Just when you think the idolatry of Herbert Armstrong cannot get any sicker, along comes Stephen Gilbreath who has reanimated HWA so that he can "preach" on Stephen's web site. You may need a barf bag as you listen to Herb speak his silliness again.
Exposing the underbelly of Armstrongism in all of its wacky glory! Nothing you read here is made up. What you read here is the up to date face of Herbert W Armstrong's legacy. It's the gritty and dirty behind the scenes look at Armstrongism as you have never seen it before! With all the new crazy self-appointed Chief Overseers, Apostles, Prophets, Pharisees, legalists, and outright liars leading various Churches of God today, it is important to hold these agents of deception accountable.
Herbert Armstrong's Tangled Web of Corrupt Leaders
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Saturday, January 10, 2015
Stephen Gilbreath Reanimates Herbert Armstrong
Just when you think the idolatry of Herbert Armstrong cannot get any sicker, along comes Stephen Gilbreath who has reanimated HWA so that he can "preach" on Stephen's web site. You may need a barf bag as you listen to Herb speak his silliness again.
LCG Bob League Dies
The man that Rod Meredith appointed to start looking into dissidents within the ranks of the Living Church of God has died. Will Rod now appoint Lil'Jimmy to be the new enforcer in order to preparee him for the roll of LCG leader?
January 8, 2015
Living Church of God Ministry
Hello everyone,
I wanted to let you know that Mr. Bob League died this morning at 8:30 am. His heart was unable to function and multiple organs were failing. Bob was 82 years old and served in the ministry for decades in a number of areas. Please keep Mrs. League and their family in your prayers. Mr. League’s funeral is being planned for this coming Sunday afternoon, January 11, here in Charlotte, North Carolina. More details will follow.
Warm Regards,
Douglas Winnail
LCG's James Wells Wonders Why So Many Are Leaving LCG
LCG preacher James Wells is irritated that someone posted excerpts from one of his sermons on Facebook. Then later on in his sermon he laments on how the Israelites were whining and gripping and forgetting the things God did for them in the wilderness. Its just like LCG members who forget the "truth" they have leaned and leave the LCG.
We are beginning to see the same things happening to the new testament church. Members are hardening their hearts. They are not "enduring to the end." Members are weak and weakening as they lack in faith.
Some are not with us today here. They've shut their ears to the truth. People are leaving the church because they believe we are turning away from the truth. They have the facade of faith.
People are leaving the Living Church of God because of the ABUSE, the heretical doctrines and asinine leadership/preachers! Plus, the day Jimmy Meredith is made the new pope of LCG the church will fracture in a huge split.
If you want to listen to this incredibly BAD preacher then have at it. It just reminds me of the boring garbage that talentless men blabbered on and on saying nothing worthwhile.
James Wells
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Living Church of God Asks: Are You Driving Like Jesus Would?
In its ongoing quest to control every aspect of its members lives, the Living Church of God now is telling members how to drive their vehicles. How Would Jesus Drive?
Yes I know there are lots of idiots on the road, particularly here in Los Angeles where half the population cant read English, but still I wonder why LCG has to invade members lives so much?
Did you know that driving 70 on the freeway is a BIG RESPONSIBILITY? Its not to be taken lightly! Just like your salvation, it is NOT to be taken lightly. How many times have we heard this attached to a myriad of reasons used by ministers to control us?
Dylan King asks:Being behind the wheel of a hundred or more steel horses that can travel at speeds above 70 miles per hour is a big responsibility. If taken lightly, one mistake at the wheel could cost you your life!
According to King, since Jesus suffered for us we should not commit any sin while driving.If Jesus Christ walked the earth today and found Himself behind the wheel of a car, truck or SUV; what kind of driver would He be? How should today’s Christians conduct themselves on the road?
God inspired the Apostle Peter to encourage us to follow Christ’s example of perfect character. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:21).
Because Jesus was a Jew and kept the Jewish law we too should keep the law of the land because we are required to submit to government authorities.
Because King and other COG members fail to practice the fruits of the spirit - accidents WILL happen!Jesus Christ never broke God’s law. In fact, He even made it a point to obey the legitimate laws of the secular government that ruled over the places where He lived and taught. And He taught us to do the same. The Bible makes it clear that Christians should submit to the governing authorities who reign over us, and warns that if we do not we will bring judgment on ourselves (Romans 13:1-3).
Real Christians (only those in LCG or Thiels's group) must constantly "drive" with God because you must FEAR God.I have felt that judgment personally, when a careless moment behind the wheel led to the destruction of my vehicle (but, thankfully only minor injuries). If I had been more careful to utilize fruits of the spirit such as longsuffering (patience), kindness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22) while driving, I may have avoided that particular wreck.
Of course this all leads to having people request a booklet on keeping the 10 Commandments because Big Daddy Spanky needs to tell you everything you need to do.Christians should strive to walk with God daily—and, if we are behind the wheel of a vehicle, we should strive to drive with God, having the fear of God. We can make a huge difference on the road by obeying traffic laws that were created for our own safety, and by being courteous to other drivers. As we start our engines, let us remember the eternal words of Jesus Christ, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
I do have to hand it to LCG though, this is the first time they have talked about Jesus in a while.Request a free copy of our booklet, The Ten Commandments. In it, Dr. Roderick C. Meredith explains plainly from the Bible how God’s laws living in us through the Holy Spirit can give us the spiritual guidance to truly love our neighbors as ourselves.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
A Sickening Letter From A Philadelphia Church of God Mother To Her Son
From a Facebook group:
To xxxxx , my brother in Christ who also happens to be my son,
There is no easy way for me to say this to you. But it is necessary that I say it to you.
We once attended services together and believed the same thing. We kept God's Word, His Ten Commandments, His Sabbaths and His Holy days together. You were baptized and became a begotten son of the living God our Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. That made you my brother in Christ. I was so pleased and happy when you told me. I was also happy when you chose xxxx to be your wonderful bride and who became your soulmate for life. She also was begotten of our Father and walked in His Ways. Both of you have been a loving son and daughter-in-law to Dad and I.
When I found out Mr. Tkach was teaching that it is okay to sin and break God's law, I could no longer follow him in that Church organization. I left. You both stayed, at least for a while.
We decided to agree to disagree in order to maintain a family relationship.
But now I can no longer accept the idea that everything is okay between us while I know that you are headed into the tribulation and a great amount of suffering if you don't turn it around quickly. How can I live with myself should God protect me as promised to the Philadelphia Era spoken of in Rev. 3 to those who keep his word and do not deny his name during these last days, if I don't warn you?
Our nation is going to receive punishment for it's lawlessness and sins. You and your little family have only a short space of time to turn back to trusting God our Father and Jesus Christ our savior (our only real help in this last hour).
I love you and want what is best for you and your beautiful family (including my grandchildren). I know you know that. But I also know that deep down you know the difference between right and wrong. May our loving Father who chastises every son he loves help you to wake up before it is too late to escape the tribulation that is coming.
There is a very real warning going out for God's Church of which you became a part upon baptism and the applying of Christ's blood as a sacrifice for your sins. You are impregnated with God's Holy Spirit that you received with the laying on of hands. You can't keep taking that lightly and go on in your own human reasonings. Nor can I. My prayer is for you both to wake up. And now you have been warned.
I cannot make the choice for you as when you were a child. I love you so much. The fact that you live so far away doesn't make it much easier to do this:
I must now obey the command to withdraw my foot from every brother in God's Church who walks disorderly. II Thess. 3: 6, 14, 15. "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us...and if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed, Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother."
I love you both so very much, but in obedience to Christ, I must withdraw my own personal fellowship from you. I will miss you. But I already miss the person you were when you were walking with God. You will be in my prayers.
Love,
MOM
Is Norm Edwards Now A Willing Dupe In Legitimizing Bob Theil's Prophet Status?
Bob Thiel is now using Norm Edwards to legitimize his prophet status in the Churches of God. Thiel is constantly looking for any "proof" he can find so that he can legitimize his illegitimate minuscule ministry.
Thiel first conned Rod Meredith into believing he had insight into prophecy and biblical understanding. Meredith, Richard Ames and others fell for it and bought into it hook, line and sinker. Then he used Gaylyn Bonjour as a willing dupe into laying hands on his rapidly swelling head and head giving him a double does of the "holy" spirit. Thiel then used some nightmares a women in his group had as further legitimizing his prophet-hood.
Now enter Norm Edwards. Sometime back Norm wrote an article about why the Church of God needs more "prophets" than they do prophecy. Need Prophets More Than Prophecy
Norm writes:
Many have said, “If God is still providing prophets to the church, where are they?” My church—even my whole denomination—does not recognize any.” Our national leaders do not recognize any either. That is “business as usual” when it comes to prophets. We must remember that God sends prophets to speak His messages and do His work, which often conflicts with the purposes of political and religious leaders. Political and religious groups tend to only allow teachers and preachers who are educated in their schools or approved by their management. Yes, God might choose to give one of them the gift of prophecy, but since most such groups and their schools do not seek out prophetic gifts, they rarely receive them.
Further down he writes:
Norm just had to go and open the door for Bob Thiel at this point. Did Norm know that God was using him to proclaim Thiel as the new prophet of the Church of God?This writer has met people whom he believes have the gift of prophecy, but they are often in small congregations or keep a “low profile” in larger ones. In most cases, they have said or done things in conflict with popular or leader’s opinions, so are not held in high esteem by the brethren.
Norm then encourages COG members to pray that they be given the gift of prophecy. Thiel took this to heart and discovered he was a true prophet.
Norm ends his article with this:While the Bible teaches us to listen to prophets in meetings of brethren (1 Corinthians 14:29), the overwhelming teaching is not to seek out prophets to hear, but to “desire to prophecy” (see above references). While there is no guarantee that anyone will receive any particular spiritual gifts, desiring them certainly means they are worth praying for. We can pray to receive the gift of prophecy. We should be willing to pray for it over a long period of time—just as we might pray for family members, a better job, a new home, etc. We should pray about using it for good, not for selfish reasons. We do not want people to say, “Look at him, he’s spiritual” or “Look at her, she’s a prophetess.” We should pray for strength to withstand the persecution the gift of prophecy usually brings on.
Sometimes, we may not feel that we are righteous enough to receive the gift of prophecy. Do not worry. Nobody is “righteous enough” to receive it. It is an undeserved gift from God!
And there ya go! The sure and prophetic sign that Bob Thiel is the true prophet of God! Norm foretold it so it has to be true.
Whether it is a dream, a vision, a voice or an overwhelming feeling, most people know when God has clearly spoken to them. The prophets of the Bible were completely honest about what they saw or heard, and were very careful not to add to it, take away from it, or confuse their own interpretation and feelings with what God gave them. Sometimes, they had to be content not to understand it (Daniel 12:8-9). One can always judge by making accurate records of revelations and then seeing if they come to pass as understood.
As the time of the end approaches, we need more prophets, not less. Local prophets can help each person and each group survive and be a powerful witness in the tribulations to come. The gift of prophecy is not vulnerable to electronic surveillance, network failures, police action, restrictive laws or religious censorship. It works in any language, custom or culture. It works no matter what other nations and churches do.
Thiel writes:
Norman Edwards runs the Port Austin Bible Campus and is editor for Shepherd’s Voice magazine. He is not part of the Continuing Church of God, where, I function its human leader (and am an ordained prophet; the only known such prophet in any legitimate Church of God group).
Norm should feel proud to now be part of the chain of command legitimizing Bob Thiel as the Church of God's ONLY legitimate prophet. Thanks Norm! No, not really.While Norman Edwards and I have long disagreed about aspects of church governance and various matters of doctrine (and I would have suggested a different title, etc. for his article), we both agree that many who are in or claim to be in the Church of God (COG) wrongly do not accept that God has any prophets today. We also agree that most have severe difficulty to identify one who really is a prophet because of various unscriptural biases and improper criteria that they have.
As Norman Edward’s article points out, it is scriptural to now have prophets according to the New Testament. But many who truly believe that they live by the word of God have discounted or overlooked what the Bible actually teaches and/or have been influenced by others who have done the same or worse. The COG has at least one demonstrably true prophet today, yet most in the greater COG world seem to be able to ignore the truth about that, like most ignored John the Baptist and others in their day.
Thiel conveniently ignores this comment by Edwards:
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds (Hebrews 1:12).
But these verses simply accurately state the greatness of Christ’s teaching compared to those of the prophets. Christ’s righteous teaching and words of eternal life are so much more important than knowing what kingdom will arise or be defeated. Christ is “heir to all things” and we indeed can be “joint heirs” with Him (Romans 8:17).
Almost every COG leader out here, shoves Jesus to the back burner. Hebrew scriptures and the law are their savior. With out the law they cannot be saved. When they do speak about the guy it is of a pissed off dude coming back to wreck havoc on the world and elevate them to "godhood" status where they too can beat the unwashed masses into submission. Hell hath no fury like a future COG god.
Thiel has set himself up as the only legitimate prophet to the Church of God and the world. Everything he says should be taken to heart and recorded as scripture. As we all know from Armstrongism, the book of Acts was never completed so it will end up being the final depository for Thiel's magical words of wisdom.
So thanks Norm, Gaylyn, Rod, Richard and Doug! The world eagerly awaits the wondrous mutterings of the prophet you set up for us all. All hail Thiel!
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Rod Meredith: We Are Trying To Keep God's Church Clean
Poor Rod Meredith. Try as he might he just CANNOT keep his shrinking personalty cult under control. The Living Church of God tries to present itself as the most unified and loving COG to exist in this dispensation, yet it is constantly rocked with strife and upheavals. LCG members love to get on here and call us liars every time we point this out.
This is from a COG news site:
In November all congregations were commanded to play a sermonette by Rod McNair on Ministerial Authority and a sermon by Rod Meredith on God’s Government.
(These two audios have been removed from this independent website. In each case: “The item is not available due to issues with the item's content.”)The audios explain that LCG’s doctrine on church government gives the ministry rulership over its church members, some of whom have been expressing disagreement with various doctrines and distrust of even the leading ministers.
Roderick Meredith says, “We found that some of these people we’ve had to put out (of the church) ... they often lie and lie, and they’ll twist and turn, and turn things around ...”
“I’ve asked Mr McNair and Mr (Bob) League - they’ve been working as a team to get all the information on many of these things - and I’m working with them and other leaders ... We’re trying to keep God’s church clean.”
Sunday, January 4, 2015
A Childhood of Abuse In Armstrongism
Here is another story from a person who grew up in Armstrongism and the abuse she received and witnessed. Scores of rabid Armstrong worshipers deny anything like this ever happened. Everything is always rainbows, lollipops and unicorns in their eyes.
Here is another sad story of a childhood robbed by Armstrongism.
From Exit and Support:
I just read the story about the boy who ran away from home at an early age to escape abusive parents. His dad quit his government job as did my dad in 1972. I never knew this was a command of HWA until I read it here. I have called my mom as my dad died, and she refuses to discuss anything. Typical mind controlled member in a remnant group.
I was not allowed to attend SEP because of what happened to my elder sister there. Her things were stolen and she learned to smoke there--imagine that. Now I realize why I was never encouraged to go to college, which I did on my own in 1986. Again, HWA didn't believe in any college other than his own.
Luckily I had a very good imagination and sat through all those long sermons on Saturdays pretending I was traveling in space and never understood what WWCG was about. However, I knew enough to know I was going to escape as soon as possible.
My mom would beat the hell out of me at times and then make me thank her for the correction and smile to show her my attitude. Another revelation I had this week is that HWA taught her to do that. Finding this site has been good for me.
My parents never kept us from our school friends or "unbelieving" family, thank God. I think my dad definitely used his own thinking power on that one. I think feeling weird and ostracized and missing so much school hurt me the worst. Also, now realizing how deceived my mom and sister still are makes me sick. The language they use is the epitome of a cult but they are sheep nonetheless.
I saw many of my age mates in the WWCG get severely abused--starved, burned, beat, just to name a few. I also remember the year that the state department of children showed up in St. Petersburg at the feast and the paddles were removed from the walls of the Mother's Room (i. e., the "beating chamber"). The members were told not to spank at services.
My sisters and I knew how to obey like good little girls. I was a smart child and refused to go spend the night with any WWCG members that I knew were cruel to their children. My sister was not as smart and I will never forget a few times my parents had to go in the middle of the night to pick her up because she was sick. When we would go back to bed, she would relay terrible stories of things she witnessed, one of which a child being burned terribly bad for playing with matches. My parents tried to talk to the minister, but were politely told to mind their own business.
LCG Releases Mind-Boggling Church Attendance Numbers of God's Most Highly Favored Church EVER!
Its always fun to watch those wild and crazy guys in Charlotte at Living Church of God's HQ react to postings on this blog.
Stung by repeated postings and comments about the shrinking size of LCG congregations Bob League reported the other day the mind-boggling size of several LCG congregations. The size of these congregations are unprecedented in COG history! Be impressed brethren! God's greatest restored church is the biggest and bestest ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Years ago a Worldwide Church of God accounting executive said that they could make statistics mean any thing they wanted and the brethren would never know fact from fiction. This was during the time they claimed to have 8,000,000 PT subscribers and 144,000 members. That very same person went on to stab WCG in the back and followed Meredith into the epic failure of Global Church of God and then on into Living Church of God.
LCG publishes list of ten largest congregations.
1. Charlotte North Carolina 258
2. Kansas City Missouri 195
3. Chaguanas Trinidad 128
4. Ft. Lauderdale Florida 116
5. Houston Texas 115
6. Dallas Texas 113
7. Phoenix Arizona 107
8. Quezon City Metro Manila, Philippines 99
9. Kingston Jamaica 96
10. Christ Church Barbados 94
From congregations in the mother church of 400-800 members in various parts of the country to 195 as the max for a field church in LCG....there is NOTHING impressive about that! The LCG Charlotte congregation doesn't count because the majority of these are paid staff and family of HQ and they are REQUIRED to attend services.
The glory days of Armstrongism are over and not one single apostate COG will EVER accomplish the things that Herbert Armstrong did. EVER!