Jesus Christ founded His church (Matthew 16:18), gave it His teachings (Matthew 28:20), proclaimed Himself its leader (Ephesians 1:22), and promised never to forsake it (Matthew 28:20). The Church of God, International is a human organization comprised of members of Jesus Christ's own spiritual church, and is faithful, so far as human frailty permits, to Christ's example, teachings, and directives as recorded in the Bible and further clarified by the influence of the Holy Spirit in the context of the modern world. These statements may sound similar to those made by many other Christian churches, but we of the CGI make one further claim which we challenge any other church to perform: to prove whether its statements are the truth. Let us see how the CGI came to be organized, what we do, and what we believe.

A Very Brief Look at 2,000 Years of History

       In the pages of the New Testament, you read of Jesus Christ founding his church, and of the early exploits of that church. Jesus Christ set the example of serving, teaching and living according to the principles of the Old Testament, not merely on a physical letter-of-the-law basis, but on a higher level— that of a spiritual, mental intent.

       He then opened the way for everyone to live at that level. First, through his crucifixion, death and burial, each of us may obtain forgiveness of our own sins, our own disobedience to God and His commandments. Then, through his resurrection and ascension to the Father, each of us may attain to the glory of eternal life with the Father.

       However, there is much, much more to Christ's personal teaching, and its further expansion throughout the pages of the Bible than that essential kernel. To spread this entire message, Christ selected His apostles, established His church, and sent out His people as witnesses and teachers of His way.

The latter books of the New Testament tell of many of their travels, and of the mighty works they performed through the power of the Holy Spirit.

       However, it wasn't long before false apostles, false ministers, and pagan or perverse doctrines began to subvert the church. The true apostles had to instruct their flocks to "strive for the message once delivered to the saints." But it was a losing battle, so far as the bulk of Christianity was concerned. Down through the centuries more and more of Christ's original teaching has been lost and a great variety of pagan doctrines, customs, and ideas introduced. The result is that today there are hundreds of disagreeing "Christian" sects and denominations, some of which even go so far as to proclaim that one can entirely disregard Christ, His teachings, and all the Bible, and still be on the road to salvation.

       On the brighter side, history records that there have always been small, often scattered, groups of Christians who have rejected pagan ideas and human hierarchies. They have clung loyally and tenaciously to the crystal-clear teachings of Christ and the Bible, and have resisted, often to death, the many attempts to expunge them. As sparkling lights across the dark centuries, one can see such names as the Nazarenes, the Bogomils, the Waldensians, the Church of God 7th Day), and many others.

       Unfortunately, such groups do not last forever. They may simply die out; they may finally yield to the great pressures they are under; or they may forget that we are commanded to continue to "grow in grace and knowledge" and so lose their sense of direction and purpose. Nevertheless, Jesus stated that His church would always exist; the "gates of hell" would never prevail against it. Thus, even in this secular, materialistic, dangerous world, there are still true followers of Jesus trying their utmost to follow His leadership. It is of such that the Church of God, International, is composed.

The CGI: Are We Only a TV Ministry?

       The most conspicuous members of the CGI are the ministers like Vance Stinson, Bronson James, Charles Groce and Bill Watson, who are hosting the "Armor of God" television program. This leaves an impression that they are all there is to the Church. Far from it. All over the United States and in many other parts of the world, (such as the Philippines, Australia, Canada…) there are local church groups meeting on a weekly basis. It is these local church groups, which provide a considerable portion of the resources, which enable our TV Hosts to speak out via the various media and proclaim Christ's good news.

       As is nearly stated throughout the Bible, and reinforced by the example of Christ and the apostles, the day of which Jesus is Lord, the day on which we are to rest from our labors and draw closer to God is the Sabbath (Saturday). So, each Sabbath, numerous CGI church groups meet to fellowship together and hear God's ministers expound the Bible to them. Others, smaller groups watch videotapes or hear audiotapes of sermons sent from the CGI Home Office in Tyler, Texas.

       Local groups may have other activities and programs as the Spirit leads them. However, all celebrate God's own annual commanded holy days: PASSOVER and the FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD, PENTECOST, the FEAST OF TRUMPETS, and the DAY OF ATONEMENT (Leviticus 23). In particular, during the FEAST OF TABERNACLES and THE LAST GREAT DAY , as many as are able to, the entire membership of the CGI meet at various locations to worship God, hear his Word proclaimed, and reinforce our commitment to the Work of the Church everywhere.

Some Questions We Are Frequently Asked

Can I visit with a local church near me?

       Certainly. Everyone is always welcome at our weekly Sabbath (Saturday) services. (Here in the Philippines, write to The Church of God International, Makati Central P.O. Box 2450, Makati City, Philippines 1264 or call Tel. No. (632) 995-0294. See accompanying map). There is never any pressure to join, or to contribute money. Offerings are not taken up during church services except on the annual holy days, the time periods when they are commanded of God (Deuteronomy 16:16).

How Can I become a Member?

       The bible is very clear on this, and its instructions are straightforward: "Repent and be baptized" Acts 2:38). To repent means to profoundly regret the way of life you have been living in disobedience to God's laws, and resolve deep down to live from now on according to both the physical and spiritual intent of those laws. To be baptized means to be immersed completely in water, as picture of the death of your old way of life, your old self, then to be raised, in newness of life, accepting Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour who made this "resurrection from a watery grave" possible by His sacrifice for your sins.

       The minister will then lay his hands on your head, and pray, and God will give you the gift [which is] the Holy Spirit, thus making you His child spiritually, and a member of His church.

What relationship do you have to other denominations?

       We are in accord, or try to be, with everyone who is seriously, sincerely, and open-mindedly trying to follow the teachings of Jesus and the words of the entire Bible. We welcome such into our midst and recognize them as our brothers.

       We are, however, no part of any "ecumenical movement" in which different denominations and sects are hoping to unite together by everyone compromising a little on what each person believes.

       There are several church organizations which have similar doctrines to us in many respects. We have been closely associated with some of them.

       Since the time of its "founding" in 1978, dedicated men and women, have continued to perform the work they are called to do. The CGI holds no animosity towards its brothers and sisters in the Worldwide Church of God, and in other "churches of God" and maintains an open door policy.

What are your main doctrines?

       That's a tall order! How can we summarize what the Bible says, and all that the Holy Spirit has further revealed trough historical research, scholarship, and the lives of people who are living according to God's Word? Nevertheless, here are some key themes you may want to look into further.

       Jesus Christ, the Son of God the Father, was the God of the Old Testament. He was conceived, born, lived, and died as human being. His suffering and death paid the penalty for our sins and obtained for us forgiveness. His resurrection to spiritual life and ascension to the Father has opened us salvation and eternal life. Jesus and the Father are one in attitude and intension, and form a family of which a human family is a representation.

       The Holy Spirit, a power sent from God, enters each true Christian, after repentance, baptism, and the laying-on of hands. It begets that person as a child of God, and is an earnest of the resurrection to eternal life, which will occur at the return of Jesus Christ to this earth.

       Repentance and the Christian way of life are defined in terms of God's law, which is holy, just and good, and is summarized in the Ten Commandments and their spiritual intent, as explained in the Sermon on the Mount.

       Man is to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, which in our day means the entirety of the Bible. Living according to the Bible means renouncing many pagan ideas and practices, such as Christmas, Hallowe'en, Easter, and Sunday worship. It also means obeying God's instructions such as observing the Sabbath and the annual holy days, following God's dietary laws, tithing, and living according to the spirit of the loving God with all of one's heart and mind, and loving one's neighbor as oneself.

       The return of Jesus Christ to the earth will occur just at that instant in time when human life is about to obliterate itself from this planet. It will be preceded by many events prophesied in the Bible, in particular the "Great Tribulation," and it will be part of the "Day of the Lord." The Great Tribulation will be God's punishment for the sins of the modern-day descendants of the ancient house of Israel (long separated from the ancient house of Judah, the Jews). These modern descendants are the United States of America, Great Britain and many former British colonies, and many countries of Northwestern Europe. They are prophesied to be taken into captivity by a combined ten-nation superpower to arise in Europe, the final "resurrection" of the Holy Roman Empire.

       With Christ's return, the righteous will be resurrected from their graves to eternal life; the devil will be thrown into a symbolic pit; and the Kingdom of God will be established on earth for 1,000 years. After this, Satan will be released for a little season, lead another rebellion, and eventually end with him being cast into a "lake of fire." Then all who did not have a chance for salvation in this life will be resurrected to a mortal life. They will at last be given their chance to repent and have an opportunity to become God's spiritual children. Finally, all the incorrigibly wicked will be killed, obliterated forever, when the earth is burned up with heat and all things are made new.

For our Statements of Beliefs click here.

How can I find out more?

       There is so much more that we could write, much of which we have already made available in other literature or on tape. Please request for it.

       Also, the "Armor of God" TV and Radio programs may be seen or heard in many parts of the United States each week in addition to limited radio and TV coverage in foreign countries. The messages are always eye-opening, and often shocking.

       A final word. We cannot make you a member of God's church. God must call you, and you must accept His calling. However, we will do all we can to help you along the path to the glory of eternal life as a member of the family of God, with Jesus Christ, our Elder Brother and the Captain of our salvation, and God, our Father and giver of all blessings.