Q: Where will the marriage supper between Christ and His Church be held?

Published: November 21st, 2003

Revelation 19:7-9 states the following about the marriage between Christ and His Church: "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb [Jesus Christ, compare Revelation 5:1-14] has come, and His wife [the Church, compare Ephesians 5:31-32] has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, 'Write: "Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!"'..."

Please note that this Scripture does not say where the marriage supper will take place. Other Scriptures strongly imply that it will take place here on earth, after Christ's return.

Q: Could you explain the extent of the power that Christ gave in Matthew 16:19, to "bind and loose"?

Published: January 23rd, 2004

Let us read, first, the passage referred to above, in context. Christ said to Peter, beginning in Matthew 16:18: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Q: What does the Church teach about Church Eras?

Published: August 20th, 2004

The concept of "Church Eras" is derived from the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, reporting messages of Jesus Christ to the "seven angels" of the "seven churches." Although these churches were quite literal congregations, they have also been understood as representing seven Church eras, beginning at the time of the early apostles and leading to the time of the return of Jesus Christ.

Q: Were There "Christians" in Old Testament Times?

Published: September 10th, 2004

Not in name, of course, but yes, if we understand properly what the word "Christians" stands for. Prior to New Testament times, nobody was called a "Christian," per se. We read, in Acts 11:26, that "the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." Subsequently, the term became known as a description for Christ's followers, and was used both by unconverted people (Acts 26:28) and by converted disciples (1 Peter 4:16).

Q: Do you teach that God commands His Church in the ancient book of Ezekiel to warn the modern United States of America, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other English-speaking nations, of impending disaster?

Published: December 17th, 2004

This is indeed the understanding and teaching of the Church of the Eternal God and its corporate affiliates in Canada and Great Britain.

First, let us realize that the message, that God gave to the ancient prophet Ezekiel, was in fact a modern prophecy for a modern "Ezekiel":

Q: Can you identify the seven Church eras, as described in the book of Revelation?

Published: April 1st, 2005

In the second and third chapters of the book of Revelation, John received a message for the "angels of the seven churches" (Revelation 1:20). As we have pointed out before [compare the Q&A in Update 157], these messages were to be meant for seven existing local Church congregations in seven distinct cities at John's time, but they were also directed to all Christians at all times (compare Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, and 22), and they included messages for seven consecutive Church eras, beginning at the time of John, and ending at the time of Christ's Second Coming (compare Revelation 1:19-20).

Q: What did Paul mean when he told us to discern the Lord's body (1 Corinthians 11:29)?

Published: December 30th, 2005

In the passage in question, Paul was addressing the yearly Passover ceremony. Beginning in 1 Corinthians 11:23, Paul reminded the disciples of the event when Christ instituted the New Testament symbols of bread and wine at the annual Passover service (compare verses 23-26). He then continued:

"Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep."

Q: Why don't we see more spiritual gifts in the Church of God today?

Published: June 23rd, 2006

It depends what is meant by "spiritual gifts."

Q: What is the meaning of the Biblical term, "elder"?

Published: May 18th, 2007

The Bible uses the word "elder" in many different connections. In each case, the context will show, however, how the word is to be understood.

"The Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words," by W.E.Vine, gives a fairly accurate description of the meaning of the word "elder," with the exception of several related or unrelated blatant mistakes, as will be pointed out by us through annotations in brackets:

Vine's commentary states the following:

"A. Adjectives

"1. PRESBUTEROS..., an adjective, the comparative degree of 'presbus,' an old man, an elder, is used

"(a) of age, whether of the elder of two persons, Luke 15:25, or more, John 8:9, 'the eldest';

"or of a person advanced in life, a senior, Acts 2:17;

Q: Would you please explain Matthew 18:20. Is it correct, as some teach, that this verse permits members to cut themselves off from the Church of God; to stay at home; and to neglect or dispense with fellowshipping with the membership of the Church?

Published: August 24th, 2007

In Matthew 18:20, Christ said: "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." It is important to note the context. Christ's comments in verse 20 follow the description of the proper procedure for conflict resolution between brethren. At least two of our Updates address this issue, including the fact that Christ gave the final authority to the ministry, to disfellowship or excommunicate an unrepentant brother or sister --and not to the entire membership. Verse 20 must be read in this context--it does not address at all the question of Church attendance.

The Nelson Study Bible explains:

Q: Would you please explain Christ's message to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation, as recorded in chapters 2 and 3?

Published: January 18th, 2008

We have already written about this subject in two previous Updates (Update #157 and #187). We explained that it has long been understood and taught by God’s Church that Christ’s message to the seven churches has at least a three-fold application. First, it relates to seven literal churches or church congregations in Asia Minor at the time of John. Then, it describes the history of the Church in seven distinct prophetic "Church eras" from the time of John until Christ’s return. And finally, it points out character traits of spiritual strength and weakness of God’s people throughout the existence of the New Testament Church. Christ’s message to the seven churches, although in some

Q: Who were the Nicolaitans, mentioned in Revelation 2?

Published: February 15th, 2008

We find two references in the Bible about the Nicolaitans, and they are both contained in the second chapter of the book of Revelation. In His message to the church of Ephesus, Jesus Christ says in Revelation 2:6: "But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate." Again, in His message to the church of Pergamos, He says in Revelation 2:15: "Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate."

Much has been speculated about the origin and exact nature of the Nicolaitans and their teaching.

Q: You explained in a previous Q&A (in Update #341) that Christ said to His disciples that they should only call Him their Teacher. But does not the Bible refer to ministers as teachers on numerous occasions?

Published: May 2nd, 2008

The Scripture in question is Matthew 23:10, which reads: "And do not be called teachers, for One is your Teacher, the Christ."

However, as you rightly point out, there are several passages, which speak of ministers as teachers.

For instance, 1 Corinthians 12:28-29 reads:

"And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers... Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?..."

Ephesians 4:11-13 confirms:

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith..."

Q: Would you please explain Hebrews 10:25. Why does Paul warn against "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together"?

Published: August 8th, 2008

Hebrews 10:24-26 reads, in context:

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully, after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins."

We can clearly see from this passage that Paul warns us not to forsake the "assembling of ourselves together," as the consequence of doing so could lead to our committing the unpardonable sin.

What is meant by, "assembling of ourselves together"?

Note the following renderings, which make the intended meaning clearer:

Q: Are there ministerial ranks in the Church of God?

Published: August 22nd, 2008

The short answer is, "Yes." Before discussing this biblical fact in more detail, let us just emphasize that there is hierarchy in God's Church. This is more fully explained in our Q&A on "hierarchical government." God has decreed that His Church be led or "governed" by His true and faithful ministry, as discussed in our Q&A on "ministerial authority."

With that background, let us answer the question regarding ranks within the ministry.

Especially two Scriptures, i.e. Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Corinthians 12:28, show that God has ordained ministerial "ranks" within His Church. These passages read as follows:

Q: Would you please explain the "Vision of the High Priest," as recorded in Zechariah 3:1-10?

Published: October 10th, 2008

As is the case with all the visions given to Zechariah, the vision of the high priest relates foremost to our days--even though it might also refer to an initial and preliminary fulfillment at the time of Zechariah.

Zechariah 3:1-10 reads as follows:

Q: Was the Apostle Peter the first Bishop of Rome and the first Pope?

Published: December 5th, 2008

As we will see, there is no biblical evidence, which would support this conclusion. We should, first of all, notice, that Christ did NOT say that Peter would be the first Pope. A Scripture sometimes quoted for this assumption is Matthew 16:18. We discussed this passage in a previous Q&A, as follows:

"Christ said to Peter, beginning in Matthew 16:18: 'And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it...'

Q: Who preserved the New Testament?

Published: January 16th, 2009

As a first step in answering this question, we need to consider what the New Testament is. Why is there even such a collection of books and letters that report on events from the first century A.D.? Are these merely the random writings of an influential religious movement that have found their way into the literature of the present time?

Or, as the New Testament claims for itself, is this part of the inspired Word of God? Understanding who preserved the New Testament adds even more proof about the unquestionable authority of this part of the Bible that we now possess!

What is the New Testament? Consider the following summary statement given in the “Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible,” Herbert Lockyer, Sr., Editor, 1986:

Q: Did the Roman Catholic Church Canonize the New Testament?

Published: January 30th, 2009

When we read certain historical books, we may find something like the following narrative, as adopted from sources published on the Internet:

The process of canonization was complex and lengthy. In the first three centuries of the Christian Church, there was no New Testament canon that was universally recognized. Nevertheless, by the 2nd century there was a common collection of letters and gospels that a majority of church leaders considered authoritative. These contained the four gospels and many of the letters of Paul. Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Tertullian (all 2nd century), held these to be on par with the Hebrew Scriptures as being divinely inspired. Other books were held in high esteem, but were gradually relegated to the status of New Testament apocrypha.

Q: Does the Bible have anything to say about the way men and women should dress?

Published: April 24th, 2009

In fact, the Bible presents some very specific guidelines for the kinds of clothing and style that should be worn. In this Q&A, we are addressing the topic in a more general way. Subsequent Q&A's will address this topic, and related topics, in more detail.

While some may consider the Bible as being archaic, with little relevance for our day, quite the opposite is true! At the very outset, God gave man responsibility to care for the earthly realm (Compare Genesis 1:26-28). In particular, Adam was told to “tend and keep” the specially prepared Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15).

Q: What are the biblical principles regarding hair length and dress for men and women?

Published: May 1st, 2009

In last week's Q&A, we addressed some general principles regarding the kinds of clothing and style that should be worn. We emphasized the importance of right balance and modesty.

Paul also instructed the Church of God regarding the length of hair that both men and women should wear:

“Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God” (1 Corinthians 11:13-16).

Q: Would you please explain what Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 5:5, saying that a sinner in the Church should be delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh?

Published: February 19th, 2010

Although the correct answer can be easily ascertained from the Scriptures, many commentaries are actually confused regarding the meaning of this passage. Paul said, in context, in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5:

Q: In reading some comments by the Apostle Paul in the book of Romans, it appears that Paul might not have understood that most Israelites who are not called to salvation in this day and age will be called in the Second Resurrection and will then be given their opportunity to inherit eternal life. Is this impression of Paul's lack of understanding correct?

Published: February 26th, 2010

It is not. Paul clearly understood and taught that there is a Second Resurrection for all those who were never called to salvation in this life. This will include the multitude of the past and present houses of Israel and Judah, as well as the multitude of non-Israelite nations--the "Gentiles." Paul knew that today, only very few --the "firstfruits" (compare Romans 8:23)--will be called to salvation and the pre-millennial First Resurrection to eternal life. Paul knew that the Second Resurrection will not be to eternal life, but to a physical temporary existence, but with the potential to qualify for eternal life.

Q: Acts 2:44 describes the beginning of the Church of God, and it states that everyone “had all things in common.” How does this apply, today?

Published: July 30th, 2010

As other Scriptures show, this event was unique to that time in the building of the Church of God; however, this example also reveals the type of commitment that may be needed when the necessity arises.

The context of this account happened surrounding the Day of Pentecost and then the immediate period of time subsequent—perhaps several weeks and months.

Let’s first take a look at the account as recorded in Acts 2:42-47:

Q: Every splinter group or offshoot of the Worldwide Church of God claims to be God’s true church. What do you say of yourselves?

Published: February 11th, 2011

The importance of this question, and its answer, can be found in the Word of God—in writings that very specifically address what has, what is and what will happen to the people of God in this, our generation!

The Worldwide Church of God was the culmination of the calling and life’s work of Herbert W. Armstrong in re-establishing the Truth of God as it was revealed and practiced in the early New Testament Church. Following his death in 1986, an insidious change infiltrated the Worldwide Church of God through the introduction of another “gospel”—one taught by most of the prevailing churches which claim to be Christian but which neither know God nor obey the gospel of Jesus Christ (compare 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Matthew 7:21-23 and Galatians 1:6-9).

Q: Do you have any guidelines for opening and closing prayers?

Published: August 19th, 2011

The Church of the Eternal God in the USA, the Global Church of God in the UK, and the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada, conduct their weekly and annual Sabbath services by opening with prayer (usually after singing three congregational hymns), and by closing with prayer (after singing a final congregational hymn). These prayers are given by baptized men who have been selected by the song-leader—sometimes after consultation with or direction from the presiding minister. On occasion, and subject to the discretion of the presiding minister, baptized visitors and guests from other Church of God organizations, who might not regularly attend our fellowship, might be asked to give the opening or closing prayer.

Q: Do you have any guidelines for preparing and giving a sermonette?

Published: August 26th, 2011

As we pointed out in a previous Q&A, discussing opening and closing prayers, the Church of the Eternal God in the USA and its corporate affiliates, the Global Church of God in the UK, and the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada, trace their roots to the Worldwide Church of God under the late Herbert W. Armstrong (who died in 1986). During his lifetime, Mr. Armstrong established the way in which Church of God services should be conducted, and we have substantially adopted these procedures. As a consequence, our weekly and annual Sabbath services include opening and closing prayers, a song service, announcements, occasional special music presentations (especially during the Feast of Tabernacles), and a sermonette and a

Q: Do you have guidelines for proper appearance and conduct in your worship services?

Published: September 30th, 2011

In previous Q&As, we published guidelines for opening and closing prayers, and for preparing and giving sermonettes. We pointed out that our weekly and annual Sabbath services begin with a song service (usually by singing three congregational hymns), followed by an opening prayer, a sermonette or short spiritual message of about 10 to 15 minutes, the singing of another congregational hymn, announcements, followed (occasionally) by a special music presentation (especially during the Feast of Tabernacles), the sermon or main spiritual message of about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, and we conclude with a final congregational hymn and the closing prayer.

Q: As we are commanded to give offerings on God’s annual Holy Days, how much should we give?

Published: October 7th, 2011

No specific amount in regard to Holy Day offerings is mentioned, but God’s Word includes guidelines and principles that can help us to decide how much to give.

Firstly, we must keep in mind that we cannot out-give God. Secondly, those of us who have been in the Church of God for a while know about the existence of the annual Holy Days and God’s command to give an offering on those days. We have time to prepare and save for these offerings so that we do not have to make a last minute decision as to how much we may want to give on a particular Holy Day.

In a recent Editorial in Update #484 (for the week ending March 18, 2011), titled, “Offerings,” we said the following:

Q: Why do you use the current Hebrew Calendar for establishing the dates of God’s annual Holy Days?

Published: October 28th, 2011

God’s Church decided more than 70 years ago that we must follow the current Hebrew Calendar in order to be able to observe the annual Holy Days at their proper times. (For more information on God’s annual Festivals, please read our free booklet, “God’s Commanded Holy Days”). However, over the years, some concluded on their own, without godly authority, that they should deviate from that decision. As a consequence, estimates suggest that there are no less than 500 versions of “calendars” in existence, all claiming that their version is the one and only correct one, and the result is utter confusion, while God states very clearly that HE is NOT the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
 

Q: Does your church have a prophet of God who interprets the passages in the Scriptures the way God intended them to be interpreted?

Published: December 9th, 2011

The New Testament of the Bible does speak about the office of prophet as being a part of the spiritual order designated by God for leadership in the Church:
 
“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:28).
 
We also find that Jesus Christ, Who is the Head of the Church (compare Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 1:18), selects people to serve in capacities including that of prophets: