By COGwriter
Here is some of what it claims about its history:
A Brief History
This brief history is about the Jerusalem World Headquarters, started through the efforts of Andrew N. Dugger. This historical perspective of the Church of God (Seventh Day), is written through the eyes of the Caribbean and African movement of the church.
During the fall of 1931, Andrew N. Dugger, was commissioned by the Executive Committees of the Church of God (Seventh Day) in Salem, WV and Stanberry, MO to set up a World Headquarters in Jerusalem. His focus was not to be on North America but on foreign countries. He moved to Israel and established a headquarters there with a printing press. Because of this, the gospel went throughout the Caribbean, Scotland, Africa, Europe, India, and other third world countries. ...
Until his death in 1975, these churches benefited greatly and enjoyed years of progress. This was in part due to A. N. Dugger’s writing of over 150 different tracts and books such as Israel Correspondent Bible School lessons, the very popular Mt. Zion Reporter (also known to some as the Judah Magazine), Sabbath Lesson quarterlies, the Jerusalem Messenger, Jewish calendars and the Chart of the Daniel image and Beasts of Revelation. ...
In 1970, Elder A.M. Shoemaker was sent in answer to a call from Kenya, Africa. In about two months labor there he baptized 284 converts and ordained sixteen men called to the ministry, and receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The Jerusalem Messenger, which was published at Jerusalem, gives many reports and photographs of groups and workers over the world who love Jerusalem. Psalm 128:5, 6. There are a number of other groups of this same faith with some slight non-essential doctrinal differences in various places carrying on a good work, and printing various publications from their national headquarters. We believe they are all gathering fruit for the kingdom, and the foundation creed of all of these groups is the same, viz., Revelation 12:17, ―the commandments of Elohim and the testimonies of Yahshua (Christ).
One of these headquarters is Denver, Colorado; another, Meridian, Idaho, and some that make the sacred Hebrew names of the Father and the Son, a special part of their message (Proverbs 30:4; Psalm 68:4, and 91:14, also 69:35, 36, and Isaiah 52:6) are located at Junction City, Oregon, and Jackson Gap, Alabama, also The Faith of Holt, Michigan.
We believe these will all fall in line with the Holy Scriptures and publicly affirm that Jerusalem was chosen of the Father, and must be recognized as the World Headquarters by all of the remnant people holding to the New Testament name, and the true faith once delivered to the saints, as they are led further by the Holy Spirit. ―Watch ye therefore and pray always that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man. — Luke 21:24 to 36. accessed 06/25/20 https://jsd-cog.org/a-brief-history/
I first ran across the above in 2017, and checked on it again in 2020.
It should be pointed out that the Mt. Zion Reporter was a publication of the Church of God 7th Day, Salem, West Virginia (CG7-S). And this group does NOT accept the Jerusalem group as part of it. Nor do they endorse 'sacred names.'
It also should be pointed out that the Church of God (Seventh Day), Denver (CG7-D) does NOT consider that this Jerusalem-based group is part of them—and I confirmed this with the President of the Church of God Seventh Day (Denver) group, Loren Stacy, on December 21, 2017.
Nor is the Jerusalem group part of the Meridian Church of God Seventh Day (MCGSD) church which I confirmed with its then President Roger Boone on December 21, 2017. I also asked their pastor Jody Crowson about the Jerusalem group on June 30, 2020 and he said they were not part of them nor do they use sacred names (nor does CG7-D).
Furthermore, none of the people (and they are/were leaders in their respective groups) I had spoken with at those churches had ever even heard of the Jerusalem 7th Day Church of God until I told them about it.
I have spoken to leaders of all three of the above since then and none of them accept the teachings, etc. with the Jerusalem group.
The Jerusalem group seems to be acknowledging headquarters that do not consider themselves related, plus the Jerusalem group’s emphasis on ‘sacred name’ differs from that of those I have spoken with are part of the Denver, Salem, or the Meridian groups. None of those groups endorses a requirement for sacred names nor intends to be part of this Jerusalem group.
As far as history goes, J7DCG basically also refers to writings from A.N. Dugger (see https://jsd-cog.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctrine-and-history-of-the-primitive-church.pdf)--which does include the acceptance that the Church of God in Smyrna was part of the original church. For more details on church history, check out the free online book from the Continuing Church of God (CCOG): Continuing History of the Church of God.
Although A.N. Dugger eventually decided that the church should be in Jerusalem and established an office there, the truth is that did little more than put a stamp that said Jerusalem on various documents.
In an addendum to A.N. Dugger's "A History of the True Church" in a 2003 version by the Salem group, the following was CG7-S added:
In the bottom paragraph on page 305, we read that the world headquarters were to be in Jerusalem. This was never physically done. The world headquarters were established in Salem, West Virginia. They have remained there and are still there to this very day. (Dugger AN, Dodd D. A History of the True Church: A Protestant Work. 1936, 2003 printing, p. 318--addendum by CG7-S in 2003)
So, the FACT is that CG7-S was never truly headquartered in Jerusalem.
For those who think that the true COG must now be headquartered out of Jerusalem, consider that Jesus made it clear that Christians would have to go over many cities of Israel before He returns (cf. Matthew 10:23) and He never specified that they needed to be headquartered in Jerusalem in the end.
Consider also that the Apostle John, believed to be the last of the original apostle to die, was leading the Christian church from Ephesus, not Jerusalem. John did not teach or indicate that Jerusalem was to be the headquarters. Also, when Jesus had him pen the last book of the Bible, there were letters to seven churches in Asia Minor: none were addressed to Jerusalem.
As far as Jerusalem goes, once it ceased having Jewish bishops in 135 A.D., it ceased to have Church of God leaders for much time (Gibbon E. Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Volume I, Chapter XV, Section I. ca. 1776-1788; Eusebius. The History of the Church, Book III, Chapter V, Verses 2,3.& Book IV, Chapter 5, Verses 2-4, pp. 45, 71; Pines S. The Jewish Christians of the Early Centuries of Christianity according to a New Source. Proceedings of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Volume II, No.13; 1966. Jerusalem, pp. 14-15).
A compromised apostate named Marcus of Jerusalem arose in 135. He essentially did away with the Sabbath, avoiding unclean meats, Passover on the 14th, and other practices as those with such practices were no longer allowed in Jerusalem (Marcus of Jerusalem: Apostolic successor or apostate?).
Church of God Christians were NOT allowed in Jerusalem after 135 A.D. as the Romans would NOT allow people who held to many original Christian beliefs and practices to enter Jerusalem.
Consider also, that according to Irenaeus in the late second century, Jerusalem then ceased to “bring forth fruit” (Adversus haereses, Book IV, Chapter IV, Verse 1). Basically once Marcus was the leader.
THERE IS NO WAY THAT GOD'S CHURCH WAS HEADQUARTERED IN JERUSALEM AFTER ALL THE APOSTLES LEFT IT AS WELL AS WHEN MARCUS/MARKOS (WHO ALLEGEDLY WAS THERE FROM c.134 to 185 A.D.) LED THE APOSTATES THERE.
134/135 marked the end of the Ephesus era of the Church of God and the Smyrna era that was in Asia minor and led by Polycarp of Smyrna--a leader put in place by the apostles, including John.
Also, although some real Christians came back later, under Emperors Constantine and Theodosius, the Church of God was forced out of Jerusalem. Emperor Constantine imposed the death penalty on Christians in Jerusalem who would not eat pork (Pines S. The Jewish Christians of the Early Centuries of Christianity according to a New Source), whereas Theodosius decreed the death penalty on Christians who kept Passover on the biblical 14th of Nisan date (Gibbon E. Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Volume III, Chapter XXVII).
Jerusalem was not a permanent church headquarters for the true Church of God during the Church age as church history clearly proves.
As far as Jerusalem goes, since some have wondered if it should be the headquarters of the most faithful in the Church of God here is a link to an article on that: Does the Church of God need to be headquartered in Jerusalem?
The Jerusalem 7th Day Church of God pushes what are known as 'sacred names.'
Such names WERE NOT part of the original New Testament (see Was the New Testament Written in Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic?).
Only those who do not accept the fact that God inspired the New Testament to be written in Greek accept the falsehoods of the sacred name movement.
Furthermore, consider that the original apostles appointed Polycarp of Smyrna as a COG leader. He wrote in Greek and also DID NOT USE SACRED NAMES.
What is believed to be the old preserved Ancient Christian sermon (c. A.D. 120-140) outside the Bible (sometimes referred to as 2 Clement) also uses Ίησοû (I ee sus, the word now written as Jesus) for the Son of God. The same is true for the letters of Ignatius (c. A.D. 107-117), Polycarp's Letter to the Philippians (c. A.D. 110-137), and The Martyrdom of Polycarp (c. A.D. 156-167) all use Ίησοû for the Son of God.
On the cover of ones of its calendars, J7DCG has the following:
2020/2021
5780/5781
The second set of numbers represents the wrong years that the Jews currently tend to use. Those years are off by two centuries. For more specifics on that, check out the article: Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?
Related to the calendar, J7DCG does keep a version of the biblical Holy Days, though sometimes they seem a bit like the Messianic Jews (which are not Church of God) in some of their statements and use of Hebrew.
Furthermore, related to years, J7DCG teaches:
the crucifixion date is given as 33 A.D. (Lesson for June 13, 2020. PROPHECIES CONCERNING JERUSALEM. Bible Lessons for the Church of God Seventh Day)
Because of death of 'Herod the Great' was almost certainly B.C., it is not possible that Jesus was killed as late as 33 A.D. The year Jesus was put to death was either 30 or 31 A.D. Furthermore, since J7DCG teaches Jesus' resurrection was on a Saturday and "The Resurrection of Christ NOT on Sunday download here," 33 A.D. does not work.
Like some other groups, J7DCG teaches against the use of any alcohol:
The use of intoxicating liquors, alcoholic stimulants, tobacco, or any habit forming or mind-bending drug is forbidden. 1 Cor 3:16-17, Proverbs 20:1. https://jsd-cog.org/what-we-believe/ accessed 06/25/20
While drunkeness is prohibited by the Bible, consumption of small amounts of alcohol are not.
Here is what those scriptures state:
16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, NKJV throughout)
Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. (Proverbs 20:1)
Consider that the Bible also essentially states to not be led astray by loose women:
18 Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice with the wife of your youth.
19 As a loving deer and a graceful doe,
Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
And always be enraptured with her love.
20 For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman,
And be embraced in the arms of a seductress? (Proverbs 5:18-20)
Obviously, just because being involved with a seductress is wrong, being involved with one's wife is not. A similar principle is applicable with alcohol.
The Bible does NOT prohibit the consumption of alcohol.
Actually, alcohol consumption is specified as a valid option in the observation of times like the Feast of Tabernacles:
26 and thou hast given the money for any thing which thy soul desireth, for oxen, and for sheep, and for wine, and for strong drink, and for any thing which thy soul asketh, and thou hast eaten there before Jehovah thy God, and thou hast rejoiced, thou and thy house. (Deuteronomy 14:26, Young's Literal Translation)
Jesus taught:
37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. (Luke 5:37-38)
That must be referring to wine as the fermentation process back then would have stretched the wineskins. That is NOT something that happens with pure grape juice.
The Apostle Paul wrote to "not given to much wine" (Titus 2:3). And that is correct too much is not allowed, but some is.
Furthermore, the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy the evangelist:
23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. (1 Timothy 5:23)
Jesus' first miracle, of course, was to make wine for a wedding (John 2:1-11). That was not grape juice--no matter how some wish to twist the context of this.
J7DCG teaches the following:
We must follow the example that Jesus set for us. When we gather to-gether on the fourteenth day of thefirst month, we first come to wash oneanother's feet (the act of humility) asJesus did. We then break and par-take of the unleavened bread, whichrepresents his body. After this wedivide and drink the cup of grapejuice, which represents His blood. (The Passover and Lord's Supper. https://jsd-cog.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Passover_and_Lords_Supper.pdf)
Well, Jesus' example at His last Passover (which some call the Lord's Supper), was to use unleavened bread and WINE, not grape juice.
Notice that Jesus introduced the use of the wine cup:
20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:20)
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." (Matthew 26:27-29)
The cup symbolized His blood. As blood is red and grape juice back then was not, this was a reference to red wine, not juice. The Bible teaches that wine is the blood of the grape (Deuteronomy 32:14).
Now could "this fruit of the vine" possibly have been grape juice?
No.
It is not logical to conclude that they were drinking grape juice at Passover in Jesus' time as grapes are NOT in season then. Grapes ripen in the late Summer or early Fall. Having been to Israel once, it occurred to me that they would not have had any way to store the juice. They did not have refrigeration and there was not enough freezing there to freeze very much for very long.
Grape juice would not last through the winter and into the Spring back then. It would have spoiled and not been fit to drink as juice by the time of Passover (which is always in the Spring).
Thus, it is not logical to conclude that grape juice was used by Jesus in His final Passover. Wine, on the other hand, can be stored for years. Jerusalem 7th Day Church of God does not properly keep Passover as Jesus did.
Jesus warned about those who used traditions to override scripture:
1 "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' 5 But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God" — 6 then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
8 "These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
9 And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" (Matthew 15:3-9)
Scripture commands using wine at Passover (Matthew 26:27-29).
Jesus used wine for Passover.
In the second century, Irenaeus who claimed to have been taught by Polycarp of Smyrna, clearly wrote that Jesus drank wine as he tied that in with Matthew 11:19 (Irenaeus. Against Heresies, Book IV, Chapter 31, verse 2). Irenaeus also condemned those that would not use wine in the Passover service (Irenaeus. Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 11, verse 3).
A Sabbatarian COG group (called itself 'Independent Church of God') kept Passover with bread and wine in the early 1900s (Stanford JS. When to Partake of the Bread and Wine (Which is Passver). Remnant of Israel, March, 1931, p.1).
It is not just groups like the Continuing Church of God that use wine--but we have continued with the original practice. And that is what the faithful (unless they have some strong allergy to one drop of wine--which is the most anyone has to use), do and we normally use about a teaspoon.
Wine is NOT intoxicating at that level. It is certainly not in violation of scriptures, including "not given to much wine" (Titus 2:3).
The most faithful Christians obey the commands of Jesus and do not dismiss them because of 'traditions of men.'
Jerusalem 7th Day Church of God teaches:
There is a final regathering of the dispersed of Israel back to their own land, one that is taking place now. .. Jer 16:14, 15, Amos 9:14-15. https://jsd-cog.org/what-we-believe/ accessed 06/25/20
No, what is happening now is NOT the final regathering--that regathering will happen AFTER Jesus returns.
What is happening now is enough of a regathering of Judah, not the whole house of Israel (see also Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel), so events such as animal sacrifices being resumed can begin.
Slavery is expected during the Great Tribulation and ultimately the final regathering will take place. Some details are in the article: Will the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?
Jerusalem 7th Day Church of God basically teaches the tribes exist and are scattered, but they do not seem to identify them per their link: "Ten tribes of Israel not lost but found download here."
The Jerusalem 7th Day Church of God does not teach much in the way of biblical details related to the end of this age.
For example, notice what it teaches on the Gospel commission:
THE GOSPEL COMMISSION
- What was the great service command given by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Mark 16:15-19.
- Is this responsibility only to those called into the ministry? Matt. 25:14, 15.
- What are some of these servants doing today with their ability? Matt. 25:24-29.
- What admonition and reward will be given to those who assume their part and privilege of the gospel? Verse 23.
- What will happen to those who take no active part? Verse 30; John 15:1, 2.
- What does this gospel, commission include? Luke 9:1, 2;
- Will those who believe be able to do a great work! John 14:12.
Note: Those seeking these gifts should often read the miracles of the New Testament, and believe the promise – that they will be done again.
- Are we commanded to covet the gifts of the Spirit? 1 Cor. 12:31; 14:1.
- What are the gifts of the Spirit? 1 Cor. 12:8-10
- Is the Heavenly Father willing to give these good things (gifts of the Spirit) to those who seek for them earnestly? Matt. 7:7-11.
- How are these gifts obtained? Matt. 7:7, 8; Luke 11:9-13.
- If anyone will really hunger and thirst after these gifts, will they obtain them? Matt. 5:6.
- Will the church possess these gifts in their fullness? 1 Cor. 1:5-7.
Note: Besides the gift of prophecy, which includes preaching (1 Cor. 14:3) the ministers should covet the other gifts, earnestly seeking for them. (Lesson for June 6, 2020. THE GOSPEL COMMISSION. Bible Lessons for the Church of God Seventh Day)
While, yes, we are to teach all as Mark 16 teaches, Jerusalem 7th Day Church of God does not have a focus on the Gospel of the Kingdom which much be preached for the to come. As far as spiritual gifts go, check out the article Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).
Notice also:
What world-wide warning message must true Christians proclaim to the world prior to the second advent of Jesus? Revelation 14:9. (Lesson for May 30, 2020. CHRISTIANS’ DUTIES NOW, IN THE TIME OF THE END. Bible Lessons for the Church of God Seventh Day)
Proclaiming the third angel's message is not the main message true Christians should be focused on proclaiming.
Notice what Jesus said:
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness ... (Matthew 6:33)
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 according to Jesus, the end does NOT come until Matthew 24:14 is fulfilled. We in the CCOG have a booklet that covers this in English: The Gospel of the Kingdom of God and at the following website, in about 100 other languages: https://www.ccog.org
Because of its ties to A.N. Dugger, J7DCG, does essentially teach church eras, sometimes called "church periods" (REVELATION. Our Day Pre-Announced The Future DeclaredThe Messiah Promised A Blessing on All WhoRead The Prophecy of The Book of Revelation. https://jsd-cog.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/REVELATION.pdf). We in the CCOG also teach church eras, but use different dates, etc. (see The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3).
Prophetically, for Daniel 11, J7DCG puts up an old article by A.N. Dugger:
Verses following verse 36 cover the indignation and reign of terror under the Roman empire in France, and the period of atheism, when they worshipped the "god of reason" instead of the Creator. Notre Dame was transferred into "the Temple of Reason." An idol was set up in the person of "the Goddess of Reason." This condition continued down to the time of Napoleon, around 1790.
Verse 40: "At this time of the end shall the king of the south push at him, and the king of the north shall come against him, etc." This is the first mention of the king of the north and the king of the south for a very long period of time. Egypt, however, was still the king of the south, and Syria, Thrace, Greece and Turkey still represented the king of the north.This prophecy could have met its fulfillment in the war against France (or Rome) by these very nations the year 1798, in which many ships were used, according to history. The "time of the end" really had its beginning the year 1798 when the 1,260-year period ended with the pope taken prisoner that year by Berthier. If this did not fulfill the prophecy, then it remains yet in the future. (Dugger A.N. DANIEL AND REVELATION. c. 1960s. accessed 06/26/20)
While A.N. Dugger allowed for the possibility of future fulfillment, not knowing what Daniel 11 verses 36-40, to cite that example, misses so, so much. For specific details on verses in Daniel, check out the article: Who is the King of the North?
Unless it changes, the Jerusalem group will not know when the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22) will begin until it is too late.
Notice something else it teaches:
Note: Here the good Lord designates the spiritual blessings as the former and the later rain.
- What other promise was made under this figure? Joel 2:28-29
- When was this symbolic promise fulfilled? Acts 2:1-4.
- How do we know that our interpretation is correct? Verses 14-17 (Lesson for May 9, 2020. THE FORMER RAIN. Bible Lessons for the Church of God Seventh Day)
The above is NOT the correct, nor traditional 7th day COG position on the latter rain. More on that can be found in the free online book: Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation
We consider that the Jerusalem 7th Day Church of God is an offshoot of the Sardis Church Era. Jesus said the following to Sardis:
1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,
'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' (Revelation 3:1-6)
Sardis lost many truths, and without repentance "will not know what hour I will come upon you," according to Jesus.
Jude told Church of God Christians:
3 ... to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)
Jerusalem 7th Day Church of God, in many ways, does not do that.
But we in the Continuing Church of God do.
We assert we are the most faithful continuation of the original seven day Sabbath keeping Church of God which began on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 and has been confirmed by manifestations of God's Spirit (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).
We believe that our writings on doctrine as well as matters of church history prove it to those willing to believe the Bible and facts of church history (some details are in the free online books Where is the True Christian Church Today? and Continuing History of the Church of God).
End Note Although it has been reported that "The doctrinal differences among the Churches of God are minuscule. You can't get a knifes edge between us on doctrines" (Dart, Ron. CEM Founder Talks About Bickering, Bridges, the Future. The Journal. July 31, 1999. p.6), this author does not believe that one can examine the teachings of groups, such as this Jerusalem group, and come to that conclusion. Here is a related article of possible interest: What is a True Philadelphian?
Thiel B. Jerusalem 7th Day Church of God. https://www.cogwriter.com/j7dcg.htm COGwriter (c) 2020 0630