Bill Watson Declares His Independence!
CGI Pastor Bill Watson chose the Sabbath following Independence Day to declare his semi-separation from the Church of God International (headquartered in Tyler, Texas). Bill announced a new website for the Medina Church (Church of God International, Medina). He went on to say that their former website (CGI Medina) would no longer be updated by them (because it's owned by headquarters).
Watson also announced a new program produced by the Medina Church called Wall Watchers (which corresponds to Medina's new mission statement, which reads in part: "The Church of God International, Medina is committed to advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ on behalf of our Father. Our teachings are underscored by the adherence to the original Apostolic Teachings of the early church. Our “Work,” in Christ’s name is to witness, warn, and make disciples for Him––building His Church by the blessing He provides (Matt. 28:19-20). Utilizing a variety of technologies, we are dedicated to “crying aloud” about the impending calamities coming upon mankind that precede the glorious return of our Lord and Savior; who is destined to establish His world-ruling Kingdom on Earth..." appears prominently on the new homepage.
Although Mr. Watson protested that he was still a minister in good standing of CGI, those of us who have been following developments within that organization have noted a cooling of the relationship between Tyler and Medina over the last several years (which began back in the days of the Covid Pandemic, before my own father's death). Many of my readers may be unaware of the fact that Medina has been keeping its tithe income for itself for many years now (only a small portion is sent to Tyler). In fact, Mr. Watson's announcement is just the latest chapter in the story of that congregation's drift from headquarters.
Tyler had previously taken Bill off of their payroll and reprimanded him for some of the things that he had been saying from the pulpit. They also effectively demoted him from being the voice of their longstanding "Armor of God" program (and introduced new programs led by folks like Mike James). While many of the ministry of CGI have abandoned British-Israelism, Bill continues to fully embrace the teaching and prominently features it in his sermons.
In other words, from this observer's perspective, I only see the gulf widening between Medina and the parent organization and would not be surprised if an official separation was declared in the near future. Mr. Watson has a big ego, and a very high opinion of his own talents and abilities. Moreover, like his favorite president (DJT), Bill enjoys being in control - in the driver's seat, so to speak! He has been uncomfortable in a subordinate role and acting as a servant of Tyler's for many years now. Finally, I will be expecting a number of declarations from both sides that nothing has changed, and all is well. Nevertheless, the evidence is what is happening right before our very eyes (and I choose to believe what I'm seeing over what someone else is trying to sell me)! What do you think?
Miller Jones/Lonnie C Hendrix a
4 comments:
It looks to me that the sootsayers (intentional spelling) of the COgs ("Great Trib" is coming; impending calamities before the Return coming; the woes of Revelation are coming; 3.5 yrs of?; Petra; two witnesses; etc) are overlooking........the spirit world. Elisha's servant got up early and saw a great Syrian host with horses and chariots and said to Elisha what shall we do and Elijah said there are more with us than with them! Wut?! There were - 2Kings 6:17. The 2 witnesses are spirit beings? - fire comes out of their mouths. The woes are directed to the spirit world? described by Paul as principalities, and powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world, and spirit, not flesh and blood, wickedness in high places - Eph 6:12.
But the sootsayers are attempting to physicalize the spirit world? except the great tribulation in Judea of Mat 24:21 which has already occurred in the first century beginning with the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD. One woe in Revelation lasts 5 months, and there's that "3.5 years" so just count the time when those times begin and then you'll know the time of the Return. But Jesus said the coming will be as in the days of Noah when the flood came and they "knew not" - Mat 24.
The great Tribulation has not already occurred. Are you calling Jesus Christ a liar ? for he prophesied it would be, a time such has never happened on the earth. The fall of Jerusalem was punishment from God and warned as such, it was a invading army war siege.
The great tribulation will be far more than a invading army siege which is bad enough, as Israel's onslaught of Gaza strip was announced as a siege.
But you are free to believe whatever you want, but not free to preach or teach those personal beliefs in a bible study under the deception of "lets see what other churches believe".
Sorry, Bill but you are attempting to do what the 2 witnesses will do during the GT and Day of the Lord period. Once the 2 witnesses are killed a mighty angel will preach the everlasting Gospel.
And the splits and schism in the ACOG's roll merrily along. IMHO, it's this obsession with end time prophecy, and the ego's of the leaders of these sects that causes these splits.
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