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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, June 27, 1980
Page 7
Since that event occupied front page banner headlines for several
days, some who do not know the facts have been labeling any or all small
churches, small in membership, as "cults." SMALL CHURCHES ARE NOT "CULTS."
The One True Church
Jesus Christ founded the one true Church of God on the day of Pente
cost, in June, 31 A.D. It began that day with 120 members. It was not a
"cult." Jesus, during His lifetime called those original members "the
little flock" (Luke 12:32).
In the prophecies of the Book of Revelation, two churches are fore
told. One, in chapter 17, a great false church, called in verse 5:
"Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of
the earth." She was pictured as ruling over nations speaking different
languages--large, strong, powerful. The other, the true Church of God,
is described in chapter 12 as a small, persecuted church having to flee
for her safety.
By the year 53 A.D. the churches in Galatia, Asia Minor, now
occupied by Turkey, had already removed themselves from the grace of
Christ into another gospel. The true Gospel of Jesus Christ was being
suppressed from the world by the larger false church.
The true Church of God, holding to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ
and the teachings of Christ and the Apostles, had to go underground, meet
ing for services in secret. Millions were tortured and put to death for
their faith.
But the TRUTH of Jesus Christ and the Apostles was preserved by the
persecuted "little flock," and in its fullness in the Holy Bible.
The Worldwide Church of God today holds to the SAME FAITH, same
doctrines, same customs and practices, as the original Church of 31 A.D.,
under the original apostles.
Meanwhile, your Bible says, Revelation 12:9, the WHOLE WORLD has been
DECEIVED by the invisible Satan the Devil. Yet God's TRUTH has been pre
served in the Bible.
If you would like to see some of that truth revealed and made plain,
why not write for our free booklet, Just What Do You Mean--Born Again?
It will open your eyes, when you see this truth IN YOUR OWN BIBLE!
* * * * * *
(Editor's Note: The preceding article and the following one were origin
ally written for publication in the August PLAIN TRUTH. They are being
printed in advance in the Pastor General's Report at Mr. Armstrong's re
quest. )