Doug Winnail Says That Satan Is At Work in Some LCG Congregations - Why Does He Have So Much Power In LCG?

Surviving in Satan’s Divided World: Our world seems to be falling apart! Winds of war are blowing in the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia as heavily armed nations jockey for power. Within nations, politicians hurl insults at opponents; religious groups attack other faiths; racial, ethnic, and gender issues are ripping apart schools and communities; and families are being destroyed—but few realize why. Most simply do not know that Satan is the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and that he is the author of anger, hatred, and lies (John 8:44) that lead to chaos, confusion, division, and wars (1 Corinthians 14:33; James 4:1–5). Satan will foster these same attitudes even within congregations if we are not alert to his attempts to “dig up dirt” and divide (1 Peter 5:6–9; Proverbs 16:27–28). We need to understand how Satan operates and become peacemakers—so we can function in that capacity now and in the Kingdom of God. Don’t become a tool that Satan can use to foster division.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail

Doug Winnail of the Living Church of God recently warned members about a world seemingly falling apart—wars brewing, politicians hurling insults, religious conflicts, racial tensions, and families disintegrating. He correctly notes that the Bible says Satan is the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4) who authors lies, hatred, and chaos. He urges alertness to Satan’s attempts to “dig up dirt” and divide congregations, calling members to be peacemakers rather than tools of division.

How convenient. In classic LCG fashion, the real problem always seems to be outside critics or questioning members rather than the group’s own failed prophecies, authoritarian controls, and documented issues. There is partial truth in the warning: Satan does sow discord and exploit sin. Yet Winnail’s framing leans heavily into the familiar Armstrongist playbook of fear, hyper-vigilance, and implied loyalty to the organization as the best defense. The New Covenant proclaims something far bolder and freer: decisive victory in Christ, genuine liberty from fear, and unity rooted in the gospel—not enforced silence.

According to Scriptures, Satan does exert influence. He blinds unbelievers, promotes deception, and stirs the “works of the flesh” that fuel conflict (Galatians 5:19-21; James 4:1-3). Nations, communities, and yes, even congregations can be torn apart by pride, gossip, and unresolved offenses. This much is biblical.

However, treating Satan as an ever-present boogeyman requiring constant organizational alertness and top-down control misses the New Covenant reality. The title “god of this age” describes limited, temporary influence over the unbelieving world system—not ultimate lordship, and certainly not a free pass for leaders to label any exposure of problems as “Satanic division.”

Jesus did not leave us to merely “survive” in Satan’s world like anxious end-time preppers. He came to rescue us from it. “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” (Galatians 1:4 NIV).

At the cross, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them publicly (Colossians 2:15). He destroyed the devil’s power over death and freed those held in lifelong slavery by fear (Hebrews 2:14-15). God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves (Colossians 1:13). We are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). The veil is removed, and the light of the gospel has shone in our hearts (2 Corinthians 4:6).

In the New Covenant, the Spirit indwells us. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). We are no longer helplessly captive to Satan’s snares. God grants repentance so that people can “escape from the snare of the devil” (2 Timothy 2:26). We resist the devil and he flees (James 4:7). This is not a call to endless demon-hunting or authoritarian crackdowns on anyone who notices inconsistencies. It is an invitation to stand firm in the finished work of Christ.

Winnail warns against becoming a tool of division by “digging up dirt.” In LCG and similar circles, this often translates to: Don’t notice or mention the failed dates, the top-down control, the declining membership, or the way dissent gets labeled as Satanic. True biblical peacemaking speaks truth in love. The gospel itself divides because light exposes darkness (John 3:19-21; Matthew 10:34-36). Calling out hypocrisy or demanding accountability is not “Satan’s work”—it’s often the work of the Spirit. Suppressing uncomfortable truths to preserve institutional “unity” is something else entirely.

Doug Winnail and the Living Church of God paint a picture of survival in a dangerous world where Satan lurks around every corner, ready to pounce on the insufficiently vigilant (or insufficiently submissive). The New Covenant proclaims something radically different: victory has already been won. You are not a helpless pawn in Satan’s game. You are not perpetually one misstep—or one honest question—away from becoming his tool. You have been delivered, transferred, and equipped.

The cross was the decisive blow. The resurrection sealed the triumph. The Holy Spirit empowers daily living. Fear of Satan often keeps people tethered to human systems, endless rules, tithing pressures, and suspicion—precisely the bondage the New Covenant was meant to shatter. Christ sets us free to live abundantly: loving our families, enjoying simple rural life with gardens and animals, speaking truth without paranoia, and resting in grace rather than the heavy yoke of old-covenant shadows or modern COG authority.

According to the Scriptures, Satan may still prowl and sow discord, but his ultimate weapons—condemnation, fear of death, and dominion over the conscience—have been shattered for every believer. We do not live looking over our shoulder or constantly scanning for “dirt-diggers.” We fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. We walk in the light, pursue peace where possible, and speak truth boldly even when it exposes division caused by false teaching or leadership failures.

The present evil age is passing away. The kingdom of our Lord advances, and we are already citizens of the unshakable one. You are not captive. You are not blind. You are a child of light, kept by the power of God. Greater is He who is in you. Stand in that freedom. Live without fear. Proclaim the gospel of grace. The God of this age has been judged. Christ has triumphed. In Him, you stand—fearless, free, and forever secure.

This is the hope and power of the New Covenant. It is good news indeed—far better than perpetual survival mode.