40 Ways in Which

Triumph Prophetic Ministries

DIFFERS from the Worldwide

Church of God, Messianic Jews, and other End-Time Churches

What are the major differences between this Work of God and

the Worldwide Church of God, United Church of God, Living

Church of God, the Philadelphia Church of God, and many other

off-shoots of Worldwide? What about our differences with

the Messianic Jews, and “Messianic Israel” groups? Where

is God’s REAL “Work” being done, today? How important is

the understanding these things and God’s TRUTH?

William F. Dankenbring

About three thousand years ago, the prophet Elijah stood on Mount Carmel and addressed all Israel. The people had forsaken God, and turned to the worship of Baal, a pagan sun god. The truth of God was being suppressed and apostasy was rampant.

Elijah declared, in dramatic, thundering words: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (I Kings 18:21, NIV). The people did not the courage to answer him. In the ensuing moments, Elijah challenged and confronted the prophets of Baal, and in a supreme test, he called down fire from heaven, which consumed his sacrifice before all the assembled multitude (verses 36-38). When the people saw this, they were awe-struck, and exclaimed, “The LORD – he is God! The LORD – he is God!” (verse 39).

Two thousand years ago, the apostle Paul was faced with a similar dilemma. It was an age of apostasy from the truth of God. False doctrines were being taught right inside the Church of God, even churches he had raised up. He was very concerned. Paul warned the brethren at Thessalonica, “PROVE ALL THINGS; hold fast that which is good” (I Thess.5:21).

In the sixteenth century A.D., the vast professing Christian church had gone astray from the simple teachings of Christ. A rigid formula of legalism and Catholic authoritarianism had supplanted the true teachings of Christ. The selling of “indulgences” was widely practiced throughout Europe as a means for the priesthood to raise money. Nobles, rulers, and common people who had sinned, could buy their way into heaven, or buy forgiveness by making a monetary payment to the Church.

When Martin Luther, a new Catholic priest, wrestled with his own conscience and conflicting Christian values, by studying the Scriptures, he found the Catholic Church had forsaken many of the basic teachings of Christ. After several years, his differences caused him to be put out of the Church and declared a “heretic.” In 1521 he was ordered to appear before a meeting of princes, theologians and nobles by Charles V, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. They demanded that he retract his teachings.

Luther'’s response became historic. He replied:

“Unless I am convinced by the clear testimony of Scripture or by clear reason

(for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known

that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the

Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I

cannot and I will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go

against conscience. I cannot do otherwise.”

Luther’s example, of standing up to wrongly used authority, which tries to suppress truth, is one of great value and worth in this end time, when Christ said that many shall be deceived (Matt.24:5). He warned that false prophets would deceive all but the “very elect” (v.24).

But who are the “very elect”? They can only be those who are faithfully looking into the Word of God, and not to supposed highly esteemed human leaders, for their faith, instruction, and spiritual understanding! God's Word is the standard for us to judge everything! To merely follow men, because they occupy high offices in the church, today, is a very great mistake, for God, in due time, may very well remove them from their high office in His righteous anger and furious indignation at their stubborn intransigence and refusal to grow in grace, truth, and knowledge. He will surely punish all who reject knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Those who refuse to admit error, and to repent when proven wrong, will be cast out by Christ Himself when He returns to establish His Kingdom!

When the leaders of the Worldwide Church of God persecuted me, sixteen years ago, and cast me out of the Church, because of my writing books on Biblical topics, my eyes were drawn to Christ's blazing words in Matthew 5, beginning in verse 11: “Blessed are ye, when men shall REVILE you, and PERSECUTE you, and shall say all manner of EVIL against you falsely, for my sake. REJOICE, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matt.5:11-12).

Jesus went on to say, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

“Let your light so SHINE BEFORE MEN, that they may SEE you good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt.5:14-16). God wants us to let our light SHINE FORTH. If and when He grants us graciously new truth and understanding, of His Word, or the amazing prophecies for the end time, we are commanded by Christ to LET IT SHINE FORTH! It would be a sin to bury it, or suppress it or to hide it under a pot or bed!

But when we do so, we must be prepared to pay the price, even if it means being “cast out” of any modern church congregation which claims to be the true Church of God! Mere human claims themselves mean nothing. It is the proven, Scriptural TRUTH that counts! Jesus said, “You shall know the TRUTH; and the TRUTH shall make you FREE” (John 8:32).

In this article I am going to show you the ways in which we, in this ministry, are different from other churches in our teachings, doctrines, and Scriptural understanding. In particular, I will show you where we differ from the past and present teachings of the Worldwide Church of God, and many of the various “off shoots” that sprang up from the spiritual apostasy that rent that church, as well as how we differ from “Messianic Jews,” and “Messianic Israel” groups.

I urge you to study this article carefully, and then do further research, and send for the particular articles which give additional proof, evidence and insight into the areas where we are different. In fact, I CHALLENGE you to do so – for your own salvation could be at stake! Surely you don’t want to be deceived, or to believe a “lie”, do you?

In each one of these areas you can study for yourself, and PROVE the truth! It is up to YOU.

40 Errors of End-Time Churches

ERROR #1 -- the Primacy of Peter—Peter was the “chief apostle.”

Herbert W. Armstrong began teaching in recent years that Peter was the chief of the apostles and had authority over the others. This was a distinct change from what the Church used to teach. The Catholic Church, of course, had always claimed this. However, Jesus told His disciple that they were not to call one another, or select ones among themselves, "Rabbi," or "Master," or "Lord," "for ONE is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren" (Matt.23:8). Peter was not over the other apostles in authority, despite the self-serving claims of Herbert Armstrong. Rather, he and Paul were equals (see Galatians 2:7-9). If Peter had been over Paul in authority, then Paul would have sinned by his rebuking Peter publicly (Gal.2:11-14). The truth is that Peter was the apostle to the Jews; Paul was the apostle sent to the Gentiles; and the other apostles were sent by God to other tribes of Israel.

ERROR #2 -- the "One True Church" – true or false?

At one time Herbert Armstrong admitted that truly converted people could belong to other churches. He even admitted that the "Sardis" Church (Rev.3:1-6) still existed today. But increasingly toward the last years of His ministry he said he was God's only representative on earth, and that the Worldwide Church of God was the only true Church.

This claim is sheer nonsense. God's Church is a spiritual organism, not a human corporation. It comprises all those in all Churches who have truly surrendered their lives to Christ in baptism, and have repented of their sins, and are serving Christ to the best of their knowledge and understanding of the Word of God (Acts 2:38). Therefore, although all Churches today have gone astray in some measure, some much more than others, it is very possible for many true Christians to be members of several different Churches (all of which, in spiritual type, are described in Revelation 2-3), including Adventists, Church of God Seventh Day, other smaller groups, and various Evangelical churches. Who are we to try to sit in judgment of others? The Word of God will judge each and every individual. One does not have to be a member of the Worldwide Church of God in order to be saved! Such an idea is utter nonsense. A careful study of Revelation 2-3, the letters to the seven churches, shows the Church of God would become like a tree with several main branches in the end times, yet one original root.

In recent years, of course, the remnant Worldwide Church of God has itself repudiated the idea that it is the "only" Church of God. In fact, they now teach that there are true Christians in ALL the Churches, and even go along with mainstream "Christianity" and approve of them! They have gone from one extreme to the opposite extreme -- from one ditch to the other!

ERROR #3 -- Christians do not need to “qualify” for Salvation!

Joseph Tkach introduced this new doctrine after the death of Herbert Armstrong. He wrote in the Good News magazine that "qualifying" is not necessary for salvation, a distinct change from the historical teaching of the Church. For years the Church has taught that we cannot "earn" salvation by good works. However, Tkach changed this concept to include we cannot "qualify" for salvation. A rather strange, subtle twist to the truth! Of course, the Scriptures show that we are justified by Faith, not by works; and we are saved by Faith, not by human effort, rituals, or works (Eph.2:8-9). Nevertheless, good deeds ARE necessary for salvation (verse 10), because God has ordained that we walk in them. If we don't, we disobey Him and break His commandments. Jesus said to enter life we must "keep the commandments" (Matt.19:17).

However, the word "qualify," if it is used to mean "earn" salvation, by our works, merely confuses the issue and creates a muddle of the truth. Any dictionary shows that 'qualify" does not mean "earn," as a "reward." Rather, it is a non-religious term and simply means "get ready for," to prepare for," "meet the conditions for." To be saved, we must meet God's conditions for salvation -- which are belief in Christ, repentance, and surrender to Christ, to serve Him all our lives (Acts 2:38; 5:32; Matt.24:13). Why confuse the issue and make a mountain out of a molehill? Indeed, we MUST "qualify" to meet Christ -- we must "become worthy" -- we must be suitably dressed, spiritually, clothed in garments of righteousness. Those who do not "qualify," will be cast into outer darkness (see Matt.22:11-13). The bride of Christ will be composed only of those who have made themselves ready! As John was told by the angel, "for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself READY" (Rev.19:7) -- that is, she "qualified"!

ERROR #4 -- There is no such thing as "Physical Sin" -- breaking physical laws is not a sin!

According to the Worldwide Church of God, there is no such thing as "physical sin," and breaking physical or health laws is not "sin," even though it may hurt your body or kill you. But God says the wages of "sin" is death (Rom.6:23). To say that breaking the laws of physics, chemistry, gravity, is not "sin" or "lawlessness" is plain dumb (I John 3:4). The Church of God now teaches it is not "sin" -- i.e., transgression of God's law -- to eat polluted, cancerous food, even if it kills you. Arsenic is all right though it will kill you. Breaking a speed law and causing an accident that kills a whole family is not a sin! It is merely an "accident." What? Can we not see through the veil of such errant nonsense? If a person foolishly drives a car 100 miles per hour, in a 35 mile per hour zone, and kills himself or others it is most certainly a SIN against both God and man. If we break physical laws, we pay a penalty the penalty of sin, or lawlessness.

ERROR #5 -- Christians no longer need to observe Sabbath or to keep the annual holy days!

For years I was warning the people of the Worldwide Church of God that their leadership was plunging into sheer apostasy. From 1987 I have been shouting the warning. But few listened. Few heeded. It seemed as if very few really cared any more.

Then, Joseph Tkach really exposed himself for what he really is. He proudly claimed, in a sermon given at Big Sandy, Texas, that the Sabbath day and annual holy days of God are "abolished" by the New Covenant! We no longer need to observe them! In fact, he said, we only do so now as a matter of "tradition," but if you wish to, you may now WORK on the Sabbath and annual Holy days!

The sheer blatancy of this new teaching should not cause us to marvel. Christ warned us that there would be false prophets rising up in the last days (Matt.24:4-5, 12, 24). Paul warned also that men would come teaching doctrines of demons (I Tim.4:1-2), deceiving and being deceived (II Tim.3:13). Men who would exchange the truth of God for fables and fantasies (II Tim.4:3-4).

For the truth on these subjects, write for our articles "Sabbath Versus Sunday," "Does It Matter What Days We Observe?” "Which Day is the Christian Sabbath?" and "The Annual Holy Days of God."

ERROR #6 -- the New Covenant abolishes the laws of God -- except those clearly defined and stated in the New Testament. This includes the law against eating unclean meats, such as shellfish, pork, or other "delicacies."

In conjunction with the idea that the Sabbath and annual holy days are abolished, the new revised Worldwide Church of God has also repudiated the laws against eating unclean meats, an claims that the New Covenant abolishes ALL the "Old Testament" laws, except those clearly reiterated in the New Testament!

Yet, Jesus Christ said He did not come to abolish or destroy ONE JOT OR TITTLE of the Laws of God (Matt.5:17-19). He told a young rich man who asked Him the way to eternal life, "If you would enter into life, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS" (Matt.19:17).

The apostle Paul clearly taught that God's Law is "holy, just, and good" (Rom.7:12). He said that God's law is SPIRITUAL (Rom.7:14), and that which is spiritual is ETERNAL (II Cor.4:17-19). David also spoke highly of the law of God -- read Psalm 119. How could God do away with His Law, which is the very essence of His own spiritual CHARACTER and likeness?

Write for the articles "Is Obedience Required for Salvation," "A New Look at Galatians," "Is the Law Nailed to the Cross." Also, write for the article, "Should a Christian Eat Unclean Meats?”

ERROR #7 -- Cremation is all right -- it is your own decision.

The Bible clearly shows from Genesis to Revelation that Cremation is a pagan practice, stemming from the doctrine of the immorality of the soul. It is also a type of the 'lake of fire' which will consume the wicked. The Bible example of all the saints is burial, in expectation of the resurrection. Christ Himself was buried, setting us an example (I Pet.2:21, I John 2:6). My article on this subject proves beyond question that cremation is a practice Christians should avoid.

ERROR #8 -- Daniel's 2300 days are really 1150 days, were fulfilled as such in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes, and do not really apply today

This may not seem like a major “error,” but it was primarily for disagreeing with this teaching that the Worldwide Church of God cast me out of their midst in 1987! The simple truth is, it has never understood the prophecy of Daniel's 2300 days. Herman L. Hoeh has taught that these are 1150 days and refer only to the time of Antiochus Ephiphanes. However, this is not true. The Bible itself clearly shows that an "evening and a morning" equal one day (Genesis 1), and 2300 evenings and mornings equal 2300 days (see Adam Clark's Commentary, Jamieson, Faucet and Brown's Commentary). Thus 2300 days equals 2300 years in fulfillment (Num.14:34; Ezek.4:6). During the time of Antiochus, the abomination of desolation lasted exactly three years -- not 1150 days. History proves it!

Amazing as it sounds, from the date Alexander the Great first defeated the Persians at the Granicus River in 334 B.C. till the Six Day War in 1967 when Israel recaptured the Temple mount was exactly 2300 years! Read my article, 'Daniel's 2300 Day Prophecy Revealed at Last!"

ERROR #9 -- Daniel's 1260,1290 and 1335 Days Not Understood by Worldwide Church of God and its off-shoots today.

In the last chapter of Daniel a mysterious prophecy of 1260, 1290 and 1335 days is given. The Worldwide Church of God has no answer as to the meaning of the 1335 days. However, they postulate that the three periods of time all end at the point of Christ's return, and therefore the 1290 days begins 30 days prior to the 1260, and that this 30 day period is the time allowed for the Church to flee to a place of safety. Does this idea make any sense? Daniel is told, 'Blessed is he that waiteth,, and cometh to the 1335 days" (verse 12). This clearly implies the 1335 continues on beyond the end of the 1260 and 1290. This suggests that the 1290 continues on past the 1260. In other words, all three periods of time BEGIN at the same point. They do not end at the same point.

Daniel 9:27 says the coming prince who destroys Jerusalem shall cause the sacrifice to cease 'in the midst of the week" - the week being the final seven years of this age. The "midst of the week" would be at the 3 and one half year point, or 1260 days from the return of Christ (see Rev.13:5; 12:6,14). This is the same point when the Church flees to safety (Rev.12:14). The Church flees when it sees the "abomination of desolation set up" (Matt.24:15-16). This is 1260 days before the return of Christ (Rev.12:6, 14). Yet Daniel 12:11 says that from the time the daily sacrifice is taken away is when the 1290 days also begins! Thus the 1260 and 1290 days begin at the same time! The 1290 ends 30 days later -- probably the time of the month of the regathering of Israel after Christ returns. The 1335 would refer to the 'blessed" event of the marriage feast of the Lamb and His bride, the Church (compare Rev.19:7-9 and Dan.12:12).

ERROR #10 -- Herbert W. Armstrong taught that the Jews will not rebuild a Temple in Jerusalem, but the Temple refers to the Church. Most of the Worldwide offshoots still believe this fallacy.

The prophecies of the Bible very plainly teach that a real, literal, physical temple or sanctuary will exist on the Temple Mount before Christ returns. Armstrong insisted that in his meetings with Israeli leaders he learned they have absolutely NO INTENTION of rebuilding a temple and thus stirring up Arab hostility and wrath. He changed the Church's teaching on this point in 1969 after a co-worker, prospective member of the Church from Australia set fire to the Al Aksa mosque on the Temple Mount and there was a huge investigation in Israel and a court trial. The man had been reading the Plain Truth and had learned from Church literature that a temple was to be rebuilt Apparently he thought he would help the process along. To save face in Israel, and to protect the Church, Herbert quickly claimed the Church does NOT teach a temple will be rebuilt. Thus he "copped out" on the truth and compromised -- something he claimed he would "never do." Strange how those who most solemnly protest their innocence are usually guilty of the very thing they so vehemently condemn in others!

For evidence and proof that a temple or sanctuary must be rebuilt prior to the return of Christ, compare II Thess.2:4; Rev.11:1-2; Matt.24:15; Dan.9:26-27; Dan.8:11-13; Dan.11:31; Psalm 79:1, for starters. Also, send for my article, "Will a Temple be Rebuilt in Jerusalem?" and read the chapter on the Temple in my book Escape from Armageddon. Interestingly, in the June 1967 "Personal" in the Plain Truth, Herbert Armstrong plainly predicted a temple would be rebuilt on the Temple Mount, and even claimed it would be done WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS! It was not the first time he erred in the understanding of prophetic fulfillment But just because one has the time frame wrong does not means the general concept was wrong. But he was so disappointed that he threw the truth out with the error -- like throwing precious jewels and diamonds out with the regular garbage! How sad!

ERROR #11 – The Worldwide Church of God taught that God does not bind marriages in the world, only marriages performed in the Church are binding. True or false?

Originally, Herbert Armstrong taught divorce was never sanctioned by the Word of God for any cause; marriages could be dissolved only in the case of "fraudulent intent" or deception on the part of one of the couple. This teaching caused severe trauma, heart-break, and the breaking up of thousands of families -- a terrible tragedy never justified by the Word of God. Jesus plainly said that in the case of "fornication" -- porneia, in the Greek -- a marriage was not binding, and the partners would be free to remarry. The definition of this Greek word caused Herbert Armstrong no end of trouble. Not a Greek scholar, or even a student of Greek, and seemingly blind to the definition of this word found in Greek lexicons, he insisted it only applied to 'premarital sex" when used in the New Testament! Yet Paul used it in I Corinthians 6:18, which Moffatt translates as "immorality." The truth is, porneia refers to all kinds of sexual excess, promiscuity, whoredom, adultery, harlotry, as well as premarital sex! This simple understanding would have saved thousands of families from incredible needless suffering and spiritual "martyrdom." Broken homes, with children the innocent victims, would have been saved, rather than imperiously demanded in order to satisfy a rigid and heartless misinterpretation of Scripture!

But then, in 1974, the Church went to the opposite extreme, and declared that only marriages performed inside the Church were recognized by God as binding. Of all the incredible, self-centered, arrogant, proud nonsense! Thus the Church went from the right-hand ditch to the left-hand ditch, and fell in. Interestingly, now even marriages recently performed inside the Church are allowed to dissolve and the partners to remarry. If you would like to read the real "plain truth" about divorce and remarriage, according to the Bible, then write for my article on the subject. It will make it truly plain and understandable. It is so sad that so many people had to suffer so greatly because of one man's incredible ego and spiritual blindness. Of course, the Worldwide Church of God today has totally repudiated all the marriage teachings of Herbert Armstrong.

ERROR #12 -- The Worldwide Church of God teaches that TITHING as a Law of God was abolished by Jesus Christ. Most of the offshoots, however, teach this doctrine just as Herbert Armstrong did. The truth is, both sides are wrong!

The Worldwide Church of God once taught that tithing is binding upon Christians as divine law, and that three tithes are required -- the first tithe to God, besides offerings; the second tithe for the annual festivals (any excess to go to the ministry); and every third and sixth year out of the seven year cycle a third tithe for the Church "third tithe fund." Over the years must controversy arose over how this "third tithe fund" was used. At times it was used to help purchase and/or to buy fuel for the jet aircraft of the Church, and to help pay ministers' travel expenses during the fall festival. Widows needs, which was originally one of the primary purposes of this tithe in ancient Israel, were often sadly neglected. Some favored employees even got "third tithe loans" which they never had to pay back to purchase houses, cars, or other items.

This abuse of authority and corruption of the use of money is standard operating procedure for human nature, of course. An old saying goes, "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely." It was corruption and the abuse of money that led to the Reformation in the Middle Ages, even more than doctrinal error.

The Worldwide under Joseph Tkach and his son, however, has totally repudiated the teaching of the Bible concerning tithing. They claim Christ abolished ALL God’s commandments, except those defined in the New Testament.

The truth is, although Jesus taught tithing as a commandment or law of God which we should obey (Matt.23:23) -- He said He did not come to abolish ONE SINGLE SOLITARY law of God (Matt.5:17-19) -- He never intended His Church to make "tithing" such a burden on the backs of the people of God! Of course, true Christians should "tithe" ten percent of their income, as faithful Abraham and Jacob did, to God, as the means of support for the New Testament Church ministry (Gen.14:20; 28:22; I Cor.9:7-14). However, the Church completely misunderstood the subject of "second" and "third" tithes! As the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament, made in 250 B.C., shows, the "third" tithe was actually the "second" tithe in the third and sixth years of the seven year Sabbath cycle!

The truth is, tithing was a law of God BEFORE the Levitical priesthood even existed (Gen.26:5). The tithe was later transferred to the Levites, for their support (Lev.27:30-32; Num.18:21). However, when Christ came and instituted the Church, He transferred the tithe from the Levites to His ministry (Heb.7:4-12). "For the priesthood being CHANGED, there is made of necessity a change also of the law." Notice! Not a doing away with the tithing law, but a CHANGE IN THE LAW! What change? A change necessitated because of the change in priesthood's, from Levitical to Melchisedek! Christ is a high priest after the order of Melchisedek. Now the tithes should go to HIS representatives -- the true ministers of God -- for the support of their spiritual work, and livelihood! What could be clearer

ERROR #13 -- When should we observe Pentecost? The Worldwide Church of God no longer observes God’s annual holy days. Most of the off-shoot churches, however, keep Pentecost by counting from the day after the weekly Sabbath occurring during the days of Unleavened Bread. What is the truth?

Jesus Christ said the Pharisees sat in Moses' seat (Matt.23:2-3), not the Sadducees, and that we should 'do all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe." The Pharisees always counted Pentecost from the day after the first annual Sabbath which began the Feast of Unleavened Bread. They were a conservative religious sect, whereas the Sadducees were a very liberal, politically oriented sect which even denied the resurrection, the existence of angels, and spirit (Acts 23:8). The apostle Paul himself had been a Pharisee (Acts 23:6). Strange, isn't it, that the Church of God would follow after the liberal and loose Sadducees, instead of the custom of those whom Jesus said the apostles should look to (Matt.23:2)? Likewise, the Samaritans counted from the day after the weekly Sabbath.

Who were these Samaritans? They were pagans who occupied the territory of northern Israel after the ten tribes were taken captive by Assyria, developed a strange religion combining elements of the Old Testament perverting them, and adding to them pagan doctrines (see II Kings 17:23-41). These Samaritans even built their own temple on Mount Gerizim. But Jesus said of them, "Ye worship ye know not what" (John 4:22). Should the Church follow their example?

For more information on this subject, write for the articles, "What Is the Correct Day to Observed Pentecost?", "The Astonishing Truth about Pentecost!", "Pentecost -- the Final Answer!" and "Just Who Were the Pharisees? "

ERROR #14 -- Church Authority—this is the ONE principle taught by Herbert Armstrong which is still embraced by MOST of the offshoots of Worldwide, as well as Worldwide itself!

The Worldwide Church of God, in following the example of Herbert W. Armstrong, has adopted a very rigid and lofty form of Church Government. Ministers “rule” over the flock, potentially in every area of their lives. Members are encouraged to counsel with their local minister in just about everything. Ministers have authority to even judge people’s attitudes and to disfellowship individuals who disagree with them on some point or issue, on the basis of "bad attitude." Of course, sometimes the minister errs and gets caught, and is reprimanded, but nevertheless the abuse of authority is commonplace. Herbert Armstrong set an example of high and imperious living and overbearing authority. Woe unto any one who dared to question him on anything. Ministers have been fired for less! One minister merely demurred firing a loyal subordinant when called long distance by Herbert Armstrong’s assistant, and told to do so, wanting to know why; the next day he found himself removed from his sensitive position and recalled back to Pasadena for consultation and reassignment.

Ministers wear their authority like a uniform of the German Gestapo; they carry it like a sheriff s badge. Any who get "out of line,' or ask too many questions, are viewed with suspicion and eventually dealt with. All must conform to the edicts and policies and statements coming from "headquarters," or else suffer the consequences -- disfellowshipment.

Jesus Christ never approved of such an approach toward Church government. Peter said elders should feed the flock of God "which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being LORDS over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (I Pet.5:2-3).

Christ Himself warned His disciples, "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant' (Matt.23:11). He cautioned His disciples, "Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles EXERCISE DOMINION over them, and they that are great exercise AUTHORITY upon them. But it shall not be so among you.- but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant" (Matt.20:25-27).

Somewhere over the years this concept of the loving shepherd leading his flock with love and devotion has been lost. Instead, we find human nature coming to the forefront and ministers wielding authority like tiny despots, little hitters, and even prying into peoples lives and advising them on such silly things as what color truck or automobile to purchase. Perversely, it seems like some gullible sheep have a strong sheep instinct to conform, and they enjoy being humiliated and abused, like some battered wives. At least they get attention that way! Paul had to face this same problem. He wrote to the Corinthians, “For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man BRING YOU INTO BONDAGE, if a man DEVOUR YOU, if a man take of you, if a man EXALT HIMSELF, if a man SMITE YOU ON THE FACE” (II Cor.11:19-20).

Incredible, isn't it? Yet so many brethren seem to actually enjoy being beaten down by authoritarian ministers! Today we live in the age of the “Monster Minister,” who brags, struts, puffs out his chest like a pompous pouter pigeon, and barks orders like a gunnery sergeant in the army! For shame! God calls them “CRUEL shepherds” (Jer.23; Ezek.34), who rule over the flock with FORCE! Write for the articles on “Is There Government in the Church of God?”, “The Plain Truth about Church Authority,” and “Crisis in the Worldwide Church of God – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.”

ERROR #15 -- The Worldwide Church of God once claimed it will be protected in a place of safety, probably Petra in Jordan, from the Great Tribulation. Worldwide now repudiates the idea of a “place of safety.” Some of the offshoots still believe in the “Petra” theory.

In Revelation 12 we read that God will protect some of His people from Satan’s wrath "in the wilderness" (Rev.12:14). Jesus warned His servants that when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies, they should flee to the mountains of Judea (Matt.24:16), but Petra is in the Arab nation of Jordan. Furthermore, the prophetic Psalm 83 shows that Jordan ("Ammon" and "Moab," verses 6-7) will be allied with the Beast Power, Germany, in the end-time ("Assyria," verse 8), against God's nation of Israel (Psalm 83:1-4). Should the people of God seek refuge in a nation which is a strong ally of the Beast itself? It hardly seems likely.

Where is the future "place of safety"? Revelation 12:6 shows that during the Middle Ages the Church fled the boundaries of the Roman Empire to "the wilderness, where she had a place prepared of God." At that time the Church fled to the mountains of eastern Europe, and southern France, and Germany, and into western Europe and England. Thus this "place prepared of God" need not be a desert rocky wasteland such as Petra at all, but can refer to any mountainous region beyond the "reach" of the future Roman Empire. It could include many places where individual congregations or groups of God's people find refuge -- places throughout the nations of modem Israel -- mountainous areas in the United States, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, and so forth.

The idea that God will lead thousands of Church members from locations around the globe to a hostile desert, to a barren rocky region in southern Jordan, and feed all of them there for three and one half years -- carrying them on jet aircraft, and steamships from around the world -- seems preposterous, to say the least. Nevertheless, some of the offshoots of the Worldwide Church of God have never given up that bizarre belief. If they do ever “flee” to Petra, they will very likely be going from the frying pan into the fire! However, prophecy shows their fate is not to be preserved in a place of safety, but to be plunged into the Great Tribulation (see Rev.3:18-19; 7:14; Ezek.34:5-10, 13-16; Zech.11:3-5,15-17).

Write for the article "Amazing New Evidence -- Where Is the Place of Safety?"

ERROR #16 – Was Herbert Armstrong the Elijah to come?

Although God did use Herbert and Loma Armstrong to raise up a Work of God during these end-times, and in some areas Herbert Armstrong did recapture a certain amount of truth and true values, nevertheless, in the final analysis he was not the prophesied Elijah to come. The one coming in the power and spirit of Elijah is yet to appear. Herbert Armstrong died before the culmination of prophetic events. The Elijah to come will very likely be one of the two witnesses (Rev. 11).

Herbert Armstrong's own family deserted him and left the Church he founded. His daughters left the Church years ago when the Church legislated on the issue of cosmetics and make up. His son rebelled against Herbert Armstrong in 1978 in a power struggle over who was to run the Church. The Church has not had much success in dealing with its young people, and the children of members. Yet the Elijah to come is to be one who “shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (Mal.4:6). Herbert Armstrong did not even succeed with his own family!

The church itself has had a terrible record in dealing with young people, alienating them, and turning them off.

Since the Church has failed miserably in this area, Herbert Armstrong could hardly have been the Elijah to come who truly will bring families back together. Because of the teachings of Herbert Armstrong on divorce and remarriage, he did more to break up homes and marriages than any other minister in modern times! And his neglect of spending time with his own children as they grew up, and abuse toward them, set a tragic example for the entire Church of God, today. His mistakes and errors in his area, in his own family, are legendary, including "incest"! The proof of these allegations has been produced and admitted by those who knew Herbert Armstrong, including his own son.

Documentation is available for those who desire it. Write for our articles, "How Are The Mighty Fallen!" and "Back to Babylon!"

These facts prove conclusively that Herbert Armstrong, who himself admitted at times that he was not a "prophet," could not be the prophet Elijah who is to come preparing the way for the Messiah. Since he was NOT the prophet Elijah, this means that Gerald Flurry, of the so-called Philadelphia Church of God, could not be his successor, “Elishah,” nor is he “that Prophet” who was to come, as he himself so audaciously claims to be! He is nothing more than another definitely “false” prophet of the end times!

ERROR #17 -- the Worldwide Church of God claimed to have great understanding in the area of child rearing, but the fruits over the years have proved otherwise.

Years ago Ted Armstrong wrote a booklet on child rearing which, for many years, was the standard child-rearing text used by parents in the Worldwide Church of God. Herbert Armstrong used to boast of his sores expertise in this area, pointing to his 'well-behaved sons' as models of comportment. However, the child-rearing booklet was a collection of negative, authoritative misstatements and mumbo-jumbo which led many Church of God parents to over-emphasize the punitive aspects of child-rearing, and inspired some parents to physically abuse and beat their children!

Many years ago, I heard a headquarters minister in Pasadena advocate spanking newborn babies by the use of one or two fingers! Incredible as it sounds, the monster of child-rearing madness still has not been purged from the minds and attitudes of members and ministers of the Worldwide Church of God. The Church has yet to write a truly balanced, useful, wise booklet on child-rearing and development. The errors of Ted Armstrong's old booklet are too numerous to mention here. However, I strongly recommend the books by an acknowledged expert in this area, Dr. James C. Dobson, available at most Christian bookstores. His books on the family and child rearing have become minor classics.

ERROR #18 -- the Worldwide Church