Richard Ames: Keeping Halloween Makes You Think About Evil for the Rest of the Year

It is close to Halloween and the COG's are churning or should I say, regurgitating, out their annual paganism articles.  In their eyes Christan are one step away from sacrificing the children on the altar of Satan.  Oh wait, according to LCG some parents are already doing that!

Pithy sayings of Richard Ames of the Living Church of God:

Should we follow our neighbors, like proverbial lemmings, off the dangerous cliff of pagan practices?

By observing Halloween, we teach our children to make light of Satan the Devil—or even to think like him! Should we then be surprised when our children remain curious about evil—or even invite it—for the rest of the year?

Do we teach our children to attract and cultivate evil spirits at Halloween? Certainly, dressing up like a demon or a witch invites evil rather than opposes it!

Some parents encourage their children to participate in the world of demons. Are some of you parents sacrificing your children to Satan and to wicked spirits

It’s time for such so-called Christians to repent of supporting the Devil and rebelling against Christ!

False prophet Bwana Bob Mzungu Thiel, an apostate LCG member, loved to say this:

Jesus and Paul did not observe Halloween.

Perhaps Richard Ames should ask himself why the LCG has followed the teachings of Herbert Armstrong like proverbial lemmings?  With it's hundreds of failed prophecies, proven false doctrines, and extra non-biblical laws, why does he continue to keep it all and force it upon others?

LCG Lectures Members How To Dress At The Feast And Beach

Appropriate Dress for Feast Services
While Scripture teaches that God looks on the heart, dress and outward decorum are also important (Matthew 22:8–14). As we prepare to be “lights to the world” at the Feast, it’s good to review some basic principles for attire at Feast services. For men, in most western countries, coats, collared shirts, ties, and nice slacks are considered appropriate on special occasions. This may vary somewhat in tropical climates. For ladies, 1 Timothy 2:9–10 explains that dress should be “modest apparel, with propriety and moderation.” Short, tight, form-fitting dresses, necklines flaunting cleavage, bare shoulders, backless dresses, crop-tops, etc., are not appropriate for Church services. We come to services to worship God, not to display our bodies. Our challenge as Christian men and women is to come out of this world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and be lights to a world that has lost its way (Matthew 5:14–16). This is especially true as we gather to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles—picturing Christ’s glorious reign on earth! 

 

What About at the Beach?
Appropriate beach attire for women and men at the Feast of Tabernacles is swimwear that is modest and in good taste. We should be guided by the two great commandments—to love God and love neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39; Mark 12:29–31)—so as not to offend God or neighbor in our dress at the Feast. Accordingly, beachwear at the Feast for ladies should be a modest one-piece or a modest tankini (covering the mid-section), and for the men, no Speedo-type suits (unless pool facility rules require them, as is the case in some countries). Fathers and husbands have a responsibility to be leaders in their families to teach and guide regarding what is appropriate and what is not (Ezekiel 22:26).

LCG Palmetto Feast Site: Please Isolate Us From The Riff-Raff

 

As the east coast of the United States reels from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, the boys in Charlotte want to make sure that the general public does not mix with their site in Palmetto, FL. Apparently, part of the property is used during disasters and power outages. 

LCG has been working with the site to keep those people separated away from the glorious Gospel of the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the millennial setting picture by the Feast of Tabernacles. God forbid any unwashed heathens might happen to sit in the back during church services. That would be a shame.

Also, pray for the brethren in these areas, not so much for the rest of the population.

Hurricane Helene 

 

As Mr. Weston mentioned in his weekly video message, Mr. Ryan Dawson, Festival Site Coordinator for Palmetto, Florida, has been in contact with the site administrator concerning the incoming storm. The property is not expected to sustain any major damage or to be closed for any length of time. However, the property is an emergency shelter, and the south end of it is used when there are power outages. Mr. Dawson and our contact with the venue have discussed a plan to isolate our event from any potential traffic. We do not currently anticipate any major disruptions to the Feast site in Palmetto. 

 

Some of the local brethren in the potential path of the storm may experience a direct hit, though most are fairly far inland. However, they may be subject to flooding or wind damage. Just last year, one member's house was left uninhabitable due to hurricane Idalia. Please pray for God’s protection for the Palmetto Feast site as well as the one in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and for all the brethren in the path of the storm.

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

It's Tithe of the Tithe Time! Get Out Those Checkbooks!

The one thing that Armstrongism was good at was bilking its members out of their money. Whether it was the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd tithe demands, which are not commands of the New Covenant, its pathetic member appeal letters begging for money, to its building funds for elaborate auditoriums and dance studios for the elite's children, to jet aircraft purchases, the money-making activities of the church receive more effort and mention than any gospel message they attempt to preach.

As we are in Feast of Tabernacles season in COGland, the appeals are already going out for people to tithe on their tithes.

LCG has this up:

For many decades, the Church of God has practiced what is called the “tithe of the Festival tithe.” What this means is that brethren who can afford it are asked to send a tenth of their Festival tithe to the Church before the Feast, to help pay for meeting halls and other Feast expenses as well as to help brethren around the world who have limited resources to attend the Feast (Deuteronomy 14:27; 16:14). If you are able and you have not already done so, please send in your tithe of the Festival tithe for this year. This contribution is greatly appreciated.

Then, to really take advantage of members, they will ask for members to send in their excess 2nd tithe.

Gotta keep those coffers full!

LCG Going Forth In Power To All The World On Rumble

 

Rumbling with the Living Church of God on Rumble.

The biggest witness ever into the four corners of the globe!

Nations tremble at their feet.

Thousands converted to the truth!

Oh, wait! 49 people are followers.

Rumble has 78 million people on it.

But, there are 49 followers. Woo Hoo!

In a fun twist, the Great Bwana Bob has more followers for his snake oil supplements than the LCG does for the truth restored.

Where would the world be without the Churches of God in its midst?

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?

Um...Why Is LCG Warnng Us About False Teachers?

 

Living Church of God wants to warn us about false teachers. We know this was posted quite a while back in response to Bob Thiel's heretical blasphemies, but isn't it the pot calling the kettle black? Isn't the Living Church of God also filled with false ministers?

Sadly, the Church of God today is filled with wolves masquerading as true ministers of God who are dominant out one blasphemy after another. Great will be the day when Bob Thiel, Gerald Flurry, Ron Wienland, and Dave Pack are silenced!

Beware of False Teachers: Warnings about false teachers are found throughout the Bible. Jesus warned they will come in “sheep’s clothing” (smooth-talking, congenial, appearing spiritual), but are actually “ravenous wolves” seeking to divide and devour the flock of God (Matthew 7:15–19). As the end of the age approaches, Jesus warned that “many will come in My name” claiming to be representatives of Christ “and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:3–5). The Apostle Paul warned that these false teachers would be guided by a different spirit and preach a different gospel about a different Jesus, and are actually ministers of Satan masquerading as ministers of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:4–15). Peter warned they will promote “destructive heresies” that deny the truth of Scripture—and that many will follow their erroneous teachings (2 Peter 2:1–3). Let’s remember these warnings and ask God for the discernment to recognize false teachers and their misguided ideas (2 Timothy 1:6–7)—because we will all be tested in this crucial area.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail

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

LCG: Oh No!!!!!!!!! The Germans Are Coming...AGAIN...and AGAIN...and AGAIN! What ever will we do?

 

Still Germany, Germany, Germany.

Thousands of troops is a far cry from millions of troops.

It’s the same old song, but with a different feeling since Herbert has been gone.

Why are 

Satan and Germany 

always hiding under the beds 

of Church of God leaders?

Why continue to live in a constant state of fear?

hat tip to a reader here as the source

Ever since Herbert Armstrong declared that Hitler was still alive and living in South America, the focus of the Church of God movement has been upon Germany. The more villainous the church could make Germany, the better. From concentration camps built all around the country to crematoriums filled with Laodiceans and non-members, with adjoining rooms filled with meathooks where the Germans would hang those they wanted to torture. The youth of the country would be taken to Germany and auctioned off around Europe as slaves to their new masters.

Hardly a week went by without a sermon or magazine article talking about Germany. The church talked about Germany as much as they did Satan.

In spite of the endless stream of prophetic failures by Herbert Armstrong, today's COGs try as hard as they can to carry on that mantle. None does it better than the Living Church of God.

Concern in Europe over the invasion of Ukraine, potential problems in Poland, Belarus, Georgia and Estonia with Russia, Europe is rightfully concerned about their nations sovereignty. Of course, this plays right into the hands of COG mythology that this is a sure sign that the phoenix of Germany will soon arise and take over the world as they prepare to march upon Jerusalem for an epic showdown in the Valley of Armageddon (after they torture, kill, and enslave Americans in concentration camps, of course).

Living Church of God had a post about this in 2022 and here we are a year later and they still are searching for what they see as confirmation of their incessant proof-texting.

 

 

LCG Tries To Impress National Christian Broadcasters That It is A Normal Christian Ministry

 

From an LCG source:

Greetings from Charlotte, 

 

Mr. Gerald Weston is in Nashville this week with Mr. Wallace Smith and Mr. Mike DeSimone to attend the annual National Religious Broadcasters Christian Media Convention, which is “the world’s largest gathering of Christian communicators.” Last week, we had 54 guests attend Tomorrow’s World Presentations (19 in Las Vegas, Nevada; 6 in Schenectady, New York; and 29 at eight follow-up presentations). This weekend, in addition to six follow-ups, Mr. Ames will present in Columbia, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia, and I will be in Charleston, West Virginia, and Bristol, Virginia. Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread are only five weeks away! As economic woes increase, and death and suffering escalate in Ukraine, many worry about what will happen next. For God’s people, the coming Holy Days are a welcome time to refocus our minds on Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, His willingness to live His righteous life in us, and His plan of salvation for all mankind.—Rod McNair

Banned comments:

Imagine how much Weston, Smith, and DeSimone stood out like sore thumbs at this convention considering the powerhouse Christian ministries that were represented by those who are never afraid of preaching about Jesus. In walks our three guys, proud and arrogant as they walk around the exhibit hall and ridicule the "so-called" Christians as "sincere, but deceived". Who they believe have no idea what the "truth" is. You and I both know that this is exactly what they were thinking. Yet, here are our boys with their rinky-dink Tomorrow's World program, unrecognized by most of the people there, thinking to themselves how superior their program is, yet is so bad that it could only draw 6 people in the town of Schenectady, NY with a population of 65,000 people. That's some witness there boys!

As the world spirals out of control around them, McNair wants LCG members to look forward to Passover to take their minds off the troubles around them. The COG version of "Passover" is that yearly sacrifice of Christ at the local Masonic Lodge or Odd Fellow's Hall where they sacrifice him once again at their yearly ritual, with microphones enhancing the breaking matzo sounds, and then leave him there on the stage or gym floor till next year. The poor guy is just too inconvenient to talk about the rest of the year. Impending war, epidemics, and deaths of millions are far more titillating and important than Jesus, grace, and the peace that comes through him.