Tap Dancing Ambiguous COG Prophet Says Petra May Not Be The Final Place Of Safety, But It Could Be, Maybe...

 

There is one thing that self-appointed Church of God prophets are good at is tap dancing around certain subjects. Unlike the real prophets of old, who actually predicted things, our crop of self-appointed ne'er-do-wells, tap dance around and make ambiguous thought-farts on how they think things should be.

Today, the Church of God's biggest know-it-all is trying to get you to believe that Petra may not be the final place of safety. Nothing sets Armstrongsm apart from most of Christianity than this pet doctrine.  For decades, thanks to Loma Armstrong, the church has taught that right before the tribulation hits that all of the countries of the world would expel Church of God members and ship them off to Petra where they would receive special training to be kings, priests, and god's in some magical world to come.

Then the church imploded and hundreds of self-appointed gurus set themselves up as the one and only true Church of God. This created a massive public relations crisis in the COG movement. How could they ALL claim that they alone were going to Petra? Who was going to be in charge when they all showed up at once and started their little bitch fests and power struggles. What a nightmare scenario this presented! Then, to top that off, there were Christian outside the Armstrongite movement that also belive in Petra as a place of safety. How can the true Christians share Petra with so-called Christians?

James Malm solved that problem and claimed his few followers were going to go to Pella. Other COG ministers claim people will be protected in place, wherever they are.  Today, we have the Great Bwana to Africa and Savior of 299 Caucasians trying to convince us that Petra may be just a stopping off point as true believers move on to a new location at Bozrah.

Where might the place of safety in the wilderness be? 

 

Someone asked me about the possibility of Bozrah being the “place of safety.” 

 

Many have wondered if Petra could be the place. 

 

After doing some scriptural research, I ran across the following warning about Petra and Bozrah possibly being the place from Tim McHyde: 

 

Is Petra the “Prepared Place” of Safety For Israel or You? 

 

Petra, Jordan was once the stronghold of the Edomites and later the capital city of the Arab Nabateans. … 

 

Will Petra become the number one safe destination of Israelites in the end times, as well? Some people think so and feel they have Bible prophecy to back this up. 

 

The most popular version of the speculation around Petra is that the Jews escaping from the Battle of Armageddon will find refuge there. Some Old Testament passages mentioning the city are used to support this idea … 

 

Others, believe Petra to be the place that the “true church” will be protected in fulfillment of Revelation 12. 

 

Both views argue based on Scripture and the city’s excellent defensive structure. It is mountainous and its main entrance is a long narrow rock wadi, called the Siq. What better location for people to be safe from attack, right? 

 

Supporters also claim that the city could hold 144,000 people, the number of Israelite evangelists listed in Revelation 7 and 14. The Worldwide Church of God believed that there would be 144,000 of their members who made it to there. 

 

The Petra theory has its appeal. But is it truly grounded in Scripture or even realism? …

If you search the Bible for the name of the city Petra, you will not find it. Instead of that modern Greek name for the city, you have to search for the Hebrew equivalent, Sela (or Selah). Both words mean rock. … 

 

It seems like the main basis of the Petra speculation is the area’s natural features. .. The springs have dried up long ago. … 

 

As far as how many people can comfortably live there, it’s woefully inadequate. This is a small city with an estimated past top population of 20,000. Whether you think Israel or Christians will be sent by God there, it equals far, far more than 20,000 or double that. The remnant of either Israel or the church is more likely to be in the millions. … 

 

As for the theory about Israel fleeing the land before Armageddon, that also is problematic.

A little later the doubly-blessed self-appointed prophet proclaims:

While I do agree, based upon many scriptures, that Jordan seems to be the place and God will likely use a prophet to say when (and where), I disagree with the author’s view on many points–Jordan, to cite one example, will NOT be evacuated. But I do agree that Revelation 12:14-16 is talking about protection for faithful Christians and NOT physical Israel. As far as the old Worldwide Church of God goes, it speculated, but did not insist, on Petra being the place. 

 

Petra is large enough for the Philadelphian Christians to be protected–and they are the ONLY Christians promised protection from the Beast (cf. Revelation 3:7-10)–most Christians will NOT be protected (cf. Revelation 12:14-17). 

Nothing frosts the butts of self-appointed COG prophets more than having to accept there might be other non-COG Christians, or worse yet, other COG members there when they arrive. 

The reason I found this article was because of looking for views of some on the place of safety and Bozrah. 

 

As far as Petra or Bozrah go there are several clues in the Bible that suggest that a Jordanian location makes sense. But part of this is based upon where the place of protection is not.

Isaiah thus indicates this place will be a fortress of rocks for those that escape from the nations (note: the escaping from the nations suggests that groups with origins in CGI, such as ICG and CEM, are in error for teaching that God intends to protect people where they are). 

 

It is also of interest to note that those that escape will be assembled–they are not lone independents–this is also consistent with Zephaniah 2:1-3

Gather yourselves together, yes gather together, O undesirable nation, Before the decree is issued, Or the day passes like chaff, Before the day of the LORD’s fierce anger comes upon you, Before the day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you! Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD’s anger. 

 

The Hebrew words translated as Zephaniah means “Yahweh Hides” or “Yahweh Has Hidden” (Holy Bible: Vine’s Expository Reference Edition, p. 826). Notice that a decree is issued, apparently by a church leader–and I believe that the leader will be part of the Continuing Church of God. This would seem to happen after the gospel has been preached enough to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14), Jewish sacrifices are stopped, and the abomination is set up (Daniel 9:27; 11:31) per Jesus’ statements in Matthew 24:15-16. 

 

It remains my prayer that those who are Philadelphians and are scattered in groups will soon assemble together, before it is too late.

A little later Bwana Bob talks about Bozrah.

In terms of its location from Jerusalem, Petra (Sela on some Bible maps) is mainly south and slightly east of Jerusalem. Bozrah is also in the right general direction, as are other locations in Jordan. 

 

Now it is also possible that the actual place of protection could simply just be near Petra or perhaps the location will be far from it.

In the early days of Armsgtrongism, Petra was not that much of a tourist destination. Now it is packed with hundreds of thousands of tourists a year. Bwana Bob can't have those tourists coming in and gawking as his 299 Caucasians and their 3,000 Africans.

Realize that Petra is one of the leading, if not THE leading, tourist destination in Jordan, hence there could be economic and other factors against that precise location itself (though if only a small amount of Christians flee, that might be tolerable, and even helpful to, the tourist industry possibly as a ‘side-show’ or to be of cultural or prophetic interest). Other than the aspect of caves (which does not mention the amount of caves), it should be noted, that many other areas in Jordan also are in the right direction and fit the description of the place–so it is possible that the Church may flee into Jordan and not stay in Petra, but somewhere else in Jordan or a neighboring area. 

 

It is also possible that the true Philadelphian Christians will stay in Petra for a time and then go elsewhere–and that is something I have written about before.

The thought of having to spend 3 1/2 years listening to Bwana Bob preach as he bounces and flounces is not a sight to imagine or desire. 

Steven L Ross - Where is the Place of Safety? Info needed

 

I received a note today asking for information on the following individual and the article he published. Does anyone have the article and /or know where Steven Ross now is?

The reason I am asking is that a reporter from an internationally known magazine is researching a report/book/podcast on Steven L. Ross in relation to the Petra info spoken about below:

I'm trying to learn more, both about Steven and his split from the church, as well as the church itself. Can you help? Any information is welcome. 

And if anyone who knew Steven can talk to me, I'd love to talk to them. 

Those interested in the Petra doctrine or those who may have relatives or friends hooked on the idea will benefit from an article recently published by the Foundation for Biblical Research. It is titled "Where Is Your Place of Safety?" Written by former WCG member Steven L. Ross, the article is one of the best ever done to disprove the WCG's Petra theory. AR32, June 1985

Wade Cox is being conned by Africans like Bob Thiel...and...Those that preach Petra as a place of safety are "Dumb Dogs"

One would think after all of these years that the crackpots leading various Churches of God would have slithered away into their own little snake pits and would have disappeared.  But no, they still open their mouths and make asses of themselves for our pure entertainment.

This Sabbath we will pause to reflect on the work of God in the World through CCG and what He appears to be doing with us in our various operations.  In this past year we have received reports of quite some amazing growth. We have also had some reports of serious corruption in the ministry in one or two areas. We are dealing with those.

When most COG's talk about their growth they actually post numbers.  Not so with Wade Cox. He claims millions of members and at one time said half of the continent of Africa were members of his own church, even many Muslims.  Yet, he also claims he has no accurate records of how many members he has because he doesn't keep track of them. Apparently, that's the duty of his god.

With all those millions of people joining up with this most righteous and holy man the church has ever had in charge, there are snakes coming in trying to take advantage of this great man!  Who would have guessed?????  They have been doing the same thing to Bob Thiel and other Sabbatarian Churches throughout Africa for decades. Adventists know this but apparently, COG leaders are too stupid to know this.

This super righteous church leader claims he has the authority to place these dishonest people into the second resurrection.  Hilarious!  As if ANY COG leader can make that decision or even be a part of that discussion.  It is not a reality.

We will have to consolidate the new people coming into CCG and prepare them for the First Resurrection. There is quite a serious responsibility placed on church officers in getting people ready for the Kingdom.  Lying to the Church is lying to the Holy Spirit and whilst it may seem to confer some short term advantage it merely ensures that the ministers who lie or fail to discharge their duties or seek to gain advantage by dishonesty will merely be placed in the Second Resurrection as were almost the entire Sardis and Laodicean systems as we see from Revelation chapter 3.  Like any serious competition, we all run the race to win but we all seek to take the weakest over the line with us together as a body. The Holy Spirit will sort us out so as to enable that to occur.

It is worthwhile noting some very interesting aspects to what God is doing. He appears to be sending the Holy Spirit (No. 117) into the nations of Africa and to a lesser extent Asia.  At present God is letting the “Developed Nations” wither on the vine and they are being allowed to fester and rot with their riots and thefts and abortions and murders. They are not able to stand before the truth and seem unable to face the future. The aspects of false witness under the Ninth Commandment seem not to phase these people as they use their lies and defamation to mitigate against what we are telling the world as though that will ease the reality of what is before them.  God declared Sardis dead and He spewed them and Laodicea out of His Mouth. God seems about to destroy much of the world structure.

Cox is such a miraculous leader that absolutely NO ONE in his entire cult has COVID-19.  NO ONE!  That might be true if he would admit he has less than 100 members instead of multiple millions around the world.

The rivers and oceans have still to be turned increasingly to blood and we are now moving forward in our development.  We have untold numbers now but we have little strength.  Our people are poor but dedicated.  God is protecting us.  We have had no COVID-19 infestations to date. That is an amazing feat of God’s protection. Even in the many refugee camps and among our hundreds of thousands there is no pestilence among us to date.

Cox then takes a swipe at all COG leaders and groups that preach the Petra doctrine or "place of final training" or "place of safety."

Many of the offshoots seem to still believe that God will take them all to a ‘Place of Safety’.  They have asked their ministry where the Place of Safety (No. 194) is, and when they are to go there, but these false prophets have no idea and they cannot answer, other than so say they do not know. Now hear the Word of God you dumb dogs: There is no Place of Safety save in the Hand of God. As the Spirit said through Christ:”you will not have finished fleeing through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes” (Mat. 10:23).  Even then there will be no joy for you, as you will then face the tribulation and will not be spared.  

Rejoice in your calling ye Sons of Israel and Sons of the Living God. It is by and through the Law and the Testimony that you are called and made part of the Elect (Isa. 8:20, Rev. 12:17; 14:12).

Do not be discouraged. Now you see your calling.  There are tough times ahead but you will be taken through it in the faith. Discouragement is the weapon of the adversary. Put on the whole armour of God and prepare for what lies ahead of us.

Wade Cox
Coordinator General

The best thing any COG member could do to stop the constant discouragement they deal with is to LEAVE the church and regain your sanity! Hundreds of thousands of the  8 decades of the church have.

Robert Ardis On the Jews, GTA, HWA, and Petra

In all the weird things that have been said over the years by various splinter cult leaders of Armstrongism I have never heard the following comment before.  It is by Robert Ardis who runs Church of God's Faithful.  In his Midnight Cry rag he writes:

In Mr. Ted Armstrong’s message so long ago, he was
describing in his inimitable manner the plight of the European Jews in the
late 30’s and early 40’s as they were first subjected to Adolf Hitler’s and
Heinrich Himmler’s final solution.

Mr. Armstrong stated that if a forceful warning message and vivid mental
pictures could have been given them of the atrocities that lay directly
ahead for the Jewish people in the Warsaw ghetto and the death camps
of Dachau, Buchenwald, and Auschwitz et al—and if they had heeded
that warning—they could have escaped that most horrible time where
SIX MILLION Jews, men women, and children perished in the gas chambers
and ovens and other evil means of mass-murder by which they died!
Mr. Armstrong very passionately exclaimed; “they would have come and
‘kissed the feet’ of those who delivered the warning message”!

The message that is being delivered here is that if the Jews had heard the warning message from a true church leader i.e., GTA/HWA then they would not have went onto the death camps but instead would be kissing Herb's and Ted's feet for giving them such a warning.

The things that come out of Armstrongites continue to amaze me.

Of course this is coming from the same ministurd that is declaring that Petra is NOT the place of safety but is Mt Sinai (Mt Horeb) in Saudi Arabia.

Can you imagine a bunch of Armstrongites marching into Saudi Arabia with Bible in one hand and a copy of Mystery of the Ages in the other.  Can you imagine the reception they will receive!  Of course I probably forget that the Saudis would be so in awe of the Armstrongites that they would bow to them all as the true people of God.

Moses fled from Pharaoh into Midian (Ex 2:15). Forty years later, Moses and the slave Nation of Israel fled from Pharaoh (Ex. 14:5). God led them by a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day (Ex. 13:21-22). God brought them completely OUT of EGYPT on the last Day of Unleavened Bread. The huge multitude of Israelites, men, women, and children, their flocks and herds were miraculous brought to SAFETY by the Eternal God. They crossed the Red Sea at the Gulf of Aquaba---and entered the Land of Midian---Saudi Arabia of today!

Ardis goes on to write for all you disbelieving heretical Laodicians out here:

To date, the CGF has new knowledge that no other group embraces. This knowledge is often blatantly rejected.

Notice God’s stern warning to those who insist on discrediting or resisting God’s knowledge:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee… (Hos. 4:6).

These are strong uncompromising words from God the Father! If we reject any of His knowledge, we will not be ‘kept from the hour of temptation’. It’s as simple as that!

Once more we get to see the fear factor of of Armstrongism at work.  Scare the shit out of people to keep them in line.  Reject Ardi's bullshit and your salvation is at risk!

I reject the crap of Ardis and have absolutely NOTHING to fear from his weak, irrelevant, impotent little god.