Ruins of Ancient Philadelphia
by COGwriter
Philadelphia is the sixth of the seven churches listed in the Book of Revelation. The Philadelphia Church became predominant during the twentieth century.
Ruins of Ancient Philadelphia
Jesus told the Philadelphia Church:
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. And 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. NKJV throughout).
There are several differences in the promises to the Philadelphia church that do not seem to be included in the messages to the other churches.
These unique statements include: the key of David (vs.7), an open door (vs.8), a little strength (vs. 8), kept Jesus' word (vs. 8), the command to persevere (vs.10), and the promise to be kept from the hour of trial (vs. 10). These statements will be cited in this paper to help demonstrate the identity of the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God.
When Did the Philadelphia Era Begin?
Before getting to those unique statements, let's first look at when and some reasons why the Philadelphia began when it did.
Herbert W. Armstrong claimed his wife Loma had a dream in the 20th century from God that preceded the start of the Philadelphia era of the Church of God (see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).
Years after that dream, Herbert W. Armstrong became part of the Church of God, Seventh Day (CG7). A group that he later felt was part of the Sardis Church era.
In 1933, Herbert W. Armstrong refused to accept any salary from the Oregon Conference of CG7, and on October 9, 1933 he began proclaiming the gospel over radio, which he considered to be a door opened by God and "the start of the present work" (Autobiography, 1973 edition, pp. 450-455; see also Does the CCOG go through the ‘door’ of radio to reach the world?)--though he still had some affiliation with "Sardis" until he stopped preaching at one "Sardis" congregation in 1942 (see Sardis Church era). His new organization began on October 21, 1933 according to what he wrote:
October 21, 1933 ... a new Church of God was organized, with Mr. E.E. Fischer as deacon, and myself as Pastor. (Autobiography, 1973 edition, p. 454)
Herbert Armstrong left CG7 primarily because of doctrine as well as the fact that to him CG7 did not seem to feel that its top priority should be to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness. His autobiography contains a letter one of CG7's top leaders wrote that CG7 would not teach British Commonwealth and United States peoples were descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, even though that leader believed what Herbert Armstrong had written on that subject was true.
The reality is that former CG7 leader A.N. Dugger had problems in being unwilling to change incorrect doctrine, proclaim certain doctrines publicly that he agreed were right, boldly try to fulfill Matthew 24:14, etc. And although Herbert Armstrong did not directly mention it, according to another former CG7 President Robert Coulter, A.N. Dugger also had some serious personal integrity issues around this time that Herbert W. Armstrong would have likely known about (Robert Coulter not only told me this personally, it is documented in his book The Journey: A History of the Church of God (Seventh Day) pp. 262, 271, 283-285, etc.). So, because of doctrinal and integrity issues, Herbert W. Armstrong left CG7 and formed a group he named the Radio Church of God (interestingly the same type of issues many decades later resulted in the formation of the Continuing Church of God).
Related to the transition, Herbert Armstrong taught:
I spoke..., reading from Matthew 28:19-20 that he who taught was to baptize those taught, after which by laying on of hands they would receive the Holy Spirit, then teaching them the way of the Christian life. ...
Anyway, the meetings closed at the end of that week, and afterward I organized the 19 we had, including the Fishers and Ellises, into the parent church of the present Worldwide Church of God. This was the "Philadelphia" succession of the CHURCH OF GOD founded the day of Pentecost, A. D. 31, by Jesus Christ. It was founded entirely through living FAITH in Jesus Christ. It was founded in poverty in the midst of the worst economic depression within the memory of man. (Armstrong HW. The History of the Beginning and Growth of the Worldwide Church of God - Chapter 4. Good News, August 1980)
God grants the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands and succession was taught in the old Radio and Worldwide Church of God (see also the article Laying on of Hands), and has extended into the Continuing Church of God..
According to Herbert W. Armstrong, while he was mainly preaching at congegrations he considered Philadelphian by then, he had one congregation that he visited about once a month in northern Oregon that he felt was part of Sardis until he, in 1942, was too busy to also service them (Armstrong HW. A History of the Church of God--The Transition from Sardis to the Philadelphia Era. Behind the Work Video Sermon, Feast of Tabernacles 1983). But he specifically taught that the Philadelphia era began in 1933 (ibid).
In a special edition of the Worldwide News dated June 24, 1985, he wrote:
“I continued to work with and fellowship with West Coast members of the Sardis era until 1942, when the rapidly growing work of the fledgling Philadelphia era required my full time. The present era was officially begun in October, 1933.”
A few years before he wrote:
"The same living Jesus Christ started the Philadelphia era of God’s Church through me, as His chosen apostle, August 1933." (What Is a Liberal?” The Worldwide News, Feb. 19, 1979)
Yet, notice that two eras were existing simulataneously, Sardis and Philadelphia according to Herbert W. Armstrong (some, like David Pack of RCG, seem to not understand that and improperly teach otherwise).
Above is apparently the building that the old Radio Church of God (which became the old Worldwide Church of God) met at in 1935.
Herbert W. Armstrong wrote about what was going on with him in the early the late 1920s and early 1930s and concerns that he had about CG7 (all references below are from the 1973 edition--the later editions were edited by the Worldwide Church of God after his death and removed all references to 'Sardis' and 'Philadelphia'--bolding mine):
The only Church I had so far found which "kept the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ," and at the same time bore the NAME of the original true Church, was this almost unknown little Church of God with its small publishing house in Stanberry, Missouri" (Autobiography 1973 ed., page 312).
... So, as the first step in this test, I wrote up an exposition of some 16 typewritten pages proving clearly, plainly, and beyond contradiction that a certain minor point of doctrine proclaimed by this church, based on an erroneous interpretation of a certain verse of Scripture, was in error. This was mailed to the Stanberry, Missouri, headquarters to see whether their leaders would confess error and change. The answer came back from their head man, editor of their paper and president of their "General Conference." He was forced to admit, in plain words, that their teaching on this point was false and in error. But, he explained, he feared that if any attempt was made to correct this false doctrine and publicly confess the truth, many of their members, especially those of older standing and heavy tithe payers, would be unable to accept it. He feared they would lose confidence in the Church if they found it had been in error on any point. He said he feared many would withdraw their financial support, and it might divide the Church. And therefore he felt the Church could do nothing but continue to teach and preach this doctrine which he admitted in writing to be false. Naturally, this shook my confidence considerably. This church leader, if not the church itself, was looking to people as the SOURCE of belief, instead of to God! Yet, here was the only Church holding to the one greatest basic truth of the Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, kept in the NAME of God, and in spite of this and a few other erroneous teachings, nevertheless being closer to the whole truth than any church I had found. If this was not the true Church of God, then where was it? (pages 315-316).
...This Umapine experience was one more in which no fruit could be borne as long as I teamed with one of the ministers of this church, connected with, or springing from the Stanberry, Missouri, political center. Years later, still in my search for the one true church, still questioning whether this could be that church, still not having found it elsewhere, I asked Mrs. Runcorn (whom Mrs. Armstrong and I looked upon as our "spiritual mother") if she could point out a single real bonafide convert, brought in from the outside, resulting from the ministry of any of the preachers affiliated with "Stanberry." She thought seriously for quite a while. Then she slowly shook her head. She knew of none. I asked several others who had been in the church for years. Their answers were the same" (page 385).
...This was the crossroads -- the final pivotal, crucial test before the living Christ began opening the doors of mass communication through which GOD'S WORK at last could come to life after centuries of sleeping, and go forth in mighty power to all the world, preparing the way before Christ's return to earth as Ruler over all nations. I did not fully realize, then, that this was a crucial turning point in the history of the Church of God. My wife and I did not leave the Church. This was God's Church. Of that I was not, then, completely sure. They came closer to Biblical truth than any other -- but I was seriously disturbed by their lack of power and accomplishment. What actually was happening, though we did not understand it then, was that a NEW ERA was dawning in the history of the Church of God. The words of Christ are quoted in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of the Book of Revelation, foretelling the history of God's Church in seven successive eras, or phases. Events since that time have revealed that was the transition from the 'Sardis era' (Rev. 3:1-5) into the beginning of the 'Philadelphia era.'
Mrs. Armstrong and I continued to fellowship with these brethren. I continued to work with them, and with their ministers, as far as that was possible. The lay brethren continued to look to me for the leadership for getting the Work of God going to the world. But from that "all-day wrangle" I was independent of them and their ministers, financially. From that time I was dependent, solely, on God. We did not ask or solicit financial contributions from any except those who voluntarily became financial co-workers with us. And that has been the policy ever since" (page 448).
Now the living Christ began opening DOORS!
Later research into church history identified where we stood, at the moment, in the prophecy concerning the seven stages, or eras of God's Church from the time of the original apostles, up to Christ's return to earth and establishment of the Kingdom of God. I had been fellowshipping with, working with, the latter part of the Sardis era, as described in Christ's own words in Revelation 3:1-5. The time had come for the Philadelphia era to begin. It did begin a week later, with the ending of the Firbutte meetings, and establishment of a new local Church of God starting out with 19 members! It is to the Philadelphia era that Christ said He would OPEN DOORS that His Gospel might be worldwide, into all nations, in power.
This could not have started as long as I was being employed by MEN, ruled by MEN, not free to serve God FULLY, His way!" (page 450).
As shown in the preceding quotes, Herbert W. Armstrong left CG7 primarily because of doctrine as well as the fact that to him CG7 did not seem to feel that its top priority should be to effectively proclaim the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness.
His autobiography contains a letter one of CG7's top leaders wrote that CG7 would not teach British Commonwealth and United States peoples were descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, even though that leader believed what Herbert W. Armstrong had written on that subject was true (see photo of letter from A.N. Dugger, dated July 28, 1929 in Autobiography, 1973 edition, p.372).
He also wrote Andrew Dugger on 11 April 1937 and said the following:
“I know God has called me to His ministry … I know He has fitted me specially for the radio work …” (p. 1)
“Brother Dugger, SOMETHING HAS BEEN WRONG with the Church of God. It has not GONE FORWARD with the P O W E R it should. Why? There is a REASON! …
“WHY have we been declaring the Third Angel’s Message with such a pitifully weak whisper? …
“The Church of God IS AT THE CROSSROADS!” (p. 3)
“… I sent you the manuscript of a complete book I had written on the ISRAEL question then entitled “The Third Angel’s Message.” I believe (and which book, re-written, is now being published, incidentally), and I repeatedly wrote you asking “AM I RIGHT on this question ... [you replied] saying I surely WAS RIGHT, and that you say a purpose in the Lord revealing this truth to me at this time. Yet nothing was ever done with this truth…
“This has become a Church stand, I believe, not merely your personal stand - - but I have become convinced from these several incidents that you have taken the stand that we must CLOSE THE DOOR to advancing light and truth, or to purging out any possible error in present teachings…
“But the Church has come to a CRISIS, and its fate will be decided in about five weeks … So I beg of you - - I plead with you, IN JESUS NAME, for the sake of the Church, for the sake of the souls, for your own person sake, will you not now COME OUT BOLDLY WITH THE STAND THAT THE CHURCH WILL KEEP THE DOORS OPEN TO ADVANCING LIGHT AND TRUTH?” (p. 3) [emphasis mine]
He then goes on to say that Dugger did not “fully accept the conclusion [due to not preaching it] that the white English speaking people are the true HOUSE OF ISRAEL, as your letter written on the train that night surely indicated you DID accept …” (p. 4). He then makes that CG7 was holding to a policy “of the CLOSED DOOR.” (p. 4)
Three months later he wrote to Church of God elder, John Kiesz, the following concerning the manuscript he sent to Dugger on the ‘lost’ tribes of Israel:
“As long as ten years ago, I had submitted some things to Dugger which he wrote and acknowledged to be TRUTH - - acknowledging he was preaching error, and year refusing to change it and accept the truth and confess the error to the brethren, on the grounds they would not all accept the truth, and the truth might split the church, and so we had better go along with a stand he admitted to be false.” (July 1937, p. 1)
It appears that Andrew Dugger continued to believe this doctrine until he died, but did not preach on it. In a booklet The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Not Lost but Found (c.1970), he wrote:
“There is evidence, however, of the “Anglo-Saxon” people being one of the tribes of Israel which subject we have looked into very carefully, but many people carry this entirely too far, becoming extremists on the question” (p. 1)
So, AN Dugger basically admitted that HWA was right on this for a long time, but refused to publicly teach it in the 1930s, and that was a reason that Herbert W. Armstrong felt he had to leave AN Dugger.
In October, 1937, the Oregon churches that HWA was associated with severed relationship with the Salem, West Virginia organization, adopting the name, CHURCHES OF GOD IN OREGON, although all business activities were carried on under the name of “RADIO CHURCH OF GOD.” This was noted in a 1946 church document titled Detailed Statement of Activities, History, Operations which contained the following:
“In 1935 the Board of the Eugene Church purchased the present property of that Church.
Meanwhile the national Church (Stanberry, Mo.,) had split, about half its membership now affiliated with a new national headquarters at Salem, West Virginia. Most of our Oregon members affiliated with the Salem, W. Virginia branch. At the annual camp meeting of the Oregon Conference in the summer of 1935 a group of members near Jefferson, Oregon, were organized, under leadership and ministry of Herbert W. Armstrong, and with authorization of the Board and national leaders from Salem, West Virginia, into a local Church. During these years, and prior to August, 1937, under the ministry of Mr. Armstrong, churches had been raised up in Cottage Grove, and Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. In October, 1937, the Oregon churches severed relationship with the Salem, West Virginia organization, adopting the name, CHURCHES OF GOD IN OREGON, although all business activities were carried on under the name of “RADIO CHURCH OF GOD.”
A Church also had been established in Goble, Oregon, and one at Eldreage, 12 miles north of Salem, and, in 1942, one in Everett, Washington, and one in Los Angeles. Having expanded beyond the bounds of Oregon, the name CHURCHES OF GO IN OREGON seemed no longer appropriate.” (p. 2)
“We preferred to incorporate simply as “The CHURCH OF GOD,” but were advised this was impossible due to the fact there were already many other religious bodies incorporated under that name … since many of our members had come to consider that the Church they were a member of was “THE RADIO CHURCH OF GOD,” it was decided to incorporate the Church under that name.” (pp. 2-3)
“… in 1948, one of the purposes for which THE RADIO CHURCH OF GOD was formed was stated as: “to raise up churches.” At that time we had reduced to the three churches at Eugene, and Portland, Oregon, and Pasadena, California. Previously we had other churches as listed above… (p. 3)
“Although the Church had only one fully ordained minister, beside two non-preaching elders, on November 22, 1948, when the Commissioner of Internal Revenue notified the Church of approval of our non-profit tax exempt status, with three established churches, THE RADIO CHURCH OF GOD, as of now has in its full-time service 14 fully ordained ministers, and 13 established churches.” (p. 4)
Later, on March 3, 1946, Herbert W. Armstrong incorporated the church as the Radio Church of God.
Herbert W. Armstrong wrote he felt certain things changed in 1931:
From the year 1931, exactly 1,900 years (a century of time cycles) from the foundation of the Church, 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).
... after 3 1/2 years of intensive study and training, Christ ordained me to preach this same Gospel of the Kingdom in all the world as a witness to all nations (Matthew 24:14). This ordination took place at, or very near, the Day of Pentecost, 1931" (Armstrong H.W. Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong, 1986 edition, p. 428).
Herbert W. Armstrong had preached before then, but "by this time my whole heart was in it" and he was able to do his first extended campaign (Autobiography, 1986 edition, pp. 426, 430).
Hence, by 1937, because of his writings on the biblical Holy Days and the identity of the U.S. and British Commonwealth in prophecy, CG7 rejected Herbert W. Armstrong-so it appears that from sometime between 1931 and 1942 the Philadelphia era of the Church separated from CG7.
Herbert W. Armstrong also rejected CG7's weak approach to proclaiming the gospel. Even when he was part of CG7, Herbert W. Armstrong chided the entire CG7 church that it was not being successful in getting the warning message out to the world. This is clearly documented in a front page article in CG7's The Bible Advocate in 1928, by Herbert W. Armstrong, who wrote:
... the Adventists and the Church of God ... Have either of these bodies been, so far, winning converts to the message by the thousands--by whole cities? Has this message, so far, gone forth with the POWER, the BOLDNESS, and the results in converts ... ? ... It can't be because God is not doing His part ... Folks, let's come to life! Let's awake from this state of coma. Let's tear away from the inertia that holds us...Perhaps we need MORE POWER! (Armstrong H.W. Have we tarried for the power to carry the third angel's message? The Bible Advocate, LXII, 41, October 16, 1928, pp. 431-434).
For many years, Herbert Armstrong was nearly totally alone. He and his wife kept the Feast of Tabernacles by themselves for about seven year before others started to join them. Their supporters were considered part of the Radio Church of God and most were unable to attend weekly Sabbath services for years. Their scattered supporters have similarities to those now associated with the Continuing Church of God in many parts of the world.
A Roman Catholic View
Before getting to other biblical aspects of the Philadelphia era, perhaps some might find a Roman Catholic view of interest.
There is a book titled AFTER THE WARNING 2016. And here is some of what it claims:
Sixth Church Age A Strong Ruler and a Holy Pope to the birth of Antichrist
This is the future Church age of Philadelphia
After the 10 secrets (events), Mary claims a "certain period of peace" on the earth.
It will be the Reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Holzhauser says – All Nations will be united in the Catholic Faith
- Under the protection of the great Monarch and his Successors
- He will submit everything to his authority,
- He will show great zeal for the true Church.
- The Monarch will break the empire of the Mohammedans
2038 – 2383? http://afterthewarning2016.com/catholic-prophecy.php viewed 09/27/14
Of course, the Bible does not teach about an 'immaculate heart of Mary' (see Origin of the Marian Dogmas: Where Do Catholic Scholars Say The Four Dogmas of Mary Came From? and Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions) and certain other Roman Catholic beliefs. It perhaps should be mentioned that the one that Catholics refer to as the "great Monarch" sounds a lot like the King of the North that the Bible warns against (Daniel 11:22-45). According to Bible prophecy, this the King of the North will persecute Philadelphia Christians, and according to Catholic prophecy their Great Monarch will persecute those that oppose a Catholic faith which the Great Monarch will have changed.
Those who would like to learn more about church history to determine the true vs. false Christian church can find the following two documented, and free, online pdf booklets of value: Continuing History of the Church of God and Where is the True Christian Church Today?
The Key of David
One of the unique statements to the Philadelphia Church was the statement about the key of David.
Herbert W. Armstrong noticed that the Church of God, Seventh Day (who he often referred to as the Sardis Church) did not have a proper form of governance nor would it accept the truth about the identity of Israel--both of which can be related to the statement about the "key of David."
Herbert Armstrong found that since God promised David: "Your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16) and "David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel" (Jeremiah 33:17), that this had been fulfilled throughout history through what became the British throne--and that the current queen is a descendant. Herbert W. Armstrong considered this identity to be a major part of the "key of David." And, this was a part that CG7 always rejected, and the post-1986 Worldwide Church of God eventually rejected.
Notice, however the following from the late John Ogwyn:
The Throne of David... God explained to David that while he might punish his descendants for their sins, he would not remove the kingdom from their line as he had done with Saul...
Irish history records the remainder of this story. It tells of the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch coming to Ireland after the fall of Judah with a young princess and the coronation stone, called in Gaelic lia fail. In ancient Irish records, the princess was named Tea Tephi. She married the son of the High King of Ireland. Their descendants reigned from Tara in Ireland for many centuries. Later, in the days of Kenneth McAlpine, they transferred their place of rule to Scone in Scotland. This same dynasty continues on down to today in the person of Queen Elizabeth II, a direct descendant of Tea Tephi and her husband. God has fulfilled his promises to King David just as He said! (Ogwyn J. The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy. LCG Booklet).
The Bible also says the following about the key of David in the Old Testament:
'Then it shall be in that day, That I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah; I will clothe him with your robe And strengthen him with your belt; I will commit your responsibility into his hand. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem And to the house of Judah. The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open. I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place, And he will become a glorious throne to his father's house (Isaiah 22:20-23).
Since this particular Eliakim never was a true king of Jerusalem, but only a leader in his father's house, the above verses seem to suggest that proper governance is part of the key of David.
In his Autobiography, Herbert W. Armstrong also wrote this about governance in CG7:
Ministers were to be employed, and under orders from lay members. This is essentially the concept of what we call democracy: government from the bottom up. Those being governed dictate who shall be their rulers and how their rulers shall rule them. The most perplexing subject in all the Bible to me was this matter of church government. I never did come to clear understanding of the BIBLE teaching on the subject until after Ambassador College was formed (pp. 411-412).
When speaking of doctrines that had been restored to the Philadelphia era of the church, Herbert W. Armstrong stated:
In a sermon titled Rely on God, Herbert W. Armstrong said:The government of God has been restored to the Church, and the government of God has been placed in the Church. You read that in Ephesians 4 and I Corinthians 12. Christ is the head of the Church and under Christ in the administration of the government are an apostle or apostles, then evangelists, then pastors, then all are called elders, all ministers all the way up clear down to the lowest. So then there are teachers and elders both speaking elders and preaching elders, deacons and deaconesses. And the Church is restored in that form of government. The Sardis Church even didn't have the right form of government (Armstrong HW. Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era. Sermon given on December 17, 1983 in Pasadena, California).
KEY ISSUE IS GOVERNMENT ...
THE WHOLE THING WAS GOVERNMENT! THE THING THAT SATAN TOOK AWAY WAS GOVERNMENT. THE THING THAT CHRIST IS COMING TO RESTORE IS GOVERNMENT. AND WHAT HE RAISED ME UP FOR WAS TO RESTORE GOVERNMENT IN HIS CHURCH. And the whole test, the challenge in the first place ..., was a point of government. (Armstrong HW. Rely on God. Sermon, April 6, 1985)
Notice that Herbert Armstrong said God raised him up to restore church governnment in His church. And he did, though most end time Christians do not accept that.
In his sermon titled Challenged on April 19, 1981, Herbert W. Armstrong plainly taught:
the government of God has been established in the Philadelphia era of God's church.
Do not let naysayers, grumblers, and accusers of the brethren convince you can push aside proper hierarchical church governance and still be Philadelphian.
Notice something that Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
Why has God's Church in this Philadelphia era gone through a period of friction, controversy within the Church and split-offs, with certain ministers leaving the Church to take followers after themselves ...
The contenders, the disgruntled, the liberals did not want God's government in the Church. ... The contenders, the disgruntled, the liberals did not want God's government in the Church. (Armstrong HW. Recent History of the Philadelphia Era of the Worldwide Church of God. Worldwide News, June 25, 1985)
The Philadelphia era, according to Herbert W. Armstrong, was to have a hierarchical governance:
The Church is organized under theocratic government, hierarchical in form (Mystery of the Ages, p. 246).
While not all who claim to accept hierarchical church government are Philadelphian, none who reject true hierarchical church government are Philadelphian.
The Open Door
Although all the messages to the Churches state, "I know your works," it is only to Philadelphia that Jesus says, "See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it."
What is the "open door"?
Let us look at this concept within the New Testament and let the Bible interpret itself.
Paul wrote:
12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord (2 Corinthians 2:12).
8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me (1 Corinthians 16:8-9).
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak (Colossians 4:2-4).
Luke wrote:
27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27).
Thus, the Bible is quite clear that the open door is the door to proclaim the Gospel.
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).
It was not until the 20th century that the technology of automated transportation and electronic media (such as radio and television) came forth to allow the Church of God (COG) to have much international impact. Herbert W. Armstrong began to broadcast on the radio beginning in 1933 (see also Does the CCOG go through the ‘door’ of radio to reach the world?).
Herbert Armstrong wrote in the 1960s and early 1970s:
This great Work now encompasses the whole world. It now requires the full time work of hundreds of trained men and women. It now reaches millions of people every week -- our estimate is at least twenty-two million! (Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, May 22, 1963)
In other words, beside helping pay for the World Tomorrow broadcast on radio and television, reaching some forty million people every week, your tithes and freewill offerings are helping me to put The Plain Truth into the hands of nearly two and a half million readers who are not even asked for financial support! (Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, June 29, 1967)
...through our media of The Plain Truth, our broadcasts, telecasts, etc., we reach and influence into the hundred millions of people worldwide...(Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, September 28, 1970)
We now are reaching more than 150 million...Think of it! -- that is one in every twenty-three of all the people on earth, or one in every sixteen persons above age fourteen. (Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, May 28, 1971)
Herbert W. Armstrong's ministry was the most effective COG minister in post-Apostolic history when it came to numbers reached with Christ's Gospel of the Kingdom (multiple millions more were reached in the rest of the 1970s and 1980s). This makes the work of the Philadelphia Church highly significant.
Photo of what was once WCG's Pasadena HQ church
(Go to this link for: Joyce's Pictures of the Pasadena Campus of Ambassador College and the former Headquarters of the old Worldwide Church of God)
For a short time, The World Tomorrow was the number one rated religious television program in the USA--a major accomplishment for such a 'little flock'. For a while its radio broadcast was also one of the most listened to. Millions also received the Plain Truth magazine. And the "gospel of the kingdom" was "preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations" (Matthew 24:14), through various media as well as through Herbert W. Armstrong's personal visits to world leaders.
However, since the remainder of Matthew 24:14 is "and then the end will come," this makes it clear that this preaching of the Gospel is to occur until the end (more information on that point is discussed in the article Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work?).
Furthermore, under the old WCG the gospel of the kingdom was only made available in a few dozen languages.
Notice what Herbert W. Armstrong taught:
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?
... 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 the 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 (Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT - VOL.1, NO.15 NOVEMBER 20, 1979).
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).
The Continuing Church of God has information in more languages in order to fulfill the commissions of Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20 to reach the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and other teachings (see also Preaching the Gospel in Over 1000 Languages) than has ever happened in the entire history of the true church! That is needed at the end times as we prepare for the short work of Romans 9:28 (see also Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word), which includes laying the foundation for Revelation 7:9 as part of the final phase of the work.
Currently, the Continuing Church of God is leading the final phase of the work.
Herbert W. Armstrong's church taught that the door would not be closed until the end:
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 he 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. (What Is the "LAODICEAN CHURCH"? Good News Magazine, August 1959 Vol. VIII, Number 8).
Sadly, many once in the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) simply never understood what was taught about the open door. But the Continuing Church of God still does--and its proclamation efforts are reaching millions (see, for example, Continuing Church of God first year anniversary: What is being accomplished? and/or many of the weekly Letter to the Brethren).
As far as radio goes, the CCOG has the broadest radio reach of any COG in the 21st century. For details, check out the Continuing Church of God Multimedia page.
Notice also something from the Old Testament:
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man's all.
14 For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
God is to be the top priority and He is concerned about the work that people are involved in. According to Jesus, the right work is essentially limited to the Philadelphian Christians in the end time (cf. Revelation 3).
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.
Notice the following:
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!
Perhaps it should be added that even Catholics of Rome realize that the open door to Philadelphia involved proclaiming the gospel. Notice the following comment on Revelation 3:8:
Verse 8...
He has given...an open door...
The figure of the open door was used quite often by Christ and the apostles...a "great door" was opened to St. Paul (1 Cor. XVI. 9) to convert many to the faith. In the letter to the Colossians, the figure meant the opportunity to preach (Col. IV. 3)...The faithfulness of...Philadelphia...won for them these greater opportunities to extend the kingdom of Christ. Hence it was missionary ... (Kramer H.B. L. The Book of Destiny. Nihil Obstat: J.S. Considine, O.P., Censor Deputatus. Imprimatur: +Joseph M. Mueller, Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, January 26, 1956. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), pp. 98-99).
Catholics who wish to support that true work, however, should seriously look into the genuine Church of God as the Church of Rome has made many serious changes in doctrine that the real Church of God has not made (for documentation of that, please see Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God?).
Organizational Structure
Most of the larger Laodicean Church of God groups are 501(c)(3) registered non-profit corporations.
They basically do this to try to maximize income potential and to shield the founders from possible tax-deductibility and other lawsuits.
But doing so restricts there ability to proclaim all the truths of the Bible. This is also true for smaller COGs that are 501(c)(3) registered with the US IRS.
It is not that they do not teach any--they are not cold. But they often tend to pull punches when they should not--they are thus not hot (cf. Revelation 3:14-21).
Yet, the Bible teaches:
1 Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Many COG groups are more cautious and unwilling to do that as much as they should. Part of the reason from USA based groups is that most of them are 501(c)(3) registered and are not corporation soles.
Jesus warned that most Christians would be lukewarm in the end times, and we are seeing that.
Forming the way we did in the Continuing Church of God was part of our preparation for the short work (Romans 9:27)--as we feel that is the best way to fulfill various biblical teachings on end time proclamations.
More on those matters can be found in the following:
Congregations of the Continuing Church of God This is a listing of congregations and groups of the Continuing Church of God around the world. Here is a link to a related sermon: CCOG, a corporation sole, not a 501(c)(3).
501(c)(3)? Why the Continuing Church of God chose a better option Churches in the USA do NOT have to register as 501(c)(3). Why would they? Why is what CCOG did better?
Why is the Continuing Church of God a corporation sole? What is a 'corporation sole' and why is this a better organizational choice?
The reasons we choose the structure we did were based on Philadelphian objectives and the end time work. Other groups have had different priorities.
Watchman Role
In 1980, the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following related to the Ezekiel warning:
There is duality here. First, God sets a modern “Ezekiel” as a watchman. Then the PEOPLE set him as their watchman.
UNDERSTAND THIS! In Ezekiel’s day he was a P.O.W.—a prisoner of war, taken from his own country into Babylon. The people of Judah never set him as their watchman. But Christ’s Apostle for our day has been set—first by Christ, then by the people of God—as their watchman. That is, one to watch events as they fulfill prophecy, to perceive and warn the people of the 20th-century house of Israel when such military invasion is reasonably imminent. He would have to be one with facilities available for warning the whole nations of America and the British peoples.(Armstrong HW. AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL – AMERICA THE CONDEMNED. Plain Truth, June-July 1980)
In the 21st century, the Ezekiel warnings are now being at least partially fulfilled now by numerous warnings at COGwriter.com, CCOG websites, radio appearances, and Bible News Prophecy channel videos. There are an average of at least three posts per day at COGwriter.com, and most of those are consistent with fulfilling the watchman role.
Succession Through Hands and the Mantle
In the Continuing Church of God, we teach that the laying on of hands began in the New Testament church with the apostles with continued to successive church eras. This is something that various ones in the Church of God have historically also taught (see also the article: see Laying on of Hands).
The old Radio Church of God, for one example, taught that the true church always had laying on of hands succession. Yet it also taught that leaders could lose it. Notice:
Did Jesus Christ Himself put men directly into the highest office of this chain of authority? And did He "ordain" them by the laying on of His hands? Mark 3:14; John 15:16. ...
Only by the choice of Jesus Christ, by the Scriptural ordinance of the laying on of hands, were different ranks of ministers ordained to authority, and that by those who were ministers before them. The succession of ministers thus begun by the hands of Jesus Christ remained unbroken in the True Church through all ages.
Some of the men so ordained may prove unworthy. (Judas is an example.) They may be more interested in physical things than in service or the gospel.
Among the Paulicians were men, from time to time, whose works made it obvious Jesus Christ Himself had ranked them as apostles.
An apostle need not be an impressive looking man, or of HUMAN nobility. Fishermen, publicans, and tax-collectors have been among Christ's apostles (Mat. 4:18, 21; 9:9; Luke 5:27). Any greatness is not of the man, but of the OFFICE. No man is qualified for it but through the Holy Spirit.
Though you might not respect the MAN, YOU had BETTER respect that OFFICE!
THAT office is of God. (Lesson 50 - I Will Build My Church, Part 2. 58 Lesson: Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, 1965; also Lesson 50 – What Became of the Church Jesus Built? 58 Lesson: Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, 1968, p. 8)
HWA claimed that A.N. Dugger had been unfaithful to the word of God (and he was) and that A.N. Dugger/CG7 no longer possessed the 'mantle' of leadership past 1933 (if not sooner, and if he ever had it).
The late WCG evangelist Roderick Meredith once wrote:
In II Kings 2:8-15, we find the account where the great prophet Elijah was taken up into heaven — turning his office and mantle over to Elisha. Read this account carefully. Notice that Elisha expected to carryon in the power of God as had Elijah. For he asked for a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit to be upon him. As Elijah ascended up to heaven, his mantle fell on Elisha. ...
Today, you should personally awake to the fact that the mantle and power of Elijah will be manifested among God's true servants in this age.
For as John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17), so God says of our day: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and. dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (Malachi 4:5-6). (Meredith RC. Tapping Your INNER POWERS Is Not Enough. Plain Truth, October-November 1979)
(Unlike Herbert Armstrong who restored truths to the Philadelphia era, and Bob Thiel who added more details to those truths (e.g. see Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation and The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?), Dr. Meredith did not do that. Nor did he fulfill the prophetic office. Plus Dr. Meredith had serious integrity issues and in various ways disqualified himself for the top role [presuming he ever had it--it may have been that it was the late Dibar Apartian until his death]--for some details, please see Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God. Dr. Meredith had years to keep his promises, but then ended up refusing to do so, despite repeatedly reminders and him repeatedly agreeing to do so. He died without that repentance.)
As far as the double portion of God's Spirit goes, ordained minister Gaylyn Bonjour privately anointed me and prayed that I would be granted a double-portion of God's Spirit on December 15, 2012. He stated that he had never prayed that before and that he believed that God led him to do that. When I next saw him, which was on December 18, 2012, and asked him if he knew what it looks like he had unintentionally done, he said yes. He also said later that what he did could not be undone. Now, all of this was private.
Then, I was also publicly anointed in Nairobi, Kenya on February 9, 2017, by long time COG ministers/overseers Evans Ochieng (of Kenya, formerly GCG) and Samuel Gyeabour (of Ghana, formerly CG7). They, together, publicly anointed me as an overseer, evangelist, and prophet. In this way, there were hands laid on me by men who were in (or had been in ) Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicean era churches.
The old Worldwide Church of God taught:
I spoke ..., reading from Matthew 28:19-20 that he who taught was to baptize those taught, after which by laying on of hands they would receive the Holy Spirit, then teaching them the way of the Christian life. ...
Anyway, the meetings closed at the end of that week, and afterward I organized the 19 we had, including the Fishers and Ellises, into the parent church of the present Worldwide Church of God. This was the "Philadelphia" succession of the CHURCH OF GOD founded the day of Pentecost, A. D. 31, by Jesus Christ. It was founded entirely through living FAITH in Jesus Christ. It was founded in poverty in the midst of the worst economic depression within the memory of man. (Armstrong HW. The History of the Beginning and Growth of the Worldwide Church of God - Chapter 4. Good News, August 1980)
Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
The history of the Church would fall into seven distinct eras -- each with its own strengths and weaknesses and its own special trials and problems.
Just as a message could pass along the mail route from Ephesus to Laodicea, so would the truth of God be passed from era to era.
It was like a relay race -- in which the baton is passed from runner to runner, each one doing his part, until the finish line is reached.
Some time during the early decades of the second century, the baton was passed from the Ephesian era to the people that God had called to the Smyrna era of his Church. ... the baton passed from the Smyrna Christians to those of the Pergamos era. ... One thousand years after Jesus had founded his Church, the exhausted remnant of the Pergamos era handed over the baton. The Thyatiran era got off to a vigorous start ...
The true Church in England withered. But across the ocean, men were beginning to discover a New World. ... In the Willamette Valley, they waited. It was nearly time for the baton to change again — into the hands of those God would call to do his end-time work.
Restoration of God's Truth to Church
From the year 1931, exactly 1,900 years (a century of time cycles from the foundation of the Church, this small remnant of the original true Church of God began to take on new life as the Philadelphia era. It had come to the "time of the end." A new spiritual vitality was infused into it. The time had come for Jesus' prophecy of Matthew 24:14 to be fulfilled "this gospel of the kingdom shall be [proclaimed] in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Such vital truth that had been lost was gradually revealed and proclaimed.
This Philadelphia era is described in verses 7 to 13 of Revelation 3. The Sardis era (Rev. 3:1-6) was by this time spiritually dying and had become impotent in spreading the true gospel of Christ. Indeed they had by this time lost knowledge of the true meaning of that gospel. They knew they were approaching the Second Coming of Christ, but they had no knowledge of what would happen during the thousand years millennium, further than the fact Christ would rule.
Of the Philadelphia era of God's true Church we read: "To the angel of the church ...." This word angel translated from the Greek aggelos means messenger or agent. This is not necessarily always referring to a spirit angel but can refer as well to a human agent. It is possible that God's principle of duality may apply here. It may apply to an actual spirit-composed angel that has been assigned as an overall agent or helper of this particular era of the Church. Or it may also apply to the human messenger or agent God has raised up to lead this era of his Church.
At the same time another principle of duality may apply to verses 7-13. It may apply to the Church of this era as a whole, ...
This era of the Church was to produce fruit. ...
The human leader to be raised up somewhat shortly prior to Christ's Second Coming was to prepare the way — prepare the Church — for Christ's coming, and restore the truth that had been lost through the preceding eras of the Church. Also a door was to be opened for this leader and/or the Philadelphia era of the Church to fulfill Matthew 24:14: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
It was to be at a time when, for the first time in the history of mankind, the weapons of mass destruction were produced that could erase all humanity from the earth (Matt. 24:21-22). This also was to occur just before the Second Coming of Christ (verses 29-30). (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages, Chapter 6).
So, while truth was passed to different eras, the old WCG believed and taught that the Philadelphia era would produce the fruit to finish the work. It also taught that God would have a leader in the end working to fulfill Matthew 24:14.
Restoration of truth was something that the leader of the Philadelphians should be involved in (cf. Matthew 17:11,Malachi 4:5-6; see also Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things).
Consider that restoration of truth was a reason that the old WCG taught that Philadelphia was raised up to do:
This Philadelphia era has been raised up to do the work of Elijah in preparation of "restoring all things" (Matt. 17:11). (Waterhouse G. Enlist in the Army of God. Good News, June-July 1979)
We in the Continuing Church of God have been restoring all things. No other groups has restored so much in the 21st century. The CCOG possesses the Philadelphian mantle.
The old Worldwide Church of God taught related to offices and the mantle:
Since Church leaders are appointed and not voted into office, and since, therefore, the members are not watchdogs over the leaders, who is responsible for keeping these leaders on track spiritually and administratively?
The answer is that God's government in His Church is a government of faith. Simply put, this means members believe that behind the physical, outward appearance of the Church, is the unseen hand of Jesus Christ, who directs its affairs.
True Christians today trust Christ to direct the Church, bless it, correct it or its officers if need be and steer its general course.
From the time of Moses and the rebellion of Korab (a leader in the congregation who was killed by God for insubordination — Numbers 16), through the age of the apostles and the rejection of Judas Iscariot from his apostleship, to the present day, Christ has demonstrated His ability to:
run His Church,
place capable men in their proper positions,
discipline those who need it,
and reject from the Church those unfit to wear the Christian mantle.
- The very existence of the Church and the Church's continuing vitality proves this beyond dispute! (Doctrines of the Church: Church Governance. Worldwide Church of God, 1986/1987
I, like Christ, rejected the leadership of those unfit to wear the Philadelphia mantle.
This is important. Church history has shown, though many have had hands laid upon them, various leaders were not always faithful. Despite that, the true Church has continued from the time of the apostles.
For more on the mantle, check out Herbert W. Armstrong, the Philadelphia Church, & the Mantle.
While in the Global Church of God, Roderick Meredith wrote:
Yet, in the Church, most of the ministers and brethren seem to think that the awesome mantle "Government of God" rests on whoever happens to get in charge of any local church congregation, or the larger Church organization. ...
Should we, then, follow leaders who speak "perverse things?" Obviously NOT! The KEY is that our first loyalty is to GOD and the inspired Word of God which we all need to be studying much more zealously! (Meredith RC. When Should You Follow Church Government. Global Church of God, 1995)
It was mainly problems with HIS character and HIM speaking falsely and perverse things that I left the Living Church of God.
Character counts. The bottom line is that I left LCG because LCG had (and still has) integrity and priority issues in conflict with scripture and had insufficient love of the truth (see also Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God). Therefore, and also after two dreams and statements from LCG minister Gaylyn Bonjour (in 2011 and 2012) that the mantle may have passed to me, I concluded that it no longer held the Philadelphia mantle as it could not be the church with 'the pillar and ground of the truth' (cf. 1 Timothy 3:15) and was standing for the truth as Jesus would direct (Isaiah 61:8), nor did it have the ability to be able to complete the final phase of the work as Jeremiah 48:10 sadly applied to it:
10 Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord deceitfully, (Jeremiah 48:10)
Furthermore, in many areas, LCG was not (and still is not) "rightly dividing the word of truth" (Timothy 2:15).
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).
It should be understood that although some of the prophets in the Hebrew scriptures did miracles, and some of the apostles in the Greek scriptures were also prophets, no one who was considered a prophet and not an apostle is shown as doing dramatic miracles (e.g. John 10:41). But God sometimes does things more quietly (1 Kings 19:11-13).
The Bible shows that God often chooses to work with prophets through a dream:
6 “Hear now My words:
If there is a prophet among you,
I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision;
I speak to him in a dream. (Numbers 12:6)
Notice that the above says that God will speak to His prophet in a dream. Notice also:
28 The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream (Jeremiah 23:28)
In 2009 I had a dream, which while I did not understand it at first. Yet, as it became more and more fulfilled over the years, I began to understand it and believe it was from God.
I was 50 at the time (which essentially makes me an ‘old man’ per Numbers 8:25; cf. John 8:57). In my dream, there seemed to be two parallel lines. Living Church of God (LCG) evangelist Roderick Meredith was on the top line and I was on the line much below. In the dream, I kept calling up to Dr. Meredith, but he never would respond. This lack of response made no sense to me during the dream. Then after what seemed to be a long time, the lines-crossed with his line dropping and my line going up. One reason that I did not understand it at the time was that I was on relatively close speaking terms with Dr. Meredith then, so that aspect made of the dream made no sense. Also, since I had no intentions of leaving Living Church of God then (and certainly no plans to start a separate church), it was not clear what the dream was saying. Another reason I was unsure about the dream then was that I had not had any anointing for the Holy Spirit beyond baptism when I had it. Was this a dream about the passing of the mantle?
Perhaps it should be noted that a couple of years later I had been told by the minister in LCG (Gaylyn Bonjour) who laid hands on me that my anointing by him on 12/15/11 for a "double-portion" of God's Spirit was the type of event that showed the passing of the mantle to me. He also said this to me on March 23, 2012 and it was his second time bringing the statement up about the passing of the mantle that got me to give more consideration about the mantle, me, and LCG.
Furthermore, on November 28, 2019, Gaylyn Bonjour stated that he believed that God answered his prayer regarding Him granting me a double-portion of His Spirit. Additionally, on that same date, Gaylyn stated that he tells those who ask:
I have known Bob Thiel since 1986. He has always been honest, dedicated, and sincere.
And that includes what I have written about him and the prophet matter. My teaching about what happened is accurate.
Well, beyond my dream and Gaylyn Bonjour's comments, there were later confirmations.
After going to bed on December 8, 2012, a lady named Fesilafai Fiso Leaana of New Zealand had a dream. Her dream seemed to be a signal to confirm that the Philadelphia mantle was not with the Living Church of God (for details of her dream, check out the article Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God). She and her husband concluded that the dream was telling them that the true Philadelphia remnant was not LCG, but in the group that became CCOG later that month.
Since a dream from a woman (Loma Armstrong) preceded the start of the Philadelphian era of the Church of God (for details, see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God), does it not make sense that God would give a dream to another woman (in this case Fesilafai Fiso Leaana) prior to the formation of the most faithful Philadelphian remnant church, which is the Continuing Church of God?
In 2017, I learned that a man in Africa, Frederick Ochieng, in late 2013, had a dream which pointed to Bob Thiel as the one God wanted his father to follow:
Dear pastor
Greetings pastor. I believe you are doing good though you are having great thrust of fulfilling Matthew 28:19 of which we must do before the return of Christ. ...
I had two dreams
1. Before our family joined CCOG my father was then working with voice in the Wilderness Church of God. When I was sleeping I had a dream and in my dream I saw a light and the light was not normal, the one who was standing by the was You pastor Bob according to my dream. Then I had voice shouting, "Arise you who are sleeping, for the Lord is near." I again I heard another voice shouting, "Come up Evans and let us do the work we are called to do." I then saw a man dressed in white clothes join hands with my father walking together towards a very big lake then I woke up.
2: In my second dream some weeks after my first dream and in my second dream I saw almost the same dream and now this was in New Zealand. I did not know about the CCOG group in New Zealand before I had the dream.
Fred
Related to the first part of the dream, after his father, Evans Ochieng came with the Continuing Church of God in March of 2014, when he came we had about 260 people in Africa. Frederick also did not know anything about New Zealand then.
Perhaps, it should also be mentioned that Evangelist Evans Ochieng told me in 2017 that Frederick also said his dream showed that we would have much growth in Africa. As of late 2023, we have over 8,000 in Africa. So, his dream was confirmed.
Hence, we have had 'dream confirmation,' if you will, about the mantle being with Bob Thiel in the CCOG. There have been at least seven people associated with the CCOG that have had confirmation of prophetic dreams (for details, check out the article Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God). Lest people improperly discount dreams and more end time prophecies, they were specifically prophesied for these end times.
The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, basically said so in a 1981 sermon:
Joel 2:28-29 And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (29) And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
So there is a time coming when God will start pouring out His spirit on human beings. … Day of Pentecost, 3000 were baptized. Peter preached a sermon. They were pricked in their hearts. God began to draw them. God was now… Remember He said, “I will pour out of my spirit on all flesh.” All right, there’s a duality of that. (Armstrong HW. Building The Temple. Sermon, February 14, 1981)
Herbert W. Armstrong was correct about the time coming when God would pour out His Spirit as well the duality. There was a duality to what Peter preached in Acts 2–and that duality is for our current time!
Do dreams and prophets have any place in the Christian Church today?
Notice what the Apostle Peter taught:
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them,
“Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:14-18)
We are in the last days (see also Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).
Dreams and prophesy were expected for our day! In addition various fulfilled predictions and prayers (see Church of God Leaders on Prophets), at least seven associated with the Continuing Church of God have had prophetic dreams which were later confirmed (see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).
Peter wrote:
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,
"The stone which the builders rejectedHas become the chief cornerstone,"
8 and"A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense."
They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. (1 Peter 2:7-8)
This also applies to modern Laodecians! Jesus praised the Philadelphian Christians because they "kept My word" (Revelation 3:8), yet He condemned the Laodiceans for their lukewarn attitude and approach in Revelation 3:14-17. Most Laodiceans will not believe that Peter's words in Acts 2:17-18 for the last days are applicable now--but they are (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?). Do you keep and believe the word of God? Then, if so, take action based on the knowledge of the truth of the fulfillment of Acts 2:17-18.
The Continuing Church of God is the only GCG-connected organization, and seemingly the only xWCOG-related organization with so many of the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18.
Would not that be expected of the most faithful remnant of the Philadelphian era in the last days?
For more on Acts 2:17-18, check out the article: Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
Notice also something that the old Radio Church of God published:
One of the outstanding fruits of this end-time work is that it has been increasing approximately 30 percent a year in almost every phase of operation. The church of Philadelphia is growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, it is also growing in size and in influence. Are you growing 30 percent a year?
God has given each one of us an "open door" to do His end-time Work. If we are not doing that work, we are not a part of the Philadelphia Church. (Neff L. Are YOU a Philadelphia Christian? Good News, April-May 1966)
The only COG to have have that type of growth in the 21st century has been the Continuing Church of God.
Jesus said that 'fruits' were how to tell true from false prophets (Matthew 7:15-20). See also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
Sadly, many are 'puffed up' and do not accept that God has used dreams in the 21st century, even though the start of the Philadelphia era was preceded with a dream by a woman, as was the start of the the Continuing Church of God (see also Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God). They are also feel that they are "in need of nothing" (Revelation 3:17)--like an end time prophet (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God)--but do not realize the truth about their spiritual state (see also The Laodicean Church Era).
After leaving LCG, here is something that was published in The Journal: News of the Churches of God: in 2013:
Gaylyn Bonjour, anointed Dr. Thiel for a minor health concern.
But something unusual happened during the anointing procedure. Unexpectedly to the anointee, the anointer prayed that Dr. Thiel would “be granted a double portion of God’s Spirit.”
That was significant in Dr. Thiel’s mind because, he said, Mr. Bonjour also specifically spoke to him of the significance of the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha. Was God inspiring Mr. Bonjour to divinely set Dr. Thiel apart as a prophet? ...
THE JOURNAL asked Dr. Thiel if he believes only one church group at a time is qualified to wear the mantle of authority from God in the Christian age.
(Some Church of God groups and their members interpret the seven congregations of Revelation 2-3 as prophesied eras of true Christianity that have stretched down through the last 2,000 years or so.)
“If you accept hierarchical governance the way it’s discussed in 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians,” Dr. Thiel said, “the mantle, if you will, would reside with the highest ecclesiastical authority.
“And, since prophets are above evangelists, etc., then that would say that, unless a different type of prophet rose up or someone who was truly an apostle rose up, then the mantle would be with the highest non-self-appointed legitimate Church of God leader.”
Who’s on second?
He explained that, in line with Ephesians 4:11, prophets come in second in the hierarchy, after apostles and just above evangelists.
Dr. Thiel believes the Philadelphia mantle fell in the 1920s {error-Dr. Thiel believes and stated '1930s'} onto the shoulders of Worldwide Church of God founder Herbert Armstrong, who died in 1986.
But who wore it before Mr. Armstrong?
Dr. Thiel explained that he had researched the matter and discussed it on multiple occasions with former Denver Church of God (Seventh Day) president Robert Coulter.
“There is a possibility that [CG7 elder] A.N. Dugger had it,” Dr. Thiel said, “and he claimed to have apostolic succession, by the way.” Whoever possessed the mantle, “I believe that somewhere within the old CG7 [in which Mr. Armstrong served as an elder in the 1930s] there was somebody who was the [anointed] leader.”
So Dr. Thiel is saying the mantle goes with a person, not with a church organization, just like in the days of Elijah and Elisha. So do you mean, Dr. Thiel, that you think it’s possible that you have the mantle or are receiving the mantle?
“Yes,” Dr. Thiel replied. ...
Further, he said, “I didn’t ask any- one to lay hands upon me so I would be anointed with a double portion of God’s Spirit. It just happened.
“We always tell people they’re supposed to trust God and not man. Yet we have people out there who think one could not possibly be a prophet, let’s say, unless a particular corporation agrees.
“Yet this overlooks Jesus’ absolute clear words on this in Matthew 10 verse 41, which if you don’t mind I’ll read:
“He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who re- ceives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
“If Jesus is saying you’re supposed to rely on some man’s interpretation of something else, etc., perhaps He would have said that.
“But that’s not what the Jesus of the Bible said.”...
“I believe I was forced out {of LGC}, that God allowed this to happen, because the mantle was no longer {to organizationally be} there.”
Some have questioned whether or not Dr. Meredith could have ever held the mantle, because of his character issues. Well, he may have. Like A.N. Dugger, if Dr. Meredith had the mantle he lost it. And he would have lost it no later than December 2011.
Another possibility is that the late evangelist Dibar Apartian had it. Dibar Apartian was originally not certain if he should follow Dr. Meredith into the old Global Church of God, but finally did. Over the years, Dibar Apartian kept telling me to get Dr. Meredith and the other LCG evangelists to correct their mistakes. At the Feast of Tabernacles in Evian, France in 2008, Dibar Apartian specifically told me that he suspected that I "was the one," meaning the one to lead the work in the end—and that came from Dibar Apartian, not me--he provided further confirmation of that in 2009 and 2010. Dibar Apartian also had major problems with LCG and started to be more vocal about them before his death in 2010. His urging of me to do what I did, could have been the transferring of the mantle, but I am not certain.
What I am certain of, is presuming there is such a thing as the ecclesiastical mantle of authority on earth, that no other leader in any other Church of God I am aware can possibly have it. This is based on their actions, doctrines, and priorities. Plus a COG minister told me what he had done could not be undone and was reminiscient of the passing of the mantle--in this case to me personally.
I used to tell people close to me that I was NOT in LCG because it was perfect, but that the other COGs I knew of (and I had researched the teachings of many of them) could not hold the Philadelphian mantle.
The mantle of the Philadelphian succession continues today in the Continuing Church of God.
Now what about the 'baton' vs. the mantle?
The old Worldwide Church of God taught that the baton passed from church era to church era. But when it taught this, it never directly taught that the mantle would pass to Laodicea. Much truth passed to Laodicea, but not the ecclesiastical mantle. Note: It is true that Joseph Tkach, Sr. did claim that the baton passed when he became the leader of WCG. That is true, but he did not have the proper mantle of leadership himself. In my view, the church entered into a transition phase that lasted until 2012 when it was time for the beginning of the final phase of the work.
The reason that the mantle of top ecclesiastical authority did NOT pass to Laodicea is that the Bible teaches that the Laodiceans are the lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-18) offspring of Philadelphia. The Laodiceans are among "the rest of her offspring" who will be subject to the Great Tribulation (Revelation 12:17). The Laodicean groups hold only Laodicean ecclesiastical authority, not the top mantle.
Notice something that Herbert W. Armstrong said about the mantle:
Now Christ is the head of the Church today as Elijah was the head and the leader of the sons or the disciples of the prophets in that day. But God wanted Elisha to direct his work ...
Now, this mantle of his that dropped off and Elisha picked up, you remember? What was that mantle? And I showed you in according to Clark's Commentary or you can get it in any authority, that it was a cloak that was worn by the priests and the prophets as a simple insignia of their office. And it represented their office — well like a badge shows you that a man as a policeman today. His badge is the insignia that tells you he's a policeman and this cloak, was the insignia that meant that this man was the prophet of God. And so this mantle or this cloak fell off and Elisha, you'll remember, picked it up. (Armstrong HW. Hebrews Series 11 - Elijah. World Tomorrow Telecast. https://www.hwalibrary.com/cgi-bin/get/hwa.cgi?action=gettcast&InfoID=1333114722)
In the Old Testament, God gave a sign that the mantle of leadership passed to Elisha with a sign (2 Kings 2:14-15), and for the last days, the confirmation signs were at least partially prophesied in the New Testament in Acts 2:17-18 (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).
Here is something that Herbert W. Armstrong 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)
Notice that Herbert Armstrong believed that God mainly worked through the leadership of one man at a time to lead various phases of the work. Scripture, shows for example, that the mantle passed from Elijah to Elisha (2 Kings 2:9-15). The 'mantle' would currently be with the person/group that truly functioned as the 'pillar and ground of truth' (1 Timothy 3:15).
For more on the mantle, check out Herbert W. Armstrong, the Philadelphia Church, & the Mantle.
A Little Strength
The true Christian Church was never intended to be large.
The Apostles Paul and Jude wrote statements showing that the true Christian Church would not be large:
5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:5)
14 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, (Jude 14)
Jesus taught,
32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32).
But this has been true throughout the history of the church. But what is unique about Philadelphia in this respect? Notice what Jesus told the Philadelphians:
7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write...8 you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. (Revelation 3:7,8)
Herbert W. Armstrong also 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) (Armstrong HW Letter 11/19/76).
A major reason that CG7 lost the mantle, and Philadelphia had to form, it because CG7's leaders would not correct known errors and teach the truth. The 'mantle-holding/retaining' Church of God is the one that is "the pillar and ground of truth" (1 Timothy 3:15). That is why God could not allow LCG, for example, to any longer be that group and part of why the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) had to form (see also Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God). Unlike the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God, LCG would not print retractions for errors that it made, but instead insisted it was proper to knowingly send out literature with errors.
Roderick Meredith once wrote:
In II Kings 2:8-15, we find the account where the great prophet Elijah was taken up into heaven — turning his office and mantle over to Elisha. Read this account carefully. Notice that Elisha expected to carryon in the power of God as had Elijah. For he asked for a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit to be upon him. As Elijah ascended up to heaven, his mantle fell on Elisha. ...
Today, you should personally awake to the fact that the mantle and power of Elijah will be manifested among God's true servants in this age.
For as John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17), so God says of our day: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and. dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (Malachi 4:5-6). (Meredith RC. Tapping Your INNER POWERS Is Not Enough. Plain Truth, October-November 1979)
Unlike Herbert Armstrong who restored truths to the Philadelphia era, and Bob Thiel who added more details to those truths, Dr. Meredith did not really do that. Nor did he fulfilled the prophetic office. And it was Bob Thiel, and not Dr. Meredith, who was anointed to receive a 'double-portion' of God's Spirit (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God).
In his latter years, Dr. Meredith was not the ONE MAN that God was now primarily working as he had in various ways disqualified himself for that role (presuming he ever had it--it may have been that it was the late Dibar Apartian who held the mantle until his death--for some details, please see Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God). Dr. Meredith had years to keep his promises, but then ended up refusing to do so, despite repeatedly reminders and him repeatedly agreeing to do so. He died without trying to make good on his many promises to me in our last physical meeting.
One thing that is unique is that it is the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God that was intended to fulfill Matthew 24:14. Herbert W. Armstrong understood this as he wrote:
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' (Mystery of the Ages, p.291).
... the work will continue right on to the Second Coming of Christ" (Armstrong HW. Letter dated 12/23/85).
As Jesus has not come, the gospel warning still needs to be proclaimed by the group that picked up the Philadelphia leadership mantle. The Continuing Church of God is doing the work, truly stands for the truth (1 Timothy 3:15), is reaching millions (here is a sermon with some details: Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished?).
Getting to the mantle matter, notice the following:
Just as a message could pass along the mail route from Ephesus to Laodicea, so would the truth of God be passed from era to era.
It was like a relay race--in which the baton is passed from runner to runner, each one doing his part, until the finish line is reached. (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages, Chapter 6)
{To Herbert Armstrong}: wear the heavy mantle God has laid on your shoulders. (Stoner Keith and Pamela. Pastor General's Report, February 18, 1983)
God lays the mantle on his choice (Dean A. April 3, 1997)
At the time of his death in 1986, Mr. Armstrong wondered in a prayer in the presence of the Advisory Counsel of Elders whether he was passing the baton to the Laodicea era. (Update 327 for the Week ending January 18th, 2008, CEG)
Well, the new WCG at the time of his death ended up rejecting even being Laodiceans--it became apostate--so its top leadership did not possess the mantle. I perhaps should also add that like Elijah could not, of himself pass the mantle of ecclesiastical authority (2 Kings 2:10), neither could Herbert Armstrong--it is God that appoints apostles, prophets, etc. (1 Corinthians 12:28).
In his early years, Herbert Armstrong wrote of "the mantle of authority" (Armstrong HW. Plain Truth. October 1953, p. 2). In his later years he sometimes spoke that the baton or a mantle figuratively had to do with the top leadership of the Church of God. And the Global Church of God (which lost the mantle in November 1998), then the Living Church of God, for years, basically held it (but lost it no later than between 12/15/2011 and 12/28/2012). It is now held in/by the Continuing Church of God.
Nearly two decades ago, when it seemingly held the mantle within it, the Living Church of God (LCG) taught:
...the primary function of the true Church of God is to GO to all nations and preach the same powerful message Jesus preached about the coming Kingdom of God! (Should You Be Baptized? Living Church of God Booklet. 1999; p. 17).
In Matthew 24:14, Jesus said, "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." You are now in touch with those who preach this Gospel, even as you read this booklet! Also, the fact that Christ said "THIS Gospel" in the middle of Matthew 24 proves that the Gospel does indeed include the prophetic events preceding the arrival of His Kingdom. It is Good News because God will be administering the only kind of medicine that will work on stubborn, carnal humanity: a forcible takeover of the planet-a divine coup d'état! (Do You Believe the True Gospel? Living Church of God Booklet. 1999; p. 17).
However, since Jesus taught that the Philadelphia Church would have a little strength, we in the Continuing Church of God understand that even though many will be exposed to the Christ's gospel of the Kingdom, that most will ignore what we teach, but that God will reign supreme.
Splits
In the 1970s, various ones had issues with the old WCG, and some were more valid than others. Although Philadelphia-predominated, I believe that various Laodicean groups began to form then.
Some went out of WCG in the 1970s and 1980s and founded other groups. The most famous to leave was probably Garner Ted Armstrong (GTA), the son of Herbert W. Armstrong. GTA allegedly had too many problems keeping aspects of the seventh commandment (adultery) and was finally put out permanently from WCG. GTA founded the Church of God, International (CGI) after he was disfellowshiped from the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) in 1978. Approximately 2 decades later, GTA was involved in a publicly reported sexually-related scandal, and many left CGI to found the Church of God Outreach Ministries (COGOM) (Ron Dart, a high level CGI official, also left to found the Christian Educational Ministries). There were many who felt that GTA may have been falsely accused, and they remained in CGI. However, after reviewing a variety of evidence (including possibly a videotape), CGI's remaining leadership felt it had no choice but to disassociate itself from GTA.
After Herbert Armstrong died in 1986, his designated successor, Joseph Tkach, Sr. claimed that while he could not fill Herbert Armstrong's shoes, he would walk in his footsteps and not change biblical doctrines. However, he did not keep his word but compromised with doctrine, advocated lawlessness, etc. This caused many to fall away, and others to scatter. Many Laodicean groups later formed.
Various groups and semi-groups with origins in the old WCG have come up with doctrines that disagree with the Bible. Most were or became Laodicean, with others perhaps leaning more towards Sardis and Thyatira. For details on several, please see the following:
CBCG: Christian Biblical Church of God and its Teachings Fred Coulter's group--they tend to explain conspiracies, calendar issues, and have a "sea of glass" teaching. Plus they produce books on various subjects and have a unique Bible translation.
CCG: Teachings of the Christian Churches of God This group, led by Wade Cox, rejects the deity of Jesus and has other unusual teachings.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The Philadelphian organization striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God to fulfill Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:19-20, and Romans 11:25 with literature in over 100 languages.
CG7.ORG This is a website for those interested in the Sabbath and churches that observe the seventh day Sabbath.
CG7-D: Church of God, (Seventh Day): History and Teachings Nearly all COG's I am aware of trace part of their history through some affiliation with this group. Loren Stacy is the president of the largest CG7 USA group (Denver). Do you know much about them?
CG7-S: Church of God 7th Day, Salem (West Virginia) This group formed by A.N. Dugger in 1933 when he split from the CG7 group he was once president of.
CGCF: Beware, Doctrinal Compromise is in the Air! Discusses some doctrines that CGCF may have had to change in order to merge with United.
CGI: Teachings of the Church of God, International This article focuses on where CGI differs from the old WCG.
CGG: Church of the Great God This group, led by John Ritenbaugh, says the bride must first be made ready (it de-emphasizes the priority of public proclamation of the gospel). Might this lead to a selfish bride? This group also seriously seems to misunderstand end-time prophecy.
CGPKG: Concerns About Ronald Weinland's Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claimed to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, Jesus would return late September 2011, that Jesus would return on May 27, 2012, and later that Jesus would return on May 19, 2013. Why else does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He has other views which show he may not be part of the Church of God.?
CGSC: Church of God, Southern California This article discusses some of how David Antion's group differs from the old WCG.
CEM: Teachings of Christian Educational Ministries The late Ron Dart's former confederation (not a church).
COGaIC: Church of God, an International CommunityThis is the group led by David Hulme. It has minimized parts of biblical prophecy and does not teach church eras.
COGIT: Church of God, In Truth This is what I'd call a calendar group. See also: Calculated or observed calendar?
COGOM: Church of God Outreach Ministries This was a CGI spin-off that says it is not a church.
COGWA: Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This is the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it. UCG's former president Clyde Kilough and UK CEO Peter Hawkins are part of it.
CRMI: Christian Renewal Ministries International They teach Hebrew.
Independent/Unaffiliated: Independent Members of the COG: Herbert W. Armstrong Comments, Plus Questions and Answers What did Herbert W. Armstrong teach about being independent of the organized Church? Should independents who claim to accept Herbert W. Armstrong's teachings support the end time Philadelphian work? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Unity. Watch also Zephaniah's 'Gather Together' Prophecy.
GCG: In Their Own Words: Doctrinal Differences Between the old United Church of God and the old Global Church of God Older quotes from the leadership and some of the membership of these two organizations are included without added commentary (until the end and the 7/31/98 update) which highlighted some of the differences between them.
GCW: God's Church, Worldwide was another group to claim it was the most faithful, but like others had different priorities.
ICG: Intercontinental Church of God This was Garner Ted Armstrong's last group; it is now led by Mark Armstrong.
J7DCG: Jerusalem 7th Day Church of God A sacred name group claiming A.N. Dugger and a Jerusalem headquarters.
LCG: What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God? This article explains some information and doctrines of the Living Church of God, now led by Gerald Westin, and some concerns about them. (En el idioma español: ¿Qué hay acerca de la Iglesia de Dios Viviente? ¿Hay diferencias doctrinales con la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios?) See also Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God.
Legacy: Teachings and Practices of Legacy Institute Works mainly in Asia and is led by Leon Sexton. It has various misunderstandings.
MCGSD: Meridian Church of God Seventh Day A group that was a split from the old Stanberry COG.
PCG: Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself 'Philadelphia' does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself "that prophet" make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
RCG: Why Not the Restored Church of God? This group, led by David Pack, claims to be the most faithful. The information in this article suggests otherwise. Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Por qué no la Iglesia de Dios Restaurada?
SCG: It's Not Stedfast This group, was led by Arlen Berkey. It claimed it was the most faithful, but like others had different priorities.
Shining Light: Error-Ridden James Malm Not Doing an Elijah Work James Malm was one who misunderstood and improperly maligned.
TPM: Teachings of Triumph Prophetic Ministries William Dankenbring's former ministry--incorrectly speculated on various dates and held to some odd doctrines.
UCG: Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from two of the largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
WAY: Worldwide Assembly of Yahweh This is what I'd call a sacred name group. See also The Bible, Church History, and Sacred Names.
WCG-claimed Adherents: Comments on the Teachings of Ron Wallen, Philip Neal, Kenneth W., GRUMPS, Jesse Arellano, and others who Profess(ed) that WCG has God's Authority Can one still believe what Herbert W. Armstrong used to teach and still be in WCG? This article addresses this important issue.
The most faithful group is the one that has "the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15)--in other words, the group that has the most truth and values the truth above other groups.
Since Jesus had negative things to say about Laodicea (see Revelation 3:14-21), all who truly are dedicated to the Bible would want to be part of the remnant of the Philadelphia Church era, as currently represented by the Continuing Church of God. Or risk having to go through the Great Tribulation.
Kept My Word
The Philadelphians do not deny Christ's words (Revelation 3:8) and truly put the Bible above traditions of men.
We in the Continuing Church of God continue to put the word of God above positions or traditions of men and strive to be Philadelphian.
The Command to Persevere
Herbert W. Armstrong died in 1986.
Since his death, there has been a major falling away from the truth. Although this took many by surprise, Herbert W. Armstrong once publicly proclaimed in a sermon to the WCG membership that, "I don't think 50% of you get it...it may only be 10% of you" (paraphrase). Hence, he understood this.
Why?
Well among other reasons, the Bible prophesied it:
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
The Bible warned that there would be a falling away and Jesus stated that it was the Philadelphians who:
... kept My command to persevere...(Revelation 3:10).
Jesus told the Philadelphians to:
Hold fast what you have...(Revelation 3:11).
How were the Philadelphians to persevere and what were they to hold fast to?
The obvious answer is that they were to persevere in love and the Philadelphia work--the work of fulfilling Matthew 24:14. They were also to persevere and hold fast to the doctrines that the Philadelphia portion of the church had.
Those in Sardis, according to Jesus, "have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain" (Revelation 3:1-2). Herbert W. Armstrong understood this to suggest that those in CG7 were not properly active in proclaiming the true gospel and that even though they had various truths (such as the Sabbath, Passover on the 14th, the ten commandments, the soul not being immortal, etc.), that they lost at least 18 truths that the true church originally possessed.
Herbert W. Armstrong taught,
1933 ... At least 18 basic and essential truths have been restored to the True Church since that year (Mystery of the Ages, Dodd & Mead, 1985, p. 251).
In a sermon titled Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era, Herbert W. Armstrong stated:
This afternoon I want to speak on the mission of the Philadelphia Era of the Church, this Church today in comparison to the first era of the Church, the Ephesus Era of the Church. It's been seeming more and more to me, as the years go by, that the Bible was written primarily for the Philadelphia Era of the Church...Today's mission of the Church you will find in Matthew 24:14. And this gospel of the kingdom…that is the same gospel that Jesus preached…shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Armstrong HW. Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era, Sermon. December 17, 1983).
In that sermon, he mentioned not only the mission, but truths that were restored to the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God. These are truths that the Ephesus era possessed, but had been lost by the time of the Sardis era of the Church of God (note: there are articles that cover most of these subjects at the COGwriter home page which demonstrate that they are not only biblical, but that they were in fact understood by the early church):
1. True Gospel
2. Purpose of God
3. God's Plan through the Holy Days
4. Proper Hierarchical Church Government
5. Who and What is God?
6. What and Why is Man?
7. Spirit in Man
8. Firstfruits
9. Knowledge of What the Millennium is
10. Truth About the Holy Spirit
11. Begotten Now
12. Born-Again at the Resurrection
13. Identity of Israel
14. Understanding the Identity of Physical Israel Opens Up Understanding of Bible Prophecy
15. Second and Third Tithes
16. Identity of Babylon and Her Daughters
17. Satan has Deceived the Whole World
18. We Are to Be Separate
After listing and explaining those truths, in that sermon Herbert W. Armstrong stated,
Well, brethren, all those things have been restored and there is a mission for this Church that never applied, and has never been done by any other Church (Armstrong HW. Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era, Sermon. December 17, 1983).
Information on that sermon, including the mission and those 18 truths are contained in the article Eliminating Philadelphia? Did You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made?
To see which group best teaches them, check out the Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God.
Related to the plan of salvation through the Holy Days, we have two booklets of related interest Should You Keep God's Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? and Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God's plan of salvation.
What Are the Traits of a Philadelphian?
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance shows that Philadelphia means "love of brethren" or "fond of brethren."
When Jesus used the term phileo with Simon Peter (translated as "love"), what was Peter to do to show this type of love? He was to do the work.
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep" (John 21:17).
A trait of Philadelphians is that they love the brethren and will sacrifice to do so. While some may argue that this only means taking care of those already in the Church, this is inconsistent with Matthew 28:18-19 as well as Jesus' words in John 10:16: "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd."
Philadelphians love others, not just themselves. As Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
This era of the Church was to produce fruit (Mystery of the Ages, p. 290).
True religion--God's truth empowered with the love of God imparted by the Holy Spirit...JOY UNSPEAKABLE of knowing God and Jesus Christ--of knowing TRUTH--and the warmth of God's divine LOVE! (Mystery of the Ages)
As Jesus taught: "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). Philadelphians will give their all to proclaim the Gospel.
Philadelphians have "a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name" (Revelation 3:8). They are not part of an especially strong church (or a large church by the world's standards). They have kept God's word without watering it down. They have not denied Christ's authority (which is essentially how Strong's defines the word translated as "name").
The Philadelphians accept that "Christ is head of the church" (Ephesians 5:23), and accept authority within the Church:
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 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, 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, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-15).
As Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
The government of the kingdom of God is of necessity government from the top down. It cannot be 'government by the consent of those being governed'… Revelation 3:12 indicates that those of the 'Philadelphia era' will be pillars in the Headquarters Church… What I am showing you here is that Christ's gospel of the kingdom actually includes all this knowledge here revealed-even the whole universe will be ruled by us, who, with God the Father and Christ, become the kingdom of God (Mystery of the Ages, pp. 49, 347, 362).
Philadelphians are given a warning: "Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown" (Revelation 3:11). Herbert W. Armstrong wrote that he restored to the Church of God at least 18 truths that the previous era had lost (Mystery of the Ages, p. 251). Philadelphians are the ones who hold to those truths (as well as all other biblical truths)-including governance-and will be able to have a crown and to rule!
Philadelphians have "kept My command to persevere" (Revelation 3:10). Holding fast to Truth, while putting a priority on proclaiming the Gospel, is what sets the Philadelphian Church apart.
Furthermore, consider that back in 2001, in the Living Church News, the Living Church of God published what I (Bob Thiel) wrote were various criteria for Philadelphians in the article What is a True Philadelphian?:
A Philadelphian holds fast to true doctrine, does not deny Christ’s authority, keeps His word, goes through those doors that Christ opens and perseveres to the end. Because the Book of Revelation teaches that there are seven Christian churches (1:11), that the work of the last one is not acceptable (3:14-16), one is protected from the hour of trial (3:10), and that a door was open to (Philadelphia (3:7-8), there must be some Philadelphians left to complete the work of the gospel proclamation in the end times.
Because LCG was NOT keeping His word, etc., it did not meet the Philadelphia criteria, and I had no real choice but to leave that group, despite its claims to be Philadelphian (for more details, please check out Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God). That led to the formation of the Continuing Church of God.
Love of the Brethren Involves Action
Jesus said:
11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; (Luke 21:11a)
What should Christians who are not hungry do?
Before getting to the New Testament, notice the following from the Old Testament:
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you. (Proverbs 3:27-28)
We are to do good as soon as we can, to the extent that we can.
Many Christians have given up on places like Africa and Haiti.
Some do not seem to take seriously enough something that the Apostle Paul wrote:
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)
Similarly, the Apostle James wrote:
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17)
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)
While we in CCOG cannot solve all the hunger in the world, we take scriptures seriously, including the following:
3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. (Proverbs 22:3a NLT)
5 “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in the summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son of shame” (Proverbs 10:4-5).
We in the CCOG realize that famines are prophesied. We have been taking steps to increase food production where we can. Here is a link to an article related some of the projects we were involved in in 2020: ‘Nobel UN food agency warns 2021 will be worse than 2020’ ‘CCOG has been taking steps’.
We are being “doers” and “not hearers only.”
We also work on increasing spiritual food production in those same areas and have been distributing additional church literature in those regions as well.
Philadelphia means “love of the brethren.” That involves action.
Why Protect the Philadelphians from "The Hour of Trial"?
Referring primarily to Philadelphia Christians, the late evangelist John Ogwyn wrote:
God states clearly: “He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness” (Romans 9:28). Who will He use to do it? According to Daniel 11:32 it is “the people who know their God [that] shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” (Ogwyn J. God’s Church Through the Ages. Booklet, p. 58)
Philadelphians are to be involved with the short work, which also includes being persecuted (Matthew 24:9-20), but they will help fulfill Matthew 24:14. This gospel proclamation success, combined with the martyrdom associated with it, will result in the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation, the start of the Great Tribulation, and the King of the North (the "he" in Daniel 11:39) invading the those with the strongest fortresses (which in the 21st century is the USA and its Anglo-Saxon descended allies; see also Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).
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).
Consider also this statement from Jesus to the Church of Philadelphia:
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 (Revelation 3:10).
Philadelphians will stand for God's commands--and we in CCOG are teaching them (see also and The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast). Some Philadelphians will have to persevere persecutions for their testimony (Daniel 11:29-35) and support of proclaiming the gospel (Matthew 24:14), prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (beginning with verse 39 in Daniel 11).
This is 'hour of trial' is the same time Christ warned about in Matthew 24:21:
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Perhaps it should be mentioned that since this has NOT happened yet, and could NOT have happened during the Apostle John's time, this is further proof that the letters to the Churches in Revelation 2 & 3 are prophetic and were NOT simply intended to be contemporary (those who discount the idea of "church eras" need to really mediate and pray about what these verses actually mean).
Additionally, the proclamation of the gospel and the timing of the tribulation is part of what is important about the Churches in Revelation 2 & 3.
Notice something Jesus taught:
34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:34-36)
Notice Jesus said to watch and pray ALWAYS. He was referring to prophetic matters. THIS CAME FROM JESUS, BUT MANY SCOFF AT PROPHECY for differing reasons (cf. 2 Peter 3:1-7)--yet being a prophetic scoffer is a mistake (cf. 2 Peter 3:8-9).
Jesus realized that if people did not pay attention to prophecy and pray alway, they would not properly take the steps to "be counted worthy to escape all these things." Yes, God uses prophecy as a motivator for people. Remember that God used Jonah to warn Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-4) and they repented (Jonah 3:5-9), and they did not get the punishment they were going to get then (Jonah 3:10).
In 1st Chronicles we read a prayer:
Philadelphian end time Christians who gather together are to be protected by the Gentile Beast power--and as Jesus stated pray to be accounted worthy to escape!35 And say, "Save us, O God of our salvation;
Gather us together, and deliver us from the Gentiles,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
To triumph in Your praise." (1 Chronicles 16:34-35)
Notice also some of what the 13th century Roman Catholic Inquisitor Bernard Guidonis claimed he learned from those he persecuted:
Again, they claim that there is a double Antichrist, one spiritual or mystical and the other the real, greater Antichrist ... Again, they say that both in the time of persecution by Antichrist and in that of the aforesaid war carnal Christians will be so afflicted that, despairing, they will say, “If Christ were God, he would not permit Christians to suffer so much and such intense evil.” Thus despairing, they will apostacize from the faith and die. But God will hide the elect spiritual individuals so that they cannot be found by Antichrist and his ministers. Then the church will be reduced to the same size as the primitive church when it was first founded. (Bernard Gui: Inquisitor’s Manual, Chapter 5. Translated by David Burr, History Department, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. http://phi.kenyon.edu/Projects/Margin/inquisit.htm 04/09/07 ).
Notice that the idea that there was a 'place of safety' for the Philadelphians (the more spiritually elect), as opposed to the more carnal (Laodiceans) was a belief that some who opposed the Church of Rome had many centuries ago.
Herbert W. Armstrong thought those in the Body of Christ who were part of doing the work were going to be protected from the Great Tribulation. He wrote the following:
Those in the true Body of Christ shall be protected until this tribulation will be over (Rev. 3:10-11)--applying to those faithful in God's Work now going to the world. Rev 12:14; U.S.A. 26:20. But YOU must make your own decision -- and to neglect doing so is to have made the wrong decision! God isn't kidding! This is for real!...The decision in now yours! (Armstrong, Herbert W. The United States and British Commonwealth in Prophecy. 1975; p:60).
And of course he was right--the decision is yours. We all need to heed God's warning to the Laodiceans--"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 3:22).
Herbert W. Armstrong authorized a similar statement decades ago,
God will 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 has gone to the place of safety ... Philadelphia has little strength to do this great work which God has given it to do...It is the Church of Laodicea who had no vital part in the work of God today even though they live today and are part of the generation which will see Christ return (What is the Laodicean Church? Good News, August 1959, p.12).
The door to proclaim the gospel was opened to the Philadelphia portion of the COG. And in the letters to the seven church of Revelation 2 & 3, it is ONLY the Philadelphians who are promised physical protection from the "hour of trial" that comes upon the whole world. Philadelphian remnant are the most faithful doing God's true work of proclaiming the gospel at the end.
It is so important, that at the time of the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord, it is only those that are protected, the Philadelphians represented by a woman, that are considered to represent the true church. The other believers at the end are simply considered to be part of "the rest of her offspring":
14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:14-17).
Unlike the Philadelphians, the rest of her offspring are not promised protection from "from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (Revelation 3:10). And Revelation 12:17 shows that Satan the dragon will make war against them. And that would seem to include those left at the end who are part of the Thyatira, Sardis, and Laodicea Churches.
Another reason that the Philadelphians are subject to being protected is that they relied on truly biblically-based prophetic interpretations.
The reality is that those in Sardis and Laodicea simply do not understand the signs, etc. that Jesus and Daniel wrote of, hence will not know when the Great Tribulation will begin.
The Philadelphia portion of the Church of God, as led by the Continuing Church of God, best understands about:
There are other prophetic matters that others do not understand (a further list is in the article The Laodicean Church Era).
Those in the non-Philadelphian organizations need to change quickly and "gather together" with the Philadelphians in the Continuing Church of God, pray to be accounted worthy to escape what is coming (Luke 21:36), and properly change their lives so "it It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger" (Zephaniah 2:3) and the coming Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).
Now consider that God inspired the Prophet Zephaniah to write the following:
1 Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, O undesirable nation, (Zephaniah 2:1)
Although it has certain misunderstandings, the Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary realized that the gathering together was intended for a religious group or assembly:
Zephaniah 2:1
Gather yourselves together – to a religious assembly, to avert the judgment by prayers, (Joel 2:16, “Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders,” etc.) (from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
When are they to gather together?
2 Before the decree is issued, Or the day passes like chaff, Before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you, Before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you! (Zephaniah 2:2)
This gathering is to take place well before the day of the Lord (which happens about 2 1/2 years after the Great Tribulation of Matthew 24:21 begins) and before some type of decree is issued. People who have not gathered together and think they will be able to know what to do at the end are mainly deceiving themselves–which is something Jesus pointed out that the Laodiceans and most in Sardis have done.
Consider also what the New Testament teaches about the importance of gathering together as we get closer to the end:
23 We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming. (Hebrews 10:23, Gods Word Translation)
Who does God want to gather together?
The end time Philadelphian Christians.
Notice what Jesus stated and something the Apostle Peter wrote:
19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:19, NKJV)
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10, KJV)
This is a peculiar people. These are people who the world does not desire. These are Philadelphian Christians. Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)
This gathering together before Jesus returns is for Christians.
How else do we know that Zephaniah 2:1-3 is related to Christians? Because the decree is for the end time and because of what else God inspired Zephaniah to write:
3 Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. (Zephaniah 2:3a)
The above is a reference to Christians as they are to be the “meek of the earth” (Matthew 5:5) and to Philadelphians who “have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility.” These are Philadelphian Christians who understand that church leaders need to have integrity and are willing to be humble enough to accept the authority of a church led by a low-level prophet in the absence of a clear apostle (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-15). They are humble enough to not think that they should remain ‘independent,’ as many who once were part of the old Worldwide Church of God have done.
Why does God tell them they may wish to be gathered together? So:
3 … It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zephaniah 2:3b)
Interestingly, the Hebrew words translated as Zephaniah means “Yahweh Hides” or “Yahweh Has Hidden” (Holy Bible: Vine’s Expository Reference Edition, p. 826).
Why have I written that Zephaniah 2:1-3 has to do with Philadelphian Christians?
Because they are the only ones who will actually ‘gather together’ as they should.
Why?
Because it is only to the Philadelphians that Jesus promises to protect from the coming hour of trial, also referred to as the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord (Revelation 3:7-13).
Now consider that much of the persecution in Daniel 11:30-35 (see Persecutions by Church and State) will be directed against Philadelphian Christians.
One of the reasons for this is that the Philadelphians are leading the final phase of the work and will identify the King of the North and reveal some of his plans.
This will result in much of the world temporarily shifting attention towards the church that is doing that.
Many people will wonder and Philadelphian Christians are to answer questions.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:6)
Not only should be always speak with grace, we also need to have the knowledge of how to talk and answer questions.
The Apostle Peter wrote:
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15, KJV)
And while that ability is needed in all ages, notice the following end time prophecy:
32 … the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. (Daniel 11:32, ESV)
33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; (Daniel 11:33)
The old Radio Church of God taught:
Daniel prophesied: “The people that do KNOW their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Dan. 11:32). Such a statement could refer only to God’s people. Now notice what follows: “And they THAT UNDERSTAND among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days” (verse 33). …
Some commentators has incorrectly applied this to the Jews. But it could not refer to the Jewish people of our day! The Jews do not KNOW their God, nor do they UNDERSTAND, nor do they instruct many in the ways of God.
This prophecy concerns GOD’S CHURCH. (Neff L. Beware of False Brethren! Good News, January 1960)
Others have also taught it:
Dan. 11:32-33
“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. [God grant that we will be such faithful people of God.] 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.”
God’s people will be persecuted, but will warn the world. They will do a mighty work at the time of the end, just at the time when this great false leader will come in and place the abomination of desolation
(Meredith RC. Gospel of Matthew–Program 27, Bible Study https://members.lcg.org/bible-studies/gospel-matthew-program-27).
Sadly, many have forgotten this prophecy–or at least what to do about it–even though it is to be fulfilled within the next decade or so.
Isaiah teaches that God’s people are to be His witnesses:
10 “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, (Isaiah 43:10a)
29. But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We are obligated to obey God rather than men. 30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. 31. Him has God exalted by His right hand to be a Prince and Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel. 32. And we are His witnesses of these things, as is also the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him.” (Acts 5:29-32, A Faithful Version)
How can Philadelphian Christians be witnesses, take action, and instruct many if they are not prepared?
They are being prepared by gathering together with the Philadelphian remnant to hear messages on doctrine, prophecy, and church history as well as believing that God has been working miraculously today (see Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).
Please understand that the Sardis and Laodicean churches do not even know why God created anything or why God created people. But those who accept what the CCOG points out that the Bible teaches can know as well as teach the truth on that–see The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?
Those properly gathered together with us should be learning and can be used by God to instruct many (see also Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word). Those of Sardis and Laodicean have not learned what they should know about doctrine, prophecy, church history, how God is intervening, or serving others.
Getting back to Zephaniah, notice that book is teaching that a decree is issued, apparently by a church leader–and I believe that the leader will be part of the Continuing Church of God. This would seem to happen after the gospel has been preached enough to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14), Jewish sacrifices are stopped, and the abomination is set up (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27) per Jesus’ statements in Matthew 24:15-16.
What kind of decree will be issued?
A decree that may allow those who are gathered together and who listen to it an opportunity to be protected (Zephaniah 2:1-3). A decree that the Philadelphians will listen to and then fly/flee.
When is a decree to be issued? After an event that Jesus told of that He tied to the writings of the Prophet Daniel:
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), (Matthew 24:15)
14 “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), (Mark 13:14a)
What did Jesus say happens next?
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. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:16-21)
Why a decree?
Apparently, to make it easier for people who read what Jesus said to better be able to understand that Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14 and Daniel 9:27b and Daniel 11:31 had been fulfilled.
By whom will the decree be made?
The Bible says:
7 Surely the Lord God does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
8 A lion has roared!
Who will not fear?
The Lord God has spoken!
Who can but prophesy? (Amos 3:7-8)
The prophet may make the decree personally and/or pass it on to another authority in the church to make.
Who is the only Church of God in the 21st century to teach all of this?
If you are not with the group that is leading the final phase of the work will you not be able to fly/flee if you wait until the last moment! While that may be remotely possible for some, remember that God inspired Zephaniah to admonish God’s people to ‘gather together…before the decree is issued.’
Most will discount this and many will scoff. Most COGs do not have anyone considered to be a prophet, and those other than CCOG who claim to, have prophets that have been proven to be false (e.g. PCG, CGPFKG, TPM). See also Church of God Leaders on Prophets.
The Bible shows that God promises to protect the faithful Philadelphians who “gather together” (Zephaniah 2:1-3; Joel 2:16-17; Jeremiah 4:5-6) from this “hour of trial” (Revelation 3:7-10), but this promise is not made to all Christians (Revelation 12:14-17; cf. Luke 21:36).
Isaac Newton
Some may be surprised to learn that the late Sir Isaac Newton wrote about the Philadelphia portion of the Church. Here is some of what he wrote that was originally published in 1733:
In the sixth Epistle, to the Angel of the Church in PHILADELPHIA (Apoc. iii. 10, 12.) CHRIST saith: Because in the reign of the heathen Emperor JULIAN, thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep theefrom the hour of temptation, which by the woman's flying into the wilderness, and the Dragon's making war with the remnant of her seed, and the killing of all who will not worship the Image of the Beast, shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth, and to distinguish them by sealing the one with the name of God in their foreheads, and marking the other with the mark of the Beast. Him that overcometh, I will make a pillar in the Temple of my God ; and he shall go no more out of it. And I will write upon him the name of my God in his forehead. So the CHRISTIANS of the Church of PHILADELPHIA, as many of them as overcome, are sealed with the seal of God, and placed in the second Temple, and go no more out. (Newton I., 1733, as published later as: Sir Isaac Newton’s Daniel and the Apocalypse with an introductory study of the nature and the cause of unbelief, of miracles and prophecy, by Sir William Whitla; 1922; Murray, London, p. 333)
While Isaac Newton did not fully understand church eras as we in the Continuing Church of God do, he did write that the protection during the time others take the mark of the Beast, was to be provided to the Philadelphians.
Why Is There a Philadelphian Remnant?
Herbert W. Armstrong taught:
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. (Armstrong HW. Great Significance of Summit Conference. Pastor General's Report, Vol. 2, No. 26, June 27, 1980).
While the "Philadelphia era" is no longer predominant in this Laodicean time, Herbert Armstrong correctly pointed the existence of its succession.--which we can consider to be the remnant.
The late WCG evangelist Dean Blackwell taught that the work would need to be revived and cited the following scripture:
2 O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2)
Here is some of what he wrote:
Why do you think in Habakkuk, God said that He’d “revive His work in the midst of the years”? Would this be said if they were doing the work in all the time of the New Testament Church? ...
Habakkuk ... said that God would make known what is happening and what's going to happen in man's last years, in the day of His wrath. He requested that God remember mercy and hide His people in a place of safety. Notice that he mentions this will be in the last years -- in the midst of the last years.
What did we just read there in Habakkuk 3? Did He say, of the Sardis Church, that He gave them an open door; that they were small in number, and that yet He opened the doors that no man could close? He didn't say that at all about them. He didn't open a door getting the work done until the Philadelphia church. That's what your Bible says! No one knew the key of prophecy. No one even knew about Israel. Why, the Sardis church never could have preached the gospel around the world as a witness. (e.g. Blackwell D. A HANDBOOK OF CHURCH HISTORY. A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Ambassador College Graduate School of Theology, April 1973, p. 17)
That said, the work has been revived and truths restored in the Continuing Church of God (see also Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things and The Final Phase of the Work).
The Laodicean Church is the last one mentioned in the book of Revelation (Revelation 3:14-22). As the last, it is the one that will be the most dominant at the time of the end. The word "Laodicea" can be rendered "the people rule", "judgment of the people" or the "people decide." Laodicea is characterized by a rejection of the governance accepted by the Philadelphians--the acceptance of church leaders in accordance with scripture (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-16), and by a general lukewarm attitude. Thus governance can be seen as a key distinction between Philadelphia and Laodicea. Laodicea places emphasis on self (of the individuals or the leaders as opposed to proclaiming the whole truth including the Gospel), thus it also waters down the Truth-and so is "rebuked and chastened" and counseled "to buy from Me gold refined in the fire" (Revelation 3:18-19).
Because Laodicea is dominant at the end of the age, Philadelphia cannot be predominant in numbers then. However, a portion of Philadelphia must still exist.
We know this because Jesus told the Philadelphians: "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. Behold, I am coming quickly!" (Revelation 3:10-11). The Philadelphians, those of the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God, are the only ones promised protection! The Philadelphians are "given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent" (Revelation 12:14).
Now what does love have to do with the Philadelphia remnant? Notice the following passage:
1 Let brotherly love continue. (Hebrews 13:1)
The Greek word translated as "brotherly love" is the word Philadelphia. So the following would be an accurate rendering:
1 Let Philadelphia continue. (Hebrews 13:1)
The writer of the Book of Hebrews may have been inspired by God to convey two concepts:
A Philadelphia remnant needs to continue until the end of this age. And the Continuing Church of God expects to do that and believes it has proven that it is succeeding.
Although Herbert W. Armstrong wrote that he was able to fulfill the first portion of Matthew 24:14-"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations" (Mystery of the Ages, p. 291)-he appointed other television presenters to take over for him if he died prior to the second portion of the verse, "and then the end will come." He also wrote: "But Christ said to His Philadelphia era Church, that because we have but little strength, He would OPEN THOSE DOORS TO US (Revelation 3:8)" (Letter, Nov. 19, 1976).
Consider also the following Radio and Continuing Church of God Similarities:
Radio Church of God
Continuing Church of God
Formation preceded by a dream given by God to a woman (Loma Armstrong).
Formation preceded by a dream fgiven by God to a woman (Fesilafai Fiso Leaana).
Took time to accept if the dream came from God.
Took time to accept if certain
dreams came from God.Top leader (Herbert W. Armstrong) had a special calling through a dream.
Top leader (Bob Thiel) had a special calling through a dream.
Leader (Herbert W. Armstrong) left prior COG organization because the top leadership said he was right on doctrinal matters, but that group (CG7) would not teach them.
Leader (Bob Thiel) left prior COG organization because the top leadership said he was right on doctrinal matters, but that group (LCG), after promising to do so, decided it would not teach them.
Started mass public proclamation as a radio guest.
Started mass public proclamation on the internet and as a radio guest.
Focused on reaching the entire world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Focused on reaching the entire world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Continued with mass media including radio.
Continued with mass media including radio.
Did not have much money in its early years.
Did not have much money in its early years.
For years, had scattered members in North America with few congregations.
For years, has had scattered members in North America with few congregations.
Used ‘new doors’ like television.
Used ‘new doors’ like Internet television.
Taught God would continue to use dreams.
Taught God would continue to use dreams.
Fulfilled first portion of Loma Armstrong’s dream.
Working towards fulfilling the second portion of Loma Armstrong’s dream.
Averaged 30% growth per year.
Averaged over 30% growth per year.
Was willing to change positions prior group held when the Bible supported the change.
Was willing to change positions prior group held when the Bible supported the change.
Had prophetic understanding others lacked.
To minimize government interference, eventually formed as a ‘corporation sole.’
To minimize government interference, initially formed as a ‘corporation sole.’
The fastest growing COG in the mid 20th century.
The fastest growing COG in the 21st century.
There are many parallels. For those with eyes to see, CCOG is the clear Philadelphian leading successor.
And truly, Philadelphians need to keep preaching to the world until the end comes, since they will be around until the end comes. Thus, HWA knew that the work of Matthew 24:14 was not finished. It is the highly dedicated in the real Church of God that will finish the final phase of the work before (Matthew 24:14; see also the video Implications of Matthew 24:14) 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; 14:9-13)--and this is what the Continuing Church of God is doing (see also The Final Phase of the Work).
Contrary to those who interpret HWA otherwise, the first half of Matthew 24:14 has not been completely fulfilled. It was only to the Philadelphians, the ones that are specifically promised protection, who were given the open door to proclaim the gospel. Since it is also only the Philadelphians that are promised to be protected from the tribulation, they must still exist at the time of the end. The world still does not really know of the Church of God, but this will change as the result of the work of the Philadelphians. Because the Laodicean work is not acceptable to Jesus, it makes no sense that the Laodiceans will be the ones who complete the work of proclaiming the gospel. Remember, the Laodiceans are condemned for having a work that is different than that of the Philadelphians.
A related sermon is available titled Priority of the Philadelphia Work.
Anyway, once the Philadelphia remnant Church of God gets the gospel to more of the world as a witness, this will upset the Catholics and result in persecutions described in Matthew 24:9-10 and Daniel 11:29-33. The Philadelphians will continue to do that and finally succeed by Matthew 24: 14 and instruct many (Daniel 11:32-33; watch also Preparing to Instruct Many), but be subject to more persecution per Daniel 11:32-35.
Then the Philadelphians will flee to a place of safety in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-16) and then the end will come (the Beast, the King of the North, will attack the USA/Britain).
God has other blessings of being Philadelphian than the promise of protection from the hour of trial. Additional details are in the article A Better Resurrection.
How does the Continuing Church of God differ from other Sabbatarian COG groups?
In July 2019, someone who attended with three Church of God groups asked me how the Continuing Church of God was different from the other churches that formed after the apostasy at the old Worldwide Church of God.
After giving her several reasons, it occurred to me that we should have a short article on that topic, so I wrote a draft of one. Then sent the draft to two of our ministers for comments. Then made some additions based on their comments.
Anyway, the article starts off with twelve ways:
And there are more.
Anyway, we now have a brief article on online on that: How does the Continuing Church of God differ from other Sabbatarian COG groups?
Philadelphia Church Purpose Is Love, Which Means Proclaiming the Truth of the Good News
By attempting to heed Jude's admonition "to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3), the Philadelphian Church will hold fast to the Truth that was restored in that era.
Notice what Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
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... 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).
The Philadelphian remnant Church of God will continue to attempt to go through whatever doors are open in order to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom as a witness. It will be led by one, but have others also assisting in the process.
Consider also something that the Prophet Daniel wrote:
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 (Daniel 11:31-33).
What will God's people be instructing many about? God's people will be instructing many about the mystery of iniquity, the mystery of lawlessness (for more details, read the article on the Mystery of Iniquity). This will include teaching aspects of church history that many do not grasp (so studying the booklet Continuing History of the Church of God would be helpful), what the true gospel is (so studying the booklet The Gospel of the Kingdom of God would be helpful), explaining why various faiths are not true (e.g. see the free online book: Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism) contending for the faith once for all delivered to the faith (Jude 3, see also the free online book:Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church), and explaining how to determine where the true Christian church is (so studying the booklet Where is the True Christian Church Today? would be helpful). Watch also the videoL Preparing to Instruct Many.
Notice an important criteria that Jesus set:
16 You will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16).
And what are the fruits?
Essentially, doing what Jesus taught.
Jesus also taught,
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21)
In the CCOG, we have committed the bulk of available finances to support proclaiming Gospel of the Kingdom of God around the world (including Africa) as well as supporting the poor (Galatians 2:10; cf. James 2:14-16) and widows and orphans--that is pure religion (cf. James 1:27). And have been the fastest growing COG in the 21st century.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, (2 Corinthians 9:10)
HWA commented:
You see all of this here is showing you that giving is God’s way and the more you give the more you will have to give. Now I saw this. I began to live that way. It’s a funny thing, when I began to give, and devote my life to giving, God has given more to me. And actually I began to think sometimes, God has not made me wealthy. I’m not a millionaire. When I was married 3.5 years ago I didn’t have anything in case I died. I was taking on an obligation and I should have something to leave to her, in case I died before her. I haven’t got a thing. No home, no automobile. I the use of them on the campus in Pasadena. I didn’t have any fortune or money in the bank and yet God provided me with enough income and enough of these things provided in the work that I was able to enjoy things that even most multi-millionaires don’t enjoy. [he goes on about having access to a plane, a campus in England, traveling the world].
HWA basically left what he owned to the WCG.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11)
Notice that Paul is saying God promises to somehow enrich the giver.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, (2 Corinthians 9:12)
Giving to poor brethren is helpful to them, plus provides the giver and the receiver an opportunity to give thanks. The receiver gets needs met and the giver was blessed enough to have enough to be able to give, both of which are things to be thankful for.
The Apostle Paul wrote::
13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, (2 Corinthians 9:13)
Paul is saying one of the proofs of his ministry was the liberal sharing with the poor. Well, that, then, should also be one of the proofs of the CCOG as we give away a higher percentage of our income to poor brethren than any other major COG ministry.
Why?
Well, it is biblical.
Notice what else the Apostle Paul wrote:
9 ... James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do. (Galatians 2:9-10)
Paul was eager to help the poor. Are you?
Paul further wrote:
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:6-10)
Do you believe the word of God? Do you accept how God works?
Paul also wrote:
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (Romans 12:9-13)
Yes, real love involves giving. And brotherly love, philadelphia in the Greek, includes "distributing to the needs of the saints." Giving is Philadelphian!
The Philadelphian Church will also proclaim the Ezekiel warning to the physical descendants of Israel, even if this group does not have as many "talents" as it once had (Matthew 25:15-28)--and in CCOG we are doing that.
It will keep the biblical form of authority within the Church-the same form of governance that will be used in the Kingdom of God--we in CCOG strive to do this as well (see The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government). Remember, though: just calling oneself (or one's church) "Philadelphian" does not guarantee that one actually is Philadelphian. Some who claim to be Philadelphian are not.
Why is This Important to Know?
Some say that knowledge of Church eras is unimportant, and believe that it makes no difference in how Christians live or act. Is this the correct attitude? It is not coincidental that many who de-emphasize Church eras also water down key truths restored by Herbert W. Armstrong-in some cases no longer even considering it their top priority to proclaim the full Gospel as a witness. This may help explain such an attitude-but does it excuse it? Seven times (Revelation 2; 3) Jesus warned: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (e.g. Revelation 3:13). Why would He repeatedly say this if these messages were not important?
Jesus promised the Philadelphians more than just physical protection. He also said:
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 (Revelation 3:12).
Who in God's Church does not want to receive these promises?
Those God has called can decide whether or not to accept and teach the truths restored to the Philadelphian Church. It is up to them-but the spiritual and physical costs of not accepting and teaching the Truth appear quite high. A Philadelphian holds fast to true doctrine, does not deny Christ's authority, keeps His word, goes through those doors that Christ opens and perseveres to the end. A Philadelphian hears "what the Spirit says to the churches."
Ancient Philadelphia
As far as anicient Sardis goes, closer to the time that Revelation was written, notice the following:
VI. PHILADELPHIA
Philadelphia was located about twenty-eight miles southeast of Sardis. The city was founded in 189 B.C. by Attalus Philadelphus, for whom it was named. Some believe that it was so named also because of the love and loyalty existing between Philadelphus and his brother, the king of Lydia. The city was also known as Decapolis, because it was one of the ten cities of the plain. It was also known as Decapolis, because it was one of the ten cities of the plain. It was sometimes called Little Athens because of the magnificence of its public buildings. Its modern Turkish name is Ala Shehr, which means "The City of God" or "The Exalted City." Philadelphia has thus been given a number of new names.
Philadelphia guarded and commanded an important pass through the mountains between the Hermus and Meander valleys. It was thus the keeper of the key to the door, or gateway, to the eastern highlands, with the power to open and close according to the will of the officials. Through this portal passed the mail and trade and commerce of the west to the wide regions of central and eastern Lydia.
A Place of Trial
Philadelphia was subject to frequent and severe earthquakes. Trench declared that "no city of Asia Minor suffered more, or so much, from violent and oft-recurring earthquakes," and the historian Strabo, who lived between 64 B.C. and A.D. 21, said that Philadelphia was "full of earthquakes." He may have been there at the time of the great earthquake that destroyed the city in A. D. 17. That was only one of a series of quakes that kept the citizens in a state of fearful expectancy. Strabo wrote: "Philadelphia has no trustworthy walls, but daily in one direction or another they keep tottering and falling apart. The inhabitants, however, pursue their original purpose, ever keeping in mind the writhing pangs of the ground, and building with a view to counteracting them."
Strabo was astonished that a city should ever have been founded in such a locality, and he questioned the sanity of the people for re-entering the ruined city and planning to rebuild to withstand the future shocks which were momentarily expected. He felt that when people are driven from a city by earthquakes they ought to be wise enough never to return. He declared that the walls of the houses were incessantly opening, and sometimes one, and sometimes another part of the city was experiencing some damage. The citizens therefore lived in constant dread of quaking earth and falling buildings.
Because of this situation the people often fled to the open country and lived in tents or booths in earthquake seasons in order to keep themselves beyond the range of disaster. Although the city was often shattered and the migrations from its ruins were frequent, so that its citizens lived in constant terror, yet in spite of an ever present sense of danger the brave Philadelphians were determined to make the city realize the aims for which it was founded. This constant fear of the day of trial, when the citizens must flee for their lives, made the language employed by Christ very striking. (Verses 10-12.) He encouraged His people with the promise that if faithful they would one day enter the New Jerusalem, the city of God, where they could dwell safely and "go no more out."
Philadelphia was a city of many new names. When the city was destroyed by the great earthquake of A.D. 17, Tiberious gave $600,000 to help rebuild. In appreciation the citizens changed the name of the city to Neo-Ceasarea in honor of the donor, but when the emperor became a cruel tyrant, the Philadelphians became ashamed of the new name. During the reign of Vespasian the name was again changed, to Flavia, in his honor, as he was the first of the Flavian family to rule. These changes of name doubtless called for great celebration of dedication, when the whole city worshiped the emperor in whose honor the new name was given. (Bunch, Taylor G. The Seven Epistles of Christ. Washington, DC: Review and Herald Publishing Assn., 1947 as cited in The Seven Cities of Asia Minor, Ambassador College Study Guide, pre-1987, pp. 8-9).
My wife and I have visited this area. Here is a link to:Joyce's Photos of Philadelphia.
Conclusion
The Philadelphians are promised to be kept from the hour of trial because they kept God's "command to persevere" or as the AV says "kept the word of my patience" (Revelation 3:10). They truly are faithful to the Word of God and are unwilling to compromise even if it results in persecution or ridicule. Philadelphia also does the best job of keeping Jesus' word (Revelation 3:8)--and CCOG has done the best job related to Matthew 28:19-20 and various other scriptures than any known current COG.
The CCOG has the broadcast radio reach of any COG in the 21st century. For details, check out the Continuing Church of God Multimedia page. The CCOG has restored more truth than any other COG in the 21st century--and if you are willing, you can prove it to yourself (see details in the article: Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things).
The Continuing Church of God has information in more languages in order to fulfill the commission of Matthew 24:14 to reach the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (see also Preaching the Gospel in Over 1000 Languages) than has ever happened in the entire history of the true church! That is needed at the end times as we prepare for the short work of Romans 9:28 (see also Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word), which includes laying the foundation for Revelation 7:9 as part of the final phase of the work.
Currently, the Continuing Church of God is leading the final phase of the work.
If the Philadelphia era of the Church existed while Herbert W. Armstrong was alive, could this possibly mean that the remaining group of the Philadelphia era would be the ones who still believe, teach, and practice what Jude referred to as "the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3)? (Click here for the article What is a True Philadelphian?) Would this not include the 18 truths that Herbert W. Armstrong restored to the Church of God without adding extrabiblical requirements (here is my in-process article on the 18 Restored Truths)? Would not this Church also have the same priority of proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom to the world?
Would it not believe that the word of God is the most important source of doctrine? That is what we in the Continuing Church of God believe.
I believe that God called Herbert W. Armstrong to raise up the Philadelphia era of the Church of God. I believe that the Laodicean portion of the Church began to develop while he was alive, and now is the predominant era during these end times. I believe that I was called to support the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God and proclaim the whole truth of God as part of the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God, and now most specifically the Continuing Church of God.
The Bible clearly teaches that there must be a portion of the Philadelphia remnant Church at the end in order to go through the open door to proclaim the gospel, as well as to be physically protected during the Great Tribulation.
Jesus taught that the Philadelphia Church had the open door, that no man (including the death of Herbert W. Armstrong) can shut and that the Philadelphia Church would persevere and hold fast to the truths (Revelation 3:7-12) that it received while restoring additional truths (Matthew 17:11; Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things). The Continuing Church of God, despite imperfections, strives to that. Many others once part of the old WCG have become part of what the Bible terms The Church of the Laodiceans as they have different priorities or have picked up odd doctrines that one should not "hold fast" to.
Click here is you would like to see Joyce's Photos of Philadelphia taken in Turkey in 2008.
Previous Church was Sardis Next Church is Laodicea
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B. Thiel, Ph.D. The Philadelphia Church Era. www.cogwriter.com (c) 2006/2007/2008/2010/2011/2012/2013/2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/201/2020 /2021 /2022 /2023 / 2024 1028
Links of Interest May Include:
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 from 31 A.D. to present: information on all of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3. There is also a YouTube video: The Seven Church Eras of Revelation. There is also a version in the Spanish language: Las Siete Iglesias de Apocalipsis 2 & 3.
1. The Ephesus Church Era was predominant from 31 A.D. to circa 135 A.D. The Church of James, Peter, Paul, and John, etc. Here is a link to a related video sermon: Ephesus Church Era.
2. The Smyrna Church Era was predominant circa 135 A.D. to circa 450 A.D. The Church led by Polycarp, Melito, Polycrates, etc.Here is a link to a related video sermon: The Smyrna Church Era.
3. The Pergamos Church Era was predominant circa 450 A.D. to circa 1050 A.D. An especially persecuted Church. Here is a link to a related sermon video: Pergamos Era and the Antichrist.
4. The Thyatira Church Era was predominant circa 1050 A.D. to circa 1600 A.D. The Church during the Inquisition. It claimed succession from the apostles. Here is a link toa related sermon: Thyatira, Succession, and Jezebel.
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses some early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, CG7-Salem, Jerusalem 7DCG, and COG-7th Day-Denver. Here are links to two historical sermons: Sardis Church Era: Beginnings, Doctrines, and Leaders and Sardis: SDBs, SDAs, & CG7s.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from 31 A.D. to the 21st century.