THE LAODICEAN CHURCH TEACHING Part 1

THE LAODICEAN CHURCH TEACHING

by Timothy Kitchen Jr on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 7:05pm

1975 In Prophecy (1956 Edition) - Herbert W Armstrong "Our Work Bears Fruit!

At that mighty moment of earth's history, hundreds of thousands will remember the TRUE MESSAGE FROM GOD that they had heard going out freely to the world at THIS time, on The WORLD TOMORROW program. Yes, hundreds of thousands who take it lightly today, or put it out of mind because it's different from the teachings of their worldly churches, will then REMEMBER and cry out to God for mercy!

And these hundreds of thousands shall learn that God's mercy, truly, is greater toward us than the heavens are high above the earth! For God will hear their repentant cries, and place them under His divine protection from the indescribably terrible PLAGUES which are then yet to come! For these are the plagues that GOD shall send -- plagues sent in divine PUNISHMENT on those Fascist powers of Europe that shall have yielded themselves as the chief political religious agencies of SATAN in his defiant war against God!

At this precise juncture -- again for the ELECT'S sake -- God will hold back the punishing winds of war and of plagues (Rev. 7:1-3).

The actual physical punishment of this great and mighty DAY OF THE LORD will not fall until God has sealed, with His protection, those who have now suffered through the Great Tribulation (Rev. 7:14), and have now at last learned their lesson, and turned repentantly to GOD.

Among these, now yielding their lives to God and to HIS WAYS, will be the much-quoted but little-understood "144,000." There will be 12,000 from America -- another 12,000 from British Commonwealth nations -- 12,000 Jews -- 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel except Dan -- Joseph is given a DOUBLE-portion.

But also, with them, there shall be an INNUMERABLE MULTITUDE out o all nations, who shall in total surrender cry out to God.

The 144,000 Israelites will then have the name of God the Father (Rev. 14:1) sealed in their foreheads (Rev 7:3-4) -- that is, in their minds. These all shall receive God's Holy Spirit -- be then begotten as children of God.

And who shall then, at last -- having endured the Great Tribulation -- having seen God's terrifying warning SIGNS -- repent and put their lives in God's hands, shall come under God's divine protection. NO PLAGUE will touch them (Psalm 91:1-11).

But all others, still the vast majority, will not repent. And all who will not repent at this time, after this final SUPERNATURAL WARNING, will have so hardened their hearts in resentfulness and bitterness against God that they will not repent, even during the plagues that shall then immediately follow (Rev. 9:20; 16:9,11).

Now after these mighty events will come the time of GOD'S WRATH against sinful men who have refused to depart from the ways that are damning their own souls. Now God, at last, after every possible warning and pleading short of physical punishment, will let the divine punishment fall!

Now comes, in full divine FURY, the period foretold in more than 30 prophecies as "The DAY OF THE LORD" -- the time of God's Wrath! " What Is the Laodicean Church? - Good News Aug 1959 - Leroy Neff "Good News August 1959 Vol. VIII, Number 8 What Is the "LAODICEAN CHURCH"? When should we expect the Laodicean condition in the Church of God? Who are to be a part of it? by L. Leroy Neff SEVERAL church denominations claim that they are now in the Laodicean era that the many churches of THIS WORLD are a PART of that Church described in Revelation 3:14-22. A few claim that we, the Church of God, are the Laodicean Church because, as one person has stated, we do not have the gift of "unknown tongues!" Others say the Laodicean era of the Church will occur in the Millennium. But notice! During the Millennium, God will use the KINGDOM OF GOD as His instrument on this earth, and not merely a fleshly Church. Therefore, the Laodicean era of the Church cannot be during the one thousand year period! The seven Church ages of Revelation 2 and 3 lead up to the coming of Christ. The Millennium follows the ages of these seven Churches. We must expect this period before the soon return of Jesus Christ. The time is short! The Laodicean era is either here now, or it must come quickly and last but a short time! God's Church Divided? Is it possible for two entirely separate works, or two separate organizations of God's Church to exist at the same time as Jesus' instrument in preaching to the world? Was the New Testament Church in Paul's time two separate organizations? No, the Church was not split! The Church was ONE. God does not have two organizations CARRYING OUT HIS WORK OF PREACHING THE GOSPEL TO THE WORLD at one time. The Church is not a divided work competing with itself. Christ's own words were, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name" The Church of God "those whom thou hast given me, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE, as we are" (John 17:11). Notice, "that they may be ONE" not divided, not split in two organizations. If the Church of Laodicea and the Church of Philadelphia are separate bodies both doing the same work of God at the same time, this prayer of Jesus was in vain! What happens to member of God's Church if they commit apostasy, or if some split off as another group? They would no longer be a part of the Church of God!

There are several examples of groups who have split themselves off from the true vine. We have the two recent examples of the "Seventh Day Baptists," who have taken themselves out of the name of the Church of God, and the "Seventh Day Adventists" who have done the same. They do not even call themselves the "Church of God" anymore because THEY ARE NOT GOD'S CHURCH! But what about the "Sardis Era" of God's Church? Are they not existing at the same time as the Philadelphia Era" of the Church? Yes, but notice their condition in Revelation 3:1. "And unto the angel of the Church in Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, AND ART DEAD!" They have the name of the Church of God, and yet THEY ARE DEAD. Today the small divided remnants of that Church are spiritually dead. They are not now God's instrument for carrying out His work. They are just a few scattered people not a living organization carrying on God's work! Since 1934, at the beginning of the Philadelphia Era, this work has taken the place of the dead Sardis Church. Since that time the Sardis Church has not been doing the work of spreading the gospel to the world as a witness! Let us take another example. If a part of the Church today would go off into error and establish its own Church, that body would be rejecting the authority that God has set in the Church (Eph. 4:11). An example of such rejection is found in I Samuel 8:7. The Church of Laodicea would NOT be such a split from the Philadelphia Church! Such a split WOULD NO LONGER BE A PART OF THE CHURCH OF GOD! All these scriptures show us that the Church of God is not a divided or a split Church! Laodicea Lacks Zeal Let's examine some of the facts about the Church of Laodicea" Read Revelation 3:14-22. Notice verse 15. "I know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot." Here is the first indication about this Church they are lukewarm! Verse 19 tells them to "be zealous." Because they do not have zeal, Christ will "spue them out of His mouth." It claims that it is spiritually rich and increased with goods, and has need of nothing. We can apply this to physical things; however, the Bible makes it plain that the condition is primarily spiritual! This Church believes it has knowledge, understanding, spiritual goods, righteousness, and many other attributes to commend it to God. Instead of that, Christ says, "You are wretched and miserable and poor, and blind, and naked!" This Church is then told: "Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich." Notice that this particular Church should buy gold tried in the fire. What does it mean to have "gold tried in the fire?" Turn first to Malachi 3:2-3. "But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is LIKE A REFINER'S FIRE and like fuller's soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, THAT THEY MAY OFFER UNTO THE LORD AN OFFERING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS." These people are to be tried in the fire, purified and purged. They are punished, and tried in persecution and tribulation! Next turn to Zechariah 13:7. "Awake, O sword, against MY SHEPHERD, and against the MAN that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite THE SHEPHERD, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones." In Matthew 26:31, we find that this refers specifically to Jesus Christ. But prophecies are often dual in meaning. This verse can also refer to a leader in the Church of Laodicea. He the shepherd is killed as a result of the persecution against the Church of Laodicea. The sheep, or the remnant of that Church (Rev. 12:17), are to be scattered through war. When does this happen? Just before the coming of Jesus Christ! At the time that SHEPHERD is going to be killed and the sheep scattered, the third part of the nation Israel (Ezek. 5:12) is going to be brought through the fire and the Church of Laodicea will have to go through it! A time is coming when what is left of that Church is going to be scattered, persecuted and hunted, killed by the "fire" of men. AFTER this severe trial, they will zealously call upon God and He will hear them, and say "It is my people." The "Laodiceans" are also told to "get white raiment," typical of righteousness and purity. That is obtained by OVERCOMING the severe trials and tests that they will face (Rev. 3:5). These people cannot see their spiritual wretchedness. They are told to anoint their eyes with eyesalve so that they may see. Are some of you in this same condition, where you cannot see yourselves as you should? Are you zealous, or are you like people who are neither cold nor hot? We must have this zeal, or we may find ourselves in the Church of Laodicea! "Let him that hath an ear hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches." The next thing commanded the Laodicean Era is to repent (verse 19). God's people need a repentant attitude at all times. Since these people are told to repent, they are not in such a repentant attitude! And yet, they are the Church of God! They keep God's commandments (Rev. 12:17), keep the Sabbath, obey God's laws, and yet they have no zeal and they are not

fully repentant! They do not change when they receive correction. Does this describe any of us? Remember individuals and local congregations may at any time be like any of these seven Churches. They all existed locally in the apostolic age! Parable of Ten Virgins Read the parable of the ten virgins (Mat. 25:1-13). Notice the condition of those who are begotten into the "Kingdom of heaven" at that time (Mat. 25:1-2). Observe the similarities between the "Church of Laodicea" and the ten virgins who "ALL slumbered and slept" (verse 5). All ten, though lacking in zeal and slumbering, are virgins and have not defiled themselves with the harlot of Rome or her daughters (Rev. 14:4). Five, however, were wise enough to repent in time and be imbued with the Spirit of God. But there are certain things wrong with the other five of them. The five foolish took no extra oil with them. There was no repentance no change. Their lamps were GOING out. (The King James Version inaccurately reads "GONE out." See the Greek text or any modern translation.) Oil is typical of the Holy Spirit of God and they did not have enough of this Spirit. They did NOT realize this most important need until the cry went forth to go out to meet the bridegroom! The foolish virgins then went to buy oil. But it was too late! The door was closed for them. They were not admitted into the marriage. The lesson here is that the remnant Church must always watch, for it does not know the day nor the hour that Christ will return! The Church of Philadelphia Compared with Laodicea Let's compare this parable and the Church of Laodicea with the Church of Philadelphia. We have proved through history and through God's Word that this work, the Radio Church of God, is the "Philadelphia Era" of the Church. Notice now the differences. Revelation 3:7-13: "And to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia write these things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that OPENETH, and no man SHUTTETH; and SHUTTETH and no man openeth." The great door that God has opened to this work is the facility to go into all the world and preach the gospel; the door of radio, the door of the printing press, plus many other such doors. God has set before us an open door and no MAN can shut it. God can shut it, and He will when the work is finished and the Philadelphia Church goes to a place of safety. "I know thy works: Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name" (verse 8). Notice that this Church has works. It has works of ZEAL and of REPENTANCE. This Church has only a little strength. But, by contrast, the Church of Laodicea believes that IT is increased with goods and has a great deal of strength. Philadelphia has little strength to do this great work that God has given it to do. God has opened the door, and yet look how insignificant, how weak, how little strength we as a Church have to do that work. How much we lack in every way, and yet God has opened the door and has given us certain vital, supernatural, spiritual gifts. Very often we lack enough money to pay the radio bills and other expenses. WE ARE FEW IN NUMBER, while many other eras of the Church of God numbered in the hundreds of thousands. We indeed have little strength. And yet, look at the great power that God has placed before us. Let's bring it down to the individual level even though it is referring primarily to the Church as a whole. Most of us as individuals realize how little strength we really have, how we lack in some of the spiritual gifts. God has given the Church a good measure of wisdom and of knowledge and faith. He has given us many other gifts but we still lack in many things, but we also realize it. Our Church has not denied the name of God. THIS Church is going to be protected from the hour of temptation, or of trial and tribulation which will come upon all the world (Rev. 3:16). But the Church of Laodicea must go through severe tribulation. The Church of Laodicea is to be lukewarm, lacking in zeal and repentance. They were lacking in God's Spirit. Because of this, Christ said that He would spue them out they would no longer have His protection. They thought they were rich, just as the foolish virgins, in the parable, thought they had plenty of oil. After it was too late, they learned that their supply of oil was gone! There is a door in each case, closed! Christ says that He knocks at the door of the Laodiceans. The foolish virgins among them left the door closed! The Philadelphians will be taken to a place of safety for three and one half years (Rev. 12:14). And yet, there is a remnant of the Church which remains and who will not be in that place of safety (Rev. 12:17). This remnant which remains IS a part

of the Church of God, and keeps the commandments of God. It is the Church of Laodicea who had no vital part in the work of God today EVEN THOUGH THEY LIVE TODAY AND ARE A PART OF THAT GENERATION WHICH WILL SEE CHRIST RETURN. Jesus Christ instructs all of us to watch and pray always that we may be accounted worthy to escape all the things that are coming upon this world (Luke 21:36). Some will not be accounted worthy to escape these things. Those of the Church of Laodicea will find that they are not worthy to escape. The DOOR OF SAFETY will be shut for them. To those who still will not overcome, it will be closed forever! Others, who become faithful and overcome, not loving their lives unto death, may yet gain eternal life as the five wise virgins do. Warnings for Today God's people have been warned time after time from the pulpit and in the pages of the PLAIN TRUTH and The GOOD NEWS that they must continue in a repentant attitude. Yet some still lack zeal, though exhorted to be zealous. Some are spiritually asleep, and have been exhorted to wake up. Any one of you can now be in the spiritual condition of Laodicea even though that age of the Church is yet to arise. Notice I Corinthians 3:11-15. Here we see those whose works are burnt up WHO THEMSELVES MUST BE PURIFIED BY FIRE to be saved "at that day." Surely here is a picture of the Laodicean character! Let's be among those who realize that they have little strength, and have not denied the Name of Christ. They have kept His patience. They have kept His Word. They are striving hard, and are overcoming. Let's hold fast and maintain the identifying marks ... Church of Philadelphia. Let's not be among those whom God will have to separate from His living Church today. The Laodicean Church is not going to he worthy to escape to a place of safety. When it is too late, they will find that the Church of Philadelphia has gone to safety. Only two choices remain for each person left. They will be tried by the fire of men, and may lose their lives in severe tortures; or if they recant, they will lose their lives in the final gehenna fire. In either case, they will be tried in the fire. If they are tried by the fire of men and still overcome, they will be given eternal life. If they fail this, the final GEHENNA FIRE with everlasting destruction will be their doom. Judging from the parable of the ten virgins, if you are found in the Church of Laodicea, YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW IT. You may think you are in the Church that will go to safety. When you find out it will be too late. Now is the time to prepare. Now is the time to be zealous. Now is the time for good works the time to obtain more of the Holy Spirit of God. Now is the time to keep repentant, to change our lives. Let's not be a part of the Laodicean Church! " Must God's Ministers Be Ordained By The Hand Of Man? - Good News Jan 1960 - Herbert W Armstrong "For one 19-year time-cycle, God carried on the Gospel thru His Church to North America. He had opened the DOOR of radio and the printing press. Then, 19 years to the exact month, God OPENED THE DOOR for the Gospel to go to ALL EUROPE, and the very next year to ASIA. The same identical time-pattern of 19-year time-cycles is being fulfilled in God's work thru His Church today, as it was thru His Church in Apostolic days. But SOME of those in the Church today will grow weary with well-doing. They will brag about being the true Church -thinking they are spiritually rich, when they are, in fact, almost spiritually destitute. Because they are indifferent to the real WORK OF GOD, lukewarm, lacking in zeal, Christ will spew them out of His mouth. THEY cannot be used in His work! THEY shall lose the very salvation they boast of having unless they repent! God help YOU never to drift into the LAODICEAN church!" Why Some Fall Away - Good News Jan 1961 - Leroy Neff "Don't Neglect the Broadcast Some of you have become lax in listening to the broadcast. In most areas of the United States you can hear the broadcast more than one time each day. In some areas it is available SEVEN TIMES a day. And yet, some have neglected this very important part of their spiritual life. If you believe that it is not necessary for you to do these things, then you have become "spiritually rich," just as the Laodicean church (Rev. 3). THAT CHURCH IS NOT GOING TO A PLACE OF SAFETY.

God says to some of you: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: BECAUSE THOU HAST REJECTED KNOWLEDGE, I WILL ALSO REJECT THEE, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast FORGOTTEN THE LAW of thy God, I will also forget thy children" (Hosea 4:6). That is why some of you are disqualifying yourself to enter God's Kingdom! You are rejecting the knowledge that God has given you, and not acting on that knowledge. You have forgotten the law of God, and in place of it you are seeking worldly and temporal pursuits. NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT ON THE KNOWLEDGE GOD HAS GIVEN. " Member Letter July 25 1967 - Herbert W Armstrong "Are we the CHURCH OF GOD that will be taken to a place of safety? Or are we the contented, lackadaisical, lukewarm LAODICEAN people who are going into slavery in the Great Tribulation -- into TORTURE and MARTYRDOM? Are we putting GOD'S WORK FIRST, or are we allowing other interests, desires, entertainments, to fill our minds -- and take our money? WHY is it, dear Brethren, that Communists can be SO COMPLETELY DEVOTED to their damnable destructive CAUSE -- can DEVOTE their whole souls and lives and interests to it -- but God's people have to be reminded, prodded, aroused out of lethargy and LUKEWARMNESS? As I write, there has been TERRIBLE rioting and looting in Detroit the past two days, so that the Governor of Michigan had to appeal to the President of the United States to send TROOPS. WHY is it that some negroes (NOT our Brethren, of course!!!), can be STIRRED by Communist propagandists and rabble-rousers into an almost INSANE FURY and dedicated FRENZY of rioting, looting, sniping, shooting, killing, DESTROYING -- DEDICATED with fiendish, satanic ZEAL to the CAUSE of destruction and violence -- while GOD'S PEOPLE, who have their own salvation and the salvation of ALL HUMANITY to work for, can become so lax and LUKEWARM? Frankly, Brethren, I find it distressing, and hard to understand! " The Parable of the Ten Virgins - Plain Truth Jan 1968 - Unknown Author(Possibly Mr. Armstrong) "The Plain Truth January, 1968 THE BIBLE ANSWERS Short Questions FROM OUR READERS "Explain, if you will, the parable of the ten virgins five of whom were wise and five foolish." J. R. C., California The WORK OF GOD, proclaiming to the whole world the good news of the KINGDOM OF GOD, was started by one man Jesus Christ. Jesus chose and called His disciples. The word "disciple" means a student or learner. For 3 1/2 years, He taught them God's Message the Gospel the GOOD NEWS of the WORLD TOMORROW. After His death for the sins of the world, His resurrection to make possible eternal life for us, and His ascension, to the throne of the universe where He has since remained as our High Priest Christ sent the Holy Spirit to fill and empower His Apostles and His CHURCH. Jesus had said: "I will build my CHURCH." And He did! The WORK OF GOD was STARTED in and through the individual personal human body of Jesus Christ. He had said that He could do NOTHING OF HIMSELF it was the power of God's Holy Spirit dwelling IN Him that did the WORK. Now that SAME POWER entered into the COLLECTIVE BODY of disciples, forming the New Testament Church of God.

Thus this Church became the BODY OF CHRIST. Its number one commission is to carry on THE WORK OF GOD that is, proclaim to the world Christ's Gospel of the Kingdom of God. In other words, the GOOD NEWS of the WORLD TOMORROW Christ's WORLD GOVERNMENT, replacing today's world, invisibly governed by Satan. The early New Testament Church, surcharged with the mighty POWER of God's Spirit, mushroomed and multiplied in growth and power. Its influence was soon felt. Jesus had told His disciples He was going to heaven, but would return again as supreme world RULER to establish the Kingdom of God. They expected this to occur very soon in their lifetime. It was BECAUSE they thought that the Kingdom of God should IMMEDIATELY appear that Jesus gave them the parable of the pounds (Luke 19:11-27). Even after His resurrection, they expected Jesus to set up His Kingdom immediately (Acts 1:6). But He went to heaven. A whole 19-year time cycle went by. Then another 19 years. For two 19-year time cycles they had proclaimed Christ's Message and had expected His imminent return IN THEIR GENERATION! They had grown discouraged. Their patience was exhausted. Then (70 A.D.), came the invasion and siege of Jerusalem. The true disciples in Palestine had fled to the north, disorganized. Their Messiah had not come to establish His RULE. They had lost patience. They were discouraged. THEY WENT TO SLEEP ON THE JOB of proclaiming Christ's GOSPEL! The MESSAGE of the coming GOVERNMENT OF GOD, with Christ as returning KING, to bring us PEACE in the world tomorrow, was no longer being proclaimed in an organized manner to the whole world! This, Christ Himself had foretold in His parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25). These virgins, of course, represented His CHURCH. They had expected Christ's return as conquering KING, even in 31 A.D., the very year the Church was actually founded! (Acts 1:6.) In this parable of Matthew 25, Jesus explained, prophetically in advance, that when the returning Christ "tarried" DELAYED His coming beyond their erroneous expectation "they all slumbered and slept." The WHOLE CHURCH OF GOD WENT TO SLEEP ON THE JOB assigned to it! For more than 18 1/2 long centuries that vital Gospel Message of coming WORLD GOVERNMENT was not proclaimed, in organized power, to the world. But Jesus also had declared, prophetically: "This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached [and published Mark 13:10] in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end [of this world's civilization] come" (Mat. 24:14). This proclamation was to be the SIGN of His coming! Just as God had allotted two 19-year time cycles at the BEGINNING of this New Testament era for the proclaiming of HIS Gospel, so He has decreed for its worldwide proclamation AT THE CLOSE of the age preparing the way for His return! The first week in 1934 that SAME Gospel of the Kingdom started going once again to the world. Christ had OPENED THE MIGHTY DOOR of radio and the printing press. The "midnight hour" had struck! The LOUD CRY began booming out, thundering to the world, "Christ is soon COMING to RULE ALL NATIONS ON EARTH FOR A THOUSAND YEARS! The KINGDOM OF GOD was once again being proclaimed! The CHURCH had aroused from its slumber! Read again the prophecy of the virgins: "While the Bridegroom tarried, they all [the whole Church] slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, 'BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH; GO YE OUT TO MEET HIM'" (Mat. 25:5-6). The WORK OF GOD had undergone an awakening! Once again it was active. But notice! The parable continues: "Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out [OR, going out see margin]." The five foolish virgins possessed lamps but took no oil. That is they had the Word of God, the Bible, to light their path, but were not filled with the Holy Spirit [symbolized by oil] to give them spiritual understanding either of the Bible, or of the gospel, or of the times in which they live! This was the state of the five foolish virgins who thought themselves to be God's people when the midnight cry arose. They were spiritually dead, having no oil left having quenched the Holy Spirit of God!

Now turn to the brief prophetic history of the true Church in Revelation 2 and 3. The very LAST of these seven successive Churches is to be the self-sufficient, lukewarm, Laodicean group. But just before it is the Church which carries this end-time vital Message! It is small. It is weak. But it is faithful, as few have been, with GOD'S WORD! It rises at the time Daniel prophesied, when "KNOWLEDGE shall be increased" (Dan. 12:4). But this Church, carrying God's message to the world, is preceded by another Church era. That one is pictured as spiritually asleep and dead (Rev. 3:1-3) foolish virgins. But among them are a few wise virgins who shall walk with Christ (verse 4). They heeded the midnight cry. Is it any wonder, then, that SATAN is now aroused to sway those he can lead into persecuting and opposing God's Work? Remember, prophecy is DUAL. There is a former, and a latter fulfillment of most prophecies. The first FAMINE OF HEARING THE WORD OF THE LORD has ended. But the time is soon coming probably at the end of the second 19-year time cycle of this Work when the voices of God's servants shall be stilled the printing presses stopped! Then will come the great tribulation, and the terrible Day of the Lord with its supernatural plagues on the devil's cohorts! For 3 1/2 years there shall AGAIN be a FAMINE OF HEARING THE WORD OF THE LORD (Amos 8:11) except for the voices of God's two witnesses (Rev. 11). Then comes the resurrection. "And they that were ready" the wise virgins "went in with Him [Jesus Christ] to the marriage" (Mat. 25:10). And the others were shut out! To them Jesus said: "I know you not." "Watch therefore," Jesus concluded, "for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh" (verse 13). " ACBC (58 Lesson Version) (1969)- Lesson 08 - Why Are Natural Disasters Increasing? - Herbert W Armstrong "Sealing By the Holy Spirit Leads to Safety 1. Will further disruptions of the earth be stopped for a brief period? Rev. 7:1-2. Why? Verse 3. Note the word "sealed." What will these people have become because of experiencing these previous disruptions of nature? Same verse. Note the words "servants of God." How many people will there be in this group -- 144,000? Verse 4. 2. When born into God's Family, will they have the honor of following Christ, the Lamb, wherever He goes? Rev. 14:1, 3, 45. What a great reward for being among the FIRST group -- the "firstfruits" -- to turn to God EARLY! 3. Who will comprise the 144,000? Rev. 7:4. Note the word "Israel." COMMENT: They will be some of the modern-day descendants of ancient Israel who will have heeded God's warnings while in captivity. 4. But after the 144,000 are sealed from harm, will others also be sealed? Rev. 7:9. Are these people of ALL nations? Same verse. What did they come "out of"? Verses 13-14. COMMENT: These are they which came out of [the] GREAT tribulation..." -- and have been forgiven their sins through the shed blood of Christ. They are seen clothed in white robes, symbolizing purity and righteousness -- obedience to God's laws -- unspotted by the ways and customs of the world. This great multitude of people -- of all nations -- will come out of the great tribulation. Before their captivity, they had heard God's WARNING message preached as a "witness" unto all nations by His faithful ministers. They had heard of Christ, but they had not obeyed Him. But now -- as they see God intervening through terrible supernatural signs in the heavens and on earth -- they begin to fear God. They begin to surrender to God's will, to ask God to cleanse them from all their past sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. Think of it -- thousands upon thousands, even millions, beginning to surrender to God as a result of His intervention in nature.

Notice, too, that these uncounted multitudes are pictured as though they are in the very presence of God. John does not see them in mortal flesh, but as SPIRIT-BORN sons of God who neither thirst, hunger, nor sorrow any more! (Rev. 7:1517.) 5. WHEN all those who are immediately willing to repent have surrendered to God, then what further terrifying events will God send on the earth to bring stubborn, unrepentant human beings to their senses so they may turn to Him? Will the four angels -- restrained while God's servants were sealed -- then send their punishments upon the earth? Rev. 7:1 coupled with 8:7-12 COMMENT: Today, God is first speaking His warning to mankind by His true ministers. Soon He will speak by STUPENDOUS WONDERS in the heavens which man can SEE. Still many will not repent. Therefore, God will speak to the world through even GREATER supernatural acts which men will FEEL!" ACBC (58 Lesson Version) (1969)- Lesson 31 - What is the Mark of the Beast? "Greater Tribulation Just Ahead! This tribulation of the Middle Ages was ONLY A SMALL FORERUNNER of "the GREAT tribulation" which is yet to come! God shows this SAME satanically inspired RELIGIO-POLITICAL system is to be in existence at the close of this age -- IN OUR TIME NOW -- in just a FEW SHORT YEARS! And THROUGH IT, the Devil will cause the "Mark of the Beast" to be enforced again WITH MORE FIENDISH BRUTALITY THAN EVER DREAMED POSSIBLE! Notice the grim warning in your Bible: "WOE to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the Devil is come down unto you, having GREAT wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time" (Rev. 12:12). This is for the days now just immediately ahead of us! Millions will suffer through this gruesome time OF SATAN'S WRATH: "I beheld, and lo, a GREAT multitude, WHICH NO MAN COULD NUMBER, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes .... These are they which came out of GREAT TRIBULATION, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 7:9, 14). Yes, millions are to suffer through this terrible period of great tribulation that is JUST AHEAD! Multiplied thousands of

them will be the ones who are now SPIRITUALLY ASLEEP as they hear the WARNING MESSAGE of God's true servants today! They could have AVOIDED this terrifying, calamitous experience had they acted in time by beginning a personal spiritual exodus to God BEFOREHAND -- by KEEPING NOW His key test Sabbath Day commandment and His other commandments. They could have been spared all of this suffering had they turned to God and come under HIS DIVINE PROTECTION NOW -- heeding the WARNING of these lessons about observing Sunday. But you see here -- you have God's very Word for it here that hundreds of thousands of a GREAT multitude, a multitude that "no man can number," will NEGLECT this warning! They will VOLUNTARILY take the dreadful "MARK OF THE BEAST"! "

ACBC (58 Lesson Version)(1969) - Lesson 42 - WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR ETERNITY? - Herbert W Armstrong "What Reward THIS Church Is Promised! 1. What does God say of this era -- the Philadelphia era of His True Church? Rev. 3:7-13. Does Christ know our works? Verse 8. Has this era of the Church denied the proper name, "Church of God"? Same verse. Even though we have only a little strength, has God multiplied our power by setting before us the OPEN DOOR of radio and the printing press? Same verse. Have we been faithful with God's Word? Same verse. 2. What is God's injunction to the Philadelphia era of the Church of God? Verse 11. Will Christ come when this Church era is still active? Note the words, "Behold, I COME QUICKLY." To those who "hold fast" does Christ promise a crown? Same verse. COMMENT: A crown is worn by a king -- it is a symbol of rulership! Rulership is part of the reward promised the Philadelphia era of God's Church. 3. What else is promised as a reward to the Philadelphia Church era? Rev. 3:12. Is all of this dependent upon being an OVERCOMER? Same verse. Through the work of preaching and publishing the gospel by the Philadelphia era of God's Church will there be a special 144,000 who also repent, endure tribulation and overcome? Compare Rev. 3:12 with Rev. 14:1. COMMENT: Note the expressions "write upon him the name of my God," and "having the Father's name written in their foreheads." 4. What will the Philadelphia era of God's Church DO for eternity? Rev. 3:12. Note the word "pillar." Were Christ's leading disciples called "pillars"? Gal. 2:9. COMMENT: Responsibility as "pillars" is what God promises to those in God's Church today. Each can qualify to be SPIRITUAL PILLARS OR LEADERS -- THE MAIN SUPPORTS IN THE "CHURCH" SYMBOLICALLY CALLED "TEMPLE" IN REV. 3:12 FOR ALL ETERNITY. A PILLAR IS A MAIN SUPPORT IN A TEMPLE!

5. Where will the Philadelphia Church be stationed? Rev. 3:12. Note the words, "temple" and "New Jerusalem." COMMENT: This Church -- the Philadelphia era -- is to have the name of the headquarters of the world -- the Capital City of the Universe. The pillars of the Church ought always to be at headquarters so that everyone may appeal to it for decisions. We, of the Philadelphia Era, are to have the name of God the Father and of the Son. God always places His name where He is. He will be dwelling in the new Jerusalem. So will we! That IS WHY we will have His name! Notice, too, that Scripture reveals "He shall go no more out" (Rev. 3:12). We are never to be removed from that reward and responsibility. Think of that! We are to be at headquarters -- executing Jesus Christ's policies -- teaching those who need to come to headquarters for decisions throughout eternity as God expands the power and scope of His government! At headquarters we will have the opportunity to help with the master-plan for making a NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH! Truly the Philadelphia Era of God's Church is promised a wonderful, and very SPECIAL reward! Unique Duty For Laodicean Era 1. What does Jesus Christ say to the church era typified by the Church of God at Laodicea? Rev. 3:14-22. 2. Will those of the Laodicean era be faithful as the Philadelphia era has been? Verses 15-17. What does Christ recommend for the Laodicean church era? Verses 18-19. Is this fire in which the Laodiceans will be tried the tribulation at the end of this age? I Pet. 1:7-9; I Pet. 4:12. See and compare Jer. 9:7 and Zech. 13:9. COMMENT: YOU all ought to be familiar with this graphic description of the lukewarmness of the work which will climax this age. It is not THIS work of God today. They are recipients and heirs to the riches of spiritual understanding which God is revealing through this Church today -- but they will become spiritually smug. Nothing good can be said about them. They are not promised deliverance from the coming time of trouble and religious persecution -- whereas we of the Philadelphia era ARE promised deliverance. If they become zealous and repent, if they "love not their lives unto death," then they will receive a good responsibility. But they have first a great period of trial and test to meet. Jesus will send the punishment on them because He loves them. If they change their ways, He will not figuratively spue them out of His mouth as one who spues out nauseating lukewarm water. 3. What reward awaits those of the Laodicean era who do repent and overcome? Rev. 3:21. COMMENT: NOTICE THAT THEY ARE NOT CALLED SPIRITUAL "PILLARS"; NEITHER DO THEY HAVE THEIR OWN THRONES. -------------------------------------------------PHOTO CAPTION: The ruins of a Roman stadium stand in what was once Laodicea. The letter addressed to the Church of God there contains a message for us today. -------------------------------------------------They are only qualified through much tribulation to sit with Christ on His throne ASSISTING HIM DIRECTLY IN THE PERSONAL ADMINISTRATION OF HIS OFFICE.

Here you see yet a different responsibility in the Kingdom of God! " ACBC (58 Lesson Version) (1969)- Lesson 44 - Watch World News! - Herbert W Armstrong "The Great Tribulation Is SATAN'S Wrath. Satan is angry with God and angry with man for having been made in God's image! (Briefly review Lesson 29). As the end of Satan's 6000 years approaches, he has deceived the human race to the very brink of self-destruction. 1. What did Jesus say in summary of the preceding "sorrows?" Mat. 24:8. Why? Is it because Satan inspires a great persecution of God's people just before the Day of the Lord? Mat. 24:9; Luke 21:12; Mark 13:9. 2. If you would escape both the wrath of God and the wrath of Satan, what is your only hope? Mark 13:10. God has a Work to be done in this end-time! If you are an active part of it, you will be spared. Does Mat. 24:13-14 show that those who remain faithful in warning the world will be saved? Does this include being saved from the Tribulation? Luke 21:15, 17-18. 3. Is Revelation 3:10 a direct promise of protection during the worst of the Tribulation when Satan's "wrath" has increased? Rev. 12:12. Also compare Isaiah 26:20. 4. How will God protect the faithful, active portion of His Church? Will He take them away to a special place of safety? Rev. 12:14. The "wilderness" means a place away from the population centers and away from this world's civilization. 5. Will Satan make one last effort to destroy this "Philadelphia" church? Verse 15. Will he fail? Verse 16. 6. Then is Satan FILLED WITH WRATH? What will he do? Verse 17. This succeeding era of God's Church would have to be the "Laodicea" church, wouldn't it? Rev. 3:14. What do its members lack since they do not receive the same protection the "Philadelphia" church receives? Verses 15, 17. COMMENT: The Laodiceans are LUKEWARM. They ARE God's Church, but their hearts are not in the Work the zealous "Philadelphians" carry on. Instead, their minds are occupied with themselves (verse 17). They lack real outgoing LOVE -love for other people, for God's truth, and for God! 7. Does Joel call for a warning message just before the Day of the Lord? Joel 2:1, 2. "Blow the trumpet in Zion (among the people of Israel)." We are blowing that WARNING trumpet! 8. Because of this warning MESSAGE, will many become offended? Mat. 24:10; Mark 13:12-13. And further Satan's purpose by persecuting? Same verses. 9. Will many false teachers then arise to attempt to misguide the remnant of God's Church (Laodicea)? Mat. 24:11. Will their wickedness and the wickedness of the world on all sides cause many even of those not deceived -- to lose their love? Verse 12. Love is the first and greatest fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). 10. What will happen to those who turn away, having once known the truth? Heb. 10:26, 27. This is the extreme danger the members of the "Laodicean" church will face after the "Philadelphia" church has been taken to a place of safety. Better draw near to God NOW, and He will draw near to you! Become zealous, active -- FILLED with the Holy Spirit. 11. But is it possible, ALTHOUGH THROUGH MUCH TRIBULATION, for the "Laodicean" members to receive salvation -- plus a very high reward? Rev. 3:18-19, 21. 12. Does Luke 21:36 show you have to become WORTHY to escape the Tribulation? WHAT can anyone do -- even those isolated or shut in -- to have a direct and IMPORTANT part in completing God's commission to the Philadelphia church? Same verse. COMMENT: Some people neglect PRAYER -- especially prayer for God's Work. They think their prayers would not be important. As a result, they themselves do not grow (II Pet. 3:18), and they may not be ready to go to a place of safety. 13. How EFFECTIVE can prayer be in accomplishing the commission entrusted to God's Church? James 5:16-18. " ACBC (58 Lesson Version)(1969) - Lesson 44 - Watch World News - Herbert W Armstrong

"7. What part of modern-day Israel will escape death from famine, disease and war when the "Beast" attacks? Ezek. 5:12. But will even they experience additional warfare while in captivity? Same verse. Note the words, "SWORD after them." 8. Was Ezekiel instructed to picture a "few" who would be protected by God from these ravages? Verses 3, 4. COMMENT: This pictures both Philadelphian and Laodicean Christians. While the Philadelphian Christians are in a place of safety, the Laodiceans -- pictured by the hair taken from the small protected bundle -- must suffer the "fire" (Rev. 3:18) of the trials of religious persecution and martyrdom in captivity. 9. What is the ultimate decimation to which Israel will be reduced? Isa. 1:9; 6:11-13 and Amos 5:3. 10. In summary, what does Isaiah prophesy concerning the earth's population when Christ returns? Isa. 24:1, 3. Why? Verses 5-6. What is the number of people still alive compared to? Verse 13; Isa. 17:4-7" ACBC (58 Lesson Version)(1969) - Lesson 44 - Watch World News - Herbert WArmstrong "4. Did Christ -- the living Head of God's Church -- appoint every man his work? Mark 13:34. Did He warn against going to sleep on the job? Verse 36. 5. Has the Church been asleep for nearly 1900 years? Mat. 25:5. The 10 virgins represent the Church which is to marry Christ at His Second Coming (Rev. 14:4). Does the parable show a voice was to be raised up to proclaim Christ's imminent return? Verse 6. When the Church is awakened, are half of the members found insufficiently prepared? Verses 8-12. They do not have enough of the Holy Spirit to withstand the temptations of the last days! They are not able to be a light to the world (Mat. 5:14)! 6. What is their mistake? Mark 13:37; Mat. 25:13. 7. Does the parable of the talents show accomplishment is demanded of everyone? Read Mat. 25:14-30. The talents symbolize SPIRITUAL GROWTH, which comes only by serving and working. 8. Does Matthew 25:34-46 show the motive for the works we must perform -- the kind of concern for others we must have? Your Time Is Short! There is very little time remaining. You now know only a minority of humanity will remain alive just a few years from now. You have been warned of the terrible physical suffering and mental agony the immediate future will bring. A place of safety IS promised. BUT it is PROMISED ONLY TO those whose WHOLE HEART AND MIND AND LIFE have been given up -- turned over as a living sacrifice to Christ! Those who can say with the apostle Paul "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). These have "lost" their life by giving it to GOD -- in His ONE true Church -- BUT in so doing have FOUND IT (Luke 17:33)! They are ready to "STEP INTO ETERNITY" to continue their lives of service. They will "shine as the brightness of the firmament ... as the stars FOREVER AND EVER" (Dan. 12:3). YOU can be one of those who step into eternity. The way is plain. Draw near to God and His Church! Put your heart, your prayers, your life, your all into the Work being done as a witness to a dying world! Be converted, be dedicated. Only by drawing near to Christ who is the Head of the "Philadelphia" Church -- and having continuing contact with God's Headquarters Work -- will you make the spiritual growth required. And having a share in the Work of God's Church you can share in her place of safety. Very soon, world events will prevent many from being able to have contact with this Church. Don't wait to go through the terrible Tribulation with the sleepy, lukewarm "Laodicean" Church. Act NOW!! " ACBC (58 Lesson Version) (1969)- Lesson 53 - REACHING THE WORLD WITH POWER! - Herbert W Armstrong "The Era of "Brotherly Love"

PHILADELPHIA means "brotherly love" or "those who love their fellowmen as brothers." It expresses the characteristic which is the motivating zeal of the Philadelphia Era of God's Church. The Church shows love to mankind by carrying out God's commission -- that of warning the world of the impending destruction that hangs over it. It is revealing HOW Jesus Christ will soon rescue humanity from cosmocide and teach man the way of peace, happiness and prosperity. The goal of the "Philadelphia" Church is the ultimate salvation of all mankind! 1. Has this Church "not denied" Christ's NAME (including His nature, character, personality and power), and KEPT -- that is, both believed and PRACTICED -- His Word? Rev. 3:8. 2. Is "Philadelphia" promised a SPECIAL reward? Rev. 3:12. COMMENT: It is significant that the ancient Anatolian city of Philadelphia still lives today, unlike dead Sardis. Its Turkish name, ALLAH SHAIR, indicates the destiny of the Church it portrays. Translated it means "the CITY OF GOD"! 3. Will the overcomers of the Philadelphia Era be "PILLARS" in the temple of God in New Jerusalem? Same verse. COMMENT: The two pillars in front of Solomon's temple -- Jachin and Boaz (I Kings 7:21) -- represented STABILITY and STRENGTH. And as Peter, James and John stood out as "pillars" among the congregation in 49 A.D. (Gal 2:9), the Church of the Philadelphia Era is to stand out EVEN MORE in time to come! 4. Is the "Philadelphia" Church promised a place of safety for her faithful service and obedience? Rev. 3:10 and 12:14. COMMENT: As the ancient city of Philadelphia has been kept from destruction to this very day, so will the "Philadelphia" Church be preserved from the Great Tribulation which Satan will soon bring upon all the earth. 5. When those in "Philadelphia" are taken by God to a place of safety, will another part of God's Church be left behind? Rev. 12:17. -------------------------------------------------PHOTO CAPTION: The Jeans School, west of Eugene, Oregon. Those converted during the first evangelistic meetings held by Mr. Armstrong met here on God's Sabbath. They composed the first "congregation" of the Philadelphia Era of God's Church. -------------------------------------------------COMMENT: The "remnant" left behind will constitute the seventh and last era of God's Church -- the "Laodicean" Era -which will last but a very short time. The Laodicean Church Notice what has happened, since 69 A.D., to the preaching of the true message of God's coming kingdom. Instead of proclaiming that message worldwide, the Church as a whole went to SLEEP! Only briefly, as during the days of Peter Waldo, the Church stirred in her slumber, but did not fully awaken to do the Work of God. The parable in Matthew 25 EXPLAINS this long slumber. Turn to it and read through the first 13 verses. The "virgins" represent the members of God's Church through the ages. The Apostolic Age expected Christ's return momentarily (I Thes. 4:15). But when He did not immediately appear, they grew drowsy, lost their first love (Rev. 2:4) and went to sleep on the job. For nearly 1900 years God's Church continued to slumber and sleep. Then in 1934, a voice on the radio began to proclaim that the intervention of Christ in the affairs of this world is near (Matt. 25: 6). The Philadelphia Era of the Church of God began to zealously DO Christ's Work! (Verse 7.) 1. But at the end of the Work of "Philadelphia," will many lack a sufficient supply of "oil" (the Holy Spirit)? Matt. 25:8. 2. Are the five unprepared "virgins" told to go and figuratively BUY a supply of the Holy Spirit? Matt. 25:9. Does Revelation 3:17-18 show that the typical Laodicean also belongs in this category?

COMMENT: These members of God's Church can still be born of God if they do as Christ instructs. But they will have to PROVE their spiritual dedication to God by overcoming in the midst of the Great Tribulation -- very likely through martyrdom! Matthew 25:10-12 indicates that SOME of the end-time "foolish virgins" will not yet be "ready" when Christ arrives. 3. In spite of Christ's warning and the constant repetition of the message by the Philadelphia Work over a period of years, is the spiritual condition of the "Laodiceans" just LUKEWARM -- neither hot nor cold, not really stirred up about overcoming? Rev. 3:15. COMMENT: The name LAODICEA is Greek. It means "the (self-) righteous people." It is significant that the ancient city of Laodicea lies a great ruin today -- and like Sardis it is COMPLETELY DEAD! (It is recommended at this point that you go back and review your notes over page 10 of Lesson 44.) 4. WHY will the Laodiceans find themselves in such a pitiable state? Rev. 3:17. COMMENT: They will have been self-deceived. They "know not" that they themselves are "the ones pitiable and beggarly and blind and naked" (according to the original Greek). They THOUGHT they HAD made proper preparation for the return of Christ. They will say, "I HAVE BECOME rich (physically and spiritually) ... and have need of NOTHING." The ancient city of Laodicea was famous for its money transactions and its soft wool. Laodicea was almost a synonym for soft, luxurious living. Not far from the city was a pagan temple with a great MEDICAL school. Naturally, Laodicea produced some famous SKEPTIC philosophers! The MODERN "Laodiceans" will be products of this MODERN age of skepticism, unbelief, creature comforts, medicine and permissiveness. They are too close to the ways and false gods of this world to get really "shook up" about God's truth until finally shaken out of their lukewarmness by having to suffer in the Great Tribulation! 5. Will Christ be showing LOVE to these people by allowing them to suffer so? Rev. 3:19 and Heb. 12:6-11. COMMENT: The Laodiceans actually have been begotten of God's Spirit. Their lamps are lit (Matt. 25:8), but are "going out" (see margin of your Bible) because the supply of "oil" (the Holy Spirit) has not been continually replenished and increased. Christ does NOT WANT to cast off these people. Revelation 3:16 should be translated "I AM ABOUT TO spue thee out," NOT "I WILL spue thee out." He stands ever ready to receive the OVERCOMERS -- to give them eternal life and rulership with Him (verses 20-21). 6. How might a "Laodicean" recognize his spiritual condition in advance of the Tribulation? Luke 6:26. But will the world HATE whoever is a dedicated believer in, and doer of, God's Work? John 15:19-20. What else does Christ say, through the Apostle Paul? I Cor. 10:12 and II Cor. 13:5. The Work of "Elijah" 1. Did Christ affirm that "Elijah" must come before His own return? Matt. 17:11. Is his job to "restore"? Same verse. COMMENT: Note that Christ is not speaking of the original Elijah. John the Baptist, who was a type of "Elijah," came "IN THE SPIRIT AND POWER of ELIJAH" (Luke 1:17). John the Baptist did a one-man work. But today God works through the Body of Christ -- the Church composed of MANY MEMBERS (Eph. 4:12, 16). After Christ's ministry on this earth, it was no more a single individual that did God's Work (through the power of His Spirit), but the Church -- the BODY of Christ. John the Baptist, the "Elijah" of his day (Matt. 17:12-13), was one man. But Christ founded God's CHURCH. After Pentecost, 31 A.D., the "body" of Christ, with various "members" like the hands, fingers, toes, etc. of a human body, did the work that one man used to do. Today the "body" of Christ -- the entire CHURCH OF GOD, through its VOICE, its PRAYERS, its TITHES and OFFERINGS and its various other functions -- is heralding Christ's imminent return (Matt. 25:6). 2. What else will the "Elijah" of our day do? Mal. 4:5-6.

COMMENT: This is being done through the dissemination of the knowledge of proper child rearing methods, and the principles governing legitimate and happy family relationships. And the hearts of both parents and children are being turned back to the GOD of their fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. THIS IS WHAT THE "PHILADELPHIA" ERA OF GOD'S CHURCH IS DOING TODAY! 3. Is this what the original Elijah did? Read I Kings 18:20-40. COMMENT: Elijah RESTORED the true religion which in his day -- as in the "Sardis" Era -- had been nearly lost, turning the hearts of the people back to their fathers and their God. 4. Had Elijah begun to train young men for the work to be done? II Kings 4:38. COMMENT: The expression "sons of the prophets" refers to young men being trained to continue the work of those whom Jezebel had killed (see I Kings 18:13). Remember, Jeroboam (I), king of Israel, had long before rejected the Levites from being priests and teachers. God had to use other men in the House of Israel to do His Work. But they had to be trained! 5. Were there THREE schools for the training of these men? II Kings 4:38 and 2:1-5. And did the students all know when God was about to take Elijah away and leave Elisha in charge? II Kings 2:3, 5. COMMENT: It is significant that today the Philadelphia Era of God's Church trains students on THREE campuses! And it is this Church which will be taken away to a temporary place of safety just as Elijah was taken to a place prepared by God. (If you do not understand where and why Elijah was taken away, send immediately for our free booklet, "Where Are Enoch and Elijah?") 6. What would happen to the earth if it weren't for God's Church and the work it is doing today? Mal. 4:6. Notice especially the last part of this verse. COMMENT: The greatest time of trouble ever is soon to occur on this earth (Dan. 12:1). And unless God cuts these hellish days short FOR THE SAKE OF HIS ELECT, there would no flesh be saved alive! (Matt. 24:22.) Note that the word translated "curse" in Malachi 4:6 is the same word used in I Kings 20:42 and Zechariah 14:11. It means "complete and TOTAL destruction" -- UTTER ANNIHILATION! Except for the presence and prayers of God's people, this "present evil world" (Gal. 1:4) WOULD experience "utter destruction"! We need to realize just how important it is for each of us to personally overcome and plunge WHOLEHEARTEDLY into God's present Work. At the time of the Flood, ONLY righteous Noah and his family escaped "utter destruction." In the destruction of Sodom, ONLY Lot and his two daughters escaped. BUT had there been as many as TEN righteous people in that city, God would have SPARED IT ALL! (Gen. 18:32.) HOW MUCH of this present world's population survives the coming holocaust and lives on into the World Tomorrow depends a GREAT DEAL on the effectiveness of this present Work in reaching the world with the good news of God's coming kingdom -- and on the NUMBER converted during this age who will be available to teach and serve those who survive! WE HAVE ONLY A VERY SHORT TIME LEFT. Think how much depends on YOU -- on YOUR prayers -- YOUR efforts -- YOUR tithes and offerings! " Continue to Part 2