Herbert W Armstrong

  What message comes to us from the Millerite movement in the USA in the mid 1800’s onwards? In this commentary I show how we learn important lessons from the Millerite movement.  I propose to explain the experience of notable actors of that time, and draw conclusions. I discuss the behaviors of Miller; those who followed such as E G White and other Adventists who adopted and amended his theories, Nelson Barbour who was an Adventist having an influence on C T Russell who founded the Watchtower.  I include Herbert W Armstrong because - although he came later than these others - there was a connection and he deserves mention for reason of the fact he surpassed the others in the making of a never ending stream of false prophecies during his fifty plus years of preaching things religious. The message , as I will show - given their teachings and behavior - are the dangers a believer faces when allowing such forecasters/prophets/interpreters of prophecy to have an influence in ...

The Jewish Encyclopedias shows there were three kinds of tithes: (1) that given to the Levites as stated in Num. xviii. 21  et seq  and termed "the first tithe" ("ma'aser rishon"); (2) the tithe which was to be taken to Jerusalem and there consumed by the landowner and his family, and which was termed "the second tithe" ("ma'aser sheni"), it being taken from what remained after the first tithe had been appropriated; and (3) that given to the poor ("ma'aser 'ani"). Therefore two tithes were to be taken every year except in the seventh year: Nos. 1 and 2 in the first, second, fourth, and fifth years; Nos. 1 and 3 in the third and sixth years.’’ The scriptures are in Leviticus 27: 31-33, Numbers 18:21-32 and Deuteronomy 14:22–27 and 26:12, I note Wikipedia “ Tithes in Judaism ” has a detailed commentary on tithing and it conforms with the extract from the Jewish Encyclopedia. I make some comment on this system: Money became...

I compare his teachings to the scriptures. And mainstream Christianity in areas such as the Gospel, born again, the Kingdom of God , to mention a few.   There are links   within this document for your further reading and interest.  It takes you to a post I have made in Quora. 

The apostles taught of this kingdom of God as we read in many places.  For example in Acts 28 verse 31 regarding Paul : ‘’ He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance !’’ Matthew is the only Gospel writer to use ‘ kingdom of heaven ’. Mark, Luke, and John use the term ‘ kingdom of God ’. I discuss this briefly in the link here which takes you to my article in Quora.

  Hebrews 4 The Promise of Rest I will seek to understand the meaning of ‘’rest’’ in this chapter of Hebrews in two ways. Firstly, by looking at the meaning of the verses themselves; Secondly, by seeking to understand the ‘’sabbath rest’’ by looking at the context of ch 4 to the letter to the Hebrews. Please read here . 

Armstrong, his Worldwide Church of God, and the many offshoots in existence today, insist on a Wednesday crucifixion. A Wednesday crucifixion idea is also held by other churches, not only Armstrong organizations.  Armstrong uses it to criticize the more commonly held belief of Friday.  It is important to address the counting method associated with this theory which requires there be a third night, based on Matthew chapter 12 (Jonah). This verse is emphasized  by the proponents of the Wednesday crucifixion, and it is critical to consider whether their counting method is supported by the scriptures/custom generally. All of the other verses concerning the timing of the crucifixion need to be considered.   I examine the theory  in this link . It takes you to a Post I have made on Quora.  There is another commentary within my Blog site wherein I examine Matthew chapter 12 in some more detail.  

  Herbert W Armstrong founded the Radio Church of God in 1934 - later to become Worldwide Church of God. He made prophetic statements in the first year of operation and they were a regular part of  The Plain Truth  magazine. Prophecy was to be a big part of his plans. A clever technique was developed by Armstrong to explain away the many prophetic failures that came to exist. Also adopted by offshoots like Restored Church of God, United Church of God , Philadelphia church of God and others who still operate today. The propaganda tool I inform you about had limited use in other churches, but developed into an artform by these worldwide churches because of the big number of Armstrong’s failed prophecies. Thus, a most interesting analysis is possible of the method Armstrong’s church responded to his many prophetic failures. We gain valuable insights into their behavior and, most importantly, their credibility and moral standing. Please read here .