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Welcome 2 COGwriterTM!
Articles, information, and links regarding the Churches of God Click here for News of the Living Church of God., News of those once affiliated with the Worldwide Church of God, and News of those once affiliated with the Global Church of God. The URL for the Living Church of God is www.lcg.org. LCG foreign language sites are www.weltvonmorgen.org for German and www.mondedemain.org for French; and www.elmundodemanana.cl/ for Spanish and www.wereldvanmorgen.org for Dutch, http://www.wvm.co.za/ for Afrikaans, and www.budoucisvet.org for Czech. Here is a link to some COGwriter articles in Italian (translated by google). Sunset Times for the U.S.
"Contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered for the saints" (Jude 3). Last update 04/24/05.Important Note: The URL for the COGwriter page has switched to www.cogwriter.com Thus, the page on AOL is no longer intended to be updated. This move was necessary because AOL refuses to stop putting improper ads and/or popups here. As I do intend to one day leave AOL, this page will not be here, so please save the www.cogwriter.com address.
The Living Church of God has over 290 churches and small groups located around the globe (in 40 countries). It strives to preach the full gospel which includes teaching salvation through Jesus Christ as well as proclaiming the good news concerning the Kingdom of God. It believes that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto good works" (2 Tim 3:16-17); it believes all scripture includes both the Old and New Testaments (2 Tim 3:15-16). "I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth" (I Tim 3:15).
Where did the Living Church of God come from?
The Church traces its Christian history from the Day of Pentecost mentioned in the first book of Acts. It strives to be a continuance of the original Jerusalem Church, which some refer to as "primitive Christianity". It believes (and biblical and secular history supports this belief) that as Christianity spread, major doctrinal compromise occurred ("I hate the work of those who fall away" Ps 101:3) and that true Christianity has only been observed by an exceedingly small percentage of professing Christians. Throughout much of its history, the Church is most often only found to exist through the writings of its detractors.
More is available concerning its relatively recent history. In the 1800s, certain individuals gained power in the Church of God (not yet incorporated with this name, but usually referring to itself by that name), changed doctrines, accepted new "prophecies", and even changed the name. This group is now known as Seventh Day Adventists. Most of those who did not accept the changes either left or were put out and continued to be known as the Church of God. The name officially became the Church of God, Seventh Day in 1884. In the 1930s, one of their ministers (Herbert W. Armstrong) found that there were some biblical teachings the Church was not embracing (primarily the biblical holy days, the identity of lost tribes of Israel as well as their impact on prophecy, and more actively preaching the Gospel). When some of the Church of God leadership admitted these teachings were biblically correct, but that they would not be taught, he felt he had no choice but to disassociate himself from them.
He founded what became known as the Radio Church of God, which in the 1960s was renamed the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). After his death in 1986, the new leadership did not remain faithful to the Church's teachings. In December 1992, one of the old-time leaders (Roderick C. Meredith) was put out of the Church for not accepting these "changes". Rather than accept payments to go away quietly, he felt he had no choice but to preach the Gospel and the faith once delivered and founded the Global Church of God (GCG).
He and a few others quickly put together a publication to get the Gospel out and was preaching the Gospel over the radio within a few months of this occurrence. Television came in 1995. After some power-minded people decided to take control of GCG from Dr. Meredith, he then helped form the Living Church of God, URL www.lcg.org. For the Goals of the Living Church of God, click here. Also, you can click here for more history of the Living Church of God. Most who came to Living from GCG came because of their beliefs regarding governance and the priority of proclaiming of the Gospel (approximately 80% of the membership of GCG went into Living). Literature can be requested free from the Church by calling (in the U.S. and Canada) 1-800-934-5582. Since the doctrinal changes in the Worldwide Church of God (which is a COG in name only now), many other groups have formed; you can click here for news of various Churches of God or here for news of those once affiliated with Global.
COGwriterTM Articles of Possible Interest
General:
Is God's Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God's Existence Logical, Part II This short article clearly answers what 'psuedo-scientists' refuse to acknowledge.
Read the Bible Christians should read the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
The New Testament Canon - From the Bible Itself This article, shows from the Bible, why the early Church knew which books were part of the Bible and which ones were not.
Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God's choice?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Born Again: A Question of Semantics? Many Protestants use the term born-again. Do they know where the concept came from or does it matter?
Christian Soldiers How are Christians to be like soldiers? How are they to be different?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist. This article suggests at least two.
Binitarian View: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning Is binitarianism the correct position? What about unitarianism?
Lies Where did they originate? What was really the first lie? What happens for lies?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject.
A Short Article on Faith A subject that could fill many books.
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
15 Accusations and Truthful Responses About Herbert Armstrong He, even after his death, keeps being improperly maligned--here is the truth on these matters.
Did Roderick C. Meredith Really Make 26 Doctrinal Changes? An article at one website tries to suggest this. Is it true?
Close Encounters of a 'Spirit' Kind discusses some experiences I believe were 'spirit' related.
Gospel:
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
How Much Did You Cost? Some have complained that the total costs spent to proclaim the gospel as a witness is too high since it does not (in their opinion) result in enough conversions. Is that how God sees it?
The Temple and the Work This article discusses the two temples of the Old Testament and gives insight as to their possible relevance to the situation which has impacted the Church during this decade.
Parable of the Mustard Seed Jesus told many parables. Why? What might this one mean?
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert Armstrong Change that Priority? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says?
Other Doctrinal Articles:
Hope of Salvation: How the COGs differ from most Protestants How the COGs differ from mainstream Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a COG background.
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, Martin Luther's writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority.
The Similarities and Disimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the COG is NOT Protestant.
Two Horned Beast of Revelation The COG is NOT part of the Seventh Day Adventists. This article explains a prophetic difference, as well as a difference in approaching doctrine.
Praises to Jesus Christ or Biblical Hymns: Which Should Christians Primarily Sing? This biblical article on music is in response to an advertisement critical of WCG's 1974 The Bible Hymnal.
Being Separate: What Did Herbert Armstrong and the Bible Teach About Where Not to Fellowship? Some believe that it is acceptable to attend groups called COG, but who are not actually. What did HWA and the Bible teach about this.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation?
Military Service and the COGs Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which has generated more interest lately.
Tithing Questions and Some Answers Addresses some non-biblical arguments against tithing.
Veils and Other Coverings Do women need to wear veils or similar coverings while praying or attending church services? Here are some scriptures on that subject.
The New Testament and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament.
Philadelphia Era Doctrinal Articles:
18 Truths Restored to the Churches of God Herbert W. Armstrong wrote that he felt he had restored at least 18 lost truths to the Church, here is HWA's list given 12/17/83.
Do You Believe God Used Herbert Armstrong to Raise Up the Philadelphia Era of the Church of God? Nearly everyone while in WCG used to believe this, most do not seem to anymore.
Do the Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Matter? Most say they must, but act like they do not. This article contains some history about the Church of God (so-called Primitive Christianity) over the past 2000 years.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
Is Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
Are the Laodiceans the Moderns Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
Samaritans: Old and New Who were the Samaritans? Do the represent true Christianity or something else?
In Search of Thyatira Some insight into this group's history and its spiritual descendants.
Laodicean Warning for God's People Is there really a place of safety? Do God's people need to be warned? Warned for what?
Here are Some Quotes from Herbert Armstrong on Laodicea and Holding to Doctrine.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical 'place of safety' and includes quotes from the Bible and HWA on this subject.
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. What does the Bible say?
Makeup and the Philadelphia Era of the COG Some consider makeup to be a doctrine more significant than proclaiming the Gospel; are they right or focused on a twig?
Did You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made? Some have said healing, others other subjects, but probably the first change had to do with being part of the Philadelphia era. This article documents what those changes were and compares the Tkach list of restored truths to HWA's list of restored truths.
Is Revelation 1:10 talking about Sunday or the Day of the Lord? Most Protestant scholars say Sunday, but is that what the Bible teaches?
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? This article supplies some biblical answers.
Is There "An Annual Worship Calendar" In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles which state that this should be a local decision. Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
UCG and Its Unleavened Bread Study Paper What does the Bible say about eating unleavened bread for seven days? What has UCG officially said about it?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
Last Great Day study paper Was Jesus speaking about the 7th or 8th day of the Feast in John 7:37? UCG says the 7th, but what does the Bible teach? This extensive paper reviews UCG's LGD study paper and includes comments as to where it erred.
Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
Is January 1st a Date for Christians Celebrate? Historical and biblical answers to this question.
Valentine's Day: Its Real Origins Christianity Today suggests that Valentine's Day is good for Christians to observe. Is this true?
New Moons Some observe them, some do not; here are scriptures and comments.
The Ten Commandments
Were the Ten Commandments in Effect Before Mount Sinai? Some have said not. This article provides biblical quotes to answer this important question.
Job and the Ten Commandments Was Job written prior to Mount Sinai? Did Job know about the ten commandments? This article provides biblical answers to those questions.
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
Were the Ten Commandments Nailed to the Cross? Some have said so. This article provides some biblical quotes to answer this important question.
What Did Paul Actually Teach About the Ten Commandments? Many say Paul taught against the ten commandments. Is this true? This article quotes Paul with his words in green.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common "traditions of men" regarding them as well.
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law? Many believe that, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John's writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
Michael's Free Bible Quizzes
Michael's Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Michael's Pentecost Quiz Developed by my son Michael.
Michael's Day of Atonement Quiz Another free on-line Bible quiz by my son Michael.
Bible Hangman Michael's most interactive Bible game to date.
Michael's Sabbath Quiz Test and learn a little more about the Sabbath.
How Various COG Groups Differ From the Living Church of God
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God?
Church of God, Seventh Day Nearly all COG's I am aware of trace their history through this group. Do you know much about them?
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 HWA used to teach and still be in WCG? This article addresses this important issue.
Independent Members of the COG: HWA Comments, Plus Questions and Answers What did HWA teach about being independent of the organized Church? Should independents who claim to accept HWA's teachings be part of LCG?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself 'Philadelphia' does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9). This article provides quotes from this group which claims to be faithful.
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.
Beware, Doctrinal Compromise is in the Air! Discusses some doctrines that CGCF may have had to change in order to merge with United.
Teachings of the Christian Churches of God This group reject's the deity of Jesus and has other unusual teachings.
Why Not the Restored Church of God? This group claims to be the most faithful. The information in this article suggests otherwise.
Its Not Stedfast This is one of the newest groups to claim it is the most faithful, but like others has different priorities.
God's Church, Worldwide is another group to claim it is the most faithful, but like others has different priorities.
Intercontinental Church of God Garner Ted Armstrong's last group.
Teachings of the Church of God, International This article focuses on where CGI differs from the old WCG.
Teachings and Practices of Legacy Institute Works mainly in Asia.
Church of God, Southern California This article discusses some of how David Antion's group differs from the old WCG.
Church of God Outreach Ministies This was a CGI spinoff who says its not a church.
Teachings of Triumph Prophetic Ministries W. Dankenbring's ministry--speculates on various dates.
Worldwide Assembly of Yahweh This is what I'd call a sacred name group.
Church of God, In Truth This is what I'd call a calendar group.
Church of the Great God This group says the bride must first be made ready. Might this lead to a selfish bride?
Christian Educational Ministries Ron Dart's confederation (not a church).
Christian Renewal Ministries International They teach Hebrew.
Christian Biblical Church of God Fred Coulter's group--they tend to support conspiracy theories.
Here is a link to COGlinks, a listing of pro-COG sites (although other than those related to LCG, they do not share all of our views or doctrinal positions).
You can watch and hear Dr. Meredith, Mr. Richard Ames, and John Ogwyn from the Living Church of God proclaim the Gospel on superstation WGN at 6:00am EST on Tomorrow's World (you can also Click here to get the audio and/or video online. A Spanish version of Tomorrow's World featuring Mr. Mario Hernandez, a French version featuring Mr. Dibar Apartian, a version translated into a Philippine dialect, and an Afrikaans version featuring Mr. Syd Hull are also being produced. Currently, Tomorrow's World is broadcasted on approximately 146 television and 18 radio stations worldwide.
Questions and Answers
What type of church is the Living Church of God?
Christian.
Does the Living Church of God have actual congregations?
Yes, over 290 of them all over the world! Approximately 1/2 of the congregations meet in private homes; the rest meet in rented facilities. Other than its headquarters, the Church does not own any buildings to the best of this writer's knowledge. You can click here for a partial Listing of Congregations of the Living Church of God.
Most churches claim to believe the Bible, so how is the Living Church of God any different?
Most professing Christian groups accept certain principles of biblical interpretation (called hermeneutics) which essentially places the opinions and traditions of various scholars ahead of the literal word of God. Jesus also found this to be a problem in his day (Mat 15:1-9). The Living Church of God teaches the Bible interprets itself (Is 28:9-10; 2 Tim 3:15-17).
One of the most obvious differences would be members of the Church believe that keeping all of the ten commandments (both in the letter and in the spirit) shows love towards God and neighbor. Other obvious differences in belief include observing the biblical holy days, the Godhead is family which we will be able to join in the future, it is our duty to warn the world of the results of rejecting God's way of life, in leading a peaceful life (hence we refuse military service), in avoiding unclean meats, in the hope of the resurrection for all humankind, and in being led by the spirit of God to build character through the challenges of life. For further details, please read LCG's Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs.
What's New in the Living Church of God?
You can click here for my news of the the Living Church of God. Also here is the link to the official Living Church of God What's New? page.
Important Notice
This is the personal home page of B. Thiel. The opinions expressed are my own, based upon my understanding of history, various facts, and the Bible. This is not an official Living Church of God site. This site is maintained by a Living Church of God member who is solely responsible for its content. The official Living Church of God Web site is at http://www.lcg.org. The opinions and positions expressed within this page should not be taken to be the official position of the Global Church of God (which, for practical purposes, no longer exists), the Living Church of God, any of its ordained ministry, or Roderick Meredith. The purpose of this web page is to help unify the remnant of the Philadelphia era of God's Church so that it may more effectively get the Gospel out as a witness (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 3:8) and so be kept "from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (Revelation 3:10).
I also hold no paid position in any Church (I have been asked this many times). I first came in contact with the WCG around 1973.F E E D . B A C K
If you have any questions or comments, please send them to:
If you never write, we will not know what you think! Note: I am happy to correct any factual errors, but am not interested in hearing from those intent on bashing LCG or the COG in general.http://members.aol.com/cogwriter/home.htm
B. Thiel, 1998-2005
COGwriter, Cogwriter, and cogwriter are unregistered trademarks developed by B. Thiel in 1998.