Why Church of God?
One would expect that the most faithful Christian church would use the some form of the name “Church of God.”
Why?
Well, the predominant biblical name of the true Church in the New Testament is “Church of God.” Variants of this expression are clearly stated singular and plural forms in twelve different places in the New Testament (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 10:32; 11:16,22; 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Timothy 3:5,15). The only other singular “church of” statement in scripture is a reference to the “church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23).
Throughout Christian history, the true church has normally used a version of the expression “Church of God” (or “Churches of Christ,” cf. Romans 16:16) though often with another term, like a geographic region (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1) or another word, with it (1 Timothy 3:15).
The Church of God is not just some brand new organization like some claim, but has continued for close to 2,000 years, despite relocations and organizational changes (for details, see also the online book: Continuing History of the Church of God).
Why 7th Day?
There are many in churches that call themselves “Church of God,” but do not have the original apostolic faith.
To be distinguished from many of them, in the 1800s, the term “Seventh Day” was often added to the name “Church of God.”
Why the importance of the seventh day?
Both the Old Testament (Ezekiel 22:26) and New Testament (Hebrews 4:9-11) warn against those that not teach people to observe the seventh day Sabbath.
The Bible shows that God made the seventh day a day of rest (Genesis 2:1-2), later called it the Sabbath (Exodus 16:23-27), and listed it as part of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11).
Jesus kept the Sabbath (Luke 4:16) and was Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28). The Apostles kept the seventh day Sabbath (Acts 13:14; 18:4). The New Testament teaches that, “For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: “AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS” … So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:4,9 NASB).
Theologians realize that early Christians absolutely kept the seventh day Sabbath. More information can be found in the article: The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad.
Protestants and others who tend to not keep the seventh day Sabbath may be surprised to learn that the Church of Rome claims that the Bible endorses Saturday, no scriptures endorse Sunday, but that Sunday was the result of a decision of it made–details are in articles in The Catholic Mirror in the article series titled The Christian Sabbath.
Those striving to adhere to the original Christian faith would continue to observe the seventh day Sabbath today (cf. Jude 3).
Sabbath Related Articles and Sermons
Here are links to some articles and sermons on the Sabbath:
Is Revelation 1:10 talking about Sunday or the Day of the Lord? Most Protestant scholars say Sunday is the Lord’s Day, but is that what the Bible teaches?
The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church? Here is a related sermon video The Christian Sabbath and How and Why to Keep It. Here is a link to another sermon: Fourth Commandment: Saturday or Sunday?
The Sabbath in the first centuries of the Christian Church It has been claimed that, “Sunday was a day highly regarded by ALL Christians by the close of the First Century.” But what about the Bible and church history show?
Early Sabbath Keeping in North America When did Europeans first keep the Sabbath in North America? Did the pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower keep Saturday or Sunday?
How to Observe the Sabbath How should you keep the Sabbath? This is an old article by Raymond Cole, with updated information for the 21st century.
Can You Keep Your Job, Get Your Degree, and Keep the Sabbath? This article has some information on that. Here is a link to a related video titled: Can you keep the Sabbath and your job? What about college?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Michael’s Sabbath Quiz Test and learn a little more about the Sabbath.
Jewish explanation of Sabbath command in Exodus 20 Here are some Jewish comments, with some additional scriptures about how to observe the Sabbath.
Here are links to some articles and sermons on Sunday:
Sunday and Christianity Was Sunday observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians? Who clearly endorsed Sunday? What relevance is the first or the “eighth” day? A related sermon is also available: Sunday: First and Eighth Day?
The Christian Sabbath. This is a series of articles from the Catholic Mirror essentially proving that the biblical Sabbath was Saturday, that the Lord’s day in Revelation 1 is not a reference to Sunday, that the Church of Rome implemented Sunday, and that nearly all Protestants followed Rome. Here is a link to a related sermon: Catholic teachings on the Sabbath, Sunday, and Protestantism.
More items on church history can be found in the free online book: Continuing History of the Church of God.
Prophecy
Here are links to some prophetic items:
JA: “Changing the Sabbath” and the Antichrist Could Daniel 7:25 be related to the Sabbath? A Roman Catholic writer gives his answer.
Greco-Roman prophecies against end time Sabbath keepers Are you aware of Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic prophecies that connect Sabbath keeping with the Antichrist as well as people to be persecuted?
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.
Might the U.S.A. Be Gone by 2028? Are there prophetic reasons to believe that the USA will not last two complete presidential terms? Yes. There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Any connections to the Sabbath? Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028?
More prophetic information can be found at https://www.cogwriter.com. You can also click here to see daily news and prophetic articles.
Sabbath Quizzes and Games
Here are links to biblical quizzes and games, including a couple related to the Sabbath:
Bible Challenger Numerous Bible game.
Bible Challenger Sabbath Quiz This illustrated quiz covers topics related to the Christian Sabbath.
Resurrection of Jesus Christ This is one of the Bible Challenger quizzes that goes over facts and teachings some do not understand.
Self Grading Bible Quiz 15 questions and a report card when you finish.
The Good Samaritan A public domain claymation for younger people.
Paul in Damascus Not a quiz, but a Lego-animation.
John 21 Not a quiz, but (other than a Lego suggesting a long-haired Jesus) a biblical story for young people.
David vs. Goliath A higher level animation for older young people.
Solomon’s Temple This is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.
Nehemiah Animation A four minute, sometimes silly, Lego-animation related to Nehemiah and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
Bible Crossword Puzzle Note: This requires Java script to run.
Who Wants to be a Biblical Millionaire? A sophisticated quiz. Now with over 1,000 questions to help challenge and build your knowledge of the Bible.
Night to Be Observed. This is a CCOG animation, not public domain, related to the Night To Be Observed. It provides historical and prophetic information.
Pentecost Quiz This is a Pentecost quiz based upon the Old and New Testaments in the Bible.
The Antichrist Quiz Do you really know much about the Antichrist?
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
The Ten Commandments Quiz Developed by my son Michael.
Michael’s Day of Atonement Quiz Another free on-line Bible quiz by my son Michael.
Bible Hangman Michael’s most interactive Bible game to date. Another one of his free online Bible games.
Michael’s Sabbath Quiz Test and learn a little more about the Sabbath.
The Original Christian Faith
History (along with scripture) teaches us that the original Christian church:
Kept the seventh-day Sabbath.
Avoided biblically unclean meat.
Accepted Jesus and strove to imitate Him.
Taught the gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Kept the biblical holy days.
Taught the mystery of God’s plan for humans.
Understood that God is only calling some now.
Understood that God will offer salvation to those not called in this age after the millennium.
Understood that the true Christian church could not remain in one location throughout church age.
Did not push or insist on the use of what are called sacred names.
Understood the truth about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Asserted having laying on of hands succession from the original apostles.
Believed that God would manifest His Spirit in the last days.
Only one church today continues with ALL of that original faith AND has truly had the confirmed manifestations of the Spirit as is prophesied in Act 2:17-18. It is called the Continuing Church of God.
Free Christian Books, Booklets, and Videos
Here are links to Christian books, booklets, and videos:
Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.
Continuing History of the Church of God 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. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L Histoire Continue de l Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
Dating: A Key to Success in Marriage, a practical dating guide for Christians This is a scripture-filled dating guide. It discusses many aspects of dating, as well as who to not consider for marriage. Two related sermons are available: The Art of Christian Dating. and No One to Date? Teen Q&A? Engagement? 2nd Marriage? A short animation is also available: First Date: Worldly vs. Christian.
Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen What is faith? Can faith be increased? Are you saved by faith? What about works? Do Christians need to keep the Ten Commandments? What is the ‘faith chapter’? How do the just live by faith? Is faith one of the weightier matters of the law? How does faith come? Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido. In German: Glaube für die von Gott Berufenen und Auserwählten. In French: La Foi pour ceux que Dieu a Appelés et Choisis. Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen.and here is a link to another sermon Faith and Courage. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese N{ÇQsNŽOáNðv„e‡zà. Here are links to the sermons Christian Faith and Increasing Faith.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. This free online book is available in hundreds of languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons: The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
Is God Calling You? 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 short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Is God’s Existence Logical? Is it really logical to believe in God? Yes! Would you like Christian answers to give atheists? This is a free online booklet that deal with improper theories and musings called science related to the origin of the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and evolution. Here is a link to a related sermon: Evolution is NOT the Origin of Life. Two animated videos of related interest are also available: Big Bang: Nothing or Creator? and A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, and The Mystery of YOU.
Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This free booklet contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?
Proof Jesus is the Messiah This free book has over 200 Hebrew prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. Plus, His arrival was consistent with specific prophecies and even Jewish interpretations of prophecy. Here are links to seven related sermons: Proof Jesus is the Messiah, Prophecies of Jesus’ birth, timing, and death, Jesus’ prophesied divinity, 200+ OT prophecies Jesus filled; Plus prophecies He made, Why Don’t Jews Accept Jesus?, Daniel 9, Jews, and Jesus, and Facts and Atheists’ Delusions About Jesus. Plus the links to two sermonettes: Luke’s census: Any historical evidence? and Muslims believe Jesus is the Messiah, but … These videos cover nearly all of the book, plus have some information not in the book. We also have the book translated in the Spanish PRUEBA de que JESÚS es el MESÍAS and French PREUVES QUE JÉSUS EST LE MESSIE languages.
Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays. Two related sermon would be Which Spring Days should Christians observe? and Fall Holy Days for Christians.
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.
Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation Will all get a fair chance at salvation? This free book is packed with scriptures showing that God does intend to offer salvation to all who ever lived–the elect in this age, and the rest in the age to come. Here is a link to a related sermon series: Universal Offer of Salvation 1: Apocatastasis, Universal Offer of Salvation 2: Jesus Desires All to be Saved, Mysteries of the Great White Throne Judgment (Universal Offer of Salvation part 3), Is God Fair, Will God Pardon the Ignorant?, Can God Save Your Relatives?, Babies, Limbo, Purgatory and God’s Plan, and ‘By the Mouth of All His Holy Prophets’.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? 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? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui? Here is a link to a short animation: Which Church would Jesus Choose?
Who Gave the World the Bible? The Canon: Why do we have the books we now do in the Bible? Is the Bible complete? Are there lost gospels? What about the Apocrypha? Is the Septuagint better than the Masoretic text? What about the Textus Receptus vs. Nestle Alland? Was the New Testament written in Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew? Which translations are based upon the best ancient text? Did the true Church of God have the canon from the beginning? Here are links to related sermons: Let’s Talk About the Bible, The Books of the Old Testament, The Septuagint and its Apocrypha, Masoretic Text of the Old Testament, Lost Books of the Bible? and Let’s Talk About the New Testament.
Historical Writings
There has been a continuous keeping of the Seventh day Sabbath from the time of the original apostles to present (see Laying on of Hands Succession and List; here is a link to a related sermon: Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession).
The following are books and articles written by Sabbath-keepers in the 1600s through the early 1900s. While we in the Continuing Church of God would not agree with everything in these writings, they are provided here for historical reference as well as to demonstrate that there have been English-speaking Seventh day Sabbath keepers for centuries:
A briefe refutation of Iohn Traskes iudaical and nouel fancyes Stiling himselfe Minister of Gods Word, imprisoned for the lawes eternall perfection, or God’s lawes perfect eternity This is an attack, published in 1618, by a Roman Catholic priest against a Sabbath keeper named John Traske. The priest objects to Traske quoting scriptures and early Sabbath keepers like Polycarp of Smyrna and Polycrates of Ephesus. This old English document provide proof that Sabbath keepers with certain “Church of God” doctrines were in the British Isles in the 1600s.
Letters from Peter Chamberlen, reports from the Seventh Day Baptists, Adventist matters, Church of God leaders, and writings during the Sardis Church Era. This has materials about the Sabbath keepers from the 1600s to the 1900s,
An Examination of a late book published by Doctor Owen … A Sacred Day of Rest. Now this book was published in 1671 and uses old English, meaning that the letter “f” is often used where we would not use the letter “s.” Also note that some of the first pages of the link are blank on purpose. It was written by a Sabbatarian Church of God leader named William Saller.
A Pious Young Man’s Guide. This was written by John Mauldin who penned a some books in 1708 under the pen name of Philotheos. But this book shows he lost some of the truth consistent with warnings to Sardis (Revelation 3:1-3.
A Threefold Dialogue. This was also by John Mauldin who penned it under the name Philotheos. On pages 26 and 27 he used the expression “Church of God”and on page 32 “Church of Chift” (old English spelling). On pages 30-32 he teaches against the false Calvinistic notion that God will condemn babies. On page 61, he teaches that the resurrection was not on Sunday, but on the day we now call Saturday.
The Hope of Israel was published in the 1800s by Sabbatarians. They were not necessarily in the Church of God and contain some statements the CCOG would not support. Here are links to some that are online:
“Hope of Israel 01.01 (10 AUG 1863).pdf” at: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:188abd6c-c543-4e90-91e3-3cfee13095eb
“Hope of Israel 01.02 (24 AUG 1863).pdf” at: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:2b97e33e-376e-451c-ad40-0f8f00bd55d7
“Hope of Israel 01.03 14 SEP 1863).pdf” at: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:dd04961a-16c6-4461-801e-881a9e2189e2
“Hope of Israel 01.04 (10 OCT 1863).pdf” at: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:3287a62e-1ef4-4b87-a349-e29453b0ea44
“Hope of Israel 01.05 (15 NOV 1863).pdf” at: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:12e466e6-df5c-4565-bf19-c2ca45693c98
“Hope of Israel 01.06 (10 DEC 1863).pdf” at: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:c7a6d6fe-9349-4cdf-bb81-d396a5c3d1d3
“Hope of Israel 01.07 (10 FEB 1864).pdf” at: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:7a7b3cab-6b7d-4efb-bf08-7fde42d8b4a5
“Hope of Israel” quotes on ‘Born Again are in the article: Born Again: A Question of Semantics
Here are a couple snippets from the Sabbath Advocate and Herald of the Coming Kingdom in the 1890s from the Friends of the Sabbath site:
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Here are links to some articles published in 1937 by the Church of God-Seventh-Day:
Speak Evil of No Man by T.J. Allen
The Scripture and Good Works by J.T. Williamson
True Observance of the Lord’s Supper by Darrell A. Davis
When King Jesus Reigns on the Earth by C.O. Stadsklev
Here is a link to articles and magazines published in the 1900s by many writers in the old Radio and Worldwide Church of God from two sources which have a lot: HWA Library and Herbert W. Armstrong Searchable Library.
Peter Waldo, the Waldenses, the Sabbath, and Succession Yes, there is evidential proof that Peter Walso was a seventh-day Sabbath keeper.
Here are links to some historical articles published in the 21st century in the Sabbath Sentinel of the Bible Sabbath Association:
The Sabbath Sentinel: The Didache and the Sabbath
The Sabbath Sentinel: Ignatius and the Sabbath
Christians kept the Sabbath after the New Testament
Sabbath Sentinel: Sabbatarian/Waldensian Apostolic Succession List?
Sabbath Sentinel: Peter Waldo, Waldensians, and the Sabbath
Here is a link to articles mainly written in the 21st century by people once in the Radio, Worldwide, Global, Living, and/or Continuing Church of God COGwriter “… contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered for the saints” (Jude 3).