Warnings From A False Prophet
By Elizabeth O’Leary-Noble
It's been almost seven months since I left The Restored Church of God, led by Pastor General David C. Pack.
My life after has been freeing, explorative, liberating, and restorative (almost). I feel like a bird flying for the first time. It sounds corny, but that's literally how I feel. I can spread my wings to fly and be myself. I’m not worrying about how my wings look, how long they are, what color they are, or how I'm flying and where I'm going. I was losing who I was in that place.
But sadly, part of me still struggles to work through the anger, hurt, and betrayal I feel toward The Restored Church of God. The process has been a journey that's intertwined with my fathers' death. For better context, I suggest you read my Exit Letter first.
There was an incident with my father that happened before I entered RCG. I vividly remember my dad telling me about a book he read and mentioning it at Sabbath Services amongst brethren. A minister overheard him, or more accurately, a minister eavesdropped, covertly listening in. You know they have to "shepherd the flock” by making sure everyone is in line. *insert eye-roll here* I wasn't a member yet, but I can tell you it upset my dad greatly. It further affected his already failing health.
My dad was an avid reader. He loved reading, and he loved learning. I am the same way. He taught me to read everything I could get my hands on. Educate yourself on big things, little things, and even silly things. He always said that I would be able to mingle with any crowd.
My dad was suspended from RCG for mentioning a book at Sabbath Services. Yep. A grown man isn't allowed to read or mention certain books to other brethren. Ridiculous right? What is more ridiculous is that the minister who suspended him NEVER read it. So he had no clue what it was about. The book’s title is The Bible Code. How can a "minister of God" have a legitimate reason for suspending a member over a book he never read? Easily.
When you have an agenda that pressures members to keep giving more money to the church, you have to fiercely protect that cash flow. This unbiblical doctrine in The Restored Church of God is known as “Common.” (Marc Cebrian has spoken and written about it.)
They feared my dad would cause others to falter, go off into other doctrines, or possibly leave the church. You know, for mentioning reading anything other than RCG material. Even if the minister had read the book, it wouldn’t have mattered.
Why was the burden put on my dad of how others "weak in the faith" might be shaken by mentioning other reading materials? We're not to place a stumbling block in front of our brothers and sisters, but he casually talked about a book he was reading. God says to prove all things and to fear GOD with fear and trembling. That's the responsibility of each individual.
RCG's Ambassador Center claimed it presented students with "a well-rounded education." Taking that same principle, how can anyone further their knowledge without researching topics in other areas? Oh, wait. RCG controls which knowledge is worthy of inclusion.
My father was just reading a book he found interesting. That’s all. How often has David C. Pack mentioned other religions, reading up on them and telling brethren what they believe? Plenty of times, but only because he's the all-knowing guru of faiths in the world. (That was sarcasm, by the way).
The Restored Church of God is in the money-making business to live comfortably off the backs of its members. And they've been succeeding at that for years. Well, for the most part. DCP just announced layoffs at their Headquarters in Wadsworth, Ohio.
My father got very sick due to stress during the weeks of his suspension. RCG also has a strict policy that no one can talk to a member while they are suspended. This is to enhance “the sting” of separation.
Imagine being suspended for mentioning a book and then being completely cut off from your church "friends.” Friends who constantly said they loved and cared about you and hugged you every time they saw you, and now there is not a phone call, a text…nothing. Imagine how stressful this was on my mother. Who, by the way, took care of my dad every day and drove to Services with him. All of this over a book.
He never was the same after that whole ordeal. His health deteriorated further. This is where my anger, hurt, and heartbreak stem from as I reflect on this. I can't get that time back with my dad. I want to tell him so badly how wrong he was about David C. Pack. I want to tell him how they twist verses, steal money from members, and use fear tactics to keep members staying put. And I want to rip out half the flower beds, knock down a tree or two, and then ride off on one of the stupid horses.
I can't believe I still joined that place after all of that. I guess I felt a tug to be in the same place my dad was in after he died, along with the fact I felt God was directing me to go down that path. I needed to know where my dad went spiritually. So yeah, I've been taking one day at a time to recover from that profound hurt.
Everything since has been a wonderful process of unlearning the lies and relearning the truths God is showing me!
This is the real purpose of this article. I do it hoping that some members of The Restored Church of God can receive what others have gone through. Maybe some have experienced similar situations but are confused. If you still trust David C. Pack, then hear the words of David C. Pack.
I went into my closet a few days ago and pulled out some old notes and RCG literature I had not yet burned. One of those items is the book Is “That Prophet” Alive Today? The Rise of False Prophets, written by David C. Pack. It was my last “line in the sand” before leaving RCG. And just after reading only two chapters.
This book was removed from RCG’s library after David C. Pack proclaimed he was Elijah the Prophet in 2015. Hmm. Interesting. This book should now be of particular interest since he has reaffirmed he is a prophet and Elijah on June 6, 2023.
I re-read some of that book's more interesting chapters and want to share them.
After revisiting a few more chapters, I am again mind-blown at what David C. Pack wrote. It's amazing how God uses humans to play out His plan for humanity. DCP wrote the book to answer Gerald Flurry of The Philadelphia Church of God. But in actuality, DCP wrote about his own downfall years in advance. I highly recommend you read this book.
If you would like a copy, you can download it HERE.
Brethren still sitting in RCG, please heed these warnings.
Chapter 8: A False Christ – Christ Gives Offices-Men Cannot Take Them (pp. 54–56)
"Men truly chosen of God are always able to LOOK BACK over the years to see how God has used them. They do not need to invent reasons why they WILL hold a particular office, and then take it to themselves. The reader must see the tremendous difference between one who is truly GIVEN an office by Jesus Christ, and a man who is a presumptuous, self-promoting IMPOSTER who sees one or more offices and titles that he desires, declares himself to have these offices and roles, and then sets out to prove to others that he does.
Where in scripture did Christ tell us there would be a new apostle, messenger, Elijah, or prophet? If you can find it, please share.
"The critical element that separates those to whom Christ gives an office is HUMILITY. The man would have never thought of himself as holding a high office until long after he was already doing the job. The one who takes offices on his own authority is driven by VANITY, which eventually always turns into EXTREME ARROGANCE and worse. The latter is a person who was seeking to exalt himself. This is either because he is not, or was never, humble.”
Raise your hand if you think David C. Pack is arrogant. The man talks about himself nonstop, is always boastful, and is never humble. Anyone can easily see this in his sermons. Satan also wanted to exalt himself above God.
Isaiah 14:13
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north.
Pay attention to what DCP writes about in this next section! It gave me goosebumps!
"Even in the world, ‘ignorance of the law’ is never permitted as a valid defense. It has been my experience that only very, very rarely will—or can—one return to a sound mind after going even remotely this far. Only God can heal a mind gone so far wrong—but even then only if the man truly yields himself and submits to God as clay to the Potter!
“Demons want to be considered the saviors of the world. Demons want to rule the earth as king of kings...Demons (specifically Satan) want to be considered the mighty god (‘of this world’– II Corinthians 4:4). Similarly, demons are generally aware of prophecy.
Did you read that, brethren? Go re-read it!
Hold on. There are more chilling statements...
“A demon spirit would love to be considered That Prophet—and would love to influence a human vessel to this end. Appropriating that title to itself, through a human agent, is very attractive to a demon—especially if it could gain control of many of God’s people in the process!
WOW! Are any of these words shocking you yet?
“From a demon’s perspective, the worst possible thing that these followers can be exposed to is the Spirit of God within those outside his group who are able to see how wrong-headed is the thinking of the leader they are using. This is also another way that fear is being used in the ever more dangerous cult environment that such false prophets create. They want their followers to be afraid to talk to ‘outsiders.’ These false leaders know that knowledge dispensed outside their control is a threat to their ability to retain control. Hence, the implementation of what could only be called the tragic policy of forbidding followers all contact with members of other ‘Church of God’ organizations.”
I’ll add that this also applies to current members. This is why they indoctrinate and brainwash everyone to not speak to any members after they leave RCG.
Chapter 10: Taking Action – Attacking His Flock (p. 66)
“Anyone claiming to be That Prophet, The Lawgiver, “Father,” etc., has literally attacked his flock with blasphemy and rank idolatry. Like any cult leader, his only possible objective is to seek ever greater adoration and worship—and that may currently include you!
“Such a one is an outright antichrist! This cannot be viewed any other way. The Bible is plain that there have always been “many,” and this is still true today (I John 2:18).
“Christ determines who is a Philadelphian and who, therefore, goes to the Place of Safety… But it is blasphemous and abominable for any man to tell you that he has your “ticket to the Place of Safety…” This is the classic fear hysteria that David Koresh, Jim Jones, and Marshal Applewaite (San Diego Heaven’s Gate cult) used to elevate themselves and lead people to their death!
“Such claims are very serious business!"
David C. Pack preaches that members will NOT receive salvation if they leave The Restored Church of God. That is a lie straight from Satan. Show me in Scripture where God states human beings will only receive salvation if they attend the church based in Wadsworth, Ohio. You will never find it.
More goosebumps.
Chapter 11: Source of Persecution? (p. 69)
"I have become convinced that some of the final greatest persecution, prophesied to come on God’s people at the end, will be driven by the cult-leader mentality of certain splinter leaders… But it may be that the bizarre, absurd, odd and strange actions of many brethren, and certain particularly unsound and unbalanced leaders, claiming to follow the truth, will be one reason that Christ’s true disciples will eventually be “hated of all nations for My name’s sake” (Matt. 24:9)—and will be pursued by an army described in Revelation 12:17! Surely, it is false Christs and false prophets who exhibit the very worst of strange, cult-like behavior!”
Do you hear these words from David C. Pack? He is speaking to YOU, brethren of The Restored Church of God! Your Pastor General is that cult leader exhibiting " the very worse of strange, cult-like behavior!"
This next paragraph is "The pot calling the kettle black." I couldn't believe what I was reading.
Chapter 11: Source of Persecution? – Zealous People (p. 70, 2008 Edition)
"In recent years, I have known many who left the imposter who calls himself That Prophet. Sadly, so many of these have been virtually ruined by their time in his organization. They were so violated and abused, and witnessed so much attack, slander and accusation of others from their leaders that, in many cases, they now seem no longer able to remember how a Christian is to conduct himself, even in the most basic matters. It has been painful and truly heart-rending to hear of so many who were torn to pieces over their dilemma before leaving.”
My mouth dropped open when I read this. I had to re-read it a few times. I cannot tell you how many ex-members I have spoken to feel exactly what he stated here. But most are thriving since leaving RCG. I feel all of this and more.
I had to laugh when I read that last line of his paragraph. He is a cold-hearted wolf in sheep's clothing. He only cares about members' wallets. That’s it.
I am continuing to heal with the help of a supportive family and friends. If only David C. Pack, the RCG ministry, and brethren could see how "torn to pieces" I was "over our/my dilemma before leaving." It would be shocking to most.
We/I weren't given that time, though. We got shut down when questioning anything. And then got reprimanded, suspended, slandered, spiritually abused, or disfellowshipped. Most are afraid to openly share because members are taught to be spies—loyal to David C. Pack and his ever-changing false teachings.
DCP makes fun of, lambasts, and yells during his sermons when speaking about ex-members. There are plenty of video clips on this YouTube channel if you want to see it yourself.
Section II, Matthew 24 – The Rise of False Prophets – The Role of Pride (p. 80)
“When such suddenly-elevated leaders give themselves over to urges of ‘new understanding,’ they are actually completing the cycle of ‘falling into the condemnation of the devil.’ Too unskilled in the scriptures (particularly passages about prophecy) to resist the ‘deeper insights’ they feel are coming to them, they wind up yielding to demonic whisperings in their ears. As these men become conduits for fallen spirits, they pour out pure garbage on their followers.
This perfectly describes over seven years of "The Greatest Untold Story!"
The result is that they destroy far more people than just themselves— and in the end they do always destroy themselves!”
There you have it. The warning from a false prophet about a false prophet. The Pastor General of The Restored Church of God has spoken the truth here. It’s about time.
Are you listening, brethren? This should make you sit up straight. How many times has DCP come to a "new understanding?" He pours out PURE GARBAGE on all the members of The Restored Church of God.
Chapter 11: Source of Persecution? – “That Prophet” Is Alive Today! (p. 71)
“Understand. You are the captain of your own ship. You must determine where you will steer it. You must point it toward God... Be willing to help your friends do the same. Take a moment to read James 5:19-20, Galatians 6:1-2, Proverbs 24:11-12 and Jude 21-23. They will encourage and inspire you to help others save themselves from the deadly trap described in what you have just learned."
Do not let fear rule you!
James 5:19-20
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Galatians 6:1-2
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Proverbs 24:11-12
If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
Jude 21-23
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Brethren, I sincerely pray you will take every word written here to heart. Read your Bible. Read the words of David C. Pack. I don't wish any bad for anyone still attending The Restored Church of God.
I am trying to do my part to help you, just as other ex-members are. You are not alone. If I was still stuck in a false church, I would want my friends to warn me repeatedly, pray for me, and help me see the light.
May God have mercy on you, guide you, and bless you.
In the clip, David Pack says: "I'm not called... to give you a date."
ReplyDeleteThen why - oh, why - has he done that over and over and OVER for years? All in vain?
Is he even listening to his own preaching?
Let's take things to the real for a minute. We'll start with a hypothetical being, and call that being, oh I don't know, we'll stick with what we know and call him "God".
ReplyDeleteAnd, this Higher Power wants to do good things for his creatures, so He gives them a culture. Days friends and families can keep together and be thinking about the one who gave them to them. I don't know how everyone else feels, but holidays seem to me to be pretty neutral. As long as people aren't hurting each other or calling each other nasty names on them, I'm down with them, and could keep a wide variety of them. Whip 'em on me, Mama! Next, God sets up a few very basic laws for orderly living, and under which his creatures' freedom is preserved. Nuthin' bad so far, right? And God is about health, so he provides a healthy diet, you can mix and match so it keeps sustenance interesting. And, God knows that some of his children will have needs, and that people feel good helping one another, so He encourages giving! Anybody object yet? God knows that in different climate zones, people will need different kinds of clothes. So he sets up a basic pattern, and leaves it to his creatures' ingenuity how to expand on these.
My point is, none of this is bad stuff! However, a problem can come into play when some of the people set themselves up as administrators of this, tell ya God sent them, and employ hardcore authoritarianism to enforce it! They are looking out for their own best interests, add their own dos and don'ts, and deliberately enforce them to the extreme that it places the people who follow in real jeopardy. They lie with their prophecies, and manipulate people, keeping them perpetually in fear and on edge, as opposed to enjoying the lives that God gave them! They take the giving part and extract all of the peoples' blessings for themselves and their own vanity projects, even to the point of placing their members in extreme financial jeopardy. They do not allow people to think, reason, or exercise their minds as they read and discuss educational materials. In fact, these asshats are the thought police, and they even supersede God's guidance with their own authoritarian edicts. In some cases, they don't allow people to properly take care of their medical needs.
These "leaders" are the types of people who could literally cause children to HATE ice cream! They bedevil their members until they break them! And then, when they leave, the administrators accuse them of hating God, when God did nothing but provide what was in my second paragraph. And that, in a nutshell, has always been the primary problem with Armstrongism, and what makes it such an insufferable cult!
Elizabeth's dad made the same mistake that many make when joining a church group. They slowly let go of friendships outside the church, so that when they are suspended, they are cut off from all their friends and social support network. The moral of the story is to not put all of one's social eggs in one basket.
ReplyDeleteReading the article, the church was probably itching to suspend Elizabeth's dad for no other reason than that he was a book reader. All denominations are some blend of truth and error, and it's the book readers who will discern the error part and be more independent minded. His suspension was also a warning to other members to not read non church literature, since outside literature is considered "pornography." This is the norm with all cults.
Elizabeth doesn't seem to understand that her father was suspended for what he was rather than for something he did wrong.
Dave's claim that their Ambassador center gives its students a "well rounded educations" is pure marketing bull. Dave is copying Herbs claim that AC students were taught "how to live," which is also bull.
Glad you’re recovering from these terrible armstrong cults. Rejoice in the freedom we have in Christ to do well and good rather than checking boxes.
ReplyDeleteThis denomination is very boring. It is not intriguing or mysterious at all. You can read the following article on the San Diego State Unversity website and find a common theme that is quite apparent, well-known and long understood by larger society.
ReplyDeletehttps://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=29478
This denomination is not a cookie-cutter replica of the People's Temple but it has disturbing similarities. The only question is how far it will go. The theme that is most disturbing is the case where the despot who has unquestioned control internally of the organization becomes willfully destructive towards his own organization.
If the despot's control is challenged by the authorities, his reaction is to destroy the organization and, if necessary, the people in the organization. We have recently seen a national example of this when a candidate lost an election and stated that the nation should terminate “all rules, regulations and articles, even those found in the Constitution” and then nurtured an insurrection.
I am not saying this outcome is inevitable but is plausible and has precedent. And it is probable that the authorities will show up with their usual "too little, too late" strategy. Then the profoundly boring becomes front page news, at least for a moment.
Mr. Weston instructed us several times over the years that we should not read anything outside LCG. Just read LCG booklets and concentrate on "the truth". Well, for some of us this was an abserdity and an insult to one's intelligence and to integrity. Some did as they were told and they were afraid. I think Mr. Weston was not merely admonishing the LCG members to just focus on what is truth biblically. I believe it was a cult-like power grab for our minds and our wallets. My LCG brethren are still like that. I've seen good and curious and mentally alert people come into LCG and after a time they had become seeningly almost medicated, passive, falsely docile and almost listless but completely in sync with the LCG admin. Now really. LCG members. Is this true humility and submission? Is this healthy? What about being broken suddenly beyond healing? Those brothers and sisters who became like this seemed to be quite in step with LCG, but they seemed dull and not at all happy. I'd like to hear from my LCG comrades and what they say.
ReplyDeleteMr. Weston instructed us several times over the years that we should not read anything outside LCG.
ReplyDeleteThat's demonstrably false. Weston and Winnail and other LCG ministers are always talking about some new book they read, or that they heard about on Fox News or NewsMax or WorldNetDaily.
What they don't want you to do is to read what other ACOGs are writing, or what mainstream Christian ministers are saying. They tell you it's for the good of your soul and your salvation, but the truth is that they don't want you to figure out how much non-ACOG teaching they are bringing into LCG.
That is one of the top 5 signs of a cult. You can only read their literature. Another one of the top 5 signs of a cult is only socializing with their group of people cutting off family and friends. A third one is blind & strict obedience to a leader or be thrown out or verbally attacked through name calling, labels, and trying to humiliate you in front of your peers. They control your money and tell you your salvation is at stake if you have a problem with any of these demands.
ReplyDeleteDoes any of that sound familiar?
Welcome to Armstrongism, where seeking a second opinion is considered to be a major sin!
ReplyDelete11:21, yes Doug and Weston talk about books they've looked at, and Jeff Fall regularly does a so-called sermon by parroting his latest book of interest. These ministers do this, but they frown on members who are well read and who think and consider things and who can hack through an issue. But yes you are right, they don't want us to read non LCG literature. Personally i find some of Fred Couter's analysis refreshing compared to the dull stuff LCG has out, whether ornot I agree with Mr. couter's take on an issue. Meredith's books on the same topics as Mr. Armstrong's were never remotely as streamlined or as consise and well done as were his. I also find Fred's sermons, and those from Warren Zehrung far more refreshing and interesting and conciliatory than anything LCG can put up these days. LCG? Lackluster Camp of Grubbers.
ReplyDeleteIn Armstrongism, if a minister wants your opinion, he'll tell you what it is. Ministers lording it over members faith is always just beneath the waterline. Out of self defence, members need to master the art of double think, ie, believe one thing but speak the different church line. It's what all citizens in dictatorships are forced to do.
ReplyDelete"A minister will tell you what your opinion is." I just went to a stupid woke town hall meeting promoting LBGTQ at my large work place. They told us what to think to. Fortunately, God made us to think for ourselves so we don't have to accept their manipulation. God wants us to speak up and stand up to evil loudly.
ReplyDelete