphians are the only ones that Jesus promises protection from this coming hour of trial:

Jesus praised the Philadelphians for doing the work and warned them not to let any man take their crown. Because of actions of men such as Joseph Tkach, Gerald Flurry, David Pack, Ronald Weinland, and/or other apostates, many are letting a man take away their crown as many will no longer support the work, and deceive themselves that it is through and that they do not need to do anything but take care of their lives spiritually--that is scripturally in error. Not producing because of overbearing men is NOT a valid excuse per Jesus:

Jesus condemned the one who felt it was safer NOT to support the work that was to be done.

Philadelphian Christians want to respond to the doors that Christ opens to proclaim the gospel (2 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 16:8-9; Colossians 4:2-4).

You will be rewarded by listening to proper church authority and supporting the work.

Philadelphia Christians are not just enduring to the end, they are also to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18; cf. Ephesians 4:15)--and because of that they can better instruct many. Furthermore, while many seem to prefer to focus on knowledge, grace, including love, is something else Christians are to grow in (Galatians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13).

That type of fruit needs to be produced at all times, and especially will be made manifest during the later part of the final phase of the work--a great multitude will respond (Revelation 7:9-14). Other groups, which are led by those that have rejected prophetic truths, will not even know when the Great Tribulation will begin unless they repent (see also Is there a need for a prophet now?).

The Bride, the church, is being prepared--made ready--but not just for ourselves but to develop character by supporting the work and being ready to do what God will have us do.

The Final Phase of the Work

The term 'final phase of the work' was partially inspired by something that the late evangelist John Ogwyn wrote (bolding in original):

The faithful of the Philadelphia remnant who are truly leading the work are the ones that John Ogwyn was referring to in the end. And of course to contend for the faith once for all delivered, having more knowledge about what that original faith was makes such contending more effective. This is part of why knowledge of early church history will help finish the final phase of the work.

God gave Loma Armstrong a dream prior to raising up her husband. God used Herbert W. Armstrong to establish the Philadelphian phase, then one or more evangelists to lead the transitional phase, and now a prophet to lead the final phase of the work.

At least one dream was given prior to the start of the Philadelphian era, and some were given prior to the start of the Continuing Church of God. Consider also that a dream given prior to the start of the old Radio Church of God points to part of the final phase of the work as there was second set of stars in the dream (for more details, see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God):

Herbert Armstrong did mention this two-part dream his wife Loma had in his published Autobiography and the second part of the stars seems to pertain to the final phase of the work as the dream ends at the time of the second resurrection (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Revelation 20:4-6).

It used to be that people with a former Worldwide Church of God background generally believed the dream that the late Loma Armstrong had prior to the formation of the Radio Church of God was a sign from God.

Instead, those who are/became Laodicean have ‘drifted away’ from that. And furthermore, they have tended to discount all dreams.

No, at least not according to the Bible or even the old WCG. As its Personal Correspondence Department in the old WCG sent out a letter on dreams and stated the Bible showed that future dreams from God to His people were expected. It then had a date change added to it and here is a quote from that one:

As the WCG did not publicly acknowledge any such dreams after that letter was sent, the interpretation must be that God would later use dreams (it should be mentioned that the original date of L052 was prior to 1986--hence it was not a change by the Tkach Administration).

Dale Schurter, a former WCG minister, reported that Herbert W. Armstrong stated the following in 1984/1985 (shortly before he died in January 1986):

So, Herbert Armstrong felt that there would be prophecy BEFORE the two witnesses were given power, hence the need for one or more prophets--that was something that God would need to restore--and He has began doing so (see Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).

We in the Continuing Church of God are preparing for the 'short work' by establishing multiple websites in multiple languages, while researching and making available information on church history, doctrine, and prophecy, while also proclaiming Christ's Gospel of the Kingdom to the world as a witness. It is possible that this short work will temporarily swell the ranks of the Church of God (including some Philadelphians, but perhaps with many Laodiceans and many others not truly faithful—many may well fall away—though some of the first will be last and the last first, cf. Mark 10:31). Some will be faithful and bear fruit, while many others may leave (cf. Matthew 13:18 -23; 2 Thessalonians 2:3) once the persecuting tribulation that seems prophesied to occur prior to the Great Tribulation hits (cf. Matthew 24:9-10;21). Then the end will come.

Partially because the message of the COG, the people of the holy covenant, will enrage the upcoming prince/king of the North (Daniel 11:28-30). One or more associated with the Continuing Church of God will be identifying that the European “prince” (Daniel 9:26-27) who is rising up to become a king, will not be able to truly bring peace, but instead about bring war and will be in league with the final Antichrist. This will likely trigger major media coverage. Scrutiny of real, as well as claimed, COG literature will likely happen and various aspects of real and incorrect COG doctrines will likely be ridiculed. Media coverage would then be expected to cover more the COG message and this may be associated with the “short work” of Romans 9:28.

Since the true COG is so small, it is highly likely that it getting significant media coverage will help fulfill Matthew 24:14. Some of the Philadelphia remnant will be explaining that it is Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God and not the rise of a militaristic leader that the world needs. According to Daniel 11:32 it is "the people who know their God [that] shall be strong, and carry out great exploits." Hundreds of millions, if not billions, will receive at least a partial witness. All of that will likely trigger the King of the North to take actions that lead to the end--this includes the persecutions, pre- (Daniel 7:25a, 11:29-36) and post-tribulation (Daniel 7:25b).

It should be noted because of their lack of proper prophetic understandings (see Is there a need for a prophet now?) other groups cannot be leading the final phase of the work. Some of the groups that seem to act like they are do not fully realize the ramifications of the following verses:

Various groups, knowingly and unknowingly are teaching error and are not truly leading the final phase of the work. The Laodicean churches do not have the right and true work.

Internet Monitoring and the Famine of the Word

Since Greco-Roman Catholic leaders have officially renounced the millennial portion of the gospel message, some of them will not want it to be broadcast into all the world in the 21st century. They will support the King of the North’s efforts to stifle the message.

Perhaps under the guise of "neutrality," perhaps under the guise of "The Patriot Act," perhaps under the guise of "public welfare," perhaps because of alleged “intolerance,” calling parts of the message “hate speech” violations of "community standards," "misinformation," and/or national security threats/issues, something will be done to stop perhaps all of the organized media efforts to proclaim biblical truths. A famine of the word is coming (Amos 8:11-12; cf. Romans 10:14-15).

Various governments (like that of the USA and those in Europe) may secretly work to come up with reasons to pull us off the internet.

In this internet age, the most logical way to prevent people from finding the truth of the words of the Lord would be to prevent those with the truth from remaining on the internet. Eliminating blogs and reports that governments do not care for is a plan that many governments have. The rising up of the final European King of the North would seem to be related to the trigger to make that happen.

In a sermon on November 27, 1982 titled “U.S. of Europe is Coming,” Herbert Armstrong stated:

The work (in the Amos 8:12 sense) may be stopped by government officials (like on the internet, radio, etc.) and persecutions began because people of the holy covenant are warning the world of the results of their sins (which they will not want pointed out), pointing out falsehoods in other religions, and teaching that the King of the North is fulfilling these prophecies in Daniel 11. The faithful may be saying things that are not "politically correct" to the point that one or more governments will take action (especially if we are saying, and I expect to help do this, that a certain individual is the King of the North and that he will invade and destroy the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, etc.). Yet, God's work still will be accomplished and the final phase of the work completed.

The Bible tells of a time, which to a degree we are now in, when a certain amount of self-censorship will be needed:

And while some COG groups overly “keep silent,” hence pull-punches in proclamation, the reality is that there is not truly full freedom of truthful speech in countries like the USA without consequences. However, the work will be done and it will trigger persecution. Until the work is done the most faithful will:

Of course, no matter what some Laodiceans insist upon, the end has not yet come--the final phase of the work is not over. Jesus also does not want us to give up early:

I should add that one person argued with me that since Jesus does not return until after the “place of safety,” that this verse does not mean we need to proclaim the Gospel now. Since it is likely that many of God's people will die before then, for them, the Master could come anytime. Remember that James wrote, “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?,” James 2:18-20.

Thus it would seem more logical that the work should continue to be done now. Satan and the Laodiceans simply do not wish to properly support God's work. Of course, many Laodiceans do not know that they are in that condition, and for many reasons will not understand the final phase of the work or who is leading it.

Satan's Plan

Satan has a plan. Satan has established a multitude of counterfeit religions as part of his plan to deceive the world. And although it has worked for most so far, he further plans to untie as many as he can in an end-time religion that, at least for a while, will claim to represent real Christianity.

Over 1900 years ago, God finalized His written word for this age, at least thus far. Near the time of Simon Magus (Acts 8:18-23), the mystery of lawlessness was already at work (2 Thessalonians 2:7). After the completion of the Book of Revelation, Satan continued to influence those who were not faithful to produce and record various twisted views of scripture and prophecy (cf. Matthew 24:4-5). Throughout the entire church age, there have been false brethren (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:26), false prophets (cf. Acts 13:6), and false (supposedly Christian) teachers (2 Peter 2:1). False prophets and false teachers were foretold to rise up (2 Peter 2:1-22)—and deceptive prophecies have been recorded. Though those in the true Church of God have known about this throughout this church age (cf. Matthew 7:15-20) and were warned of this (2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:1), relatively few have stopped to consider how this may affect the final phase of the work of God.

Not all who claim to be Christian, truly are Christian, nor are all who profess to be ministers of Jesus truly His ministers either:

Christians need to know the truth about true Christianity and Satan's significant counterfeits. As the Bible points out, “prophecies” from people who claim to be, but are not truly, Christian will be made. Real Christians need to realize this.

Few understand how Satan has affected the view of many towards church history and prophecy, and how much more he will try to do that in the future. Teaching true believers, and warning others, about this is part of the final phase of the work.

Without going into to all the reasons, let me state that the Church of God has long cited non-biblical sources to support gospel proclamation when appropriate (Acts 17:28; Hill, David Jon. Will you be deceived by Antichrist? Good News magazine of the Radio Church of God, October 1964, pp. 9-12,18; Hill DJ. Christ or Antichrist. Good News magazine, Radio Church of God, April 1961, pp. 10-11). The that the Apostle Paul referred to pagan writings to reach his audience at times (cf. Acts 17:22-34; Titus 1:12), and since real Christians are not to be ignorant of Satan's devices (2 Corinthians 2:11), those who actually believe the Bible more than their own "traditions" should realize that knowing how Satan has planned to deceive the world is an important aspect of being able to complete the final phase of the work (as doctrines of demons will be part of it, cf. 1 Timothy 4:1). Dealing with false prophecies has long been something that God's leaders (cf. 1 Kings 18) and prophets (e.g. (Jeremiah 28:15-16) have had to do.

But the Apostle Paul said he tailored his message to reach people (1 Corinthians 9:19-22), which is why he referred to non-biblical prophecies and understandings.

The Church of God has long realized that although Satan is not omniscient, he does know a great deal about God's plan, and so he basically has his own plan. Furthermore, back in 1964 the old Radio Church of God taught the following about Satan and certain private Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies:

This is part of why there have been citations of many Greco-Roman Catholic and other private prophecies in Continuing Church of God literature. We want people to better understand Satan's plan so that they will be less likely to be deceived. These often Satanically-linked prophecies appear, in many instances, to essentially be false mirror images of biblical ones. Some of these private prophecies seem to be intended to ultimately dissuade people from believing that biblically prophesied events will occur as the Continuing Church of God teaches. And this seems to be part of Satan's plan (cf. 1 Timothy 4:1).

The Bible shows that those who will be faithful during this onslaught should not be ignorant of Satan's devices (cf. Job 5:12; 2 Corinthians 2:11). Yet, “doctrines of demons” will deceive even some who thought that they were God's people (1 Timothy 4:1).

The true prophetic word is part of our message. But Satan, "prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2), wants to obscure the biblical prophetic truths with his own message and plan. Most end time Christians are Laodicean and will not know what is happening on many fronts unless they repent (a video of related interest is 50+ Laodicean Prophetic Errors).

That being said, in a nutshell, Satan's plan as laid out in Roman Catholic and Byzantine prophecies is that in the time of the end, Greco-Roman Catholics will be lax about their faith. This, according to them, will upset God who will cause civil unrest to occur in Europe as a punishment. This will result in military leaders rising up. One, will be the guy. He lead soldiers who bear crosses and he will get support from Mary and others from heaven . This leader is called the Great Monarch or prince of the North in Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies, but we in the Continuing Church of God would call the final Beast, the final King of the North of biblical prophecy. He will change the Greco-Roman Catholic faith so much that much of the clergy, at least in France, will be upset. Yet, a pope, who will ultimately perform miracles, will crown him the head of the revived Holy Roman Empire. They will eliminate the English speaking peoples, and the Muslims, Russians, Chinese, etc. will, for a time, accept this faith. The two are to reign for about four years, they will be resisted by a group that Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies sometimes call "the secret sect," and then, according to other Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies, the Antichrist comes--which in this case, as David Jon Hill pointed out, is really Jesus (see also Do Certain Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus?). And this is all part of Satan's plan to deceive the world and to fight against the Kingdom of God.

And God's people should not be ignorant of this. And teaching the faithful Philadelphians about this is part of the final phase of the work.

Some Roman Catholic Prophecies Point to Aspects of the Final Phase of the Work

There are Roman Catholic prophecies that state or indicate that the beginning of the end will occur in the 20th century. Here are two not previously cited:

Perhaps “after socialism” may mean after communism falls, like it mainly did in the late 20th century. Genuine Church of God Christians with “Jewish practices,” who could be considered a type of “Anti-Christ” by Greco-Romans, are to be greatly persecuted around the time of the Great Catholic “Lion” Monarch. The “atrocious crime” could refer to the “crime” of pointing out that the modern Roman Catholics are not the faithful representatives of true apostolic Christianity and that their apparent Great Monarch represents not the solution, but the ten-horned beast of Revelation. Or maybe it refers to the Jews re-instituting sacrifices (cf. Daniel 11:31) or an action by the nation of Israel such as destroying Damascus (Isaiah 17:1). Or perhaps a combination of factors.

There are also more Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies indicating the end apparently beginning in the 20th century (Germany, for example, was divided in the 20th century):

It would appear that the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God is the secret sect that is being discussed above. Perhaps I should mention that if Pope Francis sells certain real estate holdings of his church, he may contribute to the fulfilling the about secularizing church property. As far as the COG goes, the Roman Catholics have been affected in waves, starting with Herbert W. Armstrong, who published the Plain Truth magazine from February 1934, until his death in January 1986. Herbert Armstrong’s time frame is consistent with the 50 or 60 years before the year 2000 that Nun Emmerich was led to “foretell.” (While the Philadelphia work began then, it is the later “waves” that I believe will constitute the final phase of the work.)

Although it is true that there may have been other anti-Vatican leaders during Herbert Armstrong's time, I know of no others back then that were as adamant about the coming kingdom of God and why the final “Catholic” church fit many of the negative prophecies in Revelation. Also, since the Jesus’ true church is so small, it would seem to that it meet the Roman Catholic idea of being a “secret sect.”

It seems to have been Herbert W. Armstrong that some demon(s) may have had Nun Emmerich (presuming there was any accuracy in her prediction) interpret as Lucifer or his agent. I believe that in the old Radio/Worldwide/Global Church of God, etc. various longer-time leaders, were part of the waves against the Greco-Roman doctrinal changes, and various COG leaders will at least contribute to the final pre-tribulation wave of success against the final Roman message. Various COG leaders have “traversed the earth” to proclaim the true gospel of the kingdom while also warning against the emerging Beast power (as have I).

Some Roman Catholics seem to believe that after the “sect” it will oppose rises up, demons will punish its followers and that all others will support the pope:

Yet, are demons supposed to lead the triumph of the faithful church? The Bible nowhere so indicates this, but it does tell of persecution of true believers (John 15:20) and the power of darkness going forth from the Beast and the False Prophet (Revelation 16:13).

More on the Secret Sect

(Note: I use the spelling of Emmerich/Emmerick as provided by the sources cited. Also, some of the various titles after names of “prophets” vary based upon the sources cited.)

This article that you are now reading could be considered part of a plan evolved by the secret sect to undermine the compromised church. It seems that the Church of God will be perceived as relentless attacking them since at least the time of Herbert W. Armstrong. Notice that according to the above mystic prophecies, this secret sect causes problems for the Romans near the time of the end, but it leads into a time of Greco-Roman Catholic renewal and dominance. This may include the Great Monarch gaining more prominence. It is interesting to note that many of those attacking the secret society wear a red cross (people in the Continuing Church of God do not wear crosses, though some visitors/prospective members temporarily might)--could this be related to the persecutions prophesied in Daniel 7:25 and 11:28-35?

Notice that the following private prophecy also shows that persecutors will wear a red cross:

It is also interesting to note that at least one mystic believes that there will be a group of what he calls “wicked men” who “prepare the way and a place for Anti-Christ whose reign is approaching.” The reason this is interesting is that Herbert Armstrong got the Church of God to focus on the message of proclaiming the gospel of the coming millennial kingdom of God as its major message [the old Church of God (Seventh-Day), that he had been part of, never really did that well].

These Greco-Roman Catholic private prophecies encouraging persecution may be pointed to as partial justification to provide the type of persecution that the Philadelphia remnant will be subject to according to the Bible (Daniel 11:28-35; Matthew 24:9-14; Revelation 12:13,17; 14:8-12).

Lest it seem that I have been overly presumptuous about a portion of the Church of God being portrayed as a “secret sect” or called “Jews” by Greco-Roman Catholics, history shows that some Greco-Romans consider Christians who hold to early Jewish Christian practices to be Jews.

Notice that this goes back until at least the 4th century according to a Roman Catholic priest and researcher:

The Bible (Acts 8:1) and secular history records that Christians were for centuries considered to be a secret cult or a secret sect by various ones. Note one account of the early persecutions by Graeme Snooks:

Notice that early Christians, who would not participate in military warfare nor engage in emperor worship, were considered a secret cult. Despite that, they existed throughout the empire. The same type of situation is expected at the end. The faithful in the Church of God will refuse to accept the new ecumenical emperor worship that the militaristic Beast and False Prophet will encourage; they will resist this religion even though it will likely use the name “Catholic.” The faithful Christians will likely be branded as a cult or secret sect.

But those of us who are Philadelphian Christians realize that Christians were long accused of being part of a "sect" (Acts 24:5, NKJV), called a "cult" in the NLT. Jesus taught, in Luke 12:32, that His people would be a "little flock"-- which the world, then, may consider to be part of a secret sect

Orthodox seers and writers have also taken positions against those with original Judeo-Christian practices. One example would be a 1249 A.D. vision of “Blessed Hieronymus Agathaghelos” which claimed that “the blasphemies of the Sabbatians have stained and soiled for many centuries” (Cited in Tzima Otto, p. 135; Dr. Otto herself refers to those with Nazarene/Judeo-Christian beliefs as “Christian traitors” on p. 240).

So the Orthodox scholar suggests that Sabbath keepers point to the Bible as proof of their position and that is apparently an unacceptable “excuse” to her. She apparently feels that they are just Jews who are pretending to be Christians. She also believes that some who will support the Greco-Romans will betray them (which is consistent with Daniel 11:32-35).

Also notice what is in a book written in the 19th century by an anonymous Catholic clergyman writing under the name Maurice Pinay:

The above book is still recommended by and for many Catholics (though some others distance themselves from it). Hence, some of the Greco-Romans have considered some of whom we in the Continuing Church of God include in our tracing of our spiritual ancestors (like some of the Cathars and Albigenses) to have been a secret Jewish group that only professed Christ.

Several Greco-Romans have taught that a secret sect with Jewish practices that opposes idols will harm the “Catholic Church,” and that many believe this is bad and will require action. And part of the "final phase of the work" will be that Christians will give their testimonies when persecuted:

This is an aspect of the final phase of the work that most prefer not to wish to embrace, but is never-the-less going to come to pass.

The Continuing Church of God is attempting proclaim the entire message and not just the "smooth things" that many seem to prefer to hear.

All Slumbered and Slept

Jesus wants people to WAKE UP AND SUPPORT THE FINAL PHASE OF THE WORK THAT BEGINS JUST PRIOR TO HIS RETURN. Can you admit that you have not paid enough attention to the final phase of the work? If so, it is not the time to awake and do so?

The true, most faithful, Church of God will be getting the bride ready (cf. Revelation 19:7). That involves teaching all things Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19-20) as well doing the work that God wants done.

The Millennial Teaching Will be an Excuse for Persecution

Even though early church writers (including many considered to be Roman Catholic and/or Greek Orthodox saints) endorsed the teaching of a one thousand year millennial reign (see Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?), it was condemned after the ascension of the Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, and highly discounted by the Greco-Romans in the 5th and later centuries.

In the Middle Ages, both the Protestants and Roman Catholics condemned the Anabaptist-related sects for believing in a literal millennium.

Yet, in spite of sporadic condemnations, not all Roman Catholic nor Protestant scholars after the Middle Ages taught against the millennium.

Thus, the millennium was not strongly condemned within Roman Catholicism into the 19th century.

In the twentieth century, Roman Catholics apparently were concerned so much about the millennial teaching that the Vatican decided to act against it.

Oddly, the above suggests that Satan has been gone a thousand years (Satan is shown to eventually be bound for 1,000 years in Revelation 20:3).

Does any thinking person believe that Satan was ever bound and away from the Earth for 1,000 years after the Book of Revelation (which Roman Catholics often refer to as the Apocalypse) was written? This has never happened literally or spiritually. It will happen in the millennium.

But another questions is, why might the Vatican have issued such an anti-millennial decree in 1944?

The first is that after Adolph Hitler's third reich, which was supposed to be a thousand year rule, was clearly losing WWII, the Vatican decided to it needed to officially distance itself from millennial teachings. They did not seem keen on condemning it when Adolph Hitler was rising in power or winning battles. Only after it became apparent that he would lose, did the Vatican somewhat rise up to condemn this doctrine.

The second is that by that time, Herbert W. Armstrong, a Church of God leader, was proclaiming Christ's gospel of the kingdom enough on radio throughout North America that Vatican leaders perhaps decided to more officially distance themselves from that belief (which they also could have heard versions of from others).

One or both of those facts may have been factors in the timing of the Vatican's announcement.

And although it seemed to warm up to the idea again in 1966 (Culligan, pp. 67, 113-115), the Vatican has gotten tougher on this is in more recent history.

Teaching the millennial reign of Christ on the Earth, the Gospel of the Kingdom, is considered by Benedict XVI to essentially be a MAJOR teaching of Antichrist. Yet, we in the Continuing of the Church of God consider it a MAJOR end time doctrine of the Bible.

Amazingly, it is the only major teaching associated with Antichrist claimed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the first truly revised edition in centuries, and one that contains the Imprimatur of the one who is now the pope:

Notice that the Bible teaches that the kingdom of Jesus will come to this world and this lasts one thousand years (which is what “millenarianism” represents):

The Catholic Encyclopedia actually realizes that the Bible teaches as 1,000 year reign:

Yet, notice what Joseph Ratzinger wrote in a paper titled The Theology of History in St. Bonaventure before he became Pope Benedict XVI:

The fact that we, in the Continuing Church of God, specifically teach the millennium AND that there is another time for salvation IS specifically condemned by the emeritus pope. In this way, we are also different from most millennial Protestants who normally do not teach after the second resurrection that salvation will be offered to those who did not have a real opportunity in this life (see also Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism). We also teach that there will be a third resurrection where the incorrigibly wicked will be raised and destroyed as shown in Revelation 20:13-14 (see also What Did Early Christians Understand About the Resurrections? and The Last Great Day: Shemini 'Azeret).

It appears that the millennial view is being so definitely condemned now, because we are getting so close to that time, that the Vatican intends to warn against following any who will be teaching it, like the Continuing Church of God and the actual two witnesses.

The teaching of the millennium is part of the gospel of the kingdom that Jesus stated would be taught to the world as a witness before the end comes (Matthew 24:14). It may be that it is partially because of the effective teaching of this message that will embolden the final pontiff, who could by the Roman definition be considered an antipope, to ask the King of the North to intervene and stop the work of the true Church.

While the two witnesses lead the final witness at the end, perhaps it should be emphasized the old Worldwide Church of God taught that the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom by the Philadelphia portion of the Church ends at the time it goes to the place of safety (Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General's Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, p. 2).

What may happen is that the preaching of the genuine Church of God may be so powerfully effective for a while that the compromised Vatican will experience suffering from a little group that it did not really know existed, that is, the secret sect.

This may lead to the events in Daniel 11:28-35 and Matthew 24:9-10, including the persecution of the Philadelphians mentioned previously. It will also lead to reprisals by Roman Catholic supporters that will eventually affect others, including the non-Philadelphian COGs.

Notice that Canon III of the Fourth Lateran Council of 1215 encouraged Roman Catholics to exterminate heretics:

Notice that the above was to apply to “all heretics,” and while we in the Church of God are NOT actual heretics (though some of us were raised as Greco-Roman Catholics), pronouncements such as Canon III will likely be used as justification for persecution against us. Is that any different than the position taking by Islamic extremists to destroy all the infidels by pointing to some Islamic pronouncements?

The following private prophecies support the idea of reprisals from the Roman Catholics and that its enemies and a sect, apparently of the Church of God, are rendered inconsequential by their leaders:

The comment about public executioners appears consistent with the Orthodox comment about there being one for the Sabbath keepers. The comments about being burned by executions and horse leather stench may be referring to some of Philadelphian remnant Church of God literature and/or related people being burnt up as this is also consistent with Daniel 11:33. Like other persecutions throughout history, it is unlikely that the Greco-Roman confederation will only limit the persecutions to those actually part of the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God, like the Continuing Church of God.

It should be mentioned here that the idea that “heretics” should NOT be burned was condemned as an error by Pope Leo X in one on the ex-Cathedra pronouncements he made. Notice:

So, according to at least one pope, burning heretics is “the will of the Spirit.” Of course, no scripture supports Pope Leo’s position.

An Orthodox mystic seems to teach that the Great Monarch, who may be demonically influenced (cf. Revelation 16:13), will kill his enemies and burn them up:

The Bible itself shows that demons have influenced prophetic events (1 Kings 22:20–23), will do so in the future (2 Corinthians 11:13-15), and that cruel demons will clearly be supportive of the Beast and the False Prophet (Revelation 16:14). These private prophecies suggest that some mystics have confused those on the side of Jesus and those on the side of demons. Accepting the ecumenical form of religion in the future will mean choosing the side of demons, not truly the side of God. Those affiliated with the true Church of God will point out that kingdom of God is what humanity needs and that feared Great Monarch King is on the side of demons.

Unity of God and Persecution

The following non-biblical prophecy that mentions secret societies and a particular false religion may specifically apply to the Philadelphian remnant of the Church of God (and/or groups like it):

Now the above suggests that secret societies will impugn the most sacred dogmas and doctrines of the Roman Catholic religion. Before Jesus, who some mystics sometimes seem to identify as the Antichrist (e.g. see Do Certain Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus?), comes, a false religion will arise that is “opposed to the unity of God and His Church.” Those in the true Church of God, of course, have long opposed the compromised church.

In other Roman Catholic writings, it is the trinity that is referred to as the unity of God. The Catholic Encyclopedia states:

The “false religion” in the Jane le Royer's prophecy can only be referring to an anti-trinitarian group. Notice that this group “appears” just before Antichrist. Thus, if the “false religion” that appears at the end AND the “secret sect” are the same group, then the private prophecies are warning about a group with “Jewish practices” that starts causing them problems in the 20th century, that is anti-trinitarian. This clearly describes the old Worldwide Church of God and, in the 21st century, the Continuing Church of God.

Ignatius of Antioch, whom the Greco-Roman Catholics consider to be a saint, taught deification and that such was the ultimate unity of God:

So, Ignatius taught that the goal for God’s people was deification and to do a better, eternal, work--and that humans were to attain the unity of God.

Theophilus taught deification, the unity of God with humans, and doing good for those who were real Christians.

One of the reasons, the original catholics who were called Paulicians by the Romans were persecuted was because they denied the trinitarian “unity of God” (Gibbon E. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Volume 4. BF French, 1830, pp. 5,28,29). This looks to be a reason some may cite for future persecution.

Furthermore, notice the following Roman Catholic prophecy that was written between 1810 and 1830:

Now “madmen” was a term used by Emperor Theodosius for those who refused to accept his trinitarian position (Theodosian Code XVI.1.2. Cited in Bettenson H, ed., Documents of the Christian Church, London: Oxford University Press, 1943, p. 31). Hence, the above seems to be saying that when books come out that his doctrinal supporters do not like, this will cause the Church of Rome problems, but lead to the rise of the Great Monarch. As far as the “throne of his ancestors” goes, may be a reference to the Hapsburgs (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 195) and a resurrected final “Holy Roman Empire” (cf. Revelation 13:1-4) that other Greco-Roman Catholic private prophecies have pointed to. So, again it looks like calling the faithful "madmen" is still part of Satan's plan.

It should be mentioned that other Greco-Roman Catholics seem to feel that prior to the Antichrist coming, some they associate with him will take a non-trinitarian view of the Godhead. Notice the following Greco-Roman Catholic writings:

Those of us in the Continuing Church of God espouse what Greco-Roman Catholics have termed semi-Arianism or binitarianism (see Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning), deny the Greco-Roman trinitarian unity of God, teach the original view of the unity of God (deification) and our writings and preaching are often clearly opposed to those now taken by the Roman Catholic Church.

The old Worldwide Church of God and groups that came (directly or indirectly) out of it, as far as the Greco-Roman Catholics are concerned, have simply recently appeared out of nowhere. Modern Greco-Roman Catholics are normally not willing to accept that we can trace our spiritual roots throughout history, although our ties to the faithfulness to the earliest apostolic successors, like Polycarp, are much stronger than theirs (see, the free online book, Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church).

The prophecies warning about some type of Arianism being taught near the time of the end could be applied against groups like the Continuing Church of God.

Before going further, it should be noted that the World Council of Churches only allows trinitarian churches and the Vatican's recent paper called the Ecumenical Vademecum.

Knowledge Will Increase

After the Great Tribulation begins, many will see the final phase of the work and many will respond, for according to the Bible:

The above will happen during the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7; cf. Daniel 12:1), which is part of the final time of the Gentiles (cf. Luke 21:24; Revelation 11:2). Notice also the following:

The final phase of the work will include additional Gentile involvement. This may be why more Gentiles are responding now to the Continuing Church of God. Of course, the Ezekiel warning must be given to the descendants of Israel, and is being given, but when those descendants do not respond as they should, God does turn to calling more Gentiles, as happened in the time of the Apostle Paul (Acts 13:43-47).

The final 'Elijah' is to arrive and turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and children to the fathers (Malachi 4:6). In CCOG, we strive to do this with proper biblical instructions, animations, and, where we feasibly can, youth camps.

This includes knowledge that was lost about doctrine, prophecy, and church history, and likely proper priorities on Christian living, such as turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers (Malachi 4:5-6; cf. Ephesians 6:1-4). See also Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things.

Those in the Church of God also need to increase their knowledge. This would include knowledge of doctrine, prophecy, early Church history, as well as aspects of Satan's plan so that these matters can be answered and the truth defended (1 Peter 3:15).

The above is precisely what the Continuing Church of God has done (see also Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things). Furthermore, we are unique in that not only have we restored more information about the history of the true Christian church and other doctrines, Doing this is part of the final phase of the work.

Satan is aware of the Daniel 12:4 prophecy and would realize that knowledge put together in books and articles could be used to try to undermine his plan. Thus, perhaps he helped inspire the following private prophesies:

Those in the Church of God write some books (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages. Dodd & Mead, 1985; Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009. www.thesecretsect.com; Thiel B. Fatima Shock! Nazarene Books, 2012 www.fatimashock.com; Thiel B. Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States. Nazarene Books, 2012, www.barackobamaprophecy.com; Thiel B. The Last Pope. Nazarene Books, 2013. www.thelastpope.com) and booklets (Armstrong HW. The Book of Revelation Unveiled at Last! 1972) that some may feel partially fulfill the above. And is it gets closer to the end time, it would appear that some of our materials will be claimed to fulfill those prophecies relatively soon, especially within the next several years. That is when the “Catholic” Great Monarch is expected to rise up.

While those in the real Church of God are not the only ones who can write books that Roman Catholics disapprove of as a false religion, as it gets closer to the end, I believe that some of our writings (like this text) will be considered a serious threat to various ones in the Roman Catholic Church. Part of the reason is that both scripture and history document our faithfulness above groups like theirs. Scripture not only teaches that knowledge would be increased in the time of the end, but that all things would be restored (Matthew 17:11), which presumes that this knowledge will somehow be conveyed--likely including (but not limited to) the written word.

Furthermore, Roman Catholic prophecy suggests that some will attempt to the attack the Greco-Roman Church at its very foundations during a time that seems to parallel their “minor chastisement”(Birch, pp. 364,553). Some of them teach this will happen before the Roman Catholic Church gains its major end-time prominence. Here is one such account:

Interestingly Dibar Apartian (a late evangelist) and I, could be considered to be heretical persons. The reason is that both of us were Greco-Roman Catholic (with Dibar Apartian as originally Armenian Orthodox Catholic and I originally Roman Catholic), only those baptized as Roman or Orthodox Catholics (and possibly their children) and having left the dogmatic teachings of the Greco-Roman Catholic churches can officially be considered to be heretics by the Roman Church (though in modern times official pronouncements are considered necessary to be an actual heretic).

Others in the genuine Church of God who work to expose the Roman Church from its very foundations, yet do not have a Greco-Roman Catholic background, would be considered to only be impious. Heretics are always also considered to be impious. It seems that only those who know their Bibles and the truth of early church history would have the ability to destroy the very foundations of the false church. Hence, knowledge of real church history would seem to be part of the final phase of the work (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:15). But while the faithful who lived through times of doctrinal compromise understood much of what happened, a lot of this knowledge had not been retained. During the time when knowledge is to increase (cf. Daniel 12:4), greater understanding of real church history (including doctrinal compromise) is something that should be restored.

Notice further that the mystic Elizabeth Canori-Mora claims that infernal spirits/demons will punish those working to expose the Roman Catholic Church at its very foundations. The Bible itself shows that demons will perform signs to influence end-time events (1 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 9:20) and that they will be supportive of the Beast and the Antichrist (Revelation 16:14; 18:12). The last cited Roman Catholic prophecy, like several others, confirms that certain Greco-Roman Catholic private prophets have confused those on the side of Jesus and those on the side of demons. Do Greco-Roman Catholics not realize that according to prophecies of their mystics that they often will be choosing the side of demons and not truly the side of God? Do those in the Church of God realize how some of them may be used of God to support the work of fighting against the side of demons?

The Role of Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies

Speaking of demons and Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies, Desmond A. Birch, a Roman Catholic writer, has made the following observations:

I would tend to pick a modified version of numbers 2 and 3, while pointing out the private prophecies do not teach everything “exactly the same way.” Because they often contradict scripture, many of the private prophets have been deluded by demons.This would be part of a Satanic conspiracy, with some compromising complicity, that has spanned more than seventeen centuries. Those who do not love the truth of entirety of the word of God (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17), will be deceived by end time events and not be saved then (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). Being deceived and spreading deception is prophecied to be worsening in our time:

For additional proof of the position that many of the Greco-Roman saints and venerated have been deceived, notice that Anne Emmerick was one of those prophets Desmond Birch referred to elsewhere in his book. She allegedly claimed that Jesus had visions of Limbo (Emmerich AC. The Life of Lord Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations. Schmöger edition, Vol. IV, pp. 274, 349-351) and reportedly had close contact with many dead souls in Limbo (Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerick. Mystic, Stigmatist, Visionary, and Prophet 1774-1824. Copyright © 2001-108 Leo's Design. http://members.chello.nl/~l.de.bondt/EmmerichEng.htm viewed 8/23/08). Although Limbo was never a COG doctrine, the Vatican itself now correctly indicates that Limbo does not exist (The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptized. The International Theological Commission, Vatican City, April 20, 2007. at http://www.campchabad.com/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070419_un-baptised-infants_en.html#_ftn2 viewed 02/07/09; see also What is Limbo? Is There Such a Place as Limbo? What Happens to Babies When They Die?).

Thus, the stigmatic Nun Emmerick, who also claimed to see evil spirits and dead pagans (Emmerich AC. The Life of Lord Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations. Schmöger edition, Vol. IV, pp. 351-352), should likely be seen as being demon influenced as there is no such place as Limbo. This should also demonstrate to Greco-Roman Catholics that stigmata and other signs are not proof that their prophets are true. Many other “private prophets” had visions related to the dead or seeing the dead.

The Bible warns against these kinds of prophets. Notice what Isaiah was inspired to write:

The testimony is referring to God’s word (Isaiah 8:16; cf. Revelation 19:10). Mystic prophets often prefer the traditions of men, including how they tried to change the laws of God, over the true law and true testimony of the Bible.

There are many private prophecies that are not going to come to pass. Some are in blatant contradiction to others. But many have come to pass and others may come to pass, even if the dates etc. are wrong. Remember that Satan and his demons do have some knowledge of God’s plan (Matthew 4:6; James 2:19).

However, it is reasonable to expect that some Greco-Roman Catholics will point to their private prophecies as proof as part of the signs and wonders showing why they and their explanations of prophetic events should be accepted instead of those in the Bible. This is part of why those who profess to believe the Bible need to be aware of them during the final phase of the church age (cf. 2 Peter 3:14-18; 2 Corinthians 2:11).

Because of the timing, its size, its anti-trinitarian stance, its Sabbath-keeping, its long-held position of restoring apostolic Christianity, its emphasis on prophecy, its aversion to wearing crosses, its emphasis on gospel proclamation, its identification of false Greco-Roman “Christianity,” and our positions on early church history, I believe that one or more parts and/or members of the Church of God seem to represent what that certain “Catholic” mystics have long warned about). And the fact that there are those with beliefs that Catholic prophets have warned about for centuries, this should let all those with eyes to see and ears to hear consider the fact that it is the Continuing Church of God, not the Church of Rome, which is the most faithful Church.

Why else would demonic forces have inspired so many private prophecies for so long against the true Church of God if it was truly a cultic group of no consequence? Knowing this, and being able to explain this to the world (cf. Daniel 11:28-35) would seem to be part of the final phase of the work (see also Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies?).

Certainly, the two witnesses will not only have to explain the Bible, but also have to explain why various signs and lying wonders are false (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). These signs and lying wonders would also seemingly have to do with dealing with false prophets and false prophecies who will deceive all except the elect (Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22-23). Hence, pointing out those errors would seem to have to be part of their testimony (cf. Revelation 11:7). The two witnesses, and those who have similar beliefs, will likely be knowledgable of Satan's devices (2 Corinthians 2:11), including his agents' use of false prophecies, twisting scripture, and distorting church history.

Does God Need a Smooth Orator to Proclaim His Truths?

Some have suggested that God would only want to use leaders who are smooth orators to lead the final phase of the work, but that is not consistent with the biblical account.

It should be obvious that Jesus intended that the gospel would be proclaimed throughout the world until He returned, and He did not require great speaking abilities. Some, citing John 6:28-29, seem to dismiss the need to truly do the work that Jesus said. Some forget, "faith without works is dead (James 2:20,26) and that Jesus gave the commision after responding to people who wanted to see the work of God then (almost 2,000 years ago)--before the start of the New Testament church age.

Part of the final phase of the work will be done by God's Spirit through His people, but many will not have the faith to believe:

Moses tried to object when God called him to lead His people, but God had other ideas:

God is responsible for who He calls and will provide whatever skills, speaking or otherwise, that God wants.

God also called the Apostle Paul. Paul wrote more books of the Bible than anyone. He called himself an apostle to the Gentiles (Roman 11:13), yet did not consider that he was inferior to the other apostles (2 Corinthians 11:5).

God decides who He wants to call and does allow His leaders to have "thorns in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7) for His purposes. Those who look for the most eloquent speakers need to realize that the Jews did that, but that Paul responded with the truth:

Notice that Paul got the message across even though he was apparently not as good of a speaker as the one who was making accusations against him.

Be careful about discounting what God may do through you or His chosen leaders, presuming they speak the word of God in truth.

Most, even in the COGs, are not willing to leave their comfort zones or support. More are Laodicean than think that they are.

Although David was famous in Israel for slaying Goliath, leading battles, and being the son-in-law to King Saul, of the millions in Israel, only some hundreds were willing to support him:

Are you one that would have supported Saul or David? It is David, and not Saul, that the kingdom ended up being established through, and will be for all eternity. Be symbolic supporters of David and support the Continuing Church of God as we lead the final phase of the work.

Who Will Be Doing This Work?

Never before have so few people with such relatively few financial resources reached so many with so much around the world. Never has a Church of God made The Gospel of the Kingdom of God available in so many languages. We have also have the broadest radio presence of any Church of God group this decade (see also Continuing Church of God Multimedia page). Unpaid volunteers with guidance by the Holy Spirit are doing a work many despise, but Jesus is opening the doors for His Philadelphian remnant.

The Two Witnesses

The Bible teaches that the two witnesses will prophesy and do miracles for 3 1/2 years:

Thus, for the two witnesses at least, prophecy, testimony, miracles, and martyrdom are part of the final phase of the work. It is likely that the two witnesses will visit the Christians who are protected in a place of safety, as well as probably get some support from Christians, as well as Christian sympathizers, who are not in that place over the course of those three and one-half years.

Messages of Three Angels

Although the two witnesses will be part of the final phase of the work, there are other parts.

In addition to the warnings by God's two witnesses for 3 ½ years and God’s remaining people, as well as various signs and trumpets from God, God is going to provide a warning of repentance to the world by way of three angels. This is part of the final phase of the work that we in the Continuing Church of God have long been teaching.

The three angel messages will be proclaiming the everlasting gospel, the fall, or DOOM, of the harlot city of "Babylon the Great,"and the warning against the MARK OF THE BEAST, which those in "Babylon" are deceived/coerced into having.:

God wants people to repent and will also use angelic beings to get the gospel message out.

These angelic messages will be dismissed by most, though some will respond. These messages will be a warning that those in the world will not be able to really miss.

Yet, actually, because much of the rest of the world will prosper at the beginning of this time (cf. Revelation 18), they will not be seriously aware or believe that the “Day of the Lord” is about to come, even though they will have been warned. That is probably why the Bible teaches that “the day of the Lord will come as a thief” (2 Peter 3:10).

As far as the third angel's message in the end times, the old Radio Church of God and then WCG taught:

Between the two witnesses, the three angels, and the remaining Christians on the earth at that time, God will get an effective warning message out. And ultimately through the various plagues and other interventions mentioned in Revelation and elsewhere, eventually humans will have to pay attention. People of all backgrounds will respond (Revelation 7:9-17).

God wants people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30) and will also use angelic beings to get the gospel message out. The everlasting good news of the Kingdom of God that will replace end time Babylon.

Notice something from the Old and New Testaments that related to that (the first "He" below is the king of the end time daughter of Babylon):

The Kingdom of God is everlasting--and needs to be preached now--and God's Kingdom will replace all Babylonian kingdoms of Satan' world--this preaching and preparation for the three angels is part of the final phase of the work we in the CCOG are working on.

Many in various COG groups today, while not referring to the the messages of the three angels in Revelation 14 (but sometimes the two witnesses), act like they personally have little or no part in doing the final phase of the work, but God will work it out. And while God will, people need to decide whether or not they have the Philadelphian zeal to actively support and even participate in that work. More on the three angels can be found in the article: Church of God on the Three Angels' Messages and 'Babylon'.

Jesus did NOT tell His followers to wait on the two witnesses or the three angels to fulfill Matthew 24:14 and 28:19-20. Actually, Jesus praised the Philaladelphians for going through the open door to proclaim the truth (Revelation 3:7-13), while He condemned the Laodiceans for having only a lukewarm work (Revelation 3:14-22).

Conclusion Summary on the Final Phase of the Work

We in the Continuing Church of God are using modern technology to fulfill Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20. We also recognize that the final phase of the work has many parts, but we are leading the parts that we can. We are warning the world about what is going to happen.

Since the coming ecumenical power is prophesied to deceive the world (Revelation 13:4,8) and use signs and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12), those who know their God need to have the spiritual strength and knowledge to resist (James 4:7).

And most in the Church of God will not believe it, even though they were told and could see the truth if they were willing.

The final phase of the work includes proclaiming that it is the good news of the coming kingdom of God (Matthew 24:14) and not supporting the Great Monarch/Beast kingdom of man, as God's kingdom is what humanity needs and what God wants His people to proclaim. That is what we in the Continuing Church of God are trying to do--and we have reached millions of people in over 220 countries and territories through the internet, radio, personal contact, and the written word.

The final phase of the work will be done, Jesus will return, the Beast power will be destroyed, and the millennium will commence.

Thiel B. The Final Phase of the Work. http://www.cogwriter.com/final-phase-of-the-work.htm 2013/2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0824

The Final Phase of the Work

Herbert Armstrong's Definition of the Work of the Church

International Languages

Gospel Proclamation and Your Part

Zerubbabel Parallels

Stammering Lips?

Reaching Those of Various Beliefs

Final Phase Overview

Matthew 24:14-16, The Great Tribulation, and the King of the North