LCG: Have you hardened your heart? Are you still teachable?

Now, Boys and Girls, it is important to remain teachable so you too can avoid problems and gain your reward in the kingdom. 

Why has it been that the leadership in LCG and most COG's have been some of the most unteachable men in our history?

Are You Teachable? The Bible reveals that God is looking for an important quality in Christians and future leaders in His Kingdom—teachability. Abraham listened to God’s instructions (Genesis 18:19). Moses was an extremely capable leader, but he was also humble and teachable (Numbers 12:3). David exhibited this same attitude when he wrote “Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes” (Psalm 119:33). Solomon asked God for wisdom and an “understanding heart” so he could learn to rule wisely (1 Kings 3:9). When Jesus said the “meek” and “poor in spirit” will be blessed, He emphasized the need to be teachable and willing to learn (Matthew 5:3–5). However, the Scriptures also reveal that when we harden our hearts to God’s instructions, we will reap serious consequences (Proverbs 28:14). Let’s strive to be teachable so we can avoid problems and gain an everlasting reward in the coming Kingdom of God.

Have a profitable Sabbath,

Douglas S. Winnail

The Truth. Does LCG Even Know What It Is?

 

Did you know that truth and your capacity to understand the scriptures, what the plan of God is, and your part in that plan is only available through the Living Church of God? Who knew?

Be Thankful for the Truth: The Sabbath is a good time to reflect on the question: Are you thankful for the Truth? If you are a lifelong member or if you grew up in the Church, it is easy to take the Truth for granted. Yet, Jesus said that no one can come to a real understanding of the Truth unless they are called and their minds are opened (John 6:44). The capacity to understand the Scriptures, the plan of God, the purpose of life, and God’s way of life is a gift that God is only making available to a few at this time (1 Corinthians 1:26–27), because Satan has blinded the eyes of most people of this world (2 Corinthians 4:3–4). Jesus stressed that it is a great privilege to be given an understanding of the Truth of God (Matthew 13:10–17). The Apostle Paul stated that to be called out of darkness into the Truth is something to be extremely thankful for(Ephesians 5:8–20). Let’s never lose sight of this incredible privilege. Are you thankful for the Truth?

Have a profitable Sabbath,

Douglas S. Winnail

Has The Church of God Ever Been "Kind"?

Living Church of God had this up for Doug Winnail's weekly update for August  22, 2024

The Importance of Kindness: The Bible reveals that in the last days, people will be “unloving, unforgiving, slanderers… brutal” (2 Timothy 3:1–4). However, God wants Christians to develop godly qualities and become like He is, “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness” (Nehemiah 9:17). David writes that God “has shown me His marvelous kindness” (Psalm 31:21). Solomon says of a virtuous woman: “on her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26). Jesus said that God is even “kind to the unthankful” and we should be likewise (Luke 6:35). The Apostle Paul wrote that true Christian love “suffers long and is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4) because kindness is one of the fruits of God’s Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). If we hope to become like God and be in the Kingdom of God, we will strive to develop and exercise this important quality of kindness.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail

While these questions include LCG in them they also apply as a whole to the Church of God movement. 

Has the Church of God, as a whole, ever practiced kindness to its members? 

Has the ministry been kind to its members? 

Has their version of kindness been only restricted to church members or has it shown kindness to the world?

Has the church been "unloving, unforgiving, slanderers...brutal?" to its members?

Can church members learn godly qualities by how they have been treated by church leaders and ministers?

Does the love of members "suffer long and is kind?

Do you believe that you will be a good god considering how you treat people today in this lifetime?

LCG, the only COG not motivated by individuals seeking power and to desire be seen

 

Doug Winnail had this up for the LCG member update for August 8. It is about what motivates you, particularly for those seeking a position and to be noticed. This is pretty rich coming from LCG when far too many of the leaders were motivated by position, recognition, and power.

Rest assured brethren, NO ONE and I mean NO ONE in the power structure of the Living Church of God, past and present was EVER motivated by selfish motivations! Never! Oh, and they have all served with genuine humility! 

What Motivates You? In today’s world, many are motivated by a desire for a position, power, prestige—and a bigger paycheck. Even in the Church, these same desires can motivate individuals to seek a position and be noticed. While Jesus saw these attitudes in religious leaders of His day (Matthew 23:1–11), He told His disciples, “whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:20–28). Jesus also set us an example in that He “did not come to be served, but to serve.” The Apostles Peter and Paul urged Christians to avoid selfish motivations and be examples to others by serving with genuine humility (1 Timothy 6:3–5; 1 Peter 5:1–6). As we strive to come out of this self-centered world, let’s look for ways that we can serve others—so God can use us more effectively as instruments in His hands (Philippians 2:3–12).

Have a profitable Sabbath,

Douglas S. Winnail