By COGwriter
Between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics, various Protestants, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, faithful Church of God groups, and less faithful Church of God groups, there are a variety of opinions about what constitutes the gospel.
This article will briefly explain what the gospel is and how certain false concepts associated with the gospel originated. (Here is a link to a version of this article in 복음이란 무엇인가?) It also explains who is preaching the gospel. (A free online booklet on the Gospel is available: The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.)
A related sermon in English and Serbian is available: True and False Gospels: In English and Serbian.
In the New King James Version (NKJV) of the New Testament, an electronic search reveals the term "gospel" 100 times. The Douay-Rheims Bible has the term "gospel" about 101 times. The term "gospel" in English is mainly translated from two Greek terms euaggelizo (Strong's 2098) and euaggelion (Strong's 2097), which are used 54 and 76 times respectively--they both mean good message or good news, though euaggelizo tends to include the concept of proclaiming that good news.
Because of the multiple number of times the term is used and the fact that early Christians called the first four books of the New Testament Gospels, there is a lot of information on the gospel and it can be considered to have multiple components, yet it is still all part of the same good news.
The term "gospel" is associated with quite a few aspects of the good news in the New Testament.
Here are some of the terms associated with it, in the order they appear in the most common order of the New Testament books, and with only the first scripture that mentions each expression cited (many are in the New Testament multiple times):
gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:35)
gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1)
gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24)
gospel of God (Romans 1:1)
gospel of His Son (Romans 1:9)
gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16)
gospel of peace (Romans 10:15)
gospel of your salvation (Ephesians 1:13)
gospel of our Lord Jesus (2 Thessalonians 1:18)
gospel of the blessed God (Titus 1:11)
So we see that the kingdom of God, Jesus Christ, grace, peace, salvation, and the blessed God are all aspects of the gospel. We in the Continuing Church of God strive to preach the whole gospel, which has many components.
Jesus started out proclaiming and preaching the good news of the kingdom of God:
14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)
The English word "kingdom" for this particular kingdom is mentioned approximately 149 times in the NKJV and 151 in the Douay Rheims Bible in the New Testament. Kingdoms require a king, territory, subjects, and laws (for more information, see also The Gospel of the Kingdom of God). To help us become part of that kingdom, God loved humans so much that He sent Jesus to die for us (John 3:16-17). Jesus will come to the earth and His Kingdom will eliminate pain and sorrow (Revelation 21:4). That truly is good news.
Of course, to be part of this kingdom requires repentance of sins (Acts 2:38), the sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:12-14), the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9), the acceptance of Jesus Christ as savior (Titus 2:11-14), proper baptism (Acts 2:39), the keeping of the commandments to “walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:3-6), having the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9-11), and allowing Jesus to live His life in us (Galatians 2:20). The fact that sinners will be saved is also part of the gospel. This is also good news.
Jesus also wanted the gospel to be proclaimed to the world as a witness as well as to make disciples who would follow His practices:
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).
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." Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Many do not quite understand many ramifications of those statements (for more information see Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants and Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis).
A YouTube sermon of related interest may include: The Gospel of the Kingdom.
After Jesus died, His disciples continued to preach the gospel of the kingdom and the role of Jesus Christ. And even after their deaths, so did their followers.
Interestingly, while some act like the law of God was done away, the reality is that early Christians considered that it was part of the gospel.
Polycarp of Smyrna heard the gospel from the apostles. Around 120-135 A.D., Polycarp warned that others were essentially falsifying parts of it:
4. Let us then serve Him in fear, and with all reverence, even as He Himself has commanded us, and as the apostles who preached the Gospel unto us, and the prophets who proclaimed beforehand the coming of the Lord [have alike taught us]. Let us be zealous in the pursuit of that which is good, keeping ourselves from causes of offence, from false brethren, and from those who in hypocrisy bear the name of the Lord, and draw away vain men into error...5 Knowing, then, that "God is not mocked," we ought to walk worthy of His commandment and glory ...For it is well that they should be cut off from the lusts that are in the world, since "every lust warreth against the spirit; " and "neither fornicators, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, shall inherit the kingdom of God," nor those who do things inconsistent and unbecoming (Polycarp. Letter to the Philippians, Chapters IV, V. Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1 as edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson; American Edition, 1885; Reprint Hendrickson Publishers, 1999, pp. 33-36)
So, Polycarp expected Christians to serve Jesus as He commanded, warned that vain men left that for error, and that those who disobeyed the law would not be part of the kingdom of God.
Shortly after Polycarp was martyred, the Church of God in Smyrna wrote the following:
19...This, then, is the account of the blessed Polycarp, who, being the twelfth that was martyred in Smyrna (reckoning those also of Philadelphia), yet occupies a place of his own in the memory of all men, insomuch that he is everywhere spoken of by the heathen themselves. He was not merely an illustrious teacher, but also a pre-eminent martyr, whose martyrdom all desire to imitate, as having been altogether consistent with the Gospel of Christ....22 We wish you, brethren, all happiness, while you walk according to the doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Martyrdom of Polycarp. Chapters 19 and 22)
Hence, it was commonly understood that the sacrifice of Christ was certainly part of the Gospel.
Melito of Sardis, who was a successor of Polycarp, around 170 A.D., taught:
For indeed the law issued in the gospel–the old in the new, both coming forth together from Zion and Jerusalem; and the commandment issued in grace, and the type in the finished product, and the lamb in the Son, and the sheep in a man, and the man in God...
But the gospel became the explanation of the law and its fulfillment, while the church became the storehouse of truth...
This is the one who delivered us from slavery into freedom, from darkness into light, from death into life, from tyranny into an eternal kingdom (Melito. Homily On the Passover. Verses 7,40,68. Translation from Kerux: The Journal of Online Theology (http://www.kerux.com/documents/KeruxV4N1A1.asp 09/14/05).
So, Melito recognized that the law, the Son, grace, and what will be the eternal kingdom are all part of the gospel. And that is correct.
Irenaeus, who earlier claimed to have met Polycarp, around 170 wrote:
11...But if any one, "doting about questions," do imagine that what the apostles have declared about God should be allegorized, let him consider my previous statements, in which I set forth one God as the Founder and Maker of all things, and destroyed and laid bare their allegations; and he shall find them agreeable to the doctrine of the apostles, and so to maintain what they used to teach, and were persuaded of, that there is one God, the Maker of all things. And when he shall have divested his mind of such error, and of that blasphemy against God which it implies, he will of himself find reason to acknowledge that both the Mosaic law and the grace of the new covenant, as both fitted for the times [at which they were given], were bestowed by one and the same God for the benefit of the human race.
12. For all those who are of a perverse mind, having been set against the Mosaic legislation, judging it to be dissimilar and contrary to the doctrine of the Gospel, have not applied themselves to investigate the causes of the difference of each covenant. Since, therefore, they have been deserted by the paternal love, and puffed up by Satan, being brought over to the doctrine of Simon Magus, they have apostatized in their opinions from Him who is God, and imagined that they have themselves discovered more than the apostles, by finding out another god; and [maintained] that the apostles preached the Gospel still somewhat under the influence of Jewish opinions, but that they themselves are purer [in doctrine], and more intelligent, than the apostles. Wherefore also Marcion and his followers have betaken themselves to mutilating the Scriptures, not acknowledging some books at all; and, curtailing the Gospel according to Luke and the Epistles of Paul, they assert that these are alone authentic, which they have themselves thus shortened.(Book III, Chapter 12, Verses 11-12).
Notice that Irenaeus is teaching that the idea that the Old Testament laws are dissimilar and contrary to the Gospel came from followers of Simon Magus.
Theophilus of Antioch taught that the laws of God were confirmed in the books referred to as Gospels and basically that the gospel taught love:
CHAP. XII.--OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Moreover, concerning the righteousness which the law enjoined, confirmatory utterances are found both with the prophets and in the Gospels, because they all spoke inspired by one Spirit of God. Isaiah accordingly spoke thus: "Put away the evil of your doings from your souls; learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." And again the same prophet said: "Loose every band of wickedness, dissolve every oppressive contract, let the oppressed go free, and tear up every unrighteous bond. Deal out thy bread to the hungry, and bring the houseless poor to thy home. When thou seest the naked, cover him, and hide not thyself from thine own flesh. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily, and thy righteousness shall go before thee." In like manner also Jeremiah says: "Stand in the ways, and see, and ask which is the good way of the LORD your God, and walk in it and ye shall find rest for your souls. Judge just judgment, for in this is the will of the LORD your God." So also says Hosea: "Keep judgment, and draw near to your God, who established the heavens and created the earth." And another, Joel, spoke in agreement with these: "Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children that are in arms; let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet, and pray to the LORD thy God urgently that he may have mercy upon you, and blot out your sins." In like manner also another, Zachariah: "Thus saith the LORD Almighty, Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassion every man to his brother; and oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, nor the stranger; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart, saith the LORD Almighty."
CHAP. XIII.--OF CHASTITY.
And concerning chastity, the holy word teaches us not only not to sin in act, but not even in thought, not even in the heart to think of any evil, nor look on another man's wife with our eyes to lust after her. Solomon, accordingly, who was a king and a prophet, said: "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee: make straight paths for your feet." And the voice of the Gospel teaches still more urgently concerning chastity, saying: "Whosoever looketh on a woman who is not his own wife, to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." "And he that marrieth," says [the Gospel], "her that is divorced from her husband, committeth adultery; and whosoever putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery." Because Solomon says: "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to a married woman shall not be innocent."
CHAP. XIV.--OF LOVING OUR ENEMIES.
And that we should be kindly disposed, not only towards those of our own stock, as some suppose, Isaiah the prophet said: "Say to those that hate you, and that cast you out, Ye are our brethren, that the name of the LORD may be glorified, and be apparent in their joy." And the Gospel says: "Love your enemies, and pray for them that despitefully use you. For if ye love them who love you, what reward have ye? This do also the robbers and the publicans." And those that do good it teaches not to boast, lest they become men-pleasers. For it says: "Let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth." Moreover, concerning subjection to authorities and powers, and prayer for them, the divine word gives us instructions, in order that "we may lead a quiet and peaceable life." And it teaches us to render all things to all, "honour to whom honour, fear to whom fear, tribute to whom tribute; to owe no man anything, but to love all." (Theophilus. To Autolycus. Book III. Translated by Marcus Dods. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885.)
Towards the end of the second century, Polycrates of Ephesus wrote:
We observe the exact day; neither adding, nor taking away. For in Asia also great lights have fallen asleep, which shall rise again on the day of the Lord's coming, when he shall come with glory from heaven, and shall seek out all the saints. Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who fell asleep in Hierapolis; and his two aged virgin daughters, and another daughter, who lived in the Holy Spirit and now rests at Ephesus; and, moreover, John, who was both a witness and a teacher, who reclined upon the bosom of the Lord, and, being a priest, wore the sacerdotal plate. He fell asleep at Ephesus. And Polycarp in Smyrna, who was a bishop and martyr; and Thraseas, bishop and martyr from Eumenia, who fell asleep in Smyrna. Why need I mention the bishop and martyr Sagaris who fell asleep in Laodicea, or the blessed Papirius, or Melito, the Eunuch who lived altogether in the Holy Spirit, and who lies in Sardis, awaiting the episcopate from heaven, when he shall rise from the dead? All these observed the fourteenth day of the passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith.
Notice that keeping the Passover on the 14th was considered to have been part of the gospel (and, of course, that is when Jesus kept it).
Sadly, even from the time of the apostles different and false gospels began to appear. The Apostle Peter denounced Simon Magus (Acts 8:18-23), yet Simon Magus and others put forth false, and different, "gospels." Some focused on the person, as opposed to teachings, of Jesus Christ, while others discounted various parts of His message and added non-biblical elements.
The Apostle Paul warned:
6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-9)
4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted — you may well put up with it! (2 Corinthians 11:4)
Despite the concerns of the apostles, false gospels were put forth by various ones who claimed to be Christian. The Apostle Jude warned:
3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 3-4)
So, some who professed Christ were compromising with the law of God and had to be warned about.
In addition to Simon Magus, the Bible specifically warns a groups called the Nicolaitans whose deeds the Church of God in Ephesus was praised for hating (Revelation 2:6). Scriptural references to the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6;14-15) seem to be referring to a group who wrongly seemed to feel that various of their physical actions/deeds were not of spiritual consequence. The Nicolaitans were seemingly among those “who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality” (Jude 4, NIV; see also What is the Mark of Antichrist?) and/or were certain “semi-Gnostics” who instituted anti-biblical practices—they understood a false gospel.
In general, the false gospel is to believe that you do not have to obey God and try to live His way (see also Comments on Galatians). The serpent beguiled Eve to fall for a version of it nearly 6000 years ago (Genesis 3). Of yes, after Jesus came, His name was often attached to various false gospels--and this will continue into the time of the final Antichrist.
In half of the scriptures where the term "antichrist" is used, it discusses those that deny that Jesus truly came in the flesh (see also Jesus is God, But Was Made Man and What is the Mark of Antichrist?). This is precisly what a doctrine formally adopted by the Council of Constantinople in 381 A.D. does (see also Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?). That is a doctrine of antichrist.
Those who put 'Mary' as an intercessor or tell people to turn to her are teaching a false gospel (see also Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?).
In the late 2nd century, the Roman-supporting historian Irenaeus wrote:
12. For all those who are of a perverse mind, having been set against the Mosaic legislation, judging it to be dissimilar and contrary to the doctrine of the Gospel, have not applied themselves to investigate the causes of the difference of each covenant. Since, therefore, they have been deserted by the paternal love, and puffed up by Satan, being brought over to the doctrine of Simon Magus, they have apostatized in their opinions from Him who is God, and imagined that they have themselves discovered more than the apostles, by finding out another god; and [maintained] that the apostles preached the Gospel still somewhat under the influence of Jewish opinions, but that they themselves are purer [in doctrine], and more intelligent, than the apostles. Wherefore also Marcion and his followers have betaken themselves to mutilating the Scriptures, not acknowledging some books at all; and, curtailing the Gospel according to Luke and the Epistles of Paul, they assert that these are alone authentic, which they have themselves thus shortened. (Irenaeus. Adversus Haeres. Book III, Chapter 12, Verse 12)
Irenaeus is teaching that the idea that the Old Testament laws are dissimilar and contrary to the Gospel came from followers of Simon Magus and, Marcion. Simon Magus and Marcion taught about the person of Jesus Christ but did not understand Him or His message. Irenaeus is teaching that Simon, Marcion, and their followers practiced lawlessness. Also, notice that he is claiming that it was from their followers that the idea came forth that being under less Jewish influence is better form of Christianity. Is this not essentially a belief of most Greco-Romans, including Protestants?
The heretic Marcion came to Rome about 140 A.D. Marcion was possibly the first organized heretic to attempt to do away with the most of the Old Testament, most of the Gospels, the Sabbath, the Book of Revelation and the millennial reign of Christ on Earth. (Tertullian. Against Marcion. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Philip Schaff, D.D., LL.D. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight; Brown, p. 65)
Notice what the Protestant historian Kenneth Latourette stated:
Marcion insisted that the Church had obscured the Gospel by seeking to combine it with Judaism. (Latourette, p. 126)
That is basically a claim that the Greco-Roman-Protestants make against the The Gospel of the Kingdom of God today.
Irenaeus recorded the following:
Cerdo was one who took his system from the followers of Simon, and came to live at Rome in the time of Hyginus…He taught that the God proclaimed by the law and the prophets was not the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the former was known, but the latter unknown; while the one also was righteous, but the other benevolent. Marcion of Pontus succeeded him, and developed his doctrine...(Irenaeus. Adversus Haeres. Book 1, Chapter 27, Verses 1-2)
After warning about Antichrist, Polycarp wrote:
Wherefore, forsaking the vanity of many, and their false doctrines, let us return to the word which has been handed down to us from the beginning (Polycarp's Letter to the Philippians, chapter VII)
Marcion was denounced by Polycarp of Smyrna:
And Polycarp himself replied to Marcion, who met him on one occasion, asking, "Do you know me?" Polycarp replied, "I do know you, the first-born of Satan." (Irenaeus. Adversus Haeres. Book III, Chapter 3, Verse 4)
So, the teachings of Simon Magus, Cerdo, and Marcion (as well as those of the Nicolaitans) were considered major heresy in the second century.
But they were not the only ones to try to proclaim a different gospel.
At least two others, by the names of Montanus and Valentinus, rose up in the second century promoting non-biblical views of the Godhead. And while versions of their view of the Godhead have been adopted by most of the Greco-Roman churches (for details see Binitarian View: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning and Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?), they were specifically condemned by faithful Church of God Christian leaders in the second century.
Polycarp condemned the proponents of the different gospels:
Polycarp also was instructed by apostles and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna…always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp down to the present time -- a man who was of much greater weight, and a more stedfast witness of truth, than Valentinus, and Marcion, and the rest of the heretics. (Irenaeus. Adversus Haeres. Book III, Chapter 4, Verse 3)
Melito, not too long afterwards, wrote a book against Marcion called περί σαρκώσεως χριστού (transliterated as Peri Sarkkioseos Christos) (NICENE AND POST-NICENE FATHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. SECOND SERIES TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH WITH PROLEGOMENA AND EXPLANATORY NOTES. VOLUMES I–VII. UNDER THE EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF PHILIP SCHAFF, D.D., LL.D. AND HENRY WACE, D.D., Eusebius Pamphilius: Church History, Life of Constantine, Oration in Praise of Constantine. Melito and the Circumstances which he records. Schaff, Philip (1819-1893) Print Basis: New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1890. Note 1276).
Thraseas (and later others in Asia Minor) condemned Montanus from around 160 (Grey F.W. Transcribed by Paul-Dominique Masiclat, O.P. Apollonius of Ephesus. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume I. Copyright © 1907 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, March 1, 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York; Chapman J. Transcribed by Robert B. Olson. Montanists. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Copyright © 1911 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).
Yet, Montanus, Marcion, and Valentinus were tolerated by the Church of Rome for decades after they had been condemned by Church of God leaders in Asia Minor. Many do not realize that Asia Minor, and not Rome, was where the better know faithful Christian leaders resided in the second century (see also Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome and What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History?).
Basically, the Bible and early church history records that individuals who wanted to change the applicability of the law of God and the identity of Jesus Christ were promoting a different gospel and were condemned by the church leaders in the second century.
(There were also teachers in Alexandria that changed the belief from a literal kingdom of God on earth that many adopted. Details are in the article The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church.)
Though certain Protestants seem to misunderstand the connection between the law and the gospel, perhaps I should quote some correct points wirtten in the 16th century by the Protestant William Tyndale:
...the law and the gospel may never be separate...Here may ye perceive that two manners of people are sore deceived. First, they which justify themselves by outward deeds...Those are also deceived which...having no respect to the law of God...say, God is merciful, and Christ died for us; supposing that such dreaming and imagination is that faith which is so greatly commended in holy scripture. (Tyndale W. Doctrinal Treatises and Introduction to Different Portions of The Holy Scriptures, by 1536. Edited by The Parker Society. The University Press, Cambridge, 1848, pp. 11-13).
So, while one cannot earn salvation, the law is part of the gospel and should still be respected.
Furthermore, many associated with the Church of Rome seem to consider that Jesus' mother is a direct part of the gospel and that currently she can assist in salvation. Various "Fatimists" as well as Pope Francis seem to believe and promote this false gospel (Pope Francis: Could this the Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?).
While the late Herbert W. Armstrong is probably best know for his emphasis of the gospel of the Kingdom (see also The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church), the reality is that he understood that the gospel included salvation through Jesus Christ, love, and the need to obey the law of God.
The following is from Herbert Armstrong's book The Mystery of the Ages:
True religion--God's truth empowered with the love of God imparted by the Holy Spirit...JOY UNSPEAKABLE of knowing God and Jesus Christ--of knowing TRUTH--and the warmth of God's divine LOVE!...
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."... And what was Jesus' appearance? It was that of a human man, for he also was the Son of man...
Most important of all however is what is God's nature--his CHARACTER--like? One cannot know what God is unless he know what his CHARACTER is!
THE CHARACTER of both God the Father and Christ the Son is that of spiritual holiness, righteousness and absolute perfection.
That character might be summed up in the one word LOVE, defined as an outflowing, loving concern. It is the way of giving, serving, helping, sharing, not the "GET" way...
The teachings of God's true Church are simply those of "living by every word" of the Holy Bible...
Men shall turn from the way of "get" to the way of "give"--God's way of love.
A NEW CIVILIZATION shall now grip the earth!
The NEW CIVILIZATION is the Kingdom of God. Proclaiming that new civilization is to come and be based upon love is a major part of what Christ's gospel of the kingdom is all about.
The following is from Herbert Armstrong's What is the True Gospel? booklet:
Which Gospel Did Jesus Preach?...
Notice, Jesus said, "Believe THE GOSPEL!"
WHAT Gospel? the one He was proclaiming—"the Gospel of the Kingdom of God."
But, one may ask, don't we need to believe on Jesus? Of course. Other scriptures teach that. but at this particular time Jesus said we must believe Him --believe what He said—believe the Gospel of the Kingdom of God!
Some believed on Jesus, but did not believe Jesus --did not believe what He SAID (John 7:31; 8:30, 31, 46).
What About the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
But if the one and only TRUE Gospel is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, what about the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Is that a false gospel?
Not at all. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Gospel He brought as God's Messenger—the Gospel He proclaimed is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ IS NOT man's gospel ABOUT THE PERSON of Christ. It is CHRIST'S Gospel—the Gospel Jesus PREACHED—the Gospel GOD SENT by Him, and therefore it is also called, in Scripture, the Gospel of God. The Gospel of God is God's GOSPEL—His Message—His Good News which He sent by Jesus.
Also the Gospel of Jesus Christ is Christ's Gospel—the Gospel Christ brought from God—the Gospel He proclaimed.
We hear a great deal today of the gospel of MEN about the PERSON of Jesus Christ—confining the message solely to the things ABOUT Jesus. As a result, millions believe on Christ, who do not BELIEVE CHRIST! But Jesus' Gospel IS HIS MESSAGE!...
Conditions of Entering
Now, HOW do we enter into that glorious KINGDOM? Jesus came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, "REPENT," and "BELIEVE THE GOSPEL."
Just TWO things we do—REPENT, and BELIEVE. We must BELIEVE the Gospel, and that means also believing on JESUS CHRIST, the KING of the Kingdom of God, and coming KING of kings over all the families of the earth. It means believing in Him as personal SAVIOUR, as High Priest now, and as coming KING.
But to repent is to completely CHANGE THE MIND in respect to SIN, and "sin is the transgression of the LAW" (I John 3:4)—the law of God by which God RULES the Kingdom.
It means a total, complete CHANGE OF MIND AND OF LIFE. It means we REPENT of transgressing the rule, the will, the laws, of GOD. What did Jesus say to the young man who asked Him HOW to inherit eternal life? He said, "IF thou wilt enter into life, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS" (Matthew 19:17) (Armstrong HW. What is the True Gospel? WCG booklet, 1972, p.6).
Herbert W. Armstrong clearly taught that Jesus was part of the message, and we of the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God try to proclaim the full gospel message, which emphasizes the Jesus' coming kingdom and His role in salvation.
In various writings HWA explained the gospel had various parts of Jesus' involvement. Notice another:
Jesus constantly preached the good news about the coming Kingdom of God (Matthew 4:23; 6:10; 7:21; Mark 1:15; 4:11; 14:25; Luke 4:43; 8:10; 9:2, 11, 62, etc.). He pictured Himself as the young nobleman going away (to heaven) to be coronated, and to return to earth (Luke 19:12-27). Repeatedly Jesus said He would return to earth (Matthew 24:27, 30-31, 42; 25:13; Mark 13:26; Luke 12:42-43; 17:24; 18:8; 19:12; 21:27; John 14:3, etc.). "If I go and prepare a place [position, office, habitation] for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:3). He will then be on the earth -- Zechariah 14:3-4 with I Thessalonians 4:16. The living Christ is coming in all the power and glory of Almighty God, as "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:11-21), to put down the rebellion of warring nations (Revelation 17:14), and establish God's world-ruling Government over all nations (Daniel 2:44; 7:9,13-14, 18, 22, 27; Isaiah 9:7) (Armstrong HW. The Wonderful World Tomorrow What it Will be Like. Everest House, New York, 1979 p. 100).
And, according to Herbert Armstrong, it involved our personal conversion and keeping Jesus' works:
The Purpose of the Christian Life
WHY do people not understand the very Gospel Jesus Christ taught? He taught the Kingdom of God. So did the apostles, including Paul. Jesus spoke mostly in parables. Take a quick look at one or two. Notice what Jesus revealed. Notice the awe-inspiring TREMENDOUS potential that is ours.
Take the parable of the nobleman going to a far country, later to return. It is in Luke 19:11-27. Jesus is the Nobleman. He was going to a far country -- to the heaven of God's throne, seat of the government of the entire universe...
Back to Luke 19. On his return, his servants, to whom he had given the money -- that is, the beginning unit of GOD'S SPIRIT at conversion -- are to be called to an accounting, "that he might know how much each man had GAINED" while he was gone. This means each Christian is expected to GROW spiritually -- in spiritual KNOWLEDGE and grace (see II Peter 3:18). The Christian life is a life of spiritual GOING TO SCHOOL -- of training for a POSITION IN GOD'S KINGDOM, when and after we shall be changed from mortal to immortal -- when we shall be no longer flesh-and-blood humans, but composed of SPIRIT, with eternal life inherent...
The nobleman (Christ) said to him, "Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in very little, have thou AUTHORITY over TEN CITIES.
He had qualified to RULE. He had been obedient to God's commands -- God's government. We have to BE RULED before we can learn to RULE.
The second servant had increased his spiritual stock of goods five times. He had qualified, in this life, for HALF as much as the first servant. He was given HALF the REWARD.
The Kingdom of God...
Jesus said: "And he that overcometh, and keepeth MY WORKS unto the end, to him will I give POWER over the nations: and he shall RULE THEM with a rod of iron (Revelation 2:26-27) (Armstrong HW. Just What Do You Mean...Conversion? WCG Booklet, 1972, pp.8-11).
In addition, in various writings, HWA made it clear that the gospel of the kingdom of God included more than simply proclaiming that God's governing kingdom would be established upon the earth. Notice what Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
I say Christ's gospel - the message He brought from God - was the advance good news of the establishment of the Kingdom of God. But just what does that include?...
Actually, Christ's message of God's coming Kingdom is directly concerned with world conditions as they are - with human nature - its source and origin - with world evils, suffering, unhappiness - with world peace. It's concerned with government - with the reason present human governments fail to be the benefactors of their peoples they are supposed to be. His message hits directly at the very roots of individual personal happiness and at the awesome transcendent potential of each human life. It is concerned with the CAUSES of present conditions that affect every human and with the WAY that will solve all problems.
But it is concerned with far, far more. It is concerned with God's tremendous, overwhelming, over-all purpose as Creator of the entire universe. It's concerned with the entire vast universe, filled with its uncountable galaxies, nebulae, suns, stars, planets, and with God's purpose for them...
God's message is concerned with overall truth. What has been covered so far should be considered as merely the introduction to the entire story of Christ's gospel message (Armstrong HW. Incredible Human Potential. Everest House, New York, 1978, pp.20-21).
Now, HOW do we enter into that glorious KINGDOM? Jesus came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, "REPENT," and "BELIEVE THE GOSPEL."
Just TWO things we do—REPENT, and BELIEVE. We must BELIEVE the Gospel, and that means also believing on JESUS CHRIST, the KING of the Kingdom of God, and coming KING of kings over all the families of the earth. It means believing in Him as personal SAVIOUR, as High Priest now, and as coming KING.
But to repent is to completely CHANGE THE MIND in respect to SIN, and "sin is the transgression of the LAW" (I John 3:4)—the law of God by which God RULES the Kingdom.
It means a total, complete CHANGE OF MIND AND OF LIFE. It means we REPENT of transgressing the rule, the will, the laws, of GOD. What did Jesus say to the young man who asked Him HOW to inherit eternal life? He said, "IF thou wilt enter into life, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS" (Matthew 19:17) (Armstrong HW. What is the True Gospel? WCG booklet, 1972, p.6).
If those who claim to preach a gospel of SALVATION understood and proclaimed WHAT salvation really is...it might be A PART OF the gospel" (Armstrong HW. Incredible Human Potential, 1978 hardback edition, page 16)
I must call the reader's attention again at this point to the fact that a full and complete understanding of the MESSAGE sent by God TO ALL MANKIND, by His Divine Messenger Jesus Christ, involves a vast comprehension of God's great purpose, and of events, prehistoric, historic, present and future. "I might say it means an overall understanding of EVERYTHING!" (ibid, p.15).
The true GOSPEL, when viewed with ALL THAT IT EMBODIES---the reason for it, the prehistoric truth of earth's first inhabitants, the reason humans were created and put on earth, the CAUSE of all the earth's evils and sufferings, the nature of the human mind, the need for spiritual salvation and what it is, the coming world tomorrow of peace, what lies on beyond, and man's ultimate incredible potential---becomes the MOST ALL-ENCOMPASSING SUBJECT that can enter the mind of man (ibid, p.11).Jesus' gospel was the KINGDOM OF GOD. Does that have anything to do with afterlife - with spiritual salvation? It has everything to do with it. BUT THE WHOLE WORLD is DECEIVED and ASLEEP! The gospel of the KINGDOM OF GOD has to do basically with TWO themes - government and spiritual salvation...
Notice it! Not only is Christ to rule - but the saints - that is, converted true Christians - those begotten as sons of God - are to take and possess the Kingdom! They are to rule under and with Christ! In the New Testament it is recorded that converted saints are co-heirs with Christ!
...The commission He had given the CHURCH was to preach His gospel to all the world. They were to receive the Holy Spirit, begetting them as saints - as Christians - putting them into God's CHURCH. This would infuse them with the power to carry out the mission of the Church (ibid, chapter 13).
Notice clearly that the Kingdom of God has two themes according to HWA. And thus, the part about spiritual salvation is obviously intended to be part of the gospel that is to be preached to all the world.
The true Church of God teaches what the Bible teaches which is consistent with what HWA actually taught.
Various groups that claim to be in or once part of the Church of God have misunderstood aspects of the gospel. The church that Herbert W. Armstrong had been the human leader of, the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG), no longer believes parts about the law or the kingdom (they have renamed themselves Grace Communion International).
Ronald Weinland, who had been a WCG then a United Church of God minister, founded a group called Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God and became unitarian. Hence, he is denying the true role of Jesus in the gospel and specifically salvation.
Groups like Charles Bryce's Enduring COG and David Pack's Restored Church of God have misunderstood the totality of the New Testament's and Herbert W. Armstrong's teachings on the gospel.
David Pack went so far as too inaccurately claim:
Why did Mr. Armstrong never take even one occasion to include Christ in the gospel? Did you see a shred of evidence in any statement that he considered Jesus Christ or His sacrifice, death, burial and resurrection to be part of the gospel? The answer is an emphatic NO!
Apparently his mind is closed to understand what the Bible and HWA's writings actually state. Notice two quotes from HWA:
What is Christ's Gospel? What is the message God sent to mankind by Jesus Christ? It is the GOOD NEWS of the KINGDOM OF GOD!...Of course that power-filled message INCLUDES THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE SAVIOR, High Priest and coming King! Of course, it INCLUDES the true way of salvation, which the churches seem to have lost! (Armstrong, HW. Good News, Jan. 1980, p. 9).
But now what about the Gospel of GRACE - the Gospel of SALVATION?...We must believe the GOSPEL, and THAT MEANS ALSO believing on JESUS CHRIST, the King OF the Kingdom of God, and coming King of kings over all the families of the earth. IT MEANS believing in Him as personal Saviour, as High Priest, now and as coming King" (Armstrong HW. What is the True Gospel? 1972 booklet, pp. 8, 10.)
Herbert W. Armstrong most certainly did mention Christ as part of the gospel, despite the "emphatic NO" from David Pack.
HWA basically taught that the false gospel was ONLY teaching about the person of Christ, WITHOUT teaching about the Kingdom of God, while ALSO doing away with the ten commandments (it would also include denying the proper divinity of Christ, but HWA did not directly address that in writings I have seen, but I believe that the Bible does). The gospel of Christ, the kingdom of God, includes understanding who the King of the Kingdom actually is. Notice:
For 1,900 years traditional Christianity has failed to preach about Jesus as coming KING and world ruler in the coming kingdom of God to replace Satan on the throne of the whole earth (Armstrong HW. Are We Living in the Last Days?).
Jesus' true gospel had been suppressed and supplanted with a false gospel--not the gospel of Christ (the kingdom of God) but man's false gospel about a Christ who did away with his Father's commandments (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages, Chapter 7, 1985).
The truth is that the real Church of God does teach about the Kingdom of God, understands that Jesus is part of the Gospel message, and that the ten commandments need to be kept.
Notice what the Bible shows that the Apostle Paul taught:
For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
It is RCG that actually has subtly twisted the gospel message.
Those in RCG should consider the words of Jesus as well as the last verse in the Bible:
26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26)
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Revelation 22:21)
The grace of Jesus Christ must be very important or it would not be the last statement in the Bible. Actually, it is so important that the Apostle Paul wrote:
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:4-10)
Yet, notice what Larry McElroy, "a pastor in The Restored Church of God serving in the Kansas City area" actually posted:
Greetings again! My name is Larry McElroy, and in my previous communication I mentioned that my wife and I departed from UCG in the fall of 1999.
I have asked myself, is there a more rare and important commodity on Earth than Truth, which so few seem to find? But also, how far would I go to qualify for eternal life? And how much effort would I exert to obtain salvation?...How far will we go to qualify for eternal life? How much effort will we exert to obtain salvation? (McElroy L. A Most Important Trip. February 22, 2012. ww.rcgtruth.com)
Does not he and those in RCG not realize that one cannot earn one's salvation? Do they not realize that Christians are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus? The truth is that RCG has serious misunderstandings about the gospel.
We of the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God, the Continuing Church of God, are not ashamed of Christ of His words. And as the Apostle Paul wrote:
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek" (Romans 1:16).
Sadly groups like RCG act like they would be ashamed to proclaim this portion of "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27). Those who attack any part of the real COG on this matter are simply not being true to the Bible nor what HWA actually taught.
Jesus taught:
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)
Notice that the gospel of the kingdom will reach the world as a witness, then the end will come.
There are several reasons for this.
One is that God wants the world to hear the true gospel before the start of the Great Tribulation (which is shown to start in Matthew 24:21). Hence the gospel message is both a witness and a warning (cf. Ezekiel 3; Amos 3:7).
Another is that the gist of the message will be contrary to the views of the rising Beast, King of the North power, along with the False Prophet, the final Antichrist. They will basically promise peace through human effort, but it will lead to destruction (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:3).
There are people teaching that an ecumenical-socialist-climate agenda is the gospel message to rally around and support.
This is something taught by Pope Francis (watch a message about his encyclical: Laudato Si: Pope's Agenda or Kingdom of God?). Eastern Orthodox patriarch Bartholomew, the World Council of Churches (watch The 'Unpardonable Sin' and 'Climate Change'? and World Council of Churches Peace Plan.), and even the United Nations (see United Nations: Humankind's Last Hope or New World Order?). The Lutherans and others have even promoted an 'ecumenical cross' (watch Beware of the 'Ecumenical Cross'), even though early Christians did NOT use a cross as a symbol (see What is the Origin of the Cross as a 'Christian' Symbol?).
And these false gospels are basically setting humanity up from something that will be hard for almost everyone to resist.
The Beast, King of the North and the False Prophet, the final Antichrist will promote something that will sound similar to that which religious leaders and UN have been urging. The EU (or whatever it may be called then) will embrace this.
They will promise a human utopia and peace. Their message will entice many--though some will question it.
Yet, because of signs and lying wonders associated with them (2 Thessalonians 2:9), the world will chose to believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) instead of the gospel message:
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)
The truth is that without God, humans cannot bring about utopia. And by claiming God is on their side, despite the fact that they will disobey Him (see also The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast), many will accept the lies that will be being promoted.
Particularly before it is time to flee (Revelation 12:13), the faithful Philadelphians (Revelation 3:7-13) will be telling the world what these worldly leaders will be up to.
They will support telling the world the message that the Beast, King of the North power, along with the False Prophet, the final Antichrist, will ultimately destroy (along with some of their allies) the USA and the Anglo-nations of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (Daniel 11:39).
That they will shortly thereafter destroy an Arabic/Islamic confederation (Daniel 11:40-43), function as instruments of the demons (Revelation 16:13-14), and will fight Jesus Christ upon His return (Revelation 16:14;19:19-20). The faithful Philadelphians (Revelation 3:7-13) will be announcing that the millennial kingdom will be coming soon.
And these leaders (likely some 'new' type of top leader of Europe along with some type of pontiff) will not like that--they will not want the world to learn what they will really do (and may not even believe it themselves at first, cf. Isaiah 10:5-7).
They and/or their supporters will also likely falsely teach that the faithful Philadelphians will be espousing a doctrine (millenarianism) of a coming antichrist.
Whatever condemnations that they and/or their followers make towards the Philadelphian faithful and the Continuing Church of God will trigger persecution (Daniel 11:29-35, Revelation 12:13-15; see also Persecutions by Church and State). This will also lead to the end--the start of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21; Daniel 11:39; cf. Matthew 24:15; Daniel 11:31) as well as a time of protection for the faithful Philadelphia Christians (Revelation 3:10;12:14-16; see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra).
The Beast and False Prophet will try force, economic blackmail, signs, lying wonders, murder, and other pressures (Revelation 13:10-17,16:14; Daniel 7:25; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10) to have control.
Yet, Jesus will return and the millennial kingdom of God will be established on the earth. God and the faithful Christians will win. That is good news.
But the world will not be happy with it. The Beast and False Prophet will be against Jesus, just like they were against the true Christians:
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15)
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great."
19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:11-21)
20;1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:1-6)
Jesus and His saints will prevail!
In both Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus made it clear that the gospel message was to go into all the world. Yet, some falsely believe it is simply a 'local' job (Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job). Sadly, many who think that they are faithful Christians do not really care if the gospel is preached as long as they personally get their own 'spiritual food.'
But others, like those of us supporting the Continuing Church of God understand that the gospel needs to go to all. And how are we doing that?
Well, in addition to having local congregations in various parts of the world, we also utilize various forms of media.
The Continuing Church of God has reached millions of people in over 220 countries and territories through the internet, radio, personal contact, and the written word. On average we have reached one hundred thousand different people over the internet per month who come to our sites, and over a million who are impacted by our Google campaign. We have also reached many millions via radio since formation. According to YouTube over 220 countries have watched our BibleNewsProphecy channel and ContinuingCOG channel videos, which have had over million total views.
We have many website, other than COGwriter, here are links to CCOG websites:
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation. Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?
Congregations of the Continuing Church of God This is a listing of congregations and groups of the Continuing Church of God around the world.
CCOG Animations channel. The Continuing Church of God has some animations to teach aspects of Christian beliefs.
CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。 Here is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明.
CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.
CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.
CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and others with a British-descended background.
CCOGAFRICA.ORG This is a website targeted towards those in Africa.
CCOGCANADA.CA This is a website targeted towards those in Canada.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
CCOGAfrica channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, Embu, and Dholuo.
Bible News Prophecy online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos as well as some ContinuingCOG channel sermons. It is also available as a mobile app.
Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube video sermonettes for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. And you can find them there.
ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced scores of YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos.
We are reaching people in the English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Kiswahli, and Tagolog (Philippines) languages, and have our magazine in over a dozen languages now, with others in progress. We have also established a separate European website, which we are adding European languages to (we now also have some limited information in Dutch, Italian, Norwegian, and Serbian). We also are working on information in the French, German, Jingpho, and Korean languages. We also have limited materials in other languages, as well. You can find information on in over 90 languages at www.ccog.org
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; 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).
While there are many sermons that discuss the gospel at the ContinuingCOG channel, here are some that some would likely feel are a bit more specific:
In the Continuing Church of God, we have started to put together sermons specifically on the gospel accounts.
Here is information on one:
Jesus said to teach His followers all that He commanded (Matthew 29:19-20). This sermon covers what Jesus commanded in the Gospel account written by Mark. It provides a small amount of historical background, but mainly focuses on the teachings of Jesus starting with His proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom until the end of the book.
Here is information on the another:
This is the first of a nine part sermon series by Dr. Thiel covering the Gospel account credited to Luke. Dr. Thiel explains some controversies about the author of this Gospel and some controversies related to the census in Luke 2. He also discusses issues associated with John the Baptist and his father Zacharias and not accepting when God answers prayer. He also explains verses that some claim are in the Bible about Jesus' mother Mary. Dr. Thiel explains from a couple of sources why late December could not be when Jesus was born.
Here is information on the another:
This is the second of a nine part sermon series by Dr. Thiel covering the Gospel account credited to Luke. This sermon covers chapters 3 through 6. Dr.Thiel explains some of John Baptist's teachings, controversies related to Jesus' genealogy, Satan's influences, past issues that are present today, points about Peter and the other Apostles, and goes over Jesus' teachings on many points including the Sermon on the Mount version in Luke.
Here is information on the another:
This is the third of a nine part sermon series by Dr. Thiel covering the Gospel account credited to Luke. This sermon covers chapters 7 through 9. Dr.Thiel discusses some of Jesus’ miracles, the purpose of the parable of the sower, explains the gospel of the Kingdom, goes over information related to John the Baptist, discusses growing in grace and knowledge, some about women supporting the ministry of Jesus and the CCOG, and quotes Jesus about bearing fruit and on other matters.
This is the fourth of a nine part sermon series by Dr. Thiel covering the Gospel account credited to Luke. This sermon covers chapters 10 through 11. Dr.Thiel discusses 'the 70,' doing the work of proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom as a witness, the opportunity for salvation, the parable of the good Samaritan, prayer, various signs, and letting your light shine.
This is the fifth of a nine part sermon series by Dr. Thiel covering the Gospel account credited to Luke. This sermon covers chapters 12 through 13. Dr.Thiel discusses hypocritical religious leader, that souls can die, standing for Jesus, persecution, the parable of 'the rich fool,' Christian priorities, the 'little flock,' treasure, being ready, watching prophecy, explains that to whom much is given much is required, Jesus' plan was divisive not ecumenical, discerning the signs of the time, that God has some patience for those who have not born fruit yet, Sabbath hypocrisy, parable of the mustard seed, the kingdom of God, the narrow way, and those unwilling to listen.
This is the sixth of a nine part sermon series by Dr. Thiel covering the Gospel account credited to Luke. This sermon covers chapters 14 through 16. Dr.Thiel discusses the Sabbath, the invited, salt and the unpardonable sin, being willing to truly follow God, mammon, the parable of ‘the lost sheep,’ and the Rich man and Lazarus.
This is the seventh of a nine part sermon series by Dr. Thiel covering the Gospel account credited to Luke. This sermon covers chapters 17 through 20. Dr.Thiel discusses giving offense, faith. the kingdom, prophecy related to the gathered together protected & those that are not, unprofitable servants, prayer and the widow, the important in God's eyes, blessing of little children, the rich man & the commandments, the soul is not immortal, that promised rewards vary, taxes, the resurrection, and doing things for show.
This is the eighth sermon in a nine part sermon series by Dr. Thiel covering the Gospel account credited to Luke. This sermon covers chapters 21 through 22. Dr.Thiel discusses giving by the poor and the rich, sorrows, persecution, tribulation, the parable of the fig tree, Passover, the eucharist, violence, and Jesus’ betrayal. Dr. Thiel mentions that various ones do not accept the prophecies in Luke 21 as future events, but believe that they were fulfilled in 70 A.D.–something Dr. Thiel says the Bible disagrees with. He also explains why the formation of the nation of Israel in 1948 should not be considered the fulfillment of Luke 21:29-33.
This is the ninth and last sermon in a nine part sermon series by Dr. Thiel covering the Gospel account credited to Luke. This sermon covers chapters 23 through 24, as well also quoting all the words directly attributed to Jesus in the Book of Acts. Dr.Thiel discusses Jesus' betrayal, Pilate's involvement, the third day, preaching repentance, calling Gentiles, Peter's vision, the Apostle Paul's vision, and it is more blessed to give than receive.
The gospel must be preached--and we in the Continuing Church of God are doing it.
In total, we have covered every verse of the Gospels and the Book of Acts:
MATTHEW Here are links to twelve sermons covering the 28 chapters of Matthew: Matthew 1-2: Greek or Aramaic, Jesus, and the Star?, Matthew 3-5: John the Baptist, Temptations, and the Beatitudes, Matthew 6-7: Charitable Deeds, the Rosary, Prayer, the Golden Rule, and Faith, Matthew 8-10: Married Clergy, Faith, Coming Persecution, and the Ecumenical Agenda, Matthew 11-12: John the Elijah, Sodom, Unpardonable Sin, & 3 Days and 3 Nights, -14: Parables, Mustard Seeds, Birthdays, and Faith, Matthew 15-16: Tradition, Signs of the Times, and The Rock & Peter, Matthew 17-18: Transfiguration, Elijah to Come, Taxes, and Forgiveness, Matthew 19-20: Transgender? Divorce? Purgatory? The first shall be last?, Matthew 21-23: 'Palm Sunday,' Come as You Are?, and the Greatest Commandments, Matthew 24: Temple Destruction, Sorrows, Tribulation, and the Return of Jesus, and Matthew 25-28: Midnight Cry, False Christians, Resurrection, & Teaching what Jesus Taught.
MARK Here is a link to a sermon covering all of Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Mark: What did Jesus teach in the Book of Mark? Here is a link to six sermons covering all the verses in the Gospel of Mark: Mark 1-2: Author, Prophecy, & Miracles, Mark 3-5: Healing, Demons, and Parables, Mark 6-9: Tradition, John’s beheading, Elijah, and Restoration, Mark 10-12: Marriage, Divorce, Needle Eye, Greatest Command, & Taxes, Mark 13: Temple, Four Horsemen, Troubles, Great Tribulation, and Gospel Proclamation, and .
LUKE Here are links to eight sermons covering the entire 'Gospel of Luke': Luke 1-2: John the Baptist, Mary, and the Census, Luke 3-6: John the Baptist, Jesus’ genealogy, Satan’s Influence, and the Sermon on the Mount, Luke 7-9: Miracles, Purpose of Parables, Kingdom of God, and Women Supporting the Ministry, Luke 10-11: The 70, Doing the Work, the Good Samaritan, Prayer, and Signs, Luke 12-13: Priorities, Delayed Fruit Bearing, Little Flock, Prophecy, and the Narrow Way, Luke 14-16: The Lost Sheep, the Prodigal Son, the Rich Man and Lazarus, Luke 17-20: Faith, the Kingdom, Gathering, Prayer, & Rewards, and Luke 21-22: Giving, Sorrows, Persecution, Tribulation, Fig Tree, and Violence. The last sermon also covers Jesus' words in the Book of Acts.
JOHN Here are links to a seven-part sermon series covering the entire 'Gospel of John': John 1-3: Anti-unitarian, Wine, Being Born Again, & Heaven, John 4-6: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman, Miracles and the Bread of Life, John 10-12: Sheep, Hirelings, Lazarus/Soul Sleep and ‘Palm Day’, John 13-15: Footwashing and the Words of Jesus, John 16-18: Truth, Trinity, and Pontius Pilate, and John 19-21: Do not only try, do what God wants.
ACTS Here is an article: The Book of Acts. Here is a link to related sermons: Book of Acts 1-2: Jesus Left, New Testament Church Began, Acts 3-5: Miracles, Trials, Proclamation, and Persecution, Acts 6-9: Widows, Stephen, Saul, and Simon Magus, Acts 10-12: Visions, Dreams, and Gentiles, Acts 13-16: Prophets, Poisoning, and Proclamation, Acts 17-19: Travels, Anointed Cloths, & the Gospel of the Kingdom, Acts 20-22: James, Sunday, and Prejudice, and Acts 23-25: Vows, Secrets, Cults, & Criticisms, and Acts 26-28: Shipwreck, the Kingdom of God, & Amen.
So just what is the gospel?
We in the Continuing Church of God understand that the gospel is the good news that God has a loving plan of salvation for human kind that includes His Son showing love by being sacrificed for sinners who should repent and accept the grace of God so that they can live in peace and be part of the coming kingdom of God that will come to this earth.
At the time of the end, some demonically-influenced humanistic message will claim it is the answer, but that too will be a false gospel.
Furthermore, history teaches that Simon Magus brought forth another gospel that included ritual/human tradition over grace (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:8) and obedience to God (cf. Jude 4). The Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:1;14-15) seemed to turn grace of the gospel into lasciviousness (cf. Jude 4). Marcion also brought forth another gospel of turning grace into lasciviousness (cf. Jude 4), eliminating the Sabbath and other commandments (cf. 1 John 2:3-6; Hebrews 4:9), and denying the coming kingdom (cf. Revelation 20:4-6). While Valentinus' gospels changed Jesus into something that could not have fulfilled scripture (cf. Philippians 2:5-11) (as did Montanus) and blended pagan philosophy with the pretense of scripture (cf. Colossians 2:8). These heretics basically taught about the person of Jesus Christ but did not understand Him or His message. Versions of their other/different gospels have infected what is often called Christianity outside the real Church of God.
Now with the Vatican, World Council of Churches, and the United Nations, we are seeing a convergence of a false ecumenical-socialist-climate change gospel that more and more are embracing. This will be expanded upon by the coming Beast and Final Antichrist.
Sadly, today, even within groups claiming to be part of the Church of God, some do not truly believe the full gospel.
Despite detractors, we in the Continuing Church of God are leading the final phase of the work and preaching the gospel. The whole and true gospel.
God's Kingdom will be established on the earth.
Will you believe and obey the entire gospel?
A related sermon in English and Serbian is available: True and False Gospels: In English and Serbian.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Just What Do You Mean Conversion? Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
False Conversion Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this article on this important subject.
Thiel B. What is the Gospel? http://www.cogwriter.com/gospel.htm 2012/2013/2014/2015/2016/2017/2018 1001