Do you know about a church that proclaims itself to be the true church? That’s the Philadelphia Church of God. We are standing in front of it right now. This church has a unique story. It emerged from a split within another religious organization. Let’s dive into the details.
The Philadelphia Church of God began in 1989. Gerald R. Flurry and John Amos founded it. They were former members of the Worldwide Church of God. The church’s name comes from the Bible. It refers to the church of Philadelphia in the Book of Revelation.
The Philadelphia Church of God has spread its message widely. It produces many programs. These include print, online, television, and radio broadcasts. One of its publications is the Philadelphia Trumpet. The church says that tithes and offerings from members fund these resources.
The church also runs affiliated organizations. One is Armstrong College in Edmond, Oklahoma. Another is The Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology in Jerusalem. The institute supports literal interpretations of Biblical archaeology.
The Philadelphia Church of God bases its beliefs on the Bible. It considers the Bible to be the full word of God. The church follows the teachings of Herbert W. Armstrong. Armstrong founded the Worldwide Church of God.
Unlike many Christian churches, the Philadelphia Church of God does not believe in the Trinity. It views the Holy Spirit as the power of God not a separate being. The church also embraces British Israelism. This belief claims that the ancient Israelites are ancestors of the British and Americans. They believe that God has specially blessed these nations.
The Philadelphia Church of God observes the Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. Like Christian Science, the church generally rejects medical care. Its members also refuse to serve in the military.
Gerald Flurry claims to receive new revelations from God. He warns of impending destruction. He directs his warnings toward the United States, Britain, and Israel. These nations are considered “Laodiceans.”
The Philadelphia Church of God separated from the Worldwide Church of God. Since then, some members have formed their own groups. This highlights the church’s evolving history.
Herbert W. Armstrong started the Worldwide Church of God during the Great Depression. At his death in 1986, the church was headquartered in California. Armstrong used media to spread his teachings.
In 1986, Joseph Tkach succeeded Armstrong. Tkach moved the church closer to traditional Evangelicalism. These changes caused controversy and many members left.
A key conflict was the attempt to discontinue Armstrong’s book Mystery of the Ages. Gerald Flurry responded with “Malachi’s Message.” He criticized Tkach’s changes. Flurry and Amos then founded the Philadelphia Church of God.
In 2008, a Fox affiliate in Oklahoma City reported on the church’s apocalyptic message. The report compared Flurry to David Koresh. Church leaders disputed these comparisons.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the church was accused of spreading misinformation online. Gerald Flurry also faced criticism for his predictions about Donald Trump.
In 1997, the Philadelphia Church of God published Armstrong’s Mystery of the Ages. This led to a legal battle with the Worldwide Church of God over copyright. In 2003, a settlement gave the Philadelphia Church of God rights to 19 of Armstrong’s books.
The Philadelphia Church of God is a registered charity. Members contribute ten percent of their income to the church. Most of the church’s income comes from members’ tithes and offerings.
The Philadelphia Church of God stands as a unique religious organization. It adheres to specific interpretations. Its history and beliefs have stirred both interest and controversy. As we leave this place, reflect on the complexities of faith and the diverse paths people take in their spiritual journeys.