Personal from Mark Armstrong:
You hold in your hands the very first issue of Twenty First Century WATCH to be produced since the death of the founder of this publication, Garner Ted Armstrong. But, you will see that it follows the pattern that he laid out. It deals with the subject matter he concentrated on, and does so utilizing the insight on world events in the light of Bible prophecy that he left with us all.
The writers he respected and published are represented in these pages, and the work of witness and warning established by Jesus Christ and carried forward by Mr. GTA is faithfully performed on the GTA telecast every week, and in the booklets, tapes, brochures and articles which he wrote and recorded. Those of you who are in close touch with the GTA Evangelistic Association are aware of the successful work being accomplished by the television program. Between 250 and 300 names are added weekly to our mailing list, from individuals among the general public who view the telecast, and contact our offices for the materials offered. As you know, these materials contain some very bold, “religiously incorrect,” sometimes “politically incorrect” truths. Funny thing about unfettered, Biblically accurate, historically accurate truth. It rarely fits religious or political agendas. Consequently, there are many subjects and issues which cannot be dealt with practically by mainstream media, and certainly will not be addressed by mainstream religion.
Garner Ted Armstrong made a career of taking on these very issues. And he did so in the practical, pragmatic way that so reflected his own personality. This approach has found respect and support from many of you who are not afraid to consider the truth on its own merit. To occasionally read and do at least a modicum of study rather than automatically react from a “conventional wisdom” perspective. “Don't believe me, believe your own Bible” was a statement he made often enough, you could call it a motto. My Dad urged his readers and viewers to apply their own intellect to the available facts, not put their faith in any “expert” who insists the Bible doesn't mean what it says.
My Dad left a viable organization with many staunch supporters who have shown their dedication to the work he so capably carried out, and have voiced a strong desire to see it continue according to the “blueprint” he designed. As God provides the strength and the success, this work will continue to grow, and to accomplish the mission before us just as my Dad would have expected.
There is no doubt we live in perilous, historically and prophetically important times. History has shown many examples of fulfilled prophecy, and we've seen examples of duel prophecies, such as the successive emergences of the Holy Roman Empire. It is clear now that numerous events have lined up, and the stage is set for a great many of those things we are commissioned to WATCH for to be fulfilled!
What may prove to be the genesis of World War III is already in progress with the world wide spread of terrorism. Long-standing alliances, dating back to the end of WWII are up in the air as this new “United Europe” and the United States pursue opposing military, financial and political interests. And what a coincidence! Most of the dangers, the disagreements and the challenges ultimately revolve around that relatively small piece of real estate in Jerusalem which is revered and contested by the world’s great religions! Are we witnessing the beginning of the end? How long will it be before we know for sure who is the king of the South, the false prophet, and the exact configuration of the “ten kings” who make up the military arm of the “Beast” power? These are all aspects of the scenario laid out in Bible prophecy and highlighted by the life’s work of Garner Ted Armstrong, and this is the issue of Twenty First Century WATCH he’d have published if he were here to do it!
Our sincere thanks to all of you who have chosen to take an active part in this Work of witness and warning! May God grant His protection and His blessings upon us all.
