United Church of God Members Living In Fear?

 

Victor Kubik writes in his January 7, Personal From The President:

Let me speak plainly. I know that many in our assembly preferred the current U.S. President and hoped that he would be re-elected. I know that there exist many theories and concerns regarding the veracity of the election process. I personally even warned in previous columns of turbulent times before and after the Nov. 3 election. 

 

Many have been anxious, even fearful, of the outcome of a complete switch of political power at the federal level in the United States. People living in the United States generally enjoy what others in the world regard as a prosperous, even luxurious life. We living in America have been the recipients of multiple and sustained blessings—both physical and spiritual—from God. The unparalleled religious freedom in America serves as an extraordinary platform to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Humanly, we don’t want this to change. 

 

Now we have just come through a trying and difficult year of pandemic and economic upheaval. Many hoped for a return to the economic growth and stability of prior years. With the outcome of the election, many feel threatened. 

 

To compound all of this, today’s violence followed news that a runoff election in Georgia had flipped two Senate seats, effectively handing control of the U.S. Senate to the Democratic Party, who already controlled the House of Representatives. For those anxious about the future of the United States, this only heightened their fears. Nothing appears to stand in the way of a godless progressive agenda, further blurring, even eroding, cherished biblical values. 

 

As of Jan. 20, the world will have the uncertainty of a new American president and a dramatic shift in political power that has not occurred since the 19th century. For some, this has further frayed confidence in the national fabric. 

 

But I want to emphasize that we who are humbly privileged to be part of the spiritual assembly of the living God must set aside fear. Regardless of who is president of the United States, president of the People’s Republic of China or president of the Russian Federation, God is still in control!

Not only is it UCG members who are afraid, but even more are also afraid in the Philadelphia Church of God, Restored Church of God, and those 299 caucasian members of the improperly named "continuing" Church of God. Many other OCG groups also whip their members into a frenzy thanks to the conservative leading church leaders. 

COG members have always traditionally dwelled in the conservative areas of politics and if they were allowed to vote would overwhelming would have voted Republican. Several groups openly brag about how they get their news off NewsMax and other right-leaning sites. These are also the same media organizations that they put their advertising on.

The sad thing is that we have professional fear-mongers leading so many of the COG's today that capitalize upon every negative thing they can find. Take away their negativity and they will be whimpering in the corner not knowing what to do as their members might finally be able to enjoy life.

Fear has always been a great motivator in the Church of God. Herbert Armstrong knew how to capitalize upon fear to keep the money flowing in and members compliant. From Ron Weinland, to Dave Pack, to theological bankrupt Bob Thiel, fear is the only thing they can use to keep themselves ever so slightly relevant in the COG movement.