{"id":101988,"date":"2026-08-28T00:01:49","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T07:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=101988"},"modified":"2026-06-28T13:28:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T20:28:17","slug":"a-former-worldwide-church-of-god-member-asked-about-which-church-to-support-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/cog-news\/a-former-worldwide-church-of-god-member-asked-about-which-church-to-support-now\/","title":{"rendered":"A former Worldwide Church of God member asked about which church to support now"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

COGwriter <\/a><\/p>\n

A while back, I received an email from a former Worldwide Church of God member that included the following:<\/p>\n

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SOME ISSUES OF MR. …. BELIEF AND APPARENTLY YOU DON’T AGREE WITH. I DON’T THINK THAT ANY OF THESE CHURCHES AGREE WITH OTHER SO WHO DO YOU GO WITH? …<\/p>\n

SOME OF GERALD FLURRY’S TEACHINGS ARE COMPLETELY WRONG AND HE’S GONE FAR OUT ON SOME THINGS SUCH AS ARMSTRONG’S STONE REPLACING JACOB’S. MANY, MANY PLACES IN THE BIBLE STATES THAT CHRIST IS THAT ROCK AND IT’S SPIRITUAL. CHRIST DOESN’T NEED A ROCK. FLURRY BASED HIS THEORY ON THE IDEA THAT COME KIDS STOLE JACOB’S ROCK FROM ENGLAND. THAT’S AMAZING SINCE IT WEIGHS OVER 350 LBS. I’VE READ OTHER LITERATURE THAT THE STONE IS STORED IN SCOTLAND.FALSE PREACHER #1<\/p>\n

I SAW A DAVID PACK SERMON ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE 2 WITNESSES . HE SAID THAT THEY ARE IN HIS CHURCH RIGHT NOW. I BELIEVE HE’S NOW PULLED THAT SERMON BECAUSE I COULDKN’T FIND IT NOW. FALSE PREACHER #2<\/p>\n

I SAW A SERMON BY THE LIVING CHURCH OF GOD ABOUT THE MARK OF THE BEAST AND THE PRESENTER SAID WITHOUT HESITATION THAT THE MARK OF THE BEAST IS SUNDAY WORSHIP. PERIOD.. HE MADE NO MENTION OF ANY MARKS ON YOUR BODY OR 666. SABBATH MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT, BUT THERE WILL BE OTHER FACTORS. YOU LEFT BECAUSE OF DOCTRINE. I’LL ????????? ….<\/p>\n

NOW I COME TO … A FALSE TEACHER …<\/p>\n

YOU SEE HOW A PERSON COULD BE DECEIVED?<\/p>\n

PLEASE ADVISE<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Actually, I left LCG<\/a> because it had integrity issues and also broke promises about correcting doctrine that it admitted was wrong. For details, check out the article Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God<\/a>. Regarding the ‘mark of the beast,’ check out the following:<\/p>\n

The Mark of Antichrist<\/a> What is the mark of Antichrist? What have various ones claimed? Here is a link to a related sermon What is the ‘Mark of Antichrist’?<\/a>
\nMark of the Beast<\/a> What is the mark of the Beast? Who is the Beast? What have various ones claimed the mark is? What is the ‘Mark of the Beast’?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Anyway, here is what I responded to the former WCG member with:<\/p>\n

Dear …:<\/p>\n

As I have repeatedly written at COGwriter, I doubt that David Pack or Gerald Flurry are converted.<\/p>\n

I consider that the only COG that is Philadelphian is the CCOG–though not all in CCOG are Philadelphian and there are Philadelphians not in CCOG–but no other COG represents the continuation of Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

You should use God’s criteria, and none other to decide.<\/p>\n

Here are two links you should read and pray about if you are truly serious:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. How does the Continuing<\/em> Church of God differ from other Sabbatarian COG groups?<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    But most refuse to believe and use their own standards.<\/p>\n

    Best regards,<\/p>\n

    Bob Thiel<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Many have been confused and used the wrong criteria to assess churches.<\/p>\n

    Sadly, in the end time, in Revelation 3:14-19 Jesus revealed that even most real Christians would use their criteria, not God’s as they would be part of the “people decide” churches (which is basically what Laodicea<\/a> means).<\/p>\n

    P.S. The same former WCG member sent me a follow-up email after I posted this. Here is some of what he wrote (Note: This is a different Mr. … in a different COG than the one alluded to above):<\/p>\n

    ALSO, I’M NOT HAPPY WITH … IN THIS RESPECT—–I’VE BEEN IN THE CHURCH FOR A WHILE AND ONE OF THE 1ST THINGS I NOTICED IS THAT THEY HAVE LEFT OUT 1\/3RD OF THE BIBLE AND THAT PERTAINS TO PROPHECY. I KNOW THIS PANDEMIC CAUGHT THEM UNAWARE AS MR. … DIDN’T CALL FOR A PRAYER AND FAST INTIL THE PANDEMIC WAS IN FULL FORCE. SOME WATCHMAN

    I WROTE A PERSONAL LETTER TO MR. … ADVISING HIM THAT ALL SCRIPTURE IS TO BE TAUGHT, AND HE NEEDS TO CRY OUT AND SPARE NOT. THE LATEST ISSUE OF OUR MAGAZINE FINALLY WOKE THEM UP AS THERE WERE SEVERAL MEANINGFUL ARTICLES REGARDING THE TIMES AND PROPHECY ALSO, HE SAID THAT THEY NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB IN BEING A WATCHMAN. THIS IS THE 1ST TIME IN 25 YEARS THAT THEY STARTED TO WAKE UP ON PROPHECY.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    My response to the above was to tell him that the COG he attends as well as a group that came out of it do not teach much about prophecy. They also have a lot of prophetic errors. For details on 50+ prophetic errors that the groups other than CCOG have, check out the article: Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?<\/a><\/p>\n

    We also have a sermon discussing them: 50+ Laodicean Prophetic Errors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    We also have a short animation related to churches that some may find to be of interest:<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    \n9:17 <\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n

    Which Church would Jesus Choose?<\/a><\/h3>\n
    \n
    \n
    If you are looking for a true Christian church, how should you choose? Should you choose based upon any building(s) used? Is the criteria in the Bible? What are some widespread ‘doctrines’ that many churches teach that were not part of the original faith? Do Christians go to heaven upon death? Were early Christians militaristic? What about tradition? This animation addresses those issues and more.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Here is a link to the animation: Which Church would Jesus Choose?<\/a><\/p>\n

    More information can be found in the following:<\/em><\/p>\n

    How does the Continuing<\/em> Church of God differ from other Sabbatarian COG groups?<\/a> There are scores of different groups claiming to be Church of God. How is the Continuing<\/em> Church of God different?
    \n    Attending the Church of Choice<\/a> 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?
    \n    Why is there a Philadelphian remnant of the true Christian Church of God?<\/a> Did the old Worldwide Church of God essentially predict a Philadelphian remnant? Is a Philadelphian remnant needed for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled? Here is a link to a related sermon: The Philadelphia Remnant<\/a>.
    \n    How Do I Become a Member of the Continuing<\/em> Church of God?<\/a> This article has scriptures, links, and other information for those interested in being part of the CCOG. Here is a link to a related sermonette: 10 Steps to Be a Member of the CCOG<\/a>.
    \n    Unity: Which COG for You?<\/a> 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? Here is a link to a related sermon:\u00a0Church of God Unity<\/a>.<\/span> Here is a related article in the Spanish language: Unidad: \u00bfCu\u00e1l Iglesia de Dios para usted?<\/a>
    \n    Why is the Continuing<\/em> Church of God a corporation sole?<\/a> What is a ‘corporation sole’ and why is this a better organizational choice?
    \n    False Conversion!<\/a> Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong<\/a> wrote an article on this important subject–but more scriptures have been added to it. How can you tell false conversion? A related video is also available: False Conversion<\/a>.<\/span>
    \n    Is God Calling You?<\/a> This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is a link to a related sermon: Could God be Calling You?<\/a> A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?<\/a>
    \n<\/b>    Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing<\/em> Church of God Differs from Protestantism<\/a> The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real <\/em>Church of God differs from mainstream\/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History<\/a>; The First Protestant, God\u2019s Command, Grace, & Character<\/a>; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon<\/a>; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter<\/a>; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism<\/a>; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday<\/a>; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God\u2019s Plan<\/a><\/a>; Seventh Day Baptists\/Adventists\/Messianics: Protestant or COG?<\/a>; Millennial Kingdom of God and God\u2019s Plan of Salvation<\/a>; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats<\/a>; The Godhead and the Trinity<\/a>; Fleeing or Rapture?<\/a>; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences<\/a>.
    \n    Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing<\/em> Church of God?<\/a> Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. [Portugu\u00eas: Qual \u00e9 fiel: A igreja cat\u00f3lica romana ou a igreja do deus?<\/a>]<\/span>
    \n    Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
    \nSimilarities and Differences Between the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> Both groups claim to represent the original Christian faith. Do you know much about them? Both groups have some interesting similarities, but many major differences. Would you like information on how to deal with Jehovah’s Witnesses?
    \n<\/a>    Messianic Judaism Beliefs Differ from the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> Both groups keep the seventh-day Sabbath<\/a>, but have important differences in doctrines and practices. Here is a link to a related sermon: Messianic Jewish Beliefs<\/a>.
    \n    SDA\/CCOG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666<\/a> The genuine Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White. Did Ellen White make prophetic errors? Did Ellen White make false prophecies? Here is a version in the Spanish language: SDA\/COG Diferencias: La bestia de dos cuernos de Apocalipsis y 666<\/a>. Here is a sermon in the English language: CCOG and SDA differences and similarities. <\/a>
    \n    Seventh-day Adventist President Ted Wilson’s Comments on the Remnant Church<\/a> Ted N. C. Wilson spoke on the SDAs striving to be the “remnant church”, but what do the related scriptures actually teach?
    \n    Some Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) and the Continuing Church of God <\/a>The genuine Church of God is not related to the Mormons and this article explains some differences and a couple of similarities. Also, might certain LDS prophecies apply to Mitt Romney?
    \n    Differences Between Islam and the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> What are some of the main differences? Are there any similarities? A video of related interest is titled: Islam: Any Christian Concerns or Similarities?<\/a>
    \n    Unity: Which COG for You?<\/a> 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? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Unity<\/a>.<\/span> Here is a related article in the Spanish language: Unidad: \u00bfCu\u00e1l Iglesia de Dios para usted?<\/a>
    \n    Where is the True Christian Church Today?<\/a> This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? <\/a>Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: \u00bfD\u00f3nde est\u00e1 la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy?<\/a> Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE?<\/a> Here is a link in the French language: O\u00f9 est la vraie \u00c9glise Chr\u00e9tienne aujourd\u2019hui?<\/a>
    \n<\/strong>    Continuing History of the Church of God<\/a> This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D<\/a>. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries<\/a>. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuaci\u00f3n de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios<\/a>, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes<\/a>, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw\u2019ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete<\/a>.
    \n<\/strong>    Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders?<\/a> There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them. Here is a related article in the Spanish language \u00bfPor qu\u00e9 estar preocupado acerca de falsos y her\u00e9ticos l\u00edderes?<\/a>
    \n    Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?<\/a> Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: \u00bfTiene la CCOG confirmadas las se\u00f1ales de Hechos 2: 17-18?<\/a> Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l\u2019\u00c9glise Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d\u2019Actes 2:17-18?<\/a> A related sermon in the English language is also available: 17 Last Days’ Signs of the Holy Spirit<\/a>.
    \n    Church of God Leaders on Prophets<\/a> Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets<\/a>.
    \n<\/strong>5.     The Sardis Church Era<\/a> was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D.–but some are still in it. Discusses some early history of the Seventh Day Baptists<\/a>, Seventh-day Adventists<\/a>, CG7-Salem<\/a>, Jerusalem 7DCG<\/a>, and COG-7th Day-Denver<\/a>. Here are two historical sermons: Sardis Church Era: Beginnings, Doctrines, and Leaders<\/a> and Sardis: SDBs, SDAs, & CG7s<\/a>.
    \n6.     The Philadelphia Church Era and Remnant<\/a> Though the era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D., but some few faithful are still in it as a remnant has continued. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God were part of the era, and now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing<\/a><\/em> Church of God<\/a>. Here is a link to a related sermon: Philadelphia Church Era: History & Teachings<\/a>.
    \n7.     The Laodicean Church Era <\/a>has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present.–and most end time Christians are part of it. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots.\u00a0 They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation<\/a> if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 50+ Laodicean Prophetic Errors<\/a>. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    COGwriter A while back, I received an email from a former Worldwide Church of God member that included the following: I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SOME ISSUES OF MR. …. BELIEF AND APPARENTLY YOU DON’T AGREE WITH. I DON’T THINK THAT ANY OF THESE CHURCHES AGREE WITH OTHER SO WHO DO YOU GO WITH? … SOME […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-101988","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cog-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t