LCG's Winnail sent out the following missive the other day:
Are You a Peacemaker? As the world approaches the end of December, we will hear about “peace on earth” and the need for “peaceful relations” among the peoples of the world. Yet, the Bible reveals that human beings do not know “the way of peace” (Isaiah 59:8). In light of this crying need, it is not surprising that a fundamental aspect of Christianity involves learning how to be a peacemaker. Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). The Apostle Paul advised Christians to “live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:17-21). Paul explained that we can become peacemakers by not seeking revenge, by not mistreating others when we are mistreated and by overcoming evil with good. Solomon wisely observed, “A soft answerer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Solomon also stated, “He who covers [overlooks and forgives] a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats [talks about and won’t let go of] a matter separates friends” (Proverbs 17:9). Peter mentions that getting rid of pride and learning to work together with humility leads to peaceful relations with others. Real peacemakers will go to their brother or sister when problems arise and talk things over in a spirit of meekness (Matthew 18:15; James 3:17-18). The Bible reveals that the key to peace and peaceful relations with others is to love and follow the laws of God (Psalm 119:165).Have a profitable Sabbath,Douglas S. Winnail
Maybe we should ask Winnail if his boss is a "peacemaker." Rod has a reputation of being anything but peaceful. He was disruptive and spiteful when he was over the ministry. He was spiteful with Leona McNair which cost the church hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and court judgments. He broke up hundreds of relationships and marriages over the years. He was angry with HWA which caused him to be exiled to Hawaii. He connived and was disruptive behind the scenes when Tkach was bringing the changes down the pipeline. He conspired with various elders and deacons to form Global Church of God while he was still in the employ of WCG. He had a non-peaceful meltdown when Global refused to let him have his way and then proceeded to take all of Global's money when he formed Living Church of God. He was being anything but peaceful when he allowed Raymond and Eve McNair to grovel on their knees in front of him "with trembling lips" begging forgiveness for rebellion against him. His hate filled sermons lead one of his followers to murder five people in Wisconsin during a LCG Church service.
In light of all of that I can easily say that Living Church of God and Rod Meredith are anything but peaceful.
Nor, do I want anything to do with the "peace" they think they have to offer!
5 comments:
These days, considering the aging ministry, shouldn't it be: Blessed are the pacemakers?
Oh boy, more proof texting for law keeping?
None of the verses he cites has anything that relates peace to law keeping except the last and that has to do with personal peace, not peaceful relationships.
Well, OK then: If the LCG has such peacemaking leaders, then they should lead the movement to put all the Armstrongists Churches of God membership back together into one Sabbath Keeping church.
The only way to do this is for all of the leaders of all the ACoGs to walk together and be agreed.
This, in turn, will require compromise, and, in turn, pretty much all the leaders will have to give up their positions of leadership and salary for the good of the whole.
It is the minimum sacrifice Christ would require of them to be peacemakers.
And then we go from there.
The thing to remember about Winnail's idea of "peace" is that it means the following to him:
"I am allowed to preach false doctrine that LCG doesn't teach, but if you do the same you are causing division."
"If you point out that I am teaching false doctrine, you are not a peacemaker. If I disfellowship you for holding fast to what Rod Meredith teaches, then I am a peacemaker."
"If I elevate my liberal buddies and a**-kissers ahead of those who teach what LCG teaches, I am being a peacemaker. If you point this out to Rod Meredith, you are causing division."
"If I attend a Baptist church with my wife on Sundays, I am being a peacemaker by attending with her. If your wife doesn't attend with LCG, I am being a peacemaker by shutting you out of opportunities for leadership."
Jeremiah 6:14,15,
"Peace, peace," they say, when there is no peace. Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush.
Amen to Douglas's proposal for COG unity.
But isn't it unfair to blame Dr. Meredith's messages completely for what happened in Milwaukee? Weren't there other factors?
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