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Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong played a pivotal role in the foundation and unity of the Worldwide Church of God, serving as a key figure in God's purpose during the end time. His role, though often unrecognized within the church, was instrumental in delivering a message that initially united the members. Following his death, the church experienced rapid deterioration and scattering, revealing that the unity was centered around Armstrong rather than God. This scattering, seen as a corrective act from God, exposed the spiritual condition of the church, which had drifted from the message Armstrong brought. His message, though delivered by an imperfect man, was part of God's process to call and unite the church, emphasizing that faith must be placed in God rather than in Armstrong himself. The challenge now is to recapture the faith inspired by the message given through Armstrong, focusing it on God to achieve true unity. This involves returning to the original zeal and devotion for the message Armstrong conveyed to revive the church at the end time, ensuring that the faith is lived out in a personal relationship with God.
Was Herbert Armstrong a False Prophet?
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughOver the past few decades, many have wondered whether the late Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986), founder and Pastor General of the Worldwide Church of God until his death, was a false prophet. He made many predictions during his ministry, and many of them have not come to pass. Some were plainly wrong, others vague, and some specific. Rather than labeling them as prophecies or him as a false prophet, his predictions are more accurately described as speculations or theories based on true but insufficient and unclear evidence. Speculation is not sin, and his urgency, combined with predictions based on his understanding of the Bible and world events, is no black mark on his ministry. For those who follow his teachings, knowing he was not a false prophet allows us to continue using what he taught as a base for our beliefs, verifiable from the Word of God. Even if his unfulfilled predictions pass without vindication, his track record is no worse than some of the most eminent church leaders throughout the centuries. He was human, with flawed perspective and imperfect understanding. The vital takeaway is to recapture his sense of urgency for the nearness of Christ's return.
Was Mr. Armstrong an Apostle?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBased on the requirements and evidences of apostles, here is how we can know whether the title is fitting for the late Herbert Armstrong.
Our Calling - The Work of God
Article by StaffHerbert Armstrong wrote that his work was finished, but the work of the church continues. What is our work today? What is God's Work? Where should we focus?
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1996): Scattering
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOver the past twenty years, the church of God has been amply warned of grave dangers, and among those sounding the alarm was Herbert W. Armstrong. He repeatedly cautioned the church, emphasizing the need to awaken to the spiritual decline within. In a sermon on June 24, 1978, to the Pasadena P.M. congregation, he shouted "Wake up!" fifteen times, warning of mortal danger after returning from heart failure. He identified the destructive forces of Laodiceanism and the leaven of intellectualism as driving the division and destruction within the Worldwide Church of God, noting that true understanding comes from divine revelation, not human intellect. Armstrong often stated he had only an average intellect, underscoring that God revealed the truth to him, and he saw the church veering off track due to influences from those prioritizing human wisdom over divine guidance. From 1978 until his death, Armstrong dedicated his ministry to warning the church of its deviation, observing the rise of doctrines within the church that were close to the truth but deceptive enough to mislead many. He recognized the spiritual weakness and lack of response from the congregation, possibly due to his own diminishing health and vitality, or perhaps as part of God's plan to lessen the impact of his words for the church's benefit. On June 24, 1985, exactly seven years after that 1978 sermon, he published "The Recent History of the Philadelphia Era of The Church of God," his final warning to prevent history from repeating itself, though the decline proved worse than he might have imagined. Despite his efforts and those of other faithful ministers, Armstrong could not halt the spiritual famine caused by worldliness and Laodiceanism that overwhelmed the church. Many viewed him as merely an old crank, blind to their own sins and refusing to repent, while the church grew in numbers but weakened spiritually. His warnings, alongside scriptural admonitions and unfolding events, were clear, yet largely unheeded, contributing to the scattering and division that continues to plague the church of God.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnder Herbert W. Armstrong's leadership, the church's public focus was predominantly on preaching the gospel to the world, often overshadowing the feeding of the flock. Although Armstrong did commendable work in nurturing the church internally, he seldom highlighted this aspect in his communications, as his primary concern was public outreach. Towards the end of his life, this emphasis on worldwide preaching intensified, further relegating the internal nurturing of the church to the background. This shift contributed to a widespread belief among members that the church's sole responsibility to God was to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of God globally. In a sermon delivered in mid-1978 to the Pasadena PM congregation, which was later distributed church-wide, Armstrong urgently called for awakening, repeating the plea "WAKE UP!" fifteen times. He recognized that the church was slipping into spiritual slumber under his watch and, despite his efforts, could not fully rouse everyone. His heartfelt appeal for repentance underscored his awareness of troubling undercurrents within the church, a concern that persisted as the church faced external challenges shortly thereafter and continued to struggle up to his death. Historically, the church under Armstrong experienced divisions, even during periods of active gospel preaching. In his early years in Oregon, entire congregations split away, often while he was absent conducting evangelistic campaigns. These divisions were partly attributed to his focus on outreach, as some members deemed it unwise for him to leave and preach elsewhere. A significant split also occurred in 1974 while Armstrong was en route to the Philippines to preach, demonstrating that preaching the gospel to the world did not inherently prevent fragmentation within the church.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe easiest part of God's work is preaching the gospel to the world. Much more demanding is the feeding of the flock, producing life-changing faith.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo preach to the world and ignore a disintegrating flock is like a husband and wife paying attention to other people while the family is falling apart.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe primary focus at this time is the repair of the faith once delivered that has seriously deteriorated because of heresy, apostasy, and Laodiceanism.
'Go Ye Therefore Into All the World...'
'Ready Answer' by StaffTo understand Jesus' command, we need to examine what else He said to the same people. We should also determine just whom He commissioned to preach.
Unity (Part 1): God and HWA
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA major cause in the splitting of the church has been the wholesale rejection of the doctrines Herbert Armstrong, under God's inspiration, restored.
The Handwriting Is On the Wall (Part Two) (2007)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe sheep do not belong to any man or group, but to Christ. It is Christ's responsibility to get the sheep into the Kingdom, not the ministry's.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe preaching the gospel to the world is at best the beginning of a complex process of creating disciples through steady feeding and encouragement to overcome.
What Is the Work?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe work of God does not always stay the same, continually shifting media, techniques, and approaches, similar to the Israelites following the Cloud.
Lessons from Elijah's Work
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughLike Elijah, we must feed ourselves on spiritual food, preparing ourselves for something beyond our current abilities, listening for the still small voice.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe priorities in Matthew 6:33 indicates that the primary emphasis should be on repentance and overcoming rather than mastering a technicality.
We Are Unique!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur responsibility is to freely choose to follow the revelation God has given us, overcoming the baggage and resistance we have absorbed from the world.
Five Major Problems in the Wilderness
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod did not take ancient Israel by a direct route, and our lives likewise may seem to wander. We must trust God in spite of the detours, following His lead.
The Spirit and the Way
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are being judged by our works, based upon what we know and what we are doing with this knowledge. The more we know, the more God expects from us.
The Beast and Babylon (Part Three): Who Is the Woman?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIs the Woman depicted in Revelation 12 the church, as the church has dogmatically taught? Or is she another prophetic entity that is active today?
How to Know We Love Christ
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot become weary of well-doing, allowing our first love to deteriorate, looking to the world for satisfaction. Here are 8 tests of our love for Christ.
Are We Laodiceans?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsAt day's end, ask how much time we spent communicating with God and Christ and how much time They were in none of our thoughts (Psalm 10:4).
Which Flock?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsWe have hundreds of church groups from which to choose. How do we make that choice? What guidelines do we use? Do we even need to make a choice?
God's Workmanship (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's creation did not end with the physical creation or our election, but God continues to work, giving us the motivation and the power to do His will.
You've Got to Hear What I Heard . . .
Article by Kenneth G. GriswoldSometimes we hear some juicy tidbit, and we have to pass it on! But what if it is not true? Consider these effects of gossip.
Twenty Years On
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn a relatively few years, then, the work of Herbert Armstrong, which had taken about sixty years to build, was dismantled.
This Gospel of the Kingdom Shall Be Preached
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeRegardless of what human instrument God uses, it is the Father who preaches the gospel. If He is not the source of everything in the effort, it is a work of man.
Billy Graham's Death
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Billy Graham was dubbed 'America's pastor.' Four traits that endeared him to people were persuasive oratory, courage, morality and humility.
The Messenger of Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong was single-minded about preaching the Gospel. The scattering of the church could have been caused by members making him a type of idol.
Avoiding Superficiality
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSuccess in spiritual things does not consist in growing large and powerful, but humbly living by faith, overcoming, and yielding to God's shaping power.
God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's hand was definitely involved in the scattering of the church. We should respond by growing and preparing ourselves for His Kingdom.
Ruth's Prophecy
Sermonette by Gary GarrettGod alone determines the course of history. His naming of people is significant, and the book of Ruth can be studied through the lens of the characters' names.
Unity (Part 3): Ephesians 4 (A)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod alone chooses the servants through whom He works His will. Sometimes the rationale God uses for selecting His vessels defies worldly wisdom.
Preparing the Bride
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughA Statement of Purpose and beliefs of the Church of the Great God.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike the four groups of seeds exposed to various qualities of soil, many have heard the true gospel, but few have remained faithful after the onslaught of hardship.
'This Gospel of the Kingdom Shall Be Preached'
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeMany fail to understand that Matthew 24:14 is a prophecy and instead read it as a commission. God will ensure His gospel is preached; we follow His lead.
Unity (Part 5): Ephesians 4 (B)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAdopting a revolutionary stance for the sake of change, variety, or relieving boredom will systematically destroy the faith once delivered.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 all existed simultaneously and the characteristics of five of them will apparently be extant at the return of Christ.
The Sovereignty of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are assured that even though inexplicable things happen in our lives, God is still sovereign. We must develop childlike faith to trust in Him for solutions.
False Gospels
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA major clue for discerning false gospels is that any teaching attempting to change the nature of God or Christ or their doctrines is anti-Christ and false.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has given time to mankind as a gift, manipulating its use for us. The bad as well as the pleasant aspects of life are fashioned for our ultimate good.
A Calendar Summary
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gave us a calendar, assigning the responsibility for its maintenance to the nation of Israel, not to the church or private individuals.
Is God a False Minister?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThose who advocate doctrinal change portray God as a confused and false minister who lacks the power to instruct his chosen leaders to 'get it right.'

The Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod desires to know whether the spiritual remnants will choose His teaching or assimilating into the world, biting and devouring one another.
Indifference and Offering
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Herbert Armstrong used his advertising skill to teach the truth of God, unlike the peddlers of the 'Prosperity' gospel who promise material blessings.
Revelation 10 and the Church's History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 contains the seven thunders and the little book. It serves as an inset, not following a linear time sequence of the book of Revelation.
Going On to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though everything we need in this quest has been given to us, our spiritual growth depends on believing in the promises of receiving the divine nature.