Petulant Narcissistic Man-Child Dares To Lecture Us About Anger and Rebellion

 

Never in the history of the Church of God has it been filled with so many narcissistic self-appointed prophets of truth that have been sent by God to lead the church. Where would we be without all of these vainglorious blowhards? Gerald Flurry and Dave Pack, in all of their narcissistic bombastic chest thumping, pale in comparison to our petulant narcissistic man-child who is constantly whipped into a state of prissiness.

He started down that slippery road when he took a class at Fuller and tried to tell them how things should be. They ignored him. Then he tried it in the Worldwide Church of God in hopes of being ordained for his amazing insights. They ignored him. In an act of rebellion, he left to join up with Rod Meredith when the Global Church of God started. He tried to educate McNair and others on how things should be. They ignored him. Then, in another fit of rebellion he left to join up with Rod Merdith when Living Church of God started. He attempted to educate the Council of Elders and other men in the LCG as to how things are to be. They ignored him. More years went by as a non-ordained man of God and he got sick of being ignored. After all, he is God's special gift to the church and they all should be thanking him for his great wisdom. Yet, he was ignored over and over. Ordinations flew by like flies on a rotting carcass.

The anger was too much. Rebellion erupted in his veins once again. This time he would do what HE wanted and no one could stop him. So out the door he went in a fit of rebellion against his spiritual daddy, Rod Meredith. The constant public rebukes by him were too much to endure.

Thus, another rebellious Church of God was formed, all thanks to anger and rebellion. Yet, blind to his own foibles, he is trying to lecture us about anger and rebellion!

Anger and Rebellion
Anger and rebellion have been issues throughout history. Do scientific studies point to venting one’s anger has the answer or something else? What does the Bible say about anger? Is anger ever a sin? Can people repent of rebellion? Do those that harden their hearts risk a root of bitterness? Does the company you keep affect you? Can relaxation and meditation help with anger? Did Jesus teach that we are to to love and do good even to those that hate us? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel discuss these matters and more.

 He also has this to say about anger and rebellion:

29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding,

But he who is impulsive exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29)

1 A soft answer turns away wrath,

But a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,

But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. (Proverbs 15:1-2)

18 A wrathful man stirs up strife,

But he who is slow to anger allays contention. (Proverbs 15:18) 

 

The Bible also teaches self-control:

9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,

For anger rests in the bosom of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

5 give yourselves to fasting and prayer; … so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:5) 

 

While Paul did not write that specifically for uncontrolled anger, the principle is still applicable.

He ends with this gem:

Despite our personal flaws, we all need to be striving for perfection–which includes controlling anger.

UCG: We Love Ya Rick, But...Goodbye...

UCG Council of Elders on removal of Rick Shabi as President:

Dear brethren,

As a follow-up to my video message to you on Friday, I’m writing to share an update from our February meeting of the Council of Elders related to our process for reaffirming a president.

As you know, the president is appointed by the Council to serve the Church for three years and this term is ending. It is now time to determine whether to reaffirm our president or select a new president, a process required by our governing documents.

Some might ask, what goes into the decision to reaffirm the president of the United Church of God, an International Association? To be clear, Jesus Christ is the head of the Church. After seeking God’s direction, past Councils have chosen seven men to serve as president during our 30-year history, each with different approaches and talents.

The process of reaffirmation allows for either planned continuation of current talents or a transition to another set of talents to further God’s Work. Through this model, we benefit from having emeritus presidents who continue to contribute their skills on an ongoing basis in different capacities.

After seeking God’s direction through prayer and fasting, through thoughtful deliberations, and in accordance with processes outlined in our Bylaws, the Council has decided to transition to a new president. With this decision, we now turn our attention to beginning the selection process for the next president. I will share more information about this in the coming weeks.

We are deeply appreciative of Rick Shabi’s service as president. He traveled extensively to international areas, bringing to light important needs outside of the United States. He also brought a fresh approach to preaching the gospel with the Biblical Worldview video program. Having worked with him since May, I know he put in many hours and late nights fulfilling his duties. He previously served in many other ways, including as a pastor and treasurer.

Thank you for your prayers and support of this process and please join me in thanking Mr. Shabi for his service over the past three years. We look forward to his continued service.

In Christ’s service,

Tim Pebworth

United Church of God: Shabi Out? Already?

 

A reader here made this comment today:

I just recently watched UCGs "The Red Heifer and the Third Temple" short video from Mr. Shabi. I thought it was average or decent. But what he fails to do is mention that Christians have the temple within them through the Holy Spirit, and that Christ is ultimate sacrifice and our High Priest. Making a distinction between what is Christian and the practice of Judaism which has not accepted Christ. 

 

Instead the focus is on fulfilled prophecy. I am so glad that the bible gives us Paul's writings, which shows a man who was steeped in Judaism and we can see "somewhat" of his transformation into Christianity. The video just wants to show prophecy and doesn't make effort into or emphasis on Christ and His role now. Or how that old system/covenant is gone.
Tank

This was one of the comments to the above comment: 

"That may be Rick Shabi's last video. UCG Council of Elders scuttled him as President this past week."

If this is true, this sure didn't take long! He was named President in May of 2022, he succeeded Vic Kubik's oligarchy.

It might not be hard to see why, based on his comments from last December's Council of Elders meeting, 

Shabi and so many other COG leaders act like they are just now discovering that things are not healthy in their church. Seriously guys, you have had since 1995 to get your act together and you still can't.

Milford, Ohio

Monday, December 9, 2024

Chairman Tim Pebworth called the morning session to order at 9 a.m. Eastern. Paul Wasilkoff opened the meeting with a prayer. Eleven council members were present, and John Elliott joined via Zoom.

Mr. Pebworth began with a few personal opening comments. He then presented the August meeting minutes for approval, which were unanimously approved. He then reviewed the week’s agenda, which was also unanimously approved. Mr. Pebworth then turned the floor over to Rick Shabi for the President’s report.

President’s Report: Rick Shabi

Mr. Shabi opened his report by sharing some personal thoughts and several scriptures that he felt perfectly framed his experiences over the last two years in his current position and what he will discuss in his presentation.

Attend your herds! Members get called a lot of things by leaders and ministers, but this is a new one. 

• Proverbs 27:23, “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds.”
• Proverbs 24:27, “Prepare your outside work… and afterward build your house.”
• Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it…”
• Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…”
• Ephesians 4:16, “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
• Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…”

As Mr. Shabi read each scripture, he commented on the value these biblical principles bring to the Church and the time it takes to implement them as God desires. He said there is much to learn; even though we are a small Church we have a significant, worldwide work. He mentioned that he has learned much from the travels that he, Steve Myers, and Darris McNeely have made through the many different environments worldwide, seeing firsthand where the brethren live, their needs, strengths, and challenges.

Thirty years of wandering around slapping each other on the back as if they were doing some mighty work. Division and discontent are their hallmarks. Just ask COGWA. Never mind though, they are still learning. They are learning to be humble and submissive.

Mr. Shabi mentioned that many things have already been accomplished, but in these travels, they have learned that there are many more areas of concern that we need to address. He noted that it’s apparent that we are still learning, but we know that God will teach and guide us in how He wants this work done. He commented that the only way to know where God wants us to focus our efforts is to let Him lead. In return, we must keep that humble spirit, submit to His will, and always trust Him.