In the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3 present messages to the seven churches, reflecting a progression of time through seven consecutive eras, seven first-century congregations, and seven end-time organizations typified by those congregations. These chapters encapsulate conditions within God's church throughout the entire period covered by the book, showing dominant attitudes in each era while other attitudes remain present to lesser degrees. For instance, during the Ephesian era, its attitude dominates, yet the characteristics of Smyrna, Philadelphia, and Laodicea are also evident among individuals or small groups. The Philadelphia era, marked by a vigorous work, is associated with Herbert Armstrong, who was described in a 1974 Time magazine article as thundering a message around the earth, implying strength and vigor in the church's outreach. By contrast, the Sardis era is noted for weakness, with the Church of God Seventh Day lacking significant faith during that time. The Laodicean era is characterized by materialism and self-satisfaction, with an attitude of spiritual complacency that draws a stern rebuke from Jesus Christ, Who is depicted as standing outside, seeking to re-enter the church. Historical events within the church further illustrate this progression. In 1971, significant turmoil emerged, including the temporary cessation of radio broadcasts by Herbert Armstrong on October 9, exactly 38 years after the first broadcast in 1933, marking two nineteen-year time cycles. This event raises the possibility that the Philadelphian era may have ended then, suggesting the beginning of the Laodicean era. Herbert Armstrong himself noted Laodiceanism creeping into the church as early as 1969, indicating a spiritual decline despite numerical and physical growth, with a marked downturn following his death in 1986, when the church's income began a steady decline. Further challenges arose with Herbert Armstrong's 1978 "Wake Up" sermon, urging the church to return to its spiritual track, though attitudinal shifts toward Laodiceanism persisted. In 1989, another significant sermon emphasized preparation over speculation about the end times, yet it resulted in confusion, reflecting the church's weakened spiritual state. Doctrinal changes beginning in the late 1980s and intensifying by 1994-1995 further eroded faith, contributing to splits and a flood of worldliness that strengthened Laodicean attitudes within the church. Revelation 10 introduces the concept of the seven thunders, interpreted as sequential events representing the messages delivered by the seven church eras from Ephesus to Laodicea. These thunders occur before the preaching of the Two Witnesses, indicating that the church's work of preaching the gospel to the world concludes with the Laodicean era, prior to the Tribulation. The focus of the Laodicean era's work shifts inward, aiming to prepare the church itself rather than primarily reaching the world, with the thunder of this era still rumbling weakly within congregations.

Throughout history, the work of God has been accomplished through the latest technology available and the various media of the times. In the last century, God has worked through the printed magazine, radio, and television to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of God. The earliest days of this work began with humble origins, starting with small-town evangelistic campaigns and tiny congregations. The first magazine was hand-copied on a hand-cranked mimeograph, and the initial radio station had minimal reach or audience. When Ambassador College was founded in 1947, its first class consisted of only four students. The history of the church during this last century powerfully demonstrates that when God works through mankind, He starts very small, underscoring the importance of not despising the day of small things.

As our understanding grew, it became evident that the early church did not see themselves as starting a new religion. They were zealous for the law, walking the ancient paths more fully with the teachings of the Messiah. However, a shift in authority occurred over time. History reveals that anti-Jewish sentiment grew among many Gentile groups due to human reasoning and pride. Church leaders began to distance themselves from anything considered Jewish, viewing the seventh-day Sabbath, God's appointed feasts, and obedience itself as problematic. By 325 AD, Roman authorities replaced God's instructions with man-made traditions, substituting the Sabbath with Sunday worship, Passover with Easter, and abandoning God's calendar while redefining obedience as legalism. This blending of foreign customs into worship, which Scripture calls strange and abominable, was accepted and rebranded within Christianity, rejecting God's authority in favor of human tradition. The true church, however, has always taught submission to God's authority, emphasizing a return to His system of worship as He designed it, walking the same path as Abraham, Moses, and the apostles.