Asplode Alert: UCG Lectures on Lying

Here is a quote from United Church of God on how lying  affects one's health.  This is rich coming from UCG considering the incredible amount of lying that went on when they were apostatizing from WCG in the 1990's and then again when they ruptured with the COGWA split.  Armstrongism has a sad legacy of lying.  Justified lying has always been a fixture of the church, just as it has been in other cults like the JW's and Adventists.

Feel Better – Quit Lying!…
[Steve Myers] There’s a new research study that is just out from the University of Notre Dame. I ran across an interesting article that talked about the “science of honesty” – that’s the name of the study. So, can you imagine that? The science of honesty. And so it involves lying, imagine this. Here’s what the researchers found at Notre Dame. They found that when people manage to reduce their lies – this is over a 10 week period – they reported significantly improved physical and mental health in those same weeks. So they found there’s a direct correlation between not telling lies and feeling better. And it’s an interesting study when you begin to look at the details of this and the effects of lying on our mental and physical health. There is a connection.

[Darris McNeely] And that shouldn’t be surprising to us because lying is certainly something forbidden by one of God’s Ten Commandments “Thou shalt not lie” (Exodus 20: 16 and Deuteronomy 5:20). He put that in there as a very important spiritual principle. And all of God’s law has certain physical connections to our well-being as well as certainly our spiritual relationship with God. So, from a scriptural perspective, that shouldn’t be surprising.

asplode

verb (asplode, asplodes, asploding, asploded; n. asplosion, asplosions)

A mixture of an explosion and implosion, usually affecting only a person's head, though anything is subject to asploding.

It is a spontaneous and violent act, though usually its effects are only temporary, restoring its victim to continue normally or asplode again. An asplosion may occur if a person is overwhelmed by current circumstances, or if the existence of an object must suddenly cease to exist.

Six Hours of Hell With Apostle Malm

The wanna-be apostle and spiritual leader of the true remnant of Armstrongism is doing a "study" on Nehemiah.  One of his acolytes asked for the apostle to explain the hours mentioned in the scripture below.

Neh 9:1-4 “Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.
And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.”
This passage seems to say that the people stood for 12 hours (two fourth parts of the day)while they were either read to or publicly confessed their sins. How could that be given the limits of human endurance and the biological necessities common to all people?


I suppose that there were certainly some comings and goings by individuals and maybe official breaks as well. Also please consider that this is talking about daylight and not a 24 hour day. I doubt very much that they were trying to read in the middle fo the night, in the dark while most were nodding off.
Twelve hours of daylight divided by four would be three hours or just a bit longer than a standard COG service today. Then a break of about three hours for personal prayer and discussion, followed by another three hour service in the afternoon. This may have been even shorter than three hours each, as I would think that the scripture here was a general estimate concerning the timeframes.

Imagine three and half years in Petra spending six hours every Saturday listening to a Malmite preach the law.  The lake of fire looks really appealing!

Kay Hawkins Writes About Life In House of Yahweh Cult

Author House Link

Armstrongism has a long track record of weird splinter cults splintering off.  To date there are estimates of well over 600 different groups all from the original Radio Church of God.  Many are benign and have quickly died out from lack of relevance.  Others have been larger in numbers when they are formed by charismatic leaders.  Many of these turned into dangerous splinter cults that have lead to untold misery and hardship.  One such splinter cult is The House of Yahweh, centered in Abilene, Texas and led by Yisrayl Hawkins, a former Armstrongite.  Hawkins has been in jail for bigamy, child abuse and other accusations.

This month sees the release of a new book by Hawkins former wife, Kay Hawkins, and details the inside workings of this dangerous splinter cult of Armstrongism.

Silenced has an entry today about the book:  Kay Hawkins Speaks Out

Amazon has this to say: The House of Yahweh My Side of the Story

Publication Date: July 27, 2012

 

Many years have elapsed since I was excommunicated from The House of Yahweh in Abilene, Texas. In the interim, this religious organization has come to be known as the largest doomsday cult in America. How did The House of Yahweh, Abilene, get this sordid reputation? As you read, you will come to understand. 

Buffalo Bill Hawkins, now known as Yisrayl B. Hawkins, the Elder and Overseer of this organization, declared to me, "I am The House of Yahweh." 

He also declares, "I am without sin." The scriptures in the editions of the bible that he now publishes have been rewritten, cleverly twisted to fit his own personal doctrines. The scriptures plainly show that you will "know him" by his fruit, in other words, by what he has produced. I am sharing these "fruits" with you. 

How did this organization begin? Why do people who seem rational, who seem to have a sound mind, get wrapped up in something that Yisrayl Hawkins has caused The House of Yahweh to become? Why do these people change their last names to "Hawkins?" Why do they pierce their ear to a door of The House of Yahweh building in order to go into servitude to a mere man? Why do the men secretly practice polygamy? How would a person stay in a religion like this? Why did I stay as long as I did? Why did I leave? I am writing my personal account to tell you my side of these events. 

I was there at the beginning when The House of Yahweh was actually a wonderful place to be. I was also there when things slowly began to change for the worse, like a frog placed in a cool pot of water which the fire slowly brings to a boil.

Van Robison on "The Curse of Conformity"

The Curse of Conformity

It is human to conform to others.  Many conform to every type of religious belief on earth, as well as to every political belief on earth.  Millions conform to whatever church they attend or whatever religious belief they have been indoctrinated with from birth.  Conformity is no guarantee of truth, it is just a fuzzy feeling.  Many have conformed to communism or any other form of "ism" on earth, whether it is political or religious.  Many human beings have a difficult time coping with being on the outside of conformity, while a few buck the system and defy conformity.

It is obvious that atheists are not conformists to the beliefs of millions of church goers.  Churches by their very nature tend to expect conformity and should anyone not conform, they are most likely to be shown the exit door. Churches by their very nature are in reality CENSORS.  Churches do not want independent thinkers, those who question the status quo or those who buck the system.  Churches only want those who conform and who submit to the false authority of the self-deceived power-mongers who stand in the pulpits and pretend to be "masters" of all knowledge and all truth in regards to God.

It is not only the pulpit-masters who are self-deceived, but those who warm the pews who are deceived in the extreme, to think that some human being represents God to them for life.  If Jesus Christ is indeed MASTER based upon Matthew 23, then where do human "pastors" come into play?  It is really pure stupidity to think that some human being, who will end life in the grave yard and in a casket, is God in the flesh.  Herbert W. Armstrong, along with many other names that so many have considered as "prophets", "apostles", "bishops" or whatever, have all ended life on earth by returning to dirt.  Why place faith in dirt?

Van Robison

Apostle Malm Begging For More Money For Major Advertising Campaign

Mooching off of members seems to be the favorite method of surviving for almost all COG splinter cult leaders.  Apostle Malm is no different. 

The apostle is gearing up for a major war in the middle east with the world against the Muslims.  When this happens it will demonstrate to the world that the apostle was right in his prophetic utterances and will therefore be major player in the end times warning.

He writes:

I have mentioned several times in the past that I plan a big advertising campaign with Banner ads and full page pop unders at Religious, News Media, Education and other web sites when this war gets under way.  At that time people will be intensely interested in the news and prophecy and will at least take a good look.  Of course, this is in the nature of fulfilling our commission in spreading the true Gospel message of  Warning and Repentance and is not expected to gain any converts at this time.

It is in preparation for this once in a lifetime opportunity, that this new Outreach Site has been built and is being filled with sound doctrine etc and being upgraded.

God has also inspired an advertising syndicate that I have used in the past, to extend to me a phenomenal half price reduction on their already very good prices for September.  I intend to buy at least 10 million page views of the Outreach Site front page.  Of course this costs money and I can do more if more funds come in.

Sikh Murders Being Compared to LCG Murders

The Journal Times out of Racine, Wisconsin had this today:

Today, we are all Sikhs.

You don’t think so?

What’s to stop a man, filled with hatred, from showing up at your church next Sunday because he doesn’t like how you look or what you believe in?

Do you think it won’t happen to you because you’re a Christian in a Christian-majority nation? Tell that to the survivors of the seven members of the Living Church of God in Brookfield — not all that far from the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek — killed by a fellow congregant on March 12, 2005. Journal Times editorial: Sikh shooting affects all of us

I think the difference would be is that the Sikh killings was done by a white supremacist skin head, while the LCG murders were done by one of their own who had been pushed over the edge by Rod Meredith's sermons.

Kyle Gilchrist and Wayne Pyle

For those who may know them:

Kyle Gilchrist

·        We received the shocking news tonight that Kyle died in a gun accident. He was so careful with guns that we find it inexplicable, but it doesn't change the reality. We are struggling with the loss of our son so please excuse using an email to share the news.

·        The Gilchrist family thanks all of you for your prayers, love & concern. As my husband has often said, this changes nothing insofar as the Truth, our Purpose, our Calling, & our hope in God’s soon coming Kingdom. Our dearly loved son, Kyle, is asleep in Christ, awaiting the resurrection, & we look forward to being the first ones there to welcome him back.

Please understand that we’re struggling with the shock & reality of losing our son, so we may not be able to take every phone call, or answer every email. We’re deeply touched & comforted by your love & prayers. Thank you from all of us.

 

Wayne Pyle

FYI, if you haven't heard Wayne Pyle is now in hospice. He might have a couple of weeks. Not eating anything because the cancer is in his stomach and digestive tract. So, it appears he is in the final stages of his battle with cancer.

"stench coming from PKG teachings should have us all vomiting"

Dave Pack is wetting his pants again over another defecting minister.  Apparently one of Ron Weinlands ministers has had his eyes anointed and seen the light.  He has jumped the sinking ship of Weinerdudeland to join up with the worlds most earth shaking ministry lead by God's most perfect earthly messenger.

Adrian Gray from New Zealand is ready to start his stay in the reeducation camp in Wadsworth, Ohio.

Gray writes:

Dear Brethren,

I am a senior elder in The Church of God – Preparing for the Kingdom of God (PKG). Both my wife and I have been deeply troubled over the last number of years with the teachings of Mr. Weinland.

As is often the case, our concerns started with a question about one doctrine, but this one problem quickly grew into many, and then became a virtual avalanche of questions. We sought answers, but there were none to be found. One evangelist even remarked to a member that it was not his job to explain Scripture!

Mr. Weinland claims to be a “Prophet of the God of Abraham,” as well as claiming other offices and titles. Yet not one of Mr. Weinland’s prophecies has come true! All have failed! Now more recently he has been convicted on 5 counts of tax fraud in the U.S. After so many of his failed prophecies and his disgraceful fraudulent behavior, are we to blindly follow a man because he tells us not to question what he teaches? Of course not!

At least you have to had it to the guy to have finally waken up to the fact that Ron is a convicted felon. Listening to Weinerdude's recent sermons, preaching by his remaining ministers and others, you would never know that Ron is ready to go to prison.

During Gray's few days in Pack's reeducation camp he has come forth with these points that prove Ron Weinalnd to be a liar.

False Teaching: There is no literal place of safety—but rather God is our Rock and can protect us anywhere.

False Teaching: The first 4 seals of Revelation are spiritual, relate to the Church and have already taken place.


False Teaching: The Philadelphian and Laodicean eras of the Church are finished and the Church is in a time of transition.

False Teaching: The Work was finished at Mr. Armstrong’s death.

False Teaching: Satan and the Demons are going to die.

False Teaching: Women may be ordained as elders.

This was a pet teaching of Weinerdude.  By claiming women could be ordained it allowed Laura to receive all the legal perks that a regular minister would according to IRS regulations. However, Laura and Ron both abused that privileged and went on spending spree after spending spree.  Diamonds, gold, BMW's, unlimited bank accounts, Las Vegas spending sprees and money laundering occupied their warped minds.
     

False Teaching: Mr. Ron Weinland and his wife are the Two Witnesses and they have finished their job.

False Teaching: Ronald Weinland says he is a Prophet, an Apostle, a Witness, and the Elijah to come.  

So it's wrong for Weinerdude to claim to be prophet but it is OK for Dave to claim the same thing?  Dave is no more a prophet that my cat laying next to me. 

Gray goes on to write:

The PKG websites say that a remnant of the Worldwide Church of God is to be awakened and will join PKG. This will supposedly consist of 3.3% (10 percent of a third) of those who were members of the WCG before the apostasy began: a total of 3200 people (32,000 x. 0033). If that seems confusing to you, that’s because it is utter nonsense and unbiblical!

This number has now been changed to 63,000 people.

The very small sampling of false teachings listed above is just the very tip of the iceberg of changes made by Ronald Weinland. Christ’s admonition to Philadelphia to “hold fast” (Rev. 3:11) has been tossed out, and the doctrines restored to that era have now been replaced with false teachings that do not come from God.

In Matthew 17:16, Jesus said, “You shall know them by their fruits.” Will we come to know and understand the true Ron Weinland—a deceived false prophet?

Ron has a saying: to look at other teachings or criticism of him is to go through the garbage bin, and even a little look leaves a stench on you. What does Ron Weinland have to hide? The answer—a whole lot of unbiblical nonsense.

The absolute stench coming from PKG teachings should have us all vomiting; instead we are like the analogy of the frog in hot water. We have gradually adjusted to the heating water, and eventually it will be too late to get out of the pot, and we will eventually die if we remain there.

Gray has bought into Dave Pack's lies hook, line and sinker.  He is too blind to see what he writes below is also a perfect description of Dave Pack:

False ministers are clever deceivers. As a false minister, Ron uses the old mind game of “if you say it often enough, they will believe it.” To continue questioning his teachings from within his group only leads to feelings of spiritual inadequacy.

His clever deception causes his followers to feel spiritually weak and inferior, coercing or bullying them to blindly follow along with his teachings. In the process they become spiritually weaker and weaker. This is similar to what happened in the last days of Worldwide.

 You can read Gray's long screed here: Senior Elder (New Zealand Church Pastor) Resigns from Ron Weinland’s COG – PKG

Ron Weinland: Laura's Diamonds Are For Emergency Church Use Only!

Mike has an interesting post on Don't Drink the Flavor Aid about Ron Weinland justifying the diamonds and other jewelery that Laura and he wear when traveling.  Apparently these dimwits think that this jewelry will come in handy if the economy tanks while they are traveling.  If it does,  Weinerdude thinks he will be able to take the jewelry and barter for food, plane tickets, or maybe a treat for Bubba when he is incarcerated.

Laura and I do something else a little unique because of our traveling.  We’ve had and do carry with us certain jewelry, of which some of the church has purchased portions and we have others as well ourselves.  That we are using for one purpose only.  And that’s bartering.   Wherever we might be, at some point in time — I don’t care where it is, that we be prepared for whatever takes place.  The ability to barter — transportation, or whatever thing else we need to do to get from one place to another to do something else that might need to be accomplished.

Testimony from the court trial:

As part of the testimony, we heard from an employee of Jared Jewelers who handled much of the Weinland’s jewelry purchases and repairs.

 

We saw receipts and statements for jewelry purchases and payments, spanning 2007 to 2009. There were several quite expensive rings, totaling a couple hundred thousand dollars, if not more. It seemed that Laura had quite a taste for diamonds and opals. The defense for these purchases, of course, was that they were a safety net to be used to barter when the end came, and when money was worthless. They would take this jewelry with them when they traveled the world, in case they suddenly found themselves in a place that didn’t take American Express. They claimed that this was the church’s jewelry, not Laura’s. It just happened to be sized to fit Laura’s fingers, and custom designed to fit Laura’s taste.

 The point that the prosecution was making was that if the sole purpose of these jewels was for bartering in an emergency, they wouldn’t have gone to all the trouble of having them made into custom-designed jewelry for Laura. The actual role that these pieces were serving (in REALITY, not in the fantasy of post-apocalyptic trading that may happen someday) was to feed Laura’s vanity and to give her something shiny to wear on each of her fingers.

GCI/WCG New Ministry Outreach: Sweating With Jesus Is "Crazy Good"

There is not more I can add to this other than to quote them.  Worship Workout

We recently launched a new service/outreach project named Worship Workout. It’s being held at Fitness Bootcamp Unlimited. About 26 people attended the first session.

I opened the session with prayer, which was followed by a 35 minute “Full Body & Soul” workout accompanied by Christian music. I then asked everyone to have a seat on the floor and gave a 10 minute message about our physical and spiritual health. We then ended in prayer.
It was CRAZY GOOD and we now are praying that it grows and that some who attend will move on over into our church congregation.

$10 Credit Hour Fire Sale at Living University

Imagine the quality education you will be receiving for a mere $10.00 a credit hour at the worlds most important school of theology that holds fast to the truth once delivered!  Living University, the pretend school of higher learning at Living Church of God's Charlotte headquarters, is looking for new students.

High school/secondary school students interested in taking LU courses may do so by enrolling in the Dual Enrollment Program. To do so, students must be entering grade 10 or higher. Dual enrollment students can take courses in the Certificate of Biblical Christianity program, along with their regular high school curriculum, at a greatly reduced cost (the equivalent of US$10 per credit hour, plus fees and textbooks).

Reading the above makes you wonder if they are resorting to recruiting high school kids because they are not receiving the number of adults that they had anticipated.   LCG may also be hoping to rope these kids into getting this "training" with the hope they will remain in the church after they leave for a real college.  All the COG's are having a youth drain right now as young adults are leaving in droves.

UCG Thuggery

There was in interesting comment on Facebook the other day about the upheavals that went on in the Worldwide Church of God as the changes in doctrine came down the pipeline.  This person made a correct observation about the current leadership and ministry of UCG (COGWA too.)

There was no love toward those struggling with the changes. Let's set aside for the moment that I agreed with some changed but disagreed with most. When I respectfully and quietly expressed my concerns to the ministry about the sweeping changes they sent thugs from headquarters to shut me up. They wanted a Borg mentality. The thugs sent to me eventually became top ministers in UCG. The irony. It was not concern for me and others trying to make sense of it, it was hatred.

 
The sad thing in this is that while these ministers were treating people like dirt, disfellowshipping left and right, they were working behind the scenes to continue their paychecks elsewhere.  After wrecking havoc with the WCG members, they jumped ship where they claimed to be enlightened TRUE Christians once again.  Yet, to this day, they still treat people like dirt and look at them as uneducated chaff that only serve as ATM machines.