Our Statement of Beliefs – Triumph Prophetic
Ministries
What
are the major differences between this Church and many
other
churches of God ? What about our
differences with
the
Messianic Jews, “Messianic Israel” groups, and other end-
time
ministries? Here is a listing of many of
the key doctrines
and
beliefs. Check up and prove whether we
are right by your
own
Bible!
William F. Dankenbring
About
three thousand years ago, the prophet Elijah stood on
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
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
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
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
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, twenty 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
In
this article I am going to briefly discuss the ways in which we, in this
ministry, are different from other churches in our teachings, doctrines, and
Scriptural understanding.
I
urge you to study this article carefully, and then do further research, and
send for the more in-depth articles which give additional proof, evidence and
insight into our belief structure. 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? Don’t be like
the person who once said: “My mind’s
made up – don’t confuse me with the facts!”
In
each one of these areas you can study for yourself, and PROVE the truth! It is up to YOU.
#1 -- the Primacy
of Peter—Peter was not the “chief apostle.”
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. 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
#2 – No one group constitutes the
“
The
claim that any one church is God’s “ONLY” true church 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. A
careful study of Revelation 2-3, the letters to the seven churches, shows the
Write
for our article, “The Seven Churches of Revelation,” “The Nicolaitans,” and
“Where Is the
#3 -- Christians definitely
DO need to “qualify” for Salvation!
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).
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;
#4 – Salvation is dependent on Repentance from
sin, accepting Yeshua (Jesus Christ) as Saviour, and Baptism by immersion, and
receiving the Holy Spirit, and then “enduring to the end,” “overcoming,” and
keeping God’s commandments – obedience.
Peter wrote
to those who sought to be saved, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts
Read more about these requirements in our
articles, “What Is Real Repentance?”, “Truth about Baptism,” and “Is Obedience
Required for Salvation?” and “The Spirit in Man.”
#5 – God’s Sabbath day is still in effect
today. The seventh day Sabbath was NEVER
abolished or done away!
The
Sabbath was created on the seventh day of Creation by God’s resting
(Gen.2:1-3). God commands His people to
“remember” that day and to rest upon it (Exo.20:8-11). It is a special SIGN between Him and His true
people FOREVER (Exo.31:12-17).
For the truth on this subject, write for
our booklet, “A New Look at the Sabbath.”
#6 – the New Covenant ESTABLISHES the laws of God. The Ten Commandments and
whole law of God (except the ritualistic, sacrificial laws) are in force,
TODAY!
The
Law of God was not “nailed to the cross.”
Jesus Christ, Yeshua the Messiah, was – because of our SINS! He paid the penalty for our breaking God’s
laws and sinning, which is transgression of the Law (I John 3:4).
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,” and “Is the Law Nailed to
the Cross?”
#7– True believers should NOT consume
“unclean meats,” such as pork, shellfish, catfish, swordfish, shrimp, oysters,
clams, lobsters, etc. (see Leviticus 11).
The dietary laws of God are still in force. They are actually LAWS OF HEALTH, as well as spiritual laws. God’s people should also not eat the fat or blood of animals. Write for the article, “Should a Christian Eat Unclean Meats?” and the articles “Bible Heal Laws,” and “The Keys to Robust Health.”
#8 –
Christians should observe the Annual Holy Days of God.
The
annual holy days of God, listed in Leviticus 23, show the plan of God and were
commanded to be observed FOREVER (see Exo.12; Lev.23). Write for our articles, “Does It Matter Which
Days We Observe?” and “Annual Holy Days Reveal the Plan of God.”
#9 – Christians should NOT observe PAGAN
religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter and Halloween.
Christmas derives from the
Roman Saturnalia, or winter festival, and the observance of the “birthday” of
Sol, the sun god, or “Mithra.” It is
pagan to the core. Write for our
article, “The Shocking Origin of Christmas.”
Christ was born NOWHERE NEAR this pagan holiday!
Likewise, Easter is another name for the
spring goddess of fertility – another name for Semiramis, wife of Nimrod, the
arch-rebel against God after the Flood.
Its celebration has nothing to do with the real resurrection of Christ,
and its “Easter eggs” – a symbol of fertility among the pagans – and “bunnies”
– another pagan symbol of reproduction, and “hot cross buns” – a custom going
back to the worship of the pagan “Queen of Heaven” – is also an abomination to
God. So are Easter “sunrise services”
(see Ezek.8:16). Write for our article,
“The Origin of Easter.”
Halloween has its pagan, occult origin
stamped all over its face. Write for our
article “The Ghoulish Horror of Halloween.”
#10 – Cremation is not a godly practice. God’s people should be buried properly when
they die, as Christ was, and David, and the Patriarchs.
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 '”ake 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 “Is Cremation Pagan?”
proves beyond question that cremation is a practice Christians should avoid.
#11 – God is NOT a “Trinity.” There is but ONE God. God is actually a “Family” as God is in the
process of creating sons in His very own “image and likeness.”
The
Scriptures teach that God is expanding His own Family, by creating beings like
Himself, through our being “born again” of His Spirit.
The teaching of the mainstream churches
that God is a “Trinity” composed of three Persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit
– is in gross error and is a pagan concept going back to Nimrod, Semiramis, and
Tammuz – the original pagan “trinity” of father, mother and child.
Is God a “Trinity”? Or is God a FAMILY? What is the TRUTH about the Godhead? What is the ORIGIN of the “Trinity”? Write for our articles, “Is God a Trinity?”
and “The Trinity Doctrine – Is It Biblical?”
Also write for “The Only True God,,” “Is God Reproducing Himself?”, “The
Genesis Factor – The Mystery of God.”
#12 – Jesus Christ
(Yeshua) was the “firstborn” of all Creation – that is, He had a beginning,
even though He is now “the Son of God,” and is One of the two Beings who
compose the “Godhead.”
To many folks, this statement may border on
blasphemy – but it is true, and proved by your very own Bible. What is the true ORIGIN of Jesus Christ? Did He pre-exist? Is He “equal” to the Father? This theological question baffles both
Worldwide and all of its offshoots.
What
about Christ Himself? Was He ALWAYS
"co-equal, co-eternal" with the Father? If so, why did He Himself state, "The
Father is greater than I" (John 14:28)?
And why did He say of the Father, that He is "the only true God"
(John 17:3)? Also, why did Paul write,
"But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and
we in him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by
him" (I Cor.8:6)?
The Bible clearly reveals that Christ became
a true Son of the Father, and was the "beginning of the Creation of
God" (Rev.3:14) -- the "firstborn of ALL CREATION"
(Col.1:15).
This is a fascinating subject, too long to
attempt to explain here. If you would
like to know the truth about the "Mystery of God," write for our
articles, "Who Or What Was Jesus Christ Before His Human Birth?",
"Was Christ Created?", "Is God Reproducing Himself?",
"Is Jesus God?", and "The Pre-Existence of Christ."
#13 – The true Biblical Passover is to be observed at the END of Nisan
14 – not at the beginning thereof. It is
a full MEAL which includes a “seder” or “teaching” portion.
This may seem utterly
shocking to many, but the Jews have observed the Passover correctly, at the
right time, and in the right manner, all these centuries. Their only mistake is that they do not see
how Christ fulfilled the Passover, as our Passover Lamb (I Cor.5:7). Nevertheless,
they never lost track of sacred time.
Historically, they always slew the Passover lambs at the END of the 14th
of Nisan, in the LATE AFTERNOON – not just after sunset on the previous
evening! All historical records prove
this to be true. Therefore, the historic
date for eating the Passover meal has always been the evening of Nisan 15,
AFTER the lambs were slain in the end of Nisan 14.
When Jesus Christ met with His disciples,
for His final meal, it was actually two nights before His crucifixion,
and He was actually eating a regular mean – a meal with special significance,
yes, but it was NOT the “Passover”!
Jesus could not eat of the regular, normal Passover that year, for
obvious reasons – He would be dead and in His grave, fulfilling His role as our
Passover Lamb slain for us! To prove
this fact, read our article “A Profound New Look at Jesus’ Last Week.”
I might also mention that the Passover in
ancient times was always a FAMILY affair, celebrated at home, with the father
or a leading man leading the ceremony. A
special “seder plate” was used, in which – as God commanded – there was matzos
(unleavened bread), “bitter herbs,” and the shankbone of a lamb (reminding us
of the lambs which were sacrificed at the place where God put His name, the
Temple of God and holy city of Jerusalem).
Today, however, some claim to observe Passover, but no children
allowed, and they keep it as a solemn, grave, austere ceremony – like a
Catholic mass – with the atmosphere being almost “funereal.” What a travesty and absurdity! Write for our free booklet, “The
Christian-Messianic Passover Hagaddah,” for more information on HOW this
wonderful festival should be observed by each family group, at home!
Write for our free articles, “When Should the Passover Be
Observed?” “The New Testament
Passover,”’ “A New Look at the Passover,” “The Awesome Passover – Its Mystery
and Meaning,” and “Luke on the Passover,” as well as “Do We Neglect the Sacred
Meal?”
#14 – Pentecost should be observed 50 days after Passover – which
generally is on Sivan 6 – and NOT on a Sunday every year as Worldwide, its
remnants, and many Messianic groups, claim.
When should we observe Pentecost? Some 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 some churches 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 pagan 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?
The
Septuagint plainly says we should count from the first day of Passover – not
from Sunday. Write for our free articles
“The Incredible Truth about Pentecost,” “Pentecost – the Final Answer,” and
“How to Count Pentecost.” Also, “The
Awesome Saga of Pentecost.”
15 – The Feast of Trumpets is the “Feast of Shouting,” or “Crying
Aloud.” It should be celebrated with
self-examination, repentance, and blowing of the shofars – ram’s horns –
calling God’s people to repentance.
God says regarding the
Festival of Trumpets, “On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a
day of rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts” (Lev.23:23,
NIV). And again, “On the first day of
the seventh month hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. It is a day for you to sound the trumpets”
(Num.29:1).
Do you know of ANY Church of God which blows
the trumpet – the Biblical SHOFAR – on the “Festival of Trumpets”? Yet the commandment is very specific. It is the heart and soul of the “Feast of
Trumpets.” Why do we think God named it,
“Feast of Trumpets,” or “Blowing” or “Sounding”? The commandment that we are to literally blow
the trumpets on this day is very plain, and yet totally disregarded!
Furthermore, most of the churches claim
that this festival portrays the great trumpet which will be blown at the second
coming of Jesus Christ. Yet it is not
called the “Feast of the Great Trumpet,” but rather, “The Feast of Trumpets” –
PLURAL! This involves many trumpet
blasts which are blown during this day.
This festival does not portray the second coming of the Messiah at all,
but rather is a day of WARNING, and URGENCY, a day picturing God’s great call
to REPENTANCE going out to the world, as He begins to rain down His “trumpet
plagues” (see Revelation 8-9) upon the nations of the world for their
disobedience to His divine laws. Write
for our free article, “Amazing New Insight on the Feast of Trumpets.”
#16 – The Feast of
Tabernacles, dwelling in “booths,” rejoicing with “lulavs.”
In Leviticus 23 we read that there are two
aspects of the Feast of Tabernacles which are central to its proper
observance. We are commanded to “take to
ourselves” the branches or “fruit” of various trees and plants, and to use them
to “rejoice” before the Lord! The NIV
Bible translation puts it this way: “On
the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, and
leafy branches and poplars, and REJOICE before the Lord your God seven days” (Lev.23:40).
This speaks of the special “bundle” the Jews call the lulav, which is
held in the hands and waved before the Lord in an act of celebration,
rejoicing, and worship!
The second commandment concerning this
Festival which Herbert Armstrong overlooked states: “Live in BOOTHS for seven days” (v.42). These were little “huts” which were
constructed by the people and dwelled in during the Feast (compare Nehemiah 8:14-17). To learn more about HOW we should celebrate
God’s Feast today, write for our two articles, “The Deep Meaning of the Feast
of Tabernacles,” and “Secrets of the Sukkah.”
#17 – The True Bible Calendar.
God’s Calendar was
changed by the Jews in 357-58 A.D. to include “postponements,” which altered
the calendar, and the New Moons (beginning days of the months) were changed
because the New Moon was no longer visually observed and declared the first day
of the month, as it was in Bible times.
In recent years, God has increased our understanding of His Word and His commandments. One of the most important areas of discovery is the correct, inspired CALENDAR of God!
Most people do not realize it, but God gives a very specific calendar in His Word, one which begins with the month of Nisan in the spring. He also tells us that the beginning day of each month is a “New Moon.” History shows us that the New Moon in ancient Israel was the first slender crescent of the moon after it had been occluded during the “dark” of the moon.
However, the record of history shows us that the Jews CHANGED THE CALENDAR in 358 A.D., four centuries after Christ, and substituted in its place a “fixed,” artificial calendar which altered the New Moons, changed the Holy Days, and POSTPONED these days by adding Jewish traditions to the calendar! The Jews themselves make no bones about this change; in fact, they even boast about it! It is clearly documented in the Jewish Encyclopedia, and many Jewish books deal with the subject. But was this fundamental change endorsed by God and His Word? If so, where’s the proof?
And why did the Jews in 358 A.D. add “POSTPONEMENTS” TO THE CALENDAR? The sad truth is, they decided that if the day of Yom Kippur fell on a Friday or a Sunday, that was too close to the weekly Sabbath day, so they altered the calendar, and postponed Tishri 1, the Feast of Trumpets, by delaying it a day – so as not to “interfere” with the weekly Sabbath! And other “postponements” they added!
The amazing fact is, however, during Biblical times and the time of the Second Temple, no such calendar postponements were ever allowed or sanctioned! These changes were in direct violation of the true calendar of God, and were made merely in order to keep various “traditions” which had been added through the years.
The truth is, however, not every Jewish group today goes along with this calendar change made by rabbis in the fourth century. In particular, the Karaite Jews in modern day Israel have denounced the calendar changes made by the rabbinic authorities as heresy and error, and they have re-instituted the true calendar of God, carefully observing the New Moons every month from Israel, and proclaiming them, just as was done in Biblical times !
The secret of the true sacred Calendar of God is vital, strategic spiritual information we all need to KNOW, and KNOW that we know! It is crucial knowledge which helps us in our efforts to keep God’s Holy Days at the appropriate times, and to obey God in ALL things!
Write for our free book, “The Bible Calendar,” proving the TRUTH about God’s own Calendar, the Bible Calendar, and how we should calculate the annual Holy Days in the very same manner in which they were observed during the time of Jesus Christ and the apostles.
#18 – The New Moons.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard
to a religious festival, A NEW MOON CELEBRATION or a Sabbath day” (Col.2:16,
NIV). What’s all this about “New
Moons”? Here Paul lists the New Moons
along with the annual Festivals and the weekly Sabbath day. We know we are to observe the annual Sabbath
Days and the weekly Sabbath. But what
about the New Moon days? Doesn’t this
indicate we should observe the New Moons along with the annual Holy Days and as
well as the Sabbath day?
There is much more to this than most might
think. The day of the New Moon, when the
first faint crescent of the moon was seen in ancient Israel, was observed as a
semi-holy day, as a day when limited work was often done, a day set apart for
the beginning of a new month, when special sacrifices were offered at the
Temple of God (see Numbers 28:11-14).
Notice also what God says about the future,
when the Messiah returns: “From one
New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come
and bow down before me,’ says the LORD” (Isaiah 66:23, NIV). Obviously, the New Moons will be looked upon
as special days, when worship is done, during the Millennial reign of Christ!
Have people been ignoring and neglecting
this day and what it represents? Here
again is an area where people have fallen short of the mark, and neglected
observance of God’s New Moons – the first day of each month of the true
Biblical calendar!
Write for our article, “Should
Christians Observe the New Moons?”
#19 – Shemini Atzeret
– a Day picturing eternity.
Shemini Atzeret is
the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, an entirely different Feast, really
(Lev.23:39). After dwelling in booths
for seven days, during the “Feast of Booths,,” the people then left the booths
and had a special Sabbath day, “The Eighth Day,” when they assembled before
God. This day does not picture, as many
think, the Great White Throne Judgement.
It pictures “a new beginning” – the Day which represents “the New
Heavens and New Earth.” Read our article which explains the true meaning of
this remarkable day, “Shemini Atzeret – the Eighth Day.”
#20 – Hoshana Rabbah – theFinal Day of Salvation
and Judgment.
Hoshana
Rabbah means “the Great Hoshana,” or the
“Great Salvation.” It is the seventh day
of the Feast of Tabernacles, a day picturing when all mankind will have an
opporunitiy to be saved at the end of the thousand year Millennium. It is also called “The Great White Throne
Judgment.” To learn more about this
fantastic day, read our articles “The Mystery of Hoshanah Rabbah,” and “What’s
All This about the Resurrection?” Learn the awesome meaning of this day and HOW
it should be observed!
#21 – The True Names of God.
Many
“holy names” sects make a huge case out of exactly how we are to pronounce the
“name” of God. Some say one thing,
others stoutly maintain their pronunciation.
The arguments do seem to get tedious and ridiculous at times.
On
the other hand, others flee away from the Hebrew names for God and Christ, and
put people out of their church if they attempt to use them! Yet they claim to preach the “whole” gospel!
This
subject has been beaten to death by sectarians, cults, and disingenuous
ministers and religious leaders. Read a
careful, thoughtful analysis of this subject in our booklet, “The Sacred Names
of God.”
#22 – Daniel’s 2300 Day Prophecy.
Many think Daniel’s
2300 days are really 1150 days, were fulfilled as such in the days of
Antiochus Epiphanes, and do not really apply today. They are wrong on both accounts!
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!”
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23 – Daniel's 1260,1290 and 1335 Days.
In
the last chapter of Daniel a mysterious prophecy of 1260, 1290 and 1335 days is
given. 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
month of the re-gathering of Israel after Christ returns. The 1335 could 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). Write for our articles
“Daniel’s 1260, 1290, and 1335 Days Prophecy,” and “The Year 2006 in Bible
Prophecy!”
#24 -- A Temple WILL be rebuilt in Jerusalem!
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.
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 the article, “Will a Temple be
Rebuilt in Jerusalem?”
#25 -- Truth about Divorce and Remarriage.
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.
Some are seemingly blind to the definition of this word
as found in Greek lexicons, and insist it only applies 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 sins, 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 destroyed in order to
satisfy a rigid and heartless misinterpretation of Scripture!
If you would like to read the real
“plain truth” about divorce and remarriage, according to the Bible, then write
for our article on the subject. It will
make it truly plain and understandable.
Write for our booklet, “Marriage and Divorce.”
#26 -- Tithing.
To
tithe, or not to tithe? That is
the question Hamlet might have posed, had he been a seeker of religious truth!
Many churches and ministers
have abused the tithing principle. Like
greedy hogs, they have devoured the tithe for their own appetites, and stolen
from God and God’s peope.
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 truth is, 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).
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 priesthoods, 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 God’s true
endi-time Work on this earthWrite for our booklet, “What’s All This about
Tithing?”
#27 – Church Authority.
Some
churches have 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 take authority to
even judge people’s attitudes and to disfellowship individuals who disagree
with them on some minor point or issue.
Of course, sometimes the minister errs and gets caught, and is
reprimanded, but nevertheless the abuse of authority was and is
commonplace.
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 seemed 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 and barks orders like a
gunnery sergeant in the army! 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.”
#28
– Rapture and Place of Safety.
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).
Most churches today believe rather that
the saints will be secretly “raptured” to heaven to escape the Great
Tribulation and time of trouble on the earth in the end times. If this were so, then why does the Scripture
say His coming will be with a loud voice, a thundering trumpet blast, and every
eye will SEE Him (Matt.24:30-32; I Cor.15:50-52; Rev.1:7)?
Where is the future “place of safety”? No Scripture shows it to be in heaven. However, 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
Babylonian-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.
Write for the articles “Amazing New
Evidence – Where Is the Place of Safety?” Also write for the article, “The
Rapture – Fact or Fallacy?”
#28 – The Identity of Elijah.
Some churches think Herbert Armstrong as the end-time “Elijah.” Some make this belief a condition for baptism!