By COGwriter
What is the work the most faithful Christians should be supporting?
Consider that Jesus taught the following:
7. "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":
8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. (Revelation 3:7-8)
What is the "open door" for?
To proclaim the gospel.
The late Herbert W. Armstrong understood that the door was opened to proclaim the gospel:
Also a door was to be opened for this leader and/or the Philadelphia era of the Church to fulfill Matthew 24:14: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come' (Mystery of the Ages, pp. 290-291).
And he and his church did reach people with the message in many languages. For his first mass media appearance he started out as a guest on a small radio station, then he ended up doing a lot of radio.
The Continuing Church of God is doing a lot of radio. I initially started out in the CCOG as a radio guest and did over 145 interviews and our Bible News Prophecy program was initially only online. But now we are on AM and FM radio stations in North America, Europe, the Philippines, and Africa. Plus we are on two shortwave stations which reach most of North America, all of Europe, most of the Middle East, parts of northern Africa, and parts of far-east Asia. More on that can be found on the Continuing Church of God Multimedia page.
As far as languages go, realize that most people do not read English. So, our free English-language online booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God, has been translated into over one thousand languages (see Preaching the Gospel in Over 1000 Languages). That is seemingly more languages than any Church of God has translated literature into throughout the entire church age. Having materials in as many languages as feasible is consistent with the fulfillment of the following prophecy in Revelation:
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:9-11)
14 ... "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:14-17)
By getting more literature translated into more languages, the Continuing Church of God is actively trying to help set the stage for those that will be converted between now and the time that Jesus returns.
The Continuing Church of God believes that its top priority needs to be to complete the work of Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20. Is that what it should do?
To answer the question, JUST WHAT IS THE WORK?, Herbert W. Armstrong personally wrote:
But Christ said to His Philadelphia era Church, that because we have but little strength, He would OPEN THOSE DOORS TO US (Rev. 3:8)" (Letter 11/19/76).
The PURPOSE for which Christ built the Church exemplifies its WORK...1) To ANNOUNCE to the world for its witness the coming Kingdom of God...2) To prepare the people to whom God adds to the Church...God has always worked with humans. He has worked with O N E M A N at a time...The WORK consists of proclaiming the Gospel, by radio, by television, in print (Armstrong HW. JUST WHAT IS THE WORK? PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT - VOL.3, NO.6 February 6, 1981)
Now God has always worked through one man as leader. But that man is only a leader, and always it has been God. For example, when Samuel was a prophet leading the people of God, they didn't want Samuel anymore, they wanted a human king like the other nations. God said; "It isn't you they have rejected Samuel, you weren't the real ruler, I was. They have rejected me that I should not rule over them." (I Samuel 8:7 paraphrased). This is eighth chapter of I Samuel. And, you see it was God ruling them, not Samuel.
And so it is really Christ leading the Church today, it is not I. I am only an instrument. But if Christ is not in me and leading me and inspiring me, then I am not the leader. And if I'm not the leader, (Armstrong HW. Ephesians 3 & 4 Bible Study, January 2, 1981)
Many others since Hebert Armstrong, however, have said that the top priority is to 'feed the flock' and/or that Herbert W. Armstrong (HWA) completely 'finished the work' of proclaiming the Gospel. Who is right?
The so-called 'Vigilant Church of God claims it was finished that Herbert Armstrong declared it so finished in a sermon that was later published, but he did not say it was finished:
There is no one in the Church that has the qualifications, the experience that could carryon the work that God has given me to do. ...
But the job God has called me to do is a prophesied to do is a prophesied job. It has been being done. I don't think it's anywhere near finished yet. I need your prayers. I need them daily to help me. (Armstrong HW. CONGRESS OF LEADING MINISTERS HEARS DEFINED AND REEMPHASIZED SPffiITUAL ORGANIZATION OF CHURCH. Worldwide News, March 6, 1981, p. 12)
Now, back in 1981, there was no man sufficiently trained or ordained by God to take over then. But that changed, plus note the Herbert Armstrong made it clear that the job was not done. Also, Herbert Armstrong realized before he died that there would be another phase of the work (see reports, later in this article, from Dale Schurter).
The Bible teaches:
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV)
Those that proved to themselves that the old WCG best represented the Philadelphia era of the Church of God should realize that its most faithful remnant would have the same priorities as it claimed and that Jesus taught.
(Note: Further information in this article is in a section titled The Final Phase of the Work--a separate article on that--with more details is also titled The Final Phase of the Work.)
Two related sermons are available The Work per HWA and the Bible and Priority of the Philadelphia Work.
Old Testament Example
Although the world's churches may teach otherwise, the Old Testament experiences are helpful for those of us near the time of the end. As Paul wrote:
"Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come" (1 Corinthians 10:11).
One of the works that was done in the Old Testament was the building of two temples. The first temple was essentially a headquarters' work. David saw a need and wanted to build a temple to God, but was prevented from doing so (1 Chronicles 28:2-3). David collected building materials for it from the wealth of Israel (1 Chronicles 28:14-19), though his son Solomon built it (1 Kings 6:2). This temple was magnificent and it was completely covered with gold (1 Kings 6:19-22). This temple may be analogous to the ability of the WCG under Herbert W. Armstrong to get the Gospel out.
The second temple was different.
First of all, there was a call to find out which of the children of Israel would be faithful to help do the work of rebuilding it (Ezra 1:2-3).
Secondly, those whose spirit God moved from among his people went to do the work (Ezra 1:5). This suggests that not all of God's people responded.
Thirdly, this temple was not as impressive as the first one. When the foundations of the second temple were laid, those who had seen the magnificence of the first temple did not rejoice, they wept (Ezra 3:12).
There was a lull in construction due to opposition (Ezra 4). Even though King Darius the Mede eliminated the official opposition and admonished the people to be diligent to rebuild the temple (Ezra 6:3-12), they were not.
"This people says, 'The time has not come, the time that the LORD's house should be built.' " (Haggai 1:2)
They did not feel they needed to do the work. But what did God think?
"Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai saying, 'Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?' " (Haggai 1:3-4).
God felt they should do His work first,
" 'You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?' says the LORD of hosts. 'Because my house is in ruins, while every one of you runs his own house' " (Haggai 1:9-10).
This second temple may be analogous for the need to do the work of proclaiming the Gospel to the world as a witness after the dismantling of the prior efforts (an article of related interest may be The Temple and the Work).
Many have said something to the effect that since COG is not making the same impact as the WCG did when Herbert W. Armstrong was alive, that the COG's work isn't necessary--the relative impact is not the point. The point is that God at all times wants His people to do His work and not primarily look after themselves (Philadelphians, but definition love others).
What About Herbert W. Armstrong?
Many, in order to justify not doing the work of proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom as a witness have raised several arguments concerning Herbert Armstrong finishing the work.
One of the arguments that has been raised with me was that Joseph Tkach, Sr. reported that supposedly Herbert Armstrong told him that since he (Herbert Armstrong) had fulfilled Matthew 24:14, that the need to proclaim the Gospel to the world was gone. This is the same J. Tkach who said that WCG would teach the 18 truths that Herbert Armstrong restored to the Church of God, said that WCG was not teaching the trinity, and other such things. Thus, it matters not what J. Tkach Sr. said Herbert Armstrong said.
Furthermore, here is proof that J. Tkach understood he still was to proclaim the Gospel, for this is what he authorized as WCG's position, "Personal Correspondence Department," in a standard letter about the 1290 and 1335 days Daniel, included these statements:
Since no one knows the day of Christ's coming (Matt. 24:36; Acts 1:17), we may not know the exact time when the 1335 days begin. Apparently, however, at that time, the organized efforts of God's Work to proclaim the Gospel to the world will end. Forty-five days later, or 1290 days before the return of Christ, the beasts armies will surround Jerusalem. Those who are worthy will have been warned and taken to a place of refuge God has provided for them (Rev. 12:14-16) (Tkach J. Personal Correspondence Department Letter 61, February, 1989).
It should be noted that this is what was also sent out by WCG, but under Herbert Armstrong's name, during the time of Herbert Armstrong's was alive. Notice:
Our Work in the hands of Christ is NOT YET FINISHED, and He will not allow the Work to stop until it is finished!...And the abomination that maketh desolate set up." What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15...From this time (Daniel 12:11) to Christ's coming will be 1290 days. Now, verse 12, "Blessed is he that waiteth, and comes to the 1335 days." Never before have we understood these periods of 1260, 1290. and 1335 days. But it seems evident, now, a blessing is pronounced on us--GOD"S CHURCH--who wait and endure until the 1335 days--approximately 1335 days prior to Christ's coming. But since no one can know the day or hour of His coming, we probably shall not be able to know the exact day this 1335 days begins. But apparently that is the time when OUR WORK SHALL END. That will be a time when the UNITED Europe shall appear--the revival of the medieval "Holy Roman Empire." (Armstrong HW. Personal. Good News magazine January 1980, p. 23).
Since the 1335 days has not begun, the work of an organized church to get the gospel out is not yet fulfilled--that is what Herbert W. Armstrong repeatedly taught. Notice the following:
Our Work in the hands of Christ is NOT YET FINISHED, and He will not allow the Work to stop until it is finished! And when will that be? ... no definite date can, of course, be set. But when Daniel writes, in verse 7, "all these things shall be finished," he refers back to the subject of this 12th chapter mentioned at the beginning--when the archangel Michael shall stand up (verse 1, as also mentioned in Revelation 12:7) and Satan shall be cast down--and the GREAT TRIBULATION (Verse 1 and Matthew 24:21-22, Mark 13:19-20, Luke 21:22) from the beginning will be 3 1/2 years...Never before have we understood these periods of 1260, 1290, and 1335 days. But it seems evident, now, a blessing is pronounced on us-- GOD'S CHURCH--who wait and endure until the 1335 days--approximately 1335 days prior to Christ's coming. But since no one can know the day or the hour of His coming, we probably shall not be able to know the exact day that this 1335 days begins. But apparently that is the time when OUR WORK SHALL END. That will be a time when the UNITED EUROPE shall appear --the revival of the medieval "Holy Roman Empire." We shall then be warned, and readied to be taken to a place of refuge and safety from the Great Tribulation. Forty-five days later "the beast's" armies will surround Jerusalem. Thirty days later tho Great Tribulation will probably start with a nuclear attack on London and Britain--and possibly the same day or immediately after, on United States and Canadian cities. The GREAT TRIBULATION, we shall then fully realize, is the time of "Jacob's Trouble," spoken of in Jeremiah 30:7. (Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General's Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, p. 1)
It now appears likely that God's present Work through us will come to an end 1,335 days before the approximate date of Christ's' return in supreme POWER and GLORY! It appears the Roman European armies will surround and take half of the city of Jerusalem 45 days later, and the GREAT TRIBULATION will begin 30 days after that. And the GREAT TRIBULATION, running parallel to the worldwide telecast of the TWO WITNESSES (Rev. 11), will last approximately 3 1/2 years. (Armstrong HW. The Time Has Come for Fasting and Prayer! January 1980, p. 2)
When did he write that the Church age was over? Notice:
At the end of the Church age and 6,000 years from Adam, Christ would return to earth as King of kings and Lord of Lords, ruling all nations, with the saints, for one millennium. (Armstrong HW. What If Adam Had Taken of the Tree of Life? Plan Truth, March 1983)
The "very end" of the Church age was not decades ago in the 20th century!
It should be obvious that HWA did not believe the work would end until it was just about time to flee, within weeks of the Great Tribulation beginning. Those who argue otherwise are missing what HWA really meant about the work. The work will end around the time of the place of safety (I am not convinced that it must be at the 1335 days, nor apparently was HWA, and it may be between the 1335-1260 days, inclusive.)
It is also true that Herbert. Armstrong had various discussions with with Aaron Dean (Herbert W. Armstrong's long-time personal aid) on this subject (and I personally discussed this in depth with Aaron Dean myself on many occasions). Recall that Herbert Armstrong himself never stopped proclaiming the Gospel over television, etc. and decided to publicly teach that the work of proclaiming the Gospel to the world should continue whether he was alive or not. Instead he taught:
... the rapidly growing work of the fledgling Philadelphia era required my full time. The present era was officially begun in October, 1933 ... By 1978 we went down to about 50 stations weekly. At that period following my heart failure while in Tucson, I once again took over TV broadcasting. We held steady while I was stuck in Tucson until 1981, when I came back to headquarters at Pasadena. From that time the TV program has produced steady growth, until today we are the second in the world in the religious category, with over 300 TV stations worldwide. Hopefully we shall soon be the largest. Since the beginning of 1985, we have averaged around 13,000 telephone responses per program (Armstrong HW. RECENT HISTORY OF THE PHILADELPHIA ERA OF THE WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD. Worldwide News, June 24, 1985).
The telecast did become the largest (had the highest ratings in the U.S.A.) for a short period after his death.
Another argument raised against the need to proclaim the gospel now is this quote:
Also a door was to be opened for this leader and/or the Philadelphia era of the Church to fulfill Matthew 24:14: 'And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then the end shall come'...These prophecies have definitely been fulfilled (Mystery of the Ages, p.291).
From this statement, similar statements, and a few statements made after he had heart problems, some have argued that Herbert Armstrong felt that the preaching work was finished. That is simply incorrect. Jesus said he came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17)--does that mean it was over? ALL the COGs I know of teach that when Jesus talked about fulfilling the law (Matthew 5:17-18) that Jesus did NOT (as the Protestants teach) mean that no one still needed to keep the law. When Herbert W. Armstrong said he fulfilled proclaiming the Gospel to the world as a witness, he (1) Never stopped proclaiming it and (2) He wrote that he intended for others to continue to do it. Those who claim to be in the COG and also claim that Herbert W. Armstrong's completely fulfilled Matthew 24:14, simply are being hypocritical here.
If this particular MOA quote (which was published mid-1985, but written before the June 24, 1985 quote above) meant that Herbert Armstrong felt the preaching work was finished, one would expect that he would have gone off all television and radio stations then. Instead, he remained on them until he died. In his last letter, all arguments about the work being over were rebutted:
It may be that the Work that God has given me to do is complete, but not the Work of God's Church, which will be faithfully doing God's Work till Christ, the True Head of this Church, returns...Remember brethren, this is not the work of Herbert W. Armstrong...The greatest work lies ahead...Never before in the history of the Church has it been possible to reap so great a harvest. It has only been made possible through modern technology, beginning with the printing press, radio, television...Each of you must commit yourself to support God's Work...God's work must push ahead as never before. God is opening up new doors in television (Letter, 1/10/86).
And to be sure that this portion of the work would continue after he died, Herbert Armstrong insured that there were other men designated to continue to make television programs after his death. One evangelist who was preaching the Gospel in the French language over radio while Herbert Armstrong was alive, Dibar Apartian, continued to preach it until shortly before he died. When I asked him if Herbert Armstrong told him to stop doing this in the event of his (HWA's) death, Dibar Apartian responded, "To the contrary, he told me he wanted me to go on more stations."
This concept is confirmed by Herbert Armstrong in his third to last letter,
I thank God that he has organized this present work of his so thoroughly that regardless of the outcome of my present illness, the work will continue right on to the Second Coming of Christ (Letter dated 12/23/85).
Thus it seems clear that Herbert Armstrong felt that he was the leader of the Philadelphia era, but that if he died prior to the time of the end, that he considered that the Church should continue to preach the gospel to the world!
Since his death, God had to reorganize who and how that work would be done. We in the Continuing Church of God are utilizing 21st century methods for mass communication including the printing press, radio, YouTube videos ('new doors' in television) the telephone, and of course the internet, which can even be faster than the forms of mass communication that Herbert Armstrong used. We have reached multiple millions with the gospel of the kingdom and have the type of proclamation and prophetic truths that Jesus said should be the criteria to know the true from the false in Matthew 7:15-18. The Gospel of the Kingdom still needs to be proclaimed and we are doing it (watch also the sermon The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation).
But others in the 21st century take an opposing view. The so-called Viligant Church of God went so far as to claim:
Most of these compromised former WCG ministers pursue the consummation of Matthew 24:14, ignoring the words of the last apostle sent by Christ, who proclaimed that THE PROPHECY HAD BEEN FULFILLED IN ITS ENTIRETY before his death in January of 1986! (Viligant COG, About Us page, viewed 04/22/11)
Yet, not only does that group overlook HWA's other writings on gospel proclamation, they simply do not understand Matthew 24:14:
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
The end spoken of above seems to be 75 days prior to the start of the Great Tribulation based what Jesus discusses in the verses that follow (15-21) as well as upon HWA's other writings related to his understanding of what Daniel 11 & 12 seem to teach. THAT END HAS NOT YET COME! Herbert W. Armstrong seemingly completed the work God had him do--but Matthew 24:14 was not fulfilled--the Great Tribulation did not begin about 5 decades ago.
Consider also that Jesus said:
34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. (Matthew 24:34)
In sequential order of that chapter, the beginning of sorrows--which did NOT start until decades after Herbert W. Armstrong died--comes before the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14. So, according to Jesus the job of Matthew 24:14 was NOT completed in the 20th century!
Let's now notice that Herbert W. Armstrong also wrote:
And the abomination that maketh desolate set up." What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15...From this time (Daniel 12:11) to Christ's coming will be 1290 days. Now, verse 12, "Blessed is he that waiteth, and comes to the 1335 days." Never before have we understood these periods of 1260, 1290. and 1335 days. But it seems evident, now, a blessing is pronounced on us--GOD"S CHURCH--who wait and endure until the 1335 days--approximately 1335 days prior to Christ's coming. But since no one can know the day or hour of His coming, we probably shall not be able to know the exact day this 1335 days begins. But apparently that is the time when OUR WORK SHALL END. (Armstrong HW. Personal. Good News magazine January 1980).
(See also Who is the King of the North?). And since we are not there yet, and certainly were not in June 1985, the gospel still needs to be proclaimed. As I have believed for over a decade, news coverage of certain of the most faithful will likely be how God will complete Matthew 24:14, but that does not mean we are not to do the work as best we can until then (cf. John 9:4; Matthew 9:37-38).
On a World Tomorrow program, Herbert W. Armstrong stated:
And this gospel is going around the world. And when it has circulated around this earth and gone around the world, then, and not until then, and not after then, shall the end of this age come. (also available to hear on an anti-COG video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb76qyaC824 accessed 08/27/19)
Note that the END was to come right after, not long after, Matthew 24:14 was fulfilled. Back in 1953, he taught:
World War 3 brings with it THE GREAT TRIBULATION. ... Jesus, in foretelling this chain of world events, said the GREAT TRIBULATION would be preceded by the world-wide proclaiming of HIS Gospel. “The GOSPEL must first be published among all nations,” said Jesus (Mark 13:10), or, as recorded by Matthew (24:14): “This Gospel OF THE KINGDOM shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto ALL NATIONS; and THEN shall the END (of the world) come.” (Armstrong HW. Brethren and Co-Worker Letter, May 22, 1953)
Herbert W. Armstrong also taught that the items Jesus referred to in Matthew 24:4-8 as the beginning of sorrows (false religion, wars, famines, and pestilences) coincided with the rides of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. Consider then, that Matthew 24:14 comes after the start of the rides of those horsemen. Since the fourth horseman has NOT begun his ride, Matthew 24:14 has not yet been fulfilled to God's satisfaction, hence it still is to be worked on.
Consider also that in a sermon on November 27, 1982 titled “U.S. of Europe is Coming,” Herbert Armstrong stated:
“Anyway this whole United States of Europe, when it goes together, is going to trigger nuclear World War III. Now let me tell you what else it's going to do. It's going to END OUR WORK! OUR WORK WILL BE THROUGH of getting the gospel to the world. That is, very shortly after it goes into force and effect; because they will move in such a way that it will end it. And then I'll tell you what will happen. As you read here in Amos, the 8th chapter and verse 11 of Amos. Amos 8:11 ‘Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread ... but of hearing the word of the LORD.’ ”
In a Nov. 22, 1982 co-worker letter, he wrote:
"... brethren and co-workers, the prophesied Great Tribulation (nuclear World War III) will start soon after the European unification. That means OUR WORK OF SPREADING THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD WILL BE FINISHED! We have not now much more time. Soon shall come a FAMINE of hearing the Word of the Lord (Amos 8:11). God says, work while it is day, for the night is coming when no man can work – in the Work of God! Nothing else is important in our lives, now, but this all-important Work of God." (http://cog-ff.com/html/pcomments_07_04_08.html)
The proclamation work is not yet finished. The Philadelphian proclamation work is part of God's plan and still needs to be done. Part of the purpose of the Philadelphia work is to get a warning to the world that the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord will be coming and give those who will respond the opportunity to repent so that they can be saved from it. Most would tend to think it unfair if God did not get out a warning before that happens. Christians show Philadelphian love for others by trying to reach them, as well as telling them that they only true hope for humanity is the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Most would also not consider it fair to claim that this proclamation was finished decades ago by Herbert Armstrong, before about half of the people now on the earth were born. God plans on giving some in all nations an opportunity to repent before the start of the Great Tribulation.
Although many take Herbert Armstrong's quotes out of context, those who knew him, like the late Aaron Dean have assured me that Herbert Armstrong still felt that the gospel proclaiming work needed to be done. Furthermore, Dale Schurter, a former WCG minister, reported that Herbert W. Armstrong stated the following a few months before he died:
I have come to realize there will be an even greater work to follow--to go again, to "prophesy again" to all nations tongues and peoples (Rev. 10:11) before the work of the two witnesses--but with more power and with a stronger warning message. But that will be for others to do.' He continued, 'It will be a short work (Rom. 9:27-29), compared with the longer time to complete the work I was given, and it will be cut short. That's when the Great Tribulation will begin, as will the work of the two witnesses. These will last for three and one-half years, at the end of which Christ will return in glory. ("The Greatest Work Lies JUST Ahead ... " as stated in RCG letter of May 31, 2013).
This is additional confirmation that Herbert Armstrong wanted the truth preached AND that he felt that there remained a major proclamation phase of the work that needed to get done before the arrival of the two witnesses. This is 'short work' is part of what I have referred to as the final phase of the work.
Another problem with some who have taken some of Herbert Armstrong's quotes out of context, is that while it is true Herbert Armstrong seemed to feel that he personally succeeded in preaching the gospel of the kingdom to all the world as a witness, it is not true that he felt the true Church should stop placing its top priority on proclaiming. For example, in what appears to be the second to the last letter from Mr Armstrong, he wrote:
It is now true that this Gospel has been proclaimed within every nation on earth by the Worldwide Church of God (Letter 1/86).
He then listed that 90 million booklets, magazines, articles, and correspondence course lessons had been sent out in 1985 (and never mentioned the Worldwide News which was for members only). Instead of suggesting that the publishing portion of the work was over, he wrote (in the same letter),
Now let's keep it up in 1986! (Letter 1/86).
Therefore, realize that all of the last three letters sent out by Herbert Armstrong stated that the work of publicly proclaiming the Gospel was to continue even though it had been proclaimed within every nation. Why would God have all of them preserved if He did not want those who were faithful to keep up the work?
Some have brought up certain comments by Aaron Dean as an excuse to not place their top priority on proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness. Some apparently believe that since Aaron Dean claims to have penned Herbert W. Armstrong's last letter, that this means that God did not intend for the church to first try to get the gospel out as a witness, but instead the focus should be to get the bride ready. Here is some of what Aaron Dean apparently wrote on November 23, 2005:
FYI, the simple answer is I did write his last letter for him - in his style of course. He was too weak to even dictate. I did read it to him however, and told him it wouldn't go out unless I knew he understood it. He squeezed my hand, and added a couple words, so I knew he got it. It was the truth as I knew it, and I felt we needed a send off more than "I did the work, so hang on till Christ comes". He really felt he had done the commission and that the purification of the bride was to be next. He didn't expect a great work to continue ... I had asked if he could prove from scripture that that part of the work had been done, and he replied, "no" ...
On October 24, 2012, Aaron Dean wrote the following in an email to dispel the anti-work pushers (and I personally spoke to Aaron Dean about this on 10/25/12 and he sent me his email):
I asked HWA in his final weeks if we should stop preaching the Gospel when he died. He said "no" because there was no place in scripture that said when he died that the work was over. (Remember, he picked the telecastor's that would replace him - something he wouldn't have done if it 'was over.')
Aaron Dean also me that it was not until the last 18 or so months of his life that Herbert Armstrong realized that he would not be around until the end. And tht is why he wrote some of what is quoted earlier in that article--he wanted to make sure people realized that the Philadelphia work needed to continue.
The simple truth is that the Bible supports that the work of the Philadelphians was to continue to the end and this is what Herbert W. Armstrong's church always had taught.
So now, misusing Aaron Dean, those who are opposed to the Philadelphia work will cite part of his letters as proof that they can ignore the Bible and what the old WCG stood for. The fact that Aaron Dean has been on the Council of Elders of the United Church of God for years has stated, "Personally, I think God is preparing the bride" (2005 letter) does not change what was previously written, nor the Bible.
Certainly God is preparing the bride, but to do that without placing a priority on proclaiming the gospel as a witness leads to a selfish, not Philadelphian, bride.
The plain truth is that I believe that God Himself wanted what was in Herbert W. Armstrong's last letter to be in that letter.
The fact that Herbert W. Armstrong had some possible doubts at the end of his life on the future direction of the church (recall that he appointed J. Tkach and he seemed to feel the end would be before the end of the 20th century) does not change any of the facts. Even John the Baptist had some possible doubts at the end of his life about Jesus being the Messiah (Matthew 11:2-3)--but that also did not change the fact that true believers were to follow Jesus.
Notice what Herbert W. Armstrong specifically taught about preaching the gospel, when that work ends, and preparing the church:
When this European empire is perfected, the great Work God is doing through this Church will be quickly completed--finished...
The sign He gave was that which He is doing through us--proclaiming for the first time in 1900 years to the world the Gospel of the KINGDOM OF GOD (Matthew 24:14).
But next, after our work, is to come the GREAT TRIBULATION (verses 21-22. That shall be ended, verse 29, by supernatural, frightful signs in the sun, moon, and stars; signaling the "day of the Lord"--see also Joel 2:31). Then quickly; the coming of Christ. See also Daniel 12:1.
Events now occurring SWIFTLY in the world are SIGNS of the imminency of the Great Tribulation. No one will be allowed to proclaim Christ's Gospel then. The "Philadelphia era" or succession of God's Church will be taken on the "two wings of a great eagle"--whatever that symbolizes--to a place of protection where we are to be "fed"--provided for. We need now to begin to be ALERT, for this "flight" may happen suddenly. DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE NEGATIVE SNEERING OF EXCOMMUNICATED MINISTERS: Both Revelation 12:13 and 3:10 warn us.
We, ourselves, are a sign (Matt. 24:14) of the very imminency of these things!
I say again and again, it is later than we think.
Fellow Ministers, God has made it our job to PREPARE His Church--that we may be "without spot or wrinkle...holy and withouth blemish" WHEN Christ comes!
This means renewed dedication, more constant and intensive earnest prayer, "soul-searching," and determined preparation. This is a serious responsibility for all of us! (Armstrong HW. Great Significance of Summit Conference. Pastor General's Report, Vol. 2, No. 26, June 27, 1980).
Notice that although Herbert W. Armstrong felt that the ministry had to prepare the church, the gospel still needed to preached until the European empire was perfected, and we flee to a place of safety. The European empire has not been perfected yet, nor have the Philadelphians fled to a place of safety, therefore according to HWA, the gospel still must be preached.
Those who are relying on Aaron Dean's account as an excuse for the true church to not proclaim the gospel misunderstand Herbert W. Armstrong's intentions and are plainly in error. Perhaps I should add here that there are many small groups who use Aaron Dean's recollections as an excuse, and then turn around and claim that the work is essentially one of warning whoever they perceive to be Laodiceans in the COG, instead of getting the gospel message out to the world as a witness.
The record of the Bible and the writings of Herbert W. Armstrong that have been preserved clearly enough to teach that the top priority of the Philadelphia portion of the church of God is to continue to have the Philadelphia work--the work of going through the open door to proclaim the gospel. Would those that think otherwise teach that John the Baptist's followers should have rejected Jesus for the doubts that John raised at the end of his life?
Of course not!
Herbert Armstrong clearly wrote that the commission to the Church was to proclaim the gospel and "to provide the first actual harvest of mortal human beings" (Mystery of the Ages, pp.206, 232). How can this be done if the gospel is not being proclaimed? Herbert Armstrong also wrote:
God has given his Church dual responsibility: 1) 'Go ye into all the world' and proclaim the good news--announcement--of the coming kingdom of God. 2) 'Feed my sheep'. But in feeding the 'sheep', developing in them God's spiritual character, God has given them their part in supporting, backing up, the great commission: 'Go ye in into all the world' (Mystery of the Ages, p.265).
At least four times in the Mystery of the Ages chapter titled, Mystery of the Church, Herbert Armstrong quotes or alludes to portions of Matthew 28:19-20. He never says that dual responsibility is finished or that he finished either part. In his autobiography, he wrote:
In Matthew 28:19-20, God's order is 1) go and preach the Gospel (compare with Mark's version, same words of Jesus, Mark 16:15); 2) baptize those who repent and believe; then after that, 3) teach them to observe the commandments (Autobiography, p. 523).
He never wrote that the priority should be changed by the Church after he died. Instead, recall that Herbert W. Armstrong approved several men to continue to proclaim the gospel message on television after Herbert W. Armstrong died.
Jesus and Apostles
That said, it is the word of God we must look to related to the priority and necessity of proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness.
Notice what Jesus said:
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).
It should be obvious that Jesus intended that the gospel would be proclaimed throughout the world until He returned. Some, citing John 6:28-29, seem to dismiss the need to truly do what Jesus said. Some forget, "faith without works is dead (James 2:20,26) and that Jesus gave the commision after responding to people who wanted to see the work of God then (almost 2,000 years ago, and before Jesus' crucifixion)--before the start of the New Testament church age.
Still another argument raised is that Herbert Armstrong was God's apostle, he finished the preaching work, there are no apostles today, thus no one can do the type of work that he did, so no one should try. Well similarly it could be said that since Solomon was the wisest man there was (1 Kings 4:31), the richest king there was (1 Kings 10:23), and he built the most magnificent temple, no one can build a temple like he did, so no one should try. Well, as shown previously in this article, God told the people to build it anyway. There are also several interesting rebuttals to this argument in the New Testament.
However, first let us read what Herbert Armstrong actually wrote about non-apostles preaching the Gospel:
...evangelists were used in carrying forth the message. Other leaders--ordained ministers--were stationary, yet even the local pastor of a church may hold evangelistic services in his area--not the 'soul-saving crusade' type, but lectures announcing and proclaiming as a witness the coming kingdom of God (the true gospel)! This entire great commission--proclaiming the good news of the coming kingdom, and 'feeding the sheep'--is a combined administration and function of the Church...it is done also by radio and television and in print (Mystery of the Ages, pp.265-266).
Herbert Armstrong started to do the work, which he felt the Philadelphia portion of which began in 1933, before he considered that he could possibly be an apostle.
The work is NOT just to make old Radio/Worldwide Church of God literature available, which some groups mainly seem to think.
The work, according to Herbert Armstrong, was not to be done until it was about time to go the place of safety:
Then a voice from heaven told John to take and open a very small book in the hand of the angel, and eat it. In his mouth it was sweet as honey, but in his stomach very bitter. Then the voice said to John, "Thou must prophesy [preach or announce] again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, AND KINGS" (verse 11, Authorized Version). Now what is the TIME setting of this prophecy? It is sometime PRIOR to the sounding of the seventh trumpet, at which time Christ shall come. That is clear in verse 7. Also it is followed immediately by the 3 1/2-year mission of the two witnesses. Their 3 1/2 years BEGIN with the Great Tribulation. So the TIME of this prophecy is just shortly before the work of the Philadelphia church is finished. After that shall come the Great Tribulation, and the Day of the Lord, with supernatural disturbances in the sky. ...
Continue this prophecy. Next, when our great commission is in God's sight completed, we are to be taken--symbolically flown on the two wings of a great eagle--which could mean by a friendly government made friendly to us by my contacts with heads of so many governments--we shall be taken to a place of protection from the Great Tribulation, which is the furious wrath of Satan (verse 14). While we are in this place of safety 3 1/2 years, the two witnesses shall be preaching to the whole world, protected from Satan. But Satan in his mad wrath will then make war with the REMNANT Church. (Armstrong HW. What Lies Ahead Now? Good News, January, 1984)
Many once in WCG simply never understood what was taught about the open door and when it would be shut:
Philadelphia has little strength to do this great work that God has given it to do. God has opened the door, and yet look how insignificant, how weak, how little strength we as a Church have to do that work...Revelation 3:7-13: "And to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia write these things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that OPENETH, and no man SHUTTETH; and SHUTTETH and no man openeth." The great door that God has opened to this work is the facility to go into all the world and preach the gospel; the door of radio, the door of the printing press, plus many other such doors. God has set before us an open door and no MAN can shut it. God can shut it, and He will when the work is finished and the Philadelphia Church goes to a place of safety. ...The Laodicean Church is not going to be worthy to escape to a place of safety. When it is too late, they will find that the Church of Philadelphia has gone to safety (Neff L. What Is the "LAODICEAN CHURCH"? Good News August 1959 Vol. VIII, Number 8).
Of course, the Bible should be the criteria to understand the open doors.
The New Testament shows that the doors had to do with proclaiming the gospel:
27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27).
8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. (1 Corinthians 16:8-9)
12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, (2 Corinthians 2:12-13)
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, ... 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. (Colossians 4:2-3,10-11)
The doors were opened to proclaim the gospel. Some are open today. And we are to work towards not only warning descendants of Israel, but also the full number of Gentiles (see What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?).
Notice what Herbert Armstrong taught about how determines the commission is fulfilled:
Next, when our Great Commission is in God's sight completed, we are to be taken--symbolically flown on the two wings of a great eagle--we shall be taken to a place of protection from the Great Tribulation (Armstrong HW. Looking...PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT - VOL.3, NO.4 January 23, 1981).
It is God, not the opinion of various ones, who will determine when Matthew 24:14 is fulfilled. Perhaps one reason is was not fulfilled in the last century was because of limited access to printed materials, whereas in this century we have the internet, as well as computer software that can translate many languages.
Herbert W. Armstrong's writings clearly teach that the Philadelphia work was to continue until it was time to go the place of safety. As mentioned elsewhere, those who teach otherwise simply do not know what Herbert W. Armstrong really taught.
Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled when God decides it has been.
Consider it was Jesus who also said:
4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4).
It is still 'day' (we are not fleeing), which means we are to do the work as long as we possibly can:
Just as the remnants of the Sardis era of the Church exist side by side with the Philadelphia era, SO WE WILL CONTINUE OUR WORK to the very "end time" when another group will appear -- a group not accounted worthy to escape the coming tribulation. Another separate work is yet to arise -- made up of begotten individuals who are spiritually lukewarm! WOE BE TO ANY OF US IF WE TAKE PART IN SUCH A WORK! Here is a work, yet to arise because of our preaching, which will say: "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." And Jesus will reply: "As many as I LOVE, I rebuke and chasten: be ZEALOUS therefore, and repent." It is time to WAKE UP! If you become complacent, lacking in zeal, looking upon a local church as a social club, instead of having your heart in the gospel, you, too, may find yourself in the "Church of Laodicea" left to suffer the impending, horrifying tribulation (A TRUE HISTORY of the TRUE CHURCH, 1959).
As we have not yet gone to 'a place of safety', we still must be diligent to do the work to proclaim the Gospel. It is Christ, and NOT the death of any man (including Herbert W. Armstrong), that shuts the door.
I would add that Herbert W. Armstrong intentionally DID NOT APPOINT HIS HUMAN SUCCESSOR AS AN APOSTLE. I also verified this personally with Aaron Dean.
Lack of an absolute clear apostle is not an excuse. Jesus sent non-apostles out to heal the sick and preach about the Kingdom of God (Luke 10:1-12), and they even cast out demons (Luke 10:17). God used a deacon (Stephen), one who was only supposed to serve tables, to get His message out and even get a vision from God (Acts 6-7).
Also note:
As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:3-4)
Those everywhere preaching were not just apostles. Interestingly, Paul started preaching (Acts 9:19-20) BEFORE he was made an apostle (Acts 13:2). Timothy was an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5), apparently with prophetic gifts (cf. 1 Timothy 4:14), hence a prophetic-evangelists (like I am), but was apparently not an apostle (2 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Timothy 4:5), yet Paul wrote:
Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do (1 Corinthians 16:10).
There simply is no biblical restriction that preaching the Gospel must be limited to clear apostles (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God). But many do not have the right attitude in the 21st century.
Consider also the following which has been referred to before:
7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,
'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
13 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' (Revelation 3:7-13)
Jesus praised the Philadelphians for doing the work and warned them not to let any man take their crown. Because of actions of men such as Joseph Tkach, Gerald Flurry, David Pack, and/or other apostates, many are letting a man take away their crown as many will no longer support the work, and deceive themselves that it is through and that they do not need to do anything but take care of their lives spiritually--that is scripturally in error.
Not producing because of overbearing men or for persuading oneself otherwise is NOT a valid excuse per Jesus:
20 "Then another came, saying, 'Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief. 21 For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.' 22 And he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'
24 "And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.' 25 (But they said to him, 'Master, he has ten minas.') 26 'For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. (Luke 19:20-26)
Jesus condemned the one who felt it was safer NOT to support the work that was to be done.
Furthermore, look at what Jesus said in Revelation 3:14-16:
"And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.'"
It should be noted that Jesus condemns the Laodiceans for their work, which is obviously a different work than that of Philadelphians (as He praises the Philadelphians for their works, vss. 8-10, and tells them to 'hold fast', vs. 11). Look at what Herbert W. Armstrong and his WCG taught:
'And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness and then shall the end come' --the end of the age! (Matt. 24:14.). Then follows the new age when the reign of Christ shall replace Satan (Armstrong HW. PREDESTINATION: Does the Bible Teach It? Ambassador College, 1975).
This is further evidence that the groups that say there is no need to continue to preach the Gospel as a witness DO NOT follow what Herbert W. Armstrong taught. After the Gospel is done being proclaimed the 3 1/2 year end (not a pre-end lasting over 30 years prior to the 3 1/2 years, as certain groups suggest) comes and Christ's reign begins. In order to justify their existence (and, in my opinion, keep enough tithes to support THEMSELVES), they reason around the necessity of proclaiming the Gospel--as they all know well that they will not have the means to do it--and use the Laodicean logic on trying to focus on twigs, and not the "trunk of the tree" that Herbert W. Armstrong told us all that we should do.
All who will look should realize that the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God has taken Jesus' and HWA's admonitions to proclaim the Christ's gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness and to go into all nations seriously.
New Testament Examples
In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), talents were given to the servants "according to his own ability" (vs. 15). The one with the least ability reasoned that the best thing he could do was to hide the talent and return it when the master returned. Instead of praising him, the master, "answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant...Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth' " (vs. 26, 28-30). Jesus does not want us to be unprofitable servants, even if we have the least amount of talents (and are not apostles), He expects us to do our part in supporting the work.
Another interesting view is the story which immediately follows the one about the talents (Matthew 25:31-46):
31 When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left...44 Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' 45 Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me' (vs. 31-33, 44-45).
These are people who said they would have done the work if they understood that is what Jesus wanted, however they did not minister to those Jesus wanted them to minister to.
Loma Armstrong had a Dream with Two-Parts
The Bible records that God often has used dreams to give messages (Genesis 20:3-7, 28:10-17, 31:10-13, 31:24, 37:5-10, 40:5-18, 41:1-32; Numbers 12:6; Judges 7:13-15; 1 Kings 3:5-15; Daniel 2:3-45, 4:4-27, 7:1-28; Matthew 1:20-25, 2:12, 2:13, 2:19, 2:22; Acts 16:9).
Though many discount all dreams, many also forget that Herbert W. Armstrong believed that his wife Loma D. Armstrong had a dream from God, although it took him some years to accept the validity of it:
Within 30 or 60 days after our marriage God spoke to my wife in what might have been an intense unusual dream, or a vision -- but it was years later before we came to realize that this really was a message from God. (Armstrong HW. Brethren and Co-worker letter, November 28, 1956)
One night my wife had a dream so vivid and impressive it overwhelmed and shook her tremendously. It was so realistic it seemed more like a vision. For two or three days afterward everything else seemed unreal -- as if in a daze -- and only this extraordinary dream seemed real.
In her dream she and I were crossing the wide intersection, only a block or two from our apartment, where Broadway diagonally crosses Sheridan Road. Suddenly there appeared an awesome sight in the sky above. It was a dazzling spectacle -- the sky filled with a gigantic solid mass of brilliant stars, shaped like a huge banner. The stars began to quiver and separate, finally vanishing. She called my attention to the vanishing stars, when another huge grouping of flashing stars appeared, then quivering, separating, and vanishing like the first.
As she and I, in her dream, looked upward at the vanishing stars, three large white birds suddenly appeared in the sky between us and the vanishing stars. These great white birds flew directly toward us. As they descended nearer, she perceived that they were angels.
"Then," my wife wrote a day or two after the dream, in a letter to my mother which I have just run across among old family pictures, "it dawned on me that Christ was coming, and I was so happy I was just crying for joy. Then suddenly I thought of Herbert and was rather worried."
She knew I had evidenced very little religious interest, although we had attended a corner church two or three times.
Then it seemed that, from among these angels in her dream, that, "Christ descended from among them and stood directly in front of us.
At first I was a little doubtful and afraid of how He would receive us, because I remembered we had neglected our Bible study and had our minds too much on things apart from His interests. But as we went up to Him, He put His arms around both of us, and we were so happy! I thought people all over the world had seen Him come. As far as we could see, people were just swarming into the streets at this broad intersection. Some were glad and some were afraid.
"Then it seemed He had changed into an angel. I was terribly disappointed at first, until he told me Christ was really coming in a very short time."
At that time, we had been going quite regularly to motion - picture theatres. She asked the angel if this were wrong. He replied Christ had important work for us to do, preparing for His coming -- there would be no time for "movies." (Those were the days of the "silent" pictures.) Then the angel and the whole spectacle seemed to vanish, and she awakened, shaken and wondering!
In the morning, she told me of her dream. I was embarrassed. I didn’t want to think about it, yet I was afraid to totally dismiss it. I thought of a logical way to evade it myself, and still solve it. ...
Do not hastily ascribe a dream to God. True, the Bible shows that God has spoken to His own chosen servants by this means of communication -- primarily in the Old Testament, and before the writing of the Bible was completed. But most dreams mean nothing. And false prophets have misled people by telling false dreams, representing their dreams to be the Word of God (Jeremiah 23, where God says, "I am against prophets who recount lying dreams, leading my people astray with their lies and their empty pretensions, though I never sent them, never commissioned them" -- verse 32, Moffatt translation).
Certainly I did not ascribe this dream to God. It made me feel a little uncomfortable at the time, and I was anxious to forget it -- which I did for some years. I was twenty - five at the time. God left me to my own ways for five more years. But when I was age thirty, He began to deal with me in no uncertain terms... (The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong, 1973, pp. 187,193-194).
Loma and Herbert Armstrong were married in 1917. They were specifically told that they would have a work to do. Furthermore, the bright lights in the dream may have had to do with doing a work (cf. Matthew 5:16)--a work that seemed to vanish and return (flash). Thus, there was a dream from given to a woman in the 20th century that preceded the start of the old Radio Church of God that Herbert W. Armstrong led. The Radio Church of God represented the start of the Philadelphia era and the Philadelphian work--a work that is not finished (cf. Matthew 24:14-15)--and Herbert W. Armstrong claimed that a dream given to his wife was from God, prior to the start of the Philadelphia era.
Since the Philadelphia era was raised up years after that dream, a question to ponder is would God do anything similar to point to the continuation of the end-time COG remnant of the Philadelphians? Consider that in Loma Armstrong's dream that there were two sets of flashing stars. Herbert Armstrong is now dead and there was a pause between the work God had him to do and the completion of the final phase of the work to finally fulfill Matthew 24:14 (cf. Isaiah 29:14?).
In the past, like in 2013 and 2014, I have called the time between his death and the formation of the Continuing Church of God the transitional phase (see also The Final Phase of the Work)--which is consistent with Loma Armstrong's dream. God will cut that final work short (Romans 9:28) which results in the famine of the word (Amos 8:12; see also Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word) which is consistent with the vanishing stars in Loma Armstrong's dream (though there could be other interpretations--we in CCOG are continuing the Philadelphia work and expect to be the ones God will use on earth to help finish it).
He mentioned the dream from time to time publicly, here are two nearly identical accounts:
I'm usually pretty skeptical about God speaking to anyone today in visions or dreams. God speaks to us thru His Son, Jesus Christ -- the WORD of God -- and the Bible is the written Word. I didn't really believe it then, 38 years ago, but subsequent events have verified that God did speak to my wife at that time, shortly after we were married, revealing thru an angel that He was calling us to the mission of WARNING the world of the fast-approaching END OF THIS WORLD, the Coming of Jesus Christ, and the world-ruling Kingdom of God. At the time I was unconverted, not bothering to attend church, interested only in business and making money. I was embarrassed -- a little awed -- but immediately tried to put it out of my mind. But at age 30 God took away my business, struck me down, took away my idol of money-making and business prestige. (Armstrong HW. Co-worker letter, November 25, 1955)
 I'm usually pretty skeptical about God speaking to anyone today in visions or dreams. God speaks to us thru His Son, Jesus Christ — the WORD of God — and the Bible is the written Word. I didn't really believe it then, 38 years ago, but subsequent events have verified that God did speak to my wife at that time, shortly after we were married, revealing thru an angel in a vision that He was calling us to the mission of WARNING the world of the fast- approaching END OF THIS WORLD, the coming of Jesus Christ, and the world-ruling Kingdom of God. At that time I was unconverted, not bothering to attend church, interested only in business and making money. I was embarrassed — a little awed — but immediately tried to put it out of my mind. But at age 30 God took away my business, struck me down, took away my idol of money-making and business prestige. (Armstrong HW. Co-worker letter, February 21, 1956)
Notice that the dream was to go until the end of the world and the coming of Jesus--since Herbert Armstrong has been dead since January 16, 1986--if the dream was from God then, does it not make sense that the second half of the dream would be fulfilled by another in the 21st century? We in the Continuing Church of God are fulfilling that second part of stars (see also The Final Phase of the Work).
Perhaps it should be mentioned, Herbert Armstrong had more information about what I am referring to as the first set of stars (the first part) in the dream. He wrote:
It was a dazzling spectacle...People by the hundreds came running into this broad intersection looking up to see the strange phenomena ... A vast multitude of eyes were upon us... I have only come to believe that this dream was a bonafide call from God in the light of subsequent events. (Armstrong HW. The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong, 9th installment. Plain Truth, August 1958, p. 18).
Eyes of a vast multitude suggest that the dream was saying that the work to be done was to have a witness to many. This happened with the old Radio and Worldwide Church of God under Herbert Armstrong's leadership in the 20th century. The second set of stars in the dream, which he did not mention in the August 1958 Plain Truth, article, but did in his published Autobiography, may pertain to what I have called, for years, The Final Phase of the Work. But even if it had applicability to the ministry of Herbert Armstrong only, the dream, which he shortly before his death he confirmed he believed was from God (per Aaron Dean, who I discussed this with on October 30, 2015), shows that one did precede the COG work he was involved in.
Consider that Herbert W. Armstrong considered that his wife Loma's dream was from God. He also believed the first part of it had to do with the start of the Philadelphia era of the Church of God via the Radio Church Church of God. He did not discuss the fulfillment of the second part of the dream directly, however he taught another work would be done.
Dale Schurter, a former WCG minister, reported that Herbert W. Armstrong stated the following in 1984/1985 (shortly before he died in January 1986). Here are two accounts of this:
“A few months before Mr. Armstrong’s death, my wife and I had the opportunity to spend several hours with Mr. Armstrong in his home in Pasadena. He spoke freely of the mighty work God had commissioned him to accomplish, and related certain heartfelt comments: ‘I can say that I have finished the work God has given me to do, and am at peace about it. I have preached and taken the Gospel of the Kingdom of God into all the world as a witness to all nations.’
“Mr. Armstrong went on to say, ‘I have come to realize there will be an even greater work to follow” to go again, to “prophesy again” to all nations tongues and peoples (Rev. 10:11) before the work of the two witnesses” but with more power and with a stronger warning message. But that will be for others to do.’ He continued, ‘It will be a short work (Rom. 9:27-29), compared with the longer time to complete the work I was given, and it will be cut short. That’s when the Great Tribulation will begin, as will the work of the two witnesses. These will last for three and one-half years, at the end of which Christ will return in glory.’” (“The Greatest Work Lies JUST Ahead” as stated in RCG letter of May 31, 2013)
When Mr. Armstrong was age 91 --- about 1984 --- Mona and I had opportunity to spend several hours with him in his home in Pasadena to visit and further report on work he had commissioned us to do. We were to report directly back to him. He talked freely of the mighty work God had given him to accomplish. He went on to tell us there was yet a bigger work still to be done, to go again and repeat what has been done, but with more power and with a stronger warning, just before the work of the two witnesses would begin. He said it would be a “short work” (Rom. 9:27-29) compared with the longer time to complete the work he had been given, and that it would be “cut short.” That’s when the great tribulation would begin, as would the work of the two witnesses. These would last for three and one-half years. (January 7, 2012 Dale Schurter Speaks Out: UCG Resignation Letter http://www.rcgtruth.com/2012/01/dale-l-schurter-resignation-letter_06.html)
Herbert Armstrong's part of the work lasted over 50 years, and he seemingly felt that the "short work" would be much shorter than his work. And that is correct.
Consider that since Herbert Armstrong did not teach that the second part of his wife Loma's dream was fulfilled and that he also taught a greater work was going to happen after his death. It is greater because it will fulfill Matthew 24:14, etc. That is the work that we in the Continuing Church of God are leading (see The Final Phase of the Work and Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word). It appears that the second part of Loma D. Armstrong's dream was pointing to the Continuing Church of God.
The fact that there were also other dreams related to the Continuing Church of God that were confirmed is consistent with the fact that God has used dreams related to the Continuing Church of God (see also Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).
The Final Phase of the Work
It is the highly dedicated in the real Church of God that will finish the final phase of the work before (Matthew 24:14-15) and during (Revelation 11:3-14) the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord--and the final phase will also involve dealing with the ecumenical religion that will rise up (cf. Revelation 13:4,8; 14:8-13; Matthew 24:14-15)--and those who do this should not be ignorant of Satan's devices (cf. Job 5:12; 2 Corinthians 2:11).
About a decade ago, the late evangelist R.C. Meredith and I were talking and he agreed with various points I was raising about the end time work. And back then, I was able to help lead him to essentially state that in the end it would not mainly be the message of the COG vs. the Protestants, but it would be the COG basically vs. the ecumenical religion that will rise up in the end that will likely (for a while) refer to itself as "Catholic." In 2005, during the Feast of Tabernacles in Clearwater Beach, after a private lunch, we and our wives met at his hotel room and I also discussed various aspects of the final phase of the work with him--and I had other meetings, discussions, and emails related to that with the other Charlotte evangelists through December 14, 2012. Yet, even though he and others in his church agreed to take many steps related to the final phase of the work, few, if any, of the promised steps were taken by his group--this is a major part of why the Continuing Church of God needed to form.
Within a month of the formation of the Continuing Church of God, I was asked to be the guest on two radio programs, and reached (according to one of the hosts) at least two million. Since then, I have had numerous radio appearances, plus have produced hundreds of internet television videos, which have had millions of views.
During the final phase of the work, the faithful in God's Church will take a stand against the views of those who will support the compromised persecuting religious power (cf. Revelation 17:1-6). And though aspects of this have occurred throughout history, in the end it will be a major testing of their patience (cf. Daniel 11:28-35; Revelation 14:8-12).
A bolder, yet truthful, willingness to "name names" and call out what is happening will need to happen than the official COG groups formed between 1986 and 2011 have done--and this would seem to have to be led by the Continuing Church of God. (I have emails from one or more LCG evangelists where they objected to doing parts of this themselves, as well as notes from a meeting where they told me, and one was Dr. Meredith, that they were afraid that I was could become too bold and that they did not want to take bold proclamation steps that could trigger the persecution that they teach is biblically prophesied.)
When the more faithful in the COG (which will be the Continuing Church of God and others who may somewhat follow that lead) publicly identifies the King of the North as well as keeps reporting about the final Pope/Antichrist (the initial reporting about the final pope will likely get lost in the media until later as many will write about the final pope) and media coverage gets generated, the Catholic scholars (probably getting some direction from the last pope) will tear through COG literature and attempt to challenge the credibility and the integrity of the COG message--this will initially cause "vigilante-type" persecution, but will also be followed by more institutionalized persecution (Matthew 24:-10; Daniel 11:28-35; 7:25).
The faithful Philadelphians will be persecuted for proclaiming the gospel:
9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. (Matthew 24:9).
35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. (Mark 8:35)
29... Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life (Mark 10:29-30).
This final phase of the work seemingly will consist of finishing proclamation of Christ's gospel of the kingdom as a witness along with persecution (Matthew 24:9-14), the rise and work of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:2-12) (which will likely overlap at least few days of Matthew 24:14), the likely assistance to the two witnesses by the scattered flock (cf. Luke 9:2-6), the three angels' messages (Revelation 14:8-11; and other angelic proclamations), and the witness of those persecuted and martyred for Jesus (cf. Revelation 17:6).
Faithful Christians need to be "ready to give an answer" (1 Peter 3:15, KJV), "ready to give a defense" (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV) to those that will tend to support the power that God opposes. And they are not to be "ignorant" of Satan's devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). Part of the way that the more faithful will do this will be by better understanding the Bible, church history, prophecy, and Satan's plans and tactics. Educating the membership about this is part of the final phase of the work. This is something that the Continuing Church of God realizes and is working to accomplish.
And while the first part of the following has been cited before, carefully notice the time period:
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then the end shall come. 15 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. (Matthew 24:14-16).
The end has not yet come--the final phase of the work is not over. Jesus also does not want us to give up early:
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing (Matthew 24:44-46).
(I should add that one person argued with me that since Jesus does not return until after the place of safety, that this verse does not mean we need to proclaim the Gospel now. Since it is likely that many of God's people will die before then, for them, the Master could come anytime. Remember that James 2:18-20 teaches, "Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?." Thus it would seem more logical that the work should continue to be done now.)
Jesus had a few comments for those who felt it was not time to do the work,
Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors." (John 4:34-38).
16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit (John 15:16).
It may be that prior to going to a place of protection (please see There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra), some Christians will flee out of the European (and certain other) lands dominated by the rising King of the North (and/or his sympathizers) prior to him moving into Jerusalem. This probably be during verses 28-30 of Daniel 11 as this is when the King of the North begins his anger against God's most faithful (and I believe that since God's faithful will understand these passages in Daniel 11 by then, some will not wait until verses 30 or 31 to flee from the north--and will most likely go to Judea).
Now at "the appointed time" (again PRIOR to going to the place of protection) something will trigger the King of the North going towards the south:
29 At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. 30 For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage. So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant (Daniel 11:29-30).
Note: the Hebrew term translated as "Cyprus" in the NKJV is a mistranslation. The KJV uses the term Chittim which can mean "Western lands." Hence the King of the North will apparently be temporarily stopped by a Western naval power (this also parallels Numbers 24:24 which also uses the term Chittim and is talking about an Assyrian/European power being troubled by a naval power).
Notice that the King of the North will be even further enraged by the people of the "holy covenant" and most likely try to stop the supporters of it from proclaiming the truth about his intentions and the gospel of the kingdom (c.f. Matthew 24:14). The King of the North will probably attempt to learn more about how to eliminate them by being nice to apostate members (those who "forsake the holy covenant")--apparently he attempts to get them to betray true Christians (Matthew 24:10). It strikes me as important that although a naval power stops the King of the North momentarily, the King of the North becomes apparently more enraged with the people of the holy covenant than the naval power.
Why would this be?
Most likely this occurs because the people of the holy covenant are proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14, as that immediately precedes "the end") and teaching that the King of the North is fulfilling prophecies in Daniel 11. It is my belief that after the peace deal in Daniel 9:27/11:23 has been made and/or confirmed by “the prince to come,” that the group that best represents the “sect of the Nazarenes” (the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the church per Revelation 3:7–11) in the 21st century will begin to publicly identify the person who confirmed the deal (“the prince”) as the one who fulfilled Daniel 9:27/11:23-24. This apparently enrages the King of the North so much that he initially tries to eliminate these people through political pressure and selected persecution.
Notice that after the King of the North returns home, he decides to come back to the Jerusalem area, but this time with a much more determined military presence:
31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation (Daniel 11:31).
The above event, which apparently will involve the King of the North sending in forces into Jerusalem, was spoken of by Jesus (Matthew 24:15) as a warning of the final end time. So after the gospel has been preached enough to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14), Jewish sacrifices are stopped (Daniel 9:27), the abomination is set up (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), and a decree is issued (Zephaniah 2:1), the most faithful Philadelphians will flee per Jesus' statements in Matthew 24:15-16.
And during this time, the northern King will apparently corrupt the corruptible and continue to be responsible for persecuting the people of God:
32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. 33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. 35 And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time (Daniel 11:32-35).
It is possible that this short work (cf. Romans 9:28) will temporarily swell the ranks of the Church of God (including some Philadelphians, but perhaps with many Laodiceans and many others not truly faithful—though some of the first will be last and the last first, cf. Mark 10:31). Some will be faithful and bear fruit, while many others may leave (cf. Matthew 13:18 -23; 2 Thessalonians 2:3) once the persecuting tribulation that seems prophesied to occur prior to the Great Tribulation hits (cf. Matthew 24:9-10;21). Then the end will come.
Without going into to all the reasons, let me state that the Church of God has long also cited non-biblical sources to support gospel proclamation when appropriate (Acts 17:28; Hill, David Jon. Will you be deceived by Antichrist? Good News magazine of the Radio Church of God, October 1964, pp. 9-12,18; Hill DJ. Christ or Antichrist. Good News magazine, Radio Church of God, April 1961, pp. 10-11). The that the Apostle Paul referred to pagan writings to reach his audience at times (cf. Acts 17:22-34; Titus 1:12), and since real Christians are not to be ignorant of Satan's devices (2 Corinthians 2:11), those who actually believe the Bible more than their own "traditions" should realize that knowing how Satan has planned to deceive the world is an important aspect of being able to complete the final phase of the work (as doctrines of demons will be part of it, cf. 1 Timothy 4:1). Dealing with false prophecies has long been something that God's leaders (cf. 1 Kings 18) and prophets (e.g. (Jeremiah 28:15-16) have had to do.
But the Apostle Paul wrote an interesting reason for doing so that some simply have overlooked (or at least partially misunderstood):
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, the Apostle Paul showed that he was willing to tailor his message in order to reach more people. I would suggest that this is what we in the Continuing Church of God are doing as well. We are reaching people of all types of background with COGwriter.com, ccog.org, radio interviews, our magazine (CCOG announces Bible News Prophecy magazine), our daily e-newsletter, our BibleNewsProphecy YouTube channel, our ContinuingCOG YouTube channel, and various books. These, sometimes bold, approaches have been effective and will be helpful in completing the "final phase of the work." Some details of results thus far are also in the news posts CCOG met COG proclamation goal and More on CCOG’s proclamation statistics.
For more on how we are currently reaching people around the world, check out the illustrated article: CCOG Multimedia.
It is likely that the remnant of the Philadelphians are the ones who are strong and will carry out something important--and that will be part of the final phase of the work. And this seems to have to be led by the Continuing Church of God as we are the ones who are willing to be properly bold, while also actually reaching millions. It should be noted that the words great exploits in the NKJV (Daniel 11:32) do not literally appear in the Hebrew text; but perhaps these faithful Christians have the types of signs that Jesus mentioned in Mark 16:15–18, in addition to the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), as well as the prophesied work of martyrdom (cf. Revelation 6:11).
No later than March 1, 2013 (see The Final Phase of the Work), I wrote:
Fruits, in terms of numbers of believers, will also apparently become more evident.
That type of fruit needs to be produced at all times, and especially will be during the later part of the final phase of the work--a great multitude will respond (Revelation 7:9-14), some of whom will likely have heard at least part of the message prior to the 1260 day rising of the two witnesses.
As far as CCOG goes, the number of 'fruits' it has should be more evident in 2022. CCOG has been the fastest growing xWCG in the 21st century. We have around 8,000 congregants around the world.
We also have the last days signs the New Testament points to (see Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).
Jesus said that one could tell the true from the false by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20).
For more details on the final phase, please see the article The Final Phase of the Work.
What About "Feeding the Flock" and "Making The Wife Ready"?
Some claim that they do not need to place a priority on proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom to the world as witness, they claim they are tasked primarily with 'feeding the flock' in order 'to get the wife ready.' Some who do not believe the preaching work is necessary often focus on this verse:
Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready (Revelation 19:7).
They seem to feel that making themselves ready should now be the goal of the Church. But, when Jesus was asked about the sign of His coming, His focus was to preach to the nations, then the end would come (Matthew 24:14)--He did not say to stop doing the work after any man died and then just take care of one's self. Jesus also said:
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it (Mark 8:35).
Most Christians, however, in the last days are Laodicean. Some are Laodicean like the Sadducees and others like the Pharisees (see Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees?). They have decided, for various reasons (and tend to believe scripture supports them) that they do not need to be part of an organization working to fulfill Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20.
If they would believe ALL the scriptures, they would realize that their conclusions on this are in error. Some do not wish to be part of any organization and feel that is "safer," but that is not the case.
If Christians were to be independent, for example, the Apostle Paul would not have written:
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head -- Christ -- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Now, this does NOT mean that you should follow a leader into apostacy. But, presuming you have taken time to "prove all things" you should support the organization that best teaches and stands for the truth.
It is true, as various ones have stated, that to some degree the COG should always be preparing itself. Yet, not only is 'the wife being ready' only mentioned once in the Bible, it is mentioned in the context of Revelation 19:6:
And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready" (Revelation 19:6-7).
Theses verses show that after Christ has returned and is reigning, which is after the Tribulation, His wife is ready. It astounds me that some COG group use Revelation 19:7 as their 'proof text' to justify eliminating the clear mission of the Church to first proclaim the Gospel (Matthew 28:19). Revelation 19:7 does not justify not proclaiming the Gospel now, nor does any other verse in the Bible that I am aware of. Biblically speaking, the task of 'the wife being ready' before the return of Jesus Christ appears to be completed by the Sardis and the Laodicean COG members actually going through the tribulation (Revelation 3:3;18-19;12:17) and the Philadelphians (Revelation 3:10) being trained at a place in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-16; called in COG circles, The Place of Safety).
Let's see what Jesus said about the order of priorities:
And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:7-8).
He did not say to stop giving after He died, to the contrary He taught:
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age' (Matthew 28:18-20).
We in the CCOG have done as Jesus required in Matthew 28:19-20 (e.g. CCOG's Four Years and God Revealing Philadelphia?)--and we still are doing so.
Notice that Jesus told the disciples to do both, as Herbert Armstrong also wrote, but to first go to all the nations. James wrote:
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:22-25)
Yes, Christians will be blessed for supporting the Philadelphian work! Being independent or otherwise Laodicean about supporting the proclamation work and growing as a Christian does not provide the same blessings. Support the work of proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God to the world as a witness!
Notice the following:
1 Let brotherly love continue. (Hebrews 13:1)
The Greek term translated 'brotherly love' is Philadelphia. The Philadelphian work of gospel proclamation should continue.
Proclaiming the Gospel does feed the flock and helps continue 'brotherly love.' Not doing so is selfish and not appropriate for Philadelphia Christians.
Actually Feeding the Flock
Weekly Sabbath services, other information (like BibleNewsProphecy videos, radio programs and magazines), annual Holy Day services, providing assistance, member letters, contending "earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3), booklets, and many other such things help demonstrate that if a COG is trying to 'feed the flock' (which is something that the Continuing Church of God also does). An emphasis on faithful 'servant leadership' and attempting to truly 'restore apostolic Christianity' also shows a group is trying to 'feed the flock' (which helps make the wife ready as well).
In addition, is not the flock fed from actions to proclaim the gospel? Does not the flock derive spiritual benefits, not only for giving to proclaim the gospel, but from watching/hearing this witness? Does this not help the wife make herself ready? Is not this combination of proclaiming the gospel and feeding the flock the best way that the Church can feed the flock? Is this not consistent with the practices and writings of the Church when Herbert Armstrong was alive?
We in the CCOG are doing what is consistent with the Bible and Philadelphia era priorities for the work.
For more on the details of what we are doing, check out the Continuing Church of God Multimedia page.
The Priority Remains
The Apostle Paul taught:
1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Will you imitate him as he imitated Jesus?
Jesus finished the work He was given by the Father to do (John 17:4).
It was of necessity for Paul to preach:
16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)
IT IS A PHILADELPHIAN NECESSITY TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD TO THE WORLD AS A WITNESS.
Fulfilling Matthew 24:14 is part of the work of the most faithful church at the end of the age. While NOT all Philadelphians are called to personally preach, ALL are supposed to support the work of most faithful church now.
Jesus also taught, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).
Jesus also taught, "You will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16).
Also notice what Herbert Armstrong wrote:
... this small remnant of the original true Church of God began to take on new life as the Philadelphia era … This era of the Church was to produce fruit …" (Armstrong H.W. Mystery of the Ages, pp. 289-290).
Does the Philadelphia remnant have those fruits?
Certainly! And that remnant is now best represented by the Continuing Church of God which has reached (according to radio estimates and actual internet data) millions since it officially formed (if you add computer impressions, the total number is over 537,000,000).
The Continuing Church of God is the fastest growing xWCG church in the 21st century.
The fact that the proclamation priorities were repeatedly confirmed in writing (and deed) by Herbert Armstrong shows that he personally did not feel that the priority of proclaiming the Gospel was changed by his death. He also did NOT fulfill the second part of the proclamation dream that he felt was a valid dream from God (see also Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).
The Bible teaches that the Church must put its priority on proclaiming the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). No matter what out-of-context statements attributed to Herbert W. Armstrong that are raised, the biblical priority to proclaim the Gospel remains.
Here are some related articles of possible interest:
What is a True Philadelphian?
Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes many quotes from his true (1973) Autobiography
The Thyatira Church Era was predominant circa 1050 A.D. to circa 1585 A.D.--but some are still in it.
The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1585 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D.--but some are still in it.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D.--but some few faithful are still in it.
The Laodicean Church Era was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present--and many are in it.
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Is it for more languages than English? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it?
Two related sermons are available The Work per HWA and the Bible and Priority of the Philadelphia Work.
B. Thiel. Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on the Work of Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority? www.cogwriter.com (c) 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010/2011/2012/2013/2014/2015/2017/2019 / 2022 2022 2023 2024 1101