Why are COG members still falling for the Tithe of the Tithe "Command"?

 

While the following comment is directed towards LCG members, it is also standard practice in almost all the splinter groups to guilt trip members into sending in this so-called tithe. Besides not being a new covenant command any more than tithing is itself, this con-game is just one more way for the churches to increase their coffers. A lot of this money goes into sending LCG minions and other Feast location scouts in other COG's to search out vacation Feast sites and supposedly paying for convention halls, etc.  Ask Lil'Jimmie Meredith how much fun he had "researching" Feast site locations.

Since the church itself requires that its members attend these "convocations" then the church itself should be paying for all the halls, sound rentals, video hookups, and satellite feeds, NOT the members. Each of these groups hauls in millions of dollars annually and certainly has the means to pay for these sites instead of coning members into double paying for everything they do at the Feast.

Tithe of the Festival Tithe—Repeat Announcement
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 in advance of the Feast, to help pay for meeting halls and other Feast expenses, as well as to help brethren around the world with 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.

LCG: Hurtling Toward Oblivion! Ohhhhhhhh Noesssssssssss!

 

Well, crap!  That ruined my day!

On the other hand, Mr. Weston takes a dig at Sheldon Monson by claiming the all-powerful God of LCG has replaced all of the malcontents who left the only true church to go with Monson with new true believers. Isn't God awesome!

Oh, and LCG's Tomorrow's World magazine has finally reached 500,000 subscribers. Its taken them how many years to get to this point?

Despite the rapid spread of the Delta Variant, LCG is planning on its Feast sites. After all, its god will protect everyone, just like it did with Mr. Weston when he caught COVID. In the meantime, they are scrambling to make all kinds of alternative plans. I am just surprised he did not blame this on Satan as a means of stopping members from attending one of LCG's prime money-maker events.

 

Greetings from Charlotte, 

 

We are now less than two weeks away from the Feast of Trumpets, and while the Trumpets are yet to blow, our world is hurtling toward oblivion, as anyone with eyes to see can see. It should be obvious by now that too many people in government, academia, and the media do not love this country—open borders, this Afghanistan disaster, and the push toward immoral behaviors provide more than enough evidence. This goes beyond politics. What God predicted would happen if we forsook Him is now coming to pass. How we long for that seventh Trumpet to be blown to bring mankind’s foolishness to an end. Meanwhile, I noticed an interesting trend the other day. While we regret that some members left us after the 2020 summer camp, in fact the number the number of Member/Co-worker letters sent out here in the U.S. has not only remained steady but has grown, and income has followed the same trend. One would have expected a dip, but God rapidly replaced those who left and the Work continues—adding four issues of the Tomorrow’s World magazine each year (from six to ten), hiring new ministers, sending out all- time high numbers of Bible Study Course lessons, and approaching half a million Tomorrow’s World subscribers. Brethren, as we approach the Feast this year, let us put our hearts into our prayers for God’s guidance and protection as this Delta variant of COVID continues to spread rapidly and, as a result, is affecting some of the requirements our venues are placing on us for our use of their facilities. Many alternate plans are having to be made all around the world.—Gerald Weston

See: 

LCG Takes a Big Hit When Over 500 (?) LCG Members Defect To Sheldon Monson and Church of God Assembly

Did Sheldon Monson Comply To Weston's Rules And Then Have The Script Turned On Him (Like LCG Is So Good At)?

LCG Members Are Now Expected To Support "The Cause"

 

One never knows what craziness will come out of the Living Church of God anymore. 

Today we have Rod McNair talking to loyal LCG members about supporting "the cause." I guess since they have no active "work" that delivers a real gospel message to the world, they now need to refer to themselves as "the cause."  No matter what they call themselves, it all boils down to one thing. LCG members are expected to financially support "the cause."

McNair writes:

Support the Cause Financially

It matters that we support the Work of God with our wallet as well as our words. As Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20). 

 

God will provide for the Work—He says that all the gold and all the silver is His. But He provides through people. Our Father is not limited in resources, and it is to our benefit to put our heart into His Work. He could even raise up stones to do that Work (Matthew 3:9; Luke 3:8), but He has chosen to give us the privilege of playing a part. We are blessed for and experience the joy of being part of His Work, and He takes care of us. Putting our hearts in the Work involves faithfully tithing and giving offerings. 

 

Support the Local Chapter of the Cause

All around the world, members of the Living Church of God are united in support of this cause. Members support Headquarters, and they also help in supporting the local ministry. They help support local Sabbath services. They bolster and encourage one another. Some deliver telecast tapes to broadcast stations and help at live Tomorrow’s World Presentation events. Many share YouTube telecasts, Viewpoint videos, whiteboard videos, articles, or sermons on social media. One way or another, they are directly involved in supporting the Work! 

 

We need to think about what we can do on a personal level in our interactions with outsiders, in our neighborhoods, on the job, and in the community. Historically, many of our brethren have been called through personal contacts or family members. We must not be afraid of shining as lights, convicted so others can see who we are and what we stand for. 

 

This does not detract from our support for the weekly Tomorrow’s World telecast, the Tomorrow’s World magazine, the many aspects of our Internet outreach, and other media efforts. In this world, mass media efforts are extremely effective—easily the most effective way to get a message in front of the most people. God is opening new doors for us to do just that.

Yet our individual contribution at the local level is also vital. Just as with any cause in the world, support at the local level—a good “ground game”—is crucial. Notice what Paul wrote about the importance of each member to the function of the body: “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Romans 12:3–5).

A few of the functions of the body are roles of the ministry, but many are not. As needs arise, everyone’s service in the body is vital in a different way for the support of our “chapter” to preach the Gospel locally and around the world. Together, as we serve God and His Church, we are laying down our lives as “a living sacrifice,” as Paul explained in Romans 12:1. 

As we would expect from LCG, the banner they wave is the banner of Moses and not Jesus. It's all about lifting up the hands of Moses (Weston) instead of BEING the hands of Jesus in a hurting world today. 

Our Cause, Our Banner

Before the Israelites ever reached the foot of Mount Sinai and committed the idolatry we discussed earlier, there was another event worth noting. Angry bands of Amalekites had attacked the congregation of the Israelites, and Moses sent Joshua to fight against them. Scripture tells the inspiring story of how God defended His people when they needed it—and it gives us a clear, concise understanding of where our loyalties should lie.

And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun (Exodus 17:11–12).

God’s servants were holding up Moses’ arms, just as we “hold up the arms” of our leaders today. And then Moses built an altar to honor God’s deliverance. Notice what he called that altar: “Moses built an altar and called its name, ‘The-Lord-Is-My-Banner’” (Exodus 17:15).

There are a lot of slogans people get excited about today. You can find them written on hats and T-shirts, posted on social media, and promoted at sporting events and political rallies. All these slogans are brands for causes of this world. But what is the cause we support? Which “flag” do we wave? And are we on God’s side? Is the Lord our Banner?

Jesus told His disciples, including us, to preach the Gospel to the world as a witness, in preparation for the establishment of the greatest kingdom the world has ever seen. There is no greater cause than that. Who is on the Lord's side?

LCG's POWERFUL Witness to the World and the Response

 

Imagine Herbert Armstrong ever being impressed with this:

87 Guests at Tomorrow’s World Presentations in Des Moines, Iowa, and Plainview, New York
So far this year, the Living Church of God has conducted 44 Tomorrow’s World Presentations (including follow-up presentations) with about 553 guests attending in person or online. We are grateful to see the good responses these events are generating, with 28 new people now either attending Church services or showing strong interest in attending. Last weekend, TWPs in Des Moines, Iowa, and Plainview, New York, resulted in 53 guests and 34 guests, respectively. This weekend, TWPs are planned for La Porte, Indiana, and Dothan, Alabama, as well as follow-up events in several other locations. Your continued prayers for this dynamic program are appreciated!

Des Moines, Iowa - population:  215,636 (2019)  53 attendees 3/4 or more LCG members, very few public.

Plainview, NY - population:  26,453 (2019). 34 guests, 3/4 or more LCG members, very few public.

44 Tomorrow's World Presentations that feature Living Church of God ministers, lots of money spent.

553 guests, 3/4 or more of which are LCG members expected to show up and fill up the rooms so that worldly guests feel impressed.

From this number of "553" guests, 23 people are either attending or showing interest. The chances are, 1-2 people may now be attending while the rest ticked off the box on the card that they wanted more information on attending.

Yes, brethren! We need your prayers for this mindboggling preaching because the fields are white for harvest! 

Never has there been a COG like us doing such a great proclamation of the gospel message! (Bob Thiel was seen whimpering in his storefront world headquarters office after hearing this!)

LCG: Is Doug Winnail Finally Letting Jesus Peek In?

 

We have pointed out for a long time here the weekly smackdown that Doug Winnail delivered to Living Church of God members every week in the Weekly Update to LCG members. Almost every week it was something that members have been deemed to be doing wrong. Seldom were LCG members ever congratulated for putting true Christianity into practice in their lives. But, of course, this has been the track record of the Church of God over the decades and especially of those that were followers of Rod Meredith.

For the last three weeks or so Doug's weekly address to the faithful has been more "Christlike" by even mention Jesus as an example to follow.

One of my LCG's sources had this to say:

Glad to see the comments from Doug moving toward God working in people more so that people must strive to do this or that.

Happy to see this, "As we study and meditate on the word of God and ask God to help us change, we will develop more of the mind of Jesus Christ." Normally I would expect "...we must develop...." or "We should develop...." Also glad to see use of the name Jesus alone.

While I doubt very much he has changed his viewpoints due to this blog and the comments here, I do know that LCG rabidly monitors things posted here about them. Their Charlotte IP address is constantly blinking on the map. When Rod Meredith has to tell members in a sermon to not read this blog then we know the boys in Charlotte have been busy!

I have no idea if this is a new post from Doug or just another one he has dug up from the past to repost, but here it is:

COMMENTS

Transforming Faith: How has your faith transformed your life? The Apostle Paul urged Christians, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1–2). The word “transformed” comes from the Greek word metamorphoo, which means a complete and total change—as when a caterpillar undergoes a metamorphosis into a butterfly! Jesus told His audience they must repent (Greek word metanoeo), which means learning to think differently and turning with sorrow from a past course of action. As we study and meditate on the word of God and ask God to help us change, we will develop more of the mind of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5). As we make conscious decisions to think and talk and act as Jesus would—as we crucify the old self—Jesus will be able to live His life in us (Galatians 2:20). This is the transforming faith that enables us to come out of this world and be the lights that God is looking for in individuals who are called to be members of His family (Ephesians 5:8–10). 

 

Have a profitable Sabbath, 

Douglas S. Winnail

LCG Members Are Still Deemed Too Dumb To Know How To Dress For The Feast

The overlords of the Church of God have always tried to dictate what was right and what they deemed to be wrong. From clothing colors and styles to colors of cars, the control church leaders have had over members is appalling. The church has built a religious empire out of majoring in the minors while ignoring the important things that Christians should have faith in.

Here we are in 2021 and church leaders still think their members are too stupid to know how to dress. 

Dave Pack demands of his men:

RCG requires white shirts, no other color and ties of course, suit needs to be dark preferably black or grey

White shirts...or light blue is acceptable, but not every week. French cuffs if you are a minister or "ministerial material." Also, those ridiculous shirts that have a white collar but blue body are acceptable, but not on the same day the Pastor General is wearing one. Jos. A Banks or Brooks Brothers are the only accepted retailers if you are HQ or a minister. Just like what Jesus Christ wore!

No orange or green ties, only dark blue, red or gold. (recent comments on Facebook)

Gerald Flurry states: 

“Are some of our members going to be kept out of the Kingdom of God because of the way you dress for Church services?” Mr. Armstrong asked members in the Worldwide News. “THIS IS SERIOUS! In some of our churches, members never think of dressing up, but come in slovenly attire, overalls, blue jeans, tennis shoes, any kind of slouchy sports clothes” (May 21, 1979). 

 

For members of God’s Church today, coming to Sabbath services in jeans or sportswear seems unimaginable. However, after Mr. Armstrong died, the Laodiceans returned to those lower standards: Many of them now wear casual clothes to their services. They willingly rejected the Philadelphia standard (Revelation 3:14-20). They have chosen the liberal worldly standard over God’s spiritual standard. 

 

Mr. Armstrong’s writings on dress are not just a matter of opinion. God led him to establish the Philadelphia standard. The godly example the end-time type of Elijah strove to set has been revealed in this last hour as a prophetic SIGNET STANDARD for God’s final Church era to emulate. “In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts” (Haggai 2:23).

Today, as the various COG's get ready for another round of Feast of Tabernacles superspreader events, the Living Church of God is telling its members how to dress for services and playtime.

FEAST OF TABERNACLES 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 modern cultures, 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, belly-baring 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, following our Living Youth Programs policy, 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).

All of this silliness over what people wear to services at the Feast when they love to forget that David danced naked before the Ark of the Covenant (The Seat of God). Imagine Dave Pack, Bob Thiel, Gerald Flurry, or Gerald Weston dancing with delight over the Lord! 

Gerald Weston: "the Church is not going to tell you to be vaccinated, or not to be vaccinated." But May Be A Problem At The Feast If You Don't

 

Greetings from Charlotte, 

 

First of all, I want to thank all of you for your prayers, cards of encouragement, and concern for Carol and me after we contracted COVID-19. Please be assured that we are feeling much better and are getting back to our normal routines. Many others have fully recovered or are on the mend, for which we are ever so grateful to our Creator, who is the only true Healer. Mr. Rob Tyler mentioned in an email I received this morning that Mr. Arius Nusantara, our minister in Indonesia, has come down with COVID-19 and is receiving oxygen. Please remember him in your prayers, along with a family that I mention in the video update for this week. Many prayers have been and continue to be offered up for all who have fallen ill. Thank you, dear brethren, for your love, your faith, and your concern for one another. 

 

Brethren around the world are facing pressures to be vaccinated. The Church does not give medical advice; we do address moral decisions such as abortion or assisted suicide. While some strongly believe that they should not be vaccinated, others have chosen to do so. Whether or not to be vaccinated has implications for attending the Feast (some venues are now requiring it), for one’s job (some companies are requiring it), and potentially whether one can fly. Crossing national and provincial borders may also be a problem. Brethren, the Church is not going to tell you to be vaccinated, or not to be vaccinated. That is a personal decision that must be weighed carefully by each one of us. The Church will continue to serve all members within the constraints placed upon us by the many properties that we rent for services and the Feasts. Please pray and even fast about these matters as the Feast draws near. Paul fasted often, and we too must fast at times other than Atonement. Have a wonderful Sabbath.—Gerald Weston

Living Church of God Still Beating A Dead Horse: 5,000 Man European Army Soon To Arise! GASP!!!!!!!!!!!

The Church of God has always had a love/hate relationship with Europe. They like evangelizing their people with American beliefs and values and then on the other hand see them as future slave owners of Americans and running concentration camps. Nothing pleased Rod Meredith more than to scream and bellow from the pulpit about Laodicean church members being hung on meathooks in concentration camps and as they starved during famines they would turn to eating their own children. Bob Thiel carries on this idiocy today, then he also to bring in the rampaging Chinese 2 million man army and pissed off Muslims.

Even after Rod Meredith's death, these visions of doom and gloom still occupy the minds of Living Church of God leaders. Death and damnation are constantly knocking at the door of COG leaders but all of them are too wimpy to open the door no matter how desperately they need it to happen. They all like their comfortable lives living and acting like Kings too much.

LCG keeps beating the 10 nation drum as they freak out over a presumed 5,000 man army. They envision these 5,000 troops soon converging on Jerusalem and ushering in the end times so that the two witless witnesses (Bob Thiel and Ron Wienland) can preach for 3 1/2 years.

The European Union began discussing an EU army in 1999 and set up combat-ready battle groups in 2007—however, the battle groups have not yet been used (Euractive, May 6, 2021). But these forces have not been forgotten: “Fourteen EU countries, including Germany and France, have proposed a rapid military response force that could intervene early in international crises.” Currently, “the bloc has a joint budget to develop weaponry together, is drawing up a military doctrine for 2022 and detailed its military weakness last year for the first time.” 

 

The latest military proposal calls for “a brigade of 5,000 soldiers, possibly with ships and aircraft, to help democratic foreign governments needing urgent help.” Europe’s foreign policy head, Josep Borrell, has repeatedly stated, “the EU needs to learn the language of power.” The organization now has an official European Defense Fund and has recently launched its European Peace Facility, “a mechanism that will boost the bloc’s ability to provide training and equipment—including, for the first time, weapons—to non-European military forces around the world” (The Guardian, May 19, 2021). 

 

End-time prophecy reveals that the coming "King of the north," a German-led European "beast" power, will have significant military might (Daniel 11:40) and will use this might to surround Jerusalem with armies (Luke 21:20–21). Students of Bible prophecy should watch for a military build-up by Europe and efforts to extend this military power beyond its borders! For more insights into this future European military force, read or listen to Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.

Students of Bible propehcy should NEVER take the world of a COG leader or use any other booklets as proof of anything. We have 80 plus years of false prophecies dished out by COG leaders. If they would only put this much energy into following that Jesus dude then they would not need to be living in a state of fear all the time.

LCG Continues With More Camps After Having To Close Down A Youth Camp Due To Numerous People Getting Infected With COVID

Just weeks after children and adults, including Gerald Weston and his wife, being infected with COVID and having to shut the camp down, LCG is marching forward with more summer camps for their kids. One would assume they would have erred on the side of caution and shut things down to prevent more infections, but this is a COG after all. God is on their side and no one will suffer.

Greetings from Charlotte,
We are thankful to have received the keys to the new Canadian office this last week, and our staff is now moving in. By the time you see this, the Adventure Camp will be underway in the spectacular Bob Marshall Wilderness Area of northwest Montana and the West Virginia Preteen Camp will be in the history books. The 2021-2022 Living Education on-site program is getting underway—orientation begins next week and classes begin August 16. Mr. Dan Hall will be filling in for me at the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Tomorrow’s World Presentation this Sabbath. Next week we have Tomorrow’s World presentations scheduled for Long Island, New York, and Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Smith announced that the September Tomorrow’s World magazine is now being printed, with 498,000 copies. As with others who contracted the coronavirus at camp this year, Carol and I are recovering. Carol is getting back to normal and I’m following close behind. Please remember to pray for those who have not yet recovered and are still battling this disease.—Gerald Weston

Living Youth Camp – Must Read if Someone in the Congregation Attended Teen Camp

This year, we concluded the Teen Camp in Athens, Texas, early because of concerns about COVID cases and exposure. Staff and campers received an email last week describing our efforts to relieve any financial burden that might have been caused by the early shutdown. We are refunding camper tuition and offering assistance to staff and campers who incurred additional fees for flight changes to return home early. As a reminder, the deadline for any requests for assistance is August 11. 

Rain miracles happen at Preteen Camp!  

West Virginia Preteen Camp

This is day three of preteen camp. We have 87 campers and staff enjoying the beautiful Mercer County, West Virginia, 4-H camp facilities. A week that was forecast to be filled with rain has turned into partly cloudy skies, sunshine, a breeze, and temperatures in the low to mid-70s— “Gorgeous” would be an understatement. We asked God to hold us under His wings and to give His angels charge over us, as Psalm 91:4 and 11 mentions. And wow!—has God delivered! Yesterday (Tuesday) was supposed to be rainy and we had many outdoor activities, including a bonfire and sing-along planned. All have been praying fervently for God’s intervention in the weather. During the sing-along, we felt a couple raindrops hit our sing-along books, but a glance a hundred feet to the side saw rain pouring down... rain that never reached our location. It was as if we had a giant umbrella over us. Overall, health has been good and we’ve had only a few bumps and scrapes and a couple of runny noses. We continue to pray for God’s protection for our health. Things are running very smoothly and there is a level of peace that I’ve not felt to this degree at any of the previous preteen camps I have attended (and I have attended some excellent camps in the past). Our camp theme this year is “God’s Way Works,” and campers and staff are intent on proving this theme to be true. Thursday is our last full day of camp and we are excited about our final activities. We are super grateful to God for His blessings, protection, and mercy.—Scott Winnail

Wonder if they will ever have a summer camp that is all about "Why Jesus Way Works Best"? 

Doug Winnail On Modern Misguided Leaders

 

It is time once again for the weekly Friday night smackdown, but this time it is not LCG members who are the targets but everyone around them in the world. Everyone rejects LCG teachings and the so-called prophetic warnings they are dishing out, though if one was to really pursue LCG's literature and broadcasts those warnings are nothing new and many of them are just as loco as Bob Thiel's warnings.

In LCG's eyes, everyone in the world around them are hypocrites and mockers of LCG's bible-based values. We are also supposed to forget the hypocrisy of LCG  and other COG leaders that are supposed to be leading the "true" Israelites into the Kingdom of God. It's always the other guys that are so bad, not the current church regimes. Never has the COG movement been such a pathetic cesspool of hypocritical weak leaders.

Please tell us what message that LCG leaders have taken to world leaders? None of them, including every single COG leader out there, has gone to speak to any world leader for decades now. They all believe that was Herbert Armstrong's job, but today in 2021 not one single person in any of those countries could tell you what HWA's message was or even who he was. Some gospel message that was! Some warning!

Modern Misguided Leaders of the LCG would be more appropriate.

Modern Misguided Leaders: Some of the strongest condemnations in the Bible are directed at the leaders of Israel who “cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness” (Jeremiah 23:32; Isaiah 3:12). Many do not realize these prophetic warnings are dual and apply to leaders in modern Israelite nations today! Not only atheists and agnostics deride belief in God and the Bible, but so do leaders in schools, churches, governments, and the media. The claims that Bible-based values are outdated and repressive, and behaviors condemned in the Bible can be promoted, are going to bring serious consequences on modern Israelite nations who have “forsaken” God and will “reap” what they have sown (Jeremiah 2:17–19). Part of our mission as God’s Church is to be a “voice... crying in the wilderness” (Isaiah 40:3), warning Israelite leaders and nations about the serious consequences that lie ahead. This will take courage and clarity in today’s dark world. Let’s do our job and pray, “Thy kingdom come.”

Have a profitable Sabbath, Douglas S. Winnail

LCG Claims Disgruntled Members Are Pulling Loose Bricks Out Of The Walls Of LCG

 

It is time boys and girls for the weekly Friday Night Love Letter To The Brethren Smackdown!

This week is about LCG members who are looking for loose bricks in the walls of the LCG that they can pull out when they disagree with leaders, misspoken words, poor understanding of sermons, doctrines, or editorial mistakes. LCG members seem to forget that there are NO PERFECT leaders in the LCG. Instead, LCG members need to realize that God is using the present-day imperfect leaders on the same scale he used Moses, Aaron, Samuel, David, Peter, and Paul in the past. 

Seriously? 

Winnail expects us to believe that today's LCG leadership is on the same level as Biblical leaders of old?

Loose Bricks or Big Picture: Over the years, many have come into contact with the Church and have been excited to learn the Truth. Others have been grateful to reconnect after having been away. Still others who have been part of the Church begin to look for loose bricks. From time to time, some begin to focus on doctrinal teachings or decisions they disagree with, editorial mistakes, misspoken (or misunderstood) words in a sermon, or personal offenses they have seen or experienced. It is easy to forget that no one is perfect and that God has used imperfect people down through the ages to do His Work—Moses, Aaron, Samuel, David, Peter, and Paul. To avoid slipping into this negative trap, we need to stay focused on the big picture. Is there a God? Is the Bible His inspired word? Does God have a Church? Where is it today? Where is the Gospel being powerfully preached? Who has had a more sure word of prophecy? Who is warning the world about sobering events that lie just ahead, before the imminent return of Jesus Christ? Who is preparing a people for the coming Kingdom of God? We need to stay focused on this big picture and not get caught up looking for loose bricks!

Have a profitable Sabbath, Douglas S. Winnail

Notice where Winnail tells us that we need to place our focus:

Is there a God?

Is the Bible His inspired word?

Does God have a church?

Where is that church today?

Where is the Gospel being powerfully preached?

Who has the more sure word of propehcy?

Who is warning the world about sobering events that lie ahead before Christ returns?

Who is preparing a people for the Kingdom of God?

Notice that the focus is entirely upon the physical aspects of who is doing the better job. Nowhere is anyone encouraged to find rest in the words of Jesus. No one is told about the grace and peace that comes from being a follower of The Way. What good is some Mickey Mouse Kingdom that the COG preaches about without Jesus being part of the message?

All any of us witness anymore with the various COG's in a constant pissing battle over who is doing things the best. LCG and Thiel battle over who has the "sure word of prophecy". Each COG claims they are the one true church, above all other COG's. No one is preaching a more powerful message than LCG, Bob Thiel, Gerald Flurry, Ron Weinland, or Dave Pack. People are so sick of this endless pissing contest that most no longer care. Most no longer want to be in the Mickey Mouse Kingdoms they're all promoting.

 

Living Church of God Continues to Struggle from COVID and Delta Virus Infections

 

The latest from the LCG:

Greetings from Charlotte, 

 

As Mr. Weston reported last week, both he and his wife have contracted the coronavirus. Be sure to pray fervently for their healing as well as others who became ill at or after the Living Youth Teen Camp. Several have already recovered, but the global danger has not significantly diminished. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has even recommended that vaccinated individuals wear masks “indoors and in certain parts of the country” (“CDC Changes Guidelines on Indoor Masks,” Wall Street Journal, July 28, 2021, p. A1).” Several headquarters employees are under quarantine and working from home. But the Work is moving ahead powerfully. We just received newly printed copies of Tomorrow’s World magazine, August edition, which posts a circulation of 488,000. We anticipate passing the half-million mark within the next two issues! This afternoon, our television crew will be taping my program “The Dangerous Times of the Gentiles,” offering The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor or Soon-Coming Reality? The three-and-one-half years leading up to the return of Christ will be very dangerous and ultimately include World War III and Armageddon. Be sure to read Luke the 21st chapter, in which our Lord admonished us to watch and pray always! The TV department is also working on the November Semi-Annual DVD “Taking a Stand: Three Censored Tomorrow’s World Telecasts.” 

Weston is apparently not well enough to write this week's update to the brethren.

As for the rest of the above comment by Richard Ames, it is the same old WCG message of doom and gloom that has been preached for decades. Can LCG not come up with something new and original? Perhaps talk about finding peace in the grace of Jesus Christ? If LCG members were encouraged to find that rest and peace with Jesus then they would not be so consumed by who the Beast is and the myths and metaphors of Revelation. Does anyone outside of the COG even care about the "times of the Gentiles"? Those that are at rest with Christ do not need to let this consume their daily lives. 

Headquarters is looking forward to the new semester for on-site Living Education students who will be arriving Friday, August 6. They will study a variety of subjects and experience challenging real life adventures in their pursuit of “Recapturing True Values.” We all should strive to be living those biblical values as we overcome day by day. 

Just what "true values" are they recapturing? Twenty-some years out of the Worldwide Church of God and they still are seeking those elusive true values.  Perhaps if they sought the things Jesus brought to the table instead of worshipping the feet of Moses, those "true values" might actually be found. 

Mr. Peter Nathan visited our ministers in western Kenya where churches are not allowed to congregate. He writes, “Most of the congregations have been meeting in small groups in members’ homes to avoid the regulations. The actions of the pastors to care for their flocks has been most commendable.” Mr. Nathan then flew to Accra, Ghana to meet with several groups. Next he will be visiting the Ivory Coast and Togo before returning to the UK. Your prayers for Mr. Nathan’s travels will be appreciated. It’s encouraging to know that God has called or is calling people “out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).—Richard Ames

UPDATED: Gerald Weston, His Wife, and Others at Texas Teen Camp Contracted the Delta Variant of Covid

Greetings from Charlotte, 

 

Everyone should now be home from the Texas Teen Camp that we shut down because of COVID—most likely the Delta variant that is sweeping across the world at this time. Both Carol and I, as well as others who were at the Texas camp, have come down with it. I took Carol to the emergency room per doctor’s orders, but she was not put in a room and was sent home after a long day sitting up. 

 

It is truly remarkable how so many threads are coming together to present a picture leading to the end time and affecting some of our brethren here in the U.S., South Africa, and elsewhere. Leviticus 26 points out that when we come to despise God’s commandments, terror (terrorism) would follow. And following that would be wasting disease. This scourge of COVID has not gone away. And then it says in Leviticus that we will sow our seed in vain, for our enemies shall eat it. Mr. Gene Hilgenberg reported that there are shortages of food supplies, as he was having trouble getting some basic products for the camp. We see the western United States and Canada experiencing extreme drought conditions and high temperatures never before seen. Serious floods have ravaged parts of Europe and China. South Africa, countries in the Middle East, and parts of Asia are facing internal turmoil. See below for news about the situation in Haiti. We are now in a cyberwar with many bad actors disrupting basic services, such as water treatment plants. The big picture shows that this world is entering a time of trouble. Now is no time to fall asleep. While we pray for God’s Kingdom to come, we need to realize that very difficult times are ahead.— Gerald Weston

Church of God News has this up:

Announcement from Gerald Weston, Living Church of God, 22 July 2021: 

 

“By this time all of you are aware that we had to shut down the teen camp in Texas.
Tuesday morning we had a case of Covid from one of the ladies. We quarantined several of the ladies downtown in separate hotel rooms for several days as a precaution. One of those ladies, my wife, came down with Covid. The others seem to have escaped it, for which we are thankful that it was not any worse. The regular camp program began Wednesday morning. We seemed to be containing it, but then on Thursday and Friday we had several other cases … it seemed like there would only be about five total. Never the less, we could see a trajectory that, if we got into the next week, it could escalate significantly. It has, because some have come home from camp with it, so we know that more people were exposed, more people have caught the virus than we knew of for certain on Friday. 

 

Friday I called a meeting for all our department heads and all our our ministers … We realized that either we take control of the situation, or this could get out and outside authorities could take control of it and shut us down, so we decided to shut it down ourselves. 

 

We are not going to hide the fact that there was a Covid outbreak. We could have decided not to test and simply say there was some sickness, but the fact of the matter is it was Covid, we tested for it when somebody got sick.” 

 

This camp in Athens, Texas, has also been utilized by COGWA, which had one report of Covid during camp, and by Church of God Assembly, which has not made any public announcement.

Doug Winnail: God Is Watching You!

It has to be tiring to be a Church of God member anymore, especially being an LCG member. Always having to be on alert and anxious because God is watching their every move. The problem with LCG lies in the fact that if you do not do everything that they expect of you then their god will also not be on your side later on. The entire New Covenant is built around the concept that it was IMPOSSIBLE for people to keep the law and to be perfect. That perfection was granted through the NC to all who follow that Jesus. That enormous logbook of sins that COG leaders what to shame members into having has been filled with disappearing ink. It's no longer there.

Trials and Trust: Tests and trials are a major part of life. Our challenge as Christians is how we respond. Will we trust in God and follow His instructions—or will we give in to our emotions and respond in kind, or compromise and quit? To come through tests and trials, we need to remember that God says, “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28) and that He “will make the way of escape” if we trust and obey His instructions (1 Corinthians 10:13). Those instructions include “do good” and trust God (Psalm 37:3, 40), forgive (Matthew 6:14–15), don’t return “evil for evil” (Romans 12:17), be patient and not easily provoked (1 Corinthians 13:4– 5), endure and don’t compromise and quit (Joshua 1:6–9; Matthew 24:13), learn from the experience and grow (James 1:2–4; 2 Peter 3:18). We need to remember that God is watching to see if we will trust Him and obey (1 Corinthians 3:13–14). We also need to remember that God is looking to see where He can “show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). So, when tests and trials come, and they will, trust God, obey Him, and keep your eyes on this big picture.
Have a profitable Sabbath, 

Douglas S. Winnail

If only Doug and LCG truly believed this:

 

Why Has The LCG Been Unable Recapture True Values?

 

Then next time you see a "true value" 

please capture it. The LCG is still looking for it

Richard Ames has sent out a letter to the Living Church of God faithful and as usual, it is filled with fear and damnation that is swiftly approaching.

July 14, 2021
Dear Brethren and Co-workers with Christ, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Weston are currently serving our Church youth in Athens, Texas, where about 240 teenage campers and staff are enjoying the Living Youth Camp. The Lone Star Camp grounds, including a lake, provide for many challenging activities designed to help the young people to “recapture true values.” Our youth are precious, and training them for potential leadership roles in the Church and community is vital for the future. We appreciate your prayers and support for the success of this intensive two-week program.

The Church of God, regardless of which entity is speaking, has made the comment for decades and yet, here we are in 2021 and NONE of them have recaptured ANYTHING! They still blunder along claiming they have the exclusive path to the "truth" and that God is on their side. Like their apostate bastard children, the Restored Church of God, Church of God Assembly, and the improperly named "continuing" Church of God, they all had the opportunity to recapture "true values" when they committed apostasy from the Worldwide Church of God. They all had a chance to start over and do things right. They did nothing of the sort. None of them decided to actually follow Jesus instead of the law. So here we are in 2021 as LCG has problems with its ministry and its membership.

Yes, youth are precious, but when COG's make their lives miserable and hellish with such absurd demands and doctrines that Christ does not even care about, LCG deserves to lose them. They have no further in the LCG and that is why so many are leaving. None of them have any business becoming ministers or leaders in the LCG! Their lives are more precious than that happening!

Meanwhile, after a year or more of lockdowns, public activities are increasingly opening across the United States, and sports stadiums are again filled with thousands of spectators. However, much of the world is facing dangerous variants of COVID-19. Just last week, because of rising COVID-19 cases, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency in Tokyo, banning spectator attendance at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics (Charlotte Observer, July 9, 2021, p. 1B.).

And yet, LCG in its amazing wisdom decided to go ahead with summer camps and the result is multiple infections resulting in the entire camp of campers and staff are now in quarantine. So much for considering them "precious".

As usual for any COG letter to the faithful, the next step is to cause fear in the reader. Has any of the COG's ever decided to write a letter to their followers just to tell them how much they are appreciated? How God is pleased with them? How much Jesus is working in their lives? Have they ever written a letter talking about what an amazing thing grace and mercy are? The answer we all is a glaring NO! Noting is more important than scaring the crap out of members and then asking them for money.

As we see these sobering trends, we are reminded to watch for the future end-time ride of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, who will kill one-fourth of the earth’s population (Revelation 6:1-8). We must be prepared for prophetic events leading up to the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22) that will suddenly shock the Western world. Be sure to read Mr. Weston’s Tomorrow’s World magazine article “Then Comes Sudden Destruction” (July-August 2019). Brethren, we must never let down our alertness and watchfulness in these end-times. We must always remember Christ’s words, “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:34-36).

While the U.S. economy may appear to be strengthening, in reality it is a proverbial bubble that will someday burst—and suddenly. I hope you saw Mr. Wallace Smith’s Tomorrow’s World telecast “The End of America.” One of the biblical curses he discussed was “Crushing National Debt.” The program featured the “U.S. Debt Clock” which at the time of this writing shows more than $28 trillion dollars in U.S. national debt. The current debt-to-GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ratio for the nation is 107.60, indicating a troubling risk of default. Remember God’s warning, “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail” (Deuteronomy 28:43-44)

LCG still imagines themselves as doing some mighty work that is world-encompassing and so amazing that God himself is pleased by it. They need that god to be working on their behalf so that their members can have jobs and send in their money, for only a "while longer". Time is short!

We trust that God will allow enough economic health to support, for a while longer, His Work of preaching the Gospel. But the time will come when our warning the nations of this world will cease: “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord God, ‘That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but shall not find it’” (Amos 8:11-12). We have a weighty responsibility to fulfill the Great Commission and to work with our whole heart while there is time. Jesus understood the signs of the times: “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). We need the attitude of Christ, who said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34).

While LCG operates in this very short time, the world around them is collapsing. Death, famine, and disease are their focus. Not Jesus, but death, famine, and disease. 

Many tragic trends remind us of the crying need for God’s Kingdom to come. More than four million around the world have died from the COVID-19 pandemic. A report by the United Nations World Food Program USA lists the hungriest nations—including Yemen, which has more than “16 million people—over half of the population—waking up hungry every day.” The report notes that conditions in Yemen are “a devastating reminder of what conflict can do to a country. More than two million children are severely malnourished, and 400,000 are at risk of dying without treatment” (“Over 65% of the World’s Hungriest People Live in Just Ten Countries. Why?,” April 23, 2021). 

 

The UN reports sobering news of famine and starvation:

The dramatic rise in global food prices over the past twelve months, coupled with diminishing food stocks and escalating fuel costs, has gravely jeopardized global food and nutrition security, and has re-emphasized the critical actions needed to realize the right to adequate food. Hunger and under-nutrition are the greatest threats to public health, killing more people than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Each day, 25,000 people, including more than 10,000 children, die from hunger and related causes. Some 854 million people worldwide are estimated to be undernourished, and high food prices may drive another 100 million into poverty and hunger. The risks are particularly acute among those who must spend at least 60 per cent of their income on food: the urban poor and displaced populations, the rural landless, pastoralists and the majority of smallholder farmers (“Losing 25,000 to Hunger Every Day,” UN Chronicle).

If the LCG is so concerned about the undernourished and those "walking hungry" then why in the hell don't they do something about it? Let's see the Livign Church of God set the example for all the other COG's and give $1,000,000.00 to Feed The Children,  Feeding Hungry Children, or to Compassion. They won't do this any more than they use 3rd Tithe to take care of the widows and orphans in the church. Members have to beg and plead to get even a morsel of assistance from LCG ministers.

Instead, Richard Ames praises LCG's so-called gospel message to the world and its literature as being good work.

As we preach the Gospel around the world, more and more people are being introduced to the Truth. The Tomorrow’s World Bible Study Course is one of those tools through which human lives are being transformed. In the second quarter of 2021 (April through June), we sent out 35,593 copies of the first lessons, more than any previous quarter! If you have not yet subscribed, be sure to do so. Read this inspiring comment by a student from Wisconsin: 

 

I have finished the 24-lesson Bible Study Course and I’ve learned so much. I never before really understood the statement, “Let he who has eyes to see…” Some of the scriptures I’ve read many times but didn’t really see what they meant. I have filled twelve ring binders with notes along with every scripture referred to in the study. Great job to all who put this together.

Writing down every single scripture in a COG course does not make one a Christian or one who has proven anything. This is all Ames has been doing for decades, speaking slick words that impress whichever COG group he is in and tossing around scriptures as if he knew what they were all about.

I know an elderly woman from a Protestant church down the street who knows the Bible inside and out, understands the role of Christ in her life, and who could knock down Ames and his self-righteousness in a matter of minutes. She knows the real gospel message, unlike COG leaders who should know better.

Sadly, many professing Christians neglect the Bible, though now is not the time to “let down.” Satan is increasing his attacks on belief in the existence of God, the veracity of the Bible, and God’s way of life. We must strive to submit to our Father’s and Lord’s instruction: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God’” (Luke 4:4). Our Lord quoted that scripture in His battle with Satan!

Sadly, many professing Church of God leaders neglect the bible and that inconvenient dude they claim to follow. Never fear though, that creature who is more powerful than the god they claim to follow is waiting on the sidelines constantly ready to devour "real" COG Christians. Satan has to be the most powerful creature the COG has ever followed. Jesus is an impotent wimp next to Satan.

Richard Ames offers hope to wayward LCG members. He directs them to trust in Jesus and to become followers of him read more LCG literature! Reading COG literature is the cure-all for everything!

If you have been neglecting your Bible, I urge you to determine to read, study, and research it daily. Set aside 15 minutes or a half-hour of your time—make it a daily habit. Always keep the big picture in mind: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,’ says the Lord. ‘But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word’” (Isaiah 66:1-2). 

Next Ames highlights the mind-boggling work of the Living Church of God. Out of 7.9 billion people, LCG is sending its rag to 488,000 people AROUND the globe. Wow! I stand in awe!

You too should be in awe of this amazing work! So much in awe that you send them your money! Look at all of those open doors!

Our Tomorrow’s World magazine helps readers understand the Bible. Our August 2021 issue will be sent to 488,000 subscribers around the globe. Yes, God is blessing His Work. Your support is contributing to growth online, in print, and on the air. Please pray that God will inspire new viewers and open doors to new stations. And I encourage you to read the inspiring, motivating, and informative articles in every magazine, particularly Mr. Weston’s in the July 2021 issue, where he writes,

Ames ends with a cure-all for LCG members. Follow the law! No mention of following Jesus, but follow that law!

If God is real to us—and if we truly believe there is a reward for obeying Him—we will strive to keep His commandments. We will forsake the holidays of this world that put the name of Christ on pagan practices. We will keep His Sabbaths—the seventh-day weekly Sabbath and the annual Sabbaths. We will allow nothing and no one to deter us from obedience to our Lord and Savior. “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:37-39). Yes, if God is real to us, we will put Him first, above all else! Those words come straight from Jesus Himself! (“Is God Actually Real to You?,” p. 8).

Thank you for your continuing prayers for the preaching of the Gospel. As you seek God wholeheartedly, claim His promise: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). And take comfort and joy that Christ’s prophecy is being fulfilled and will be fulfilled: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). 

 

In Christian love,
Richard F. Ames

 

"All in LCG teen camp have been exposed to COVID-19 and are returning home and will be quarantined for 14 days."

Ever wonder if your children will be infected with COVID at LYC this year? 

Wonder no more! The answer is YES!
 

More troubles for Living Church of God!

From Gary Stein in his email yesterday: 

 

Greetings Everyone. 

 

As many of you know, Mr. Weston shut down the LYC Camp in Athens Friday out of an abundance of caution because some campers and staff had contracted the Covid Virus. Mr. Weston directed the campers and staff to not attend Church Services this Sabbath and next because of this. Therefore I ask that those of you who attended the LYC Camp to not attend services in Dallas, Big Sandy or Temple this Sabbath and next. 

 

Best Regards,
Gary Stein, Pastor 

 

Prayers requested for the kids and staff who got sick. 

 

Interesting.. Sheldon's camp which was held in the same facility as LCG's camp, this year, seemingly avoided this Covid-19 outbreak. Weird. Just an observation.


UPDATE ON CAMP:
All in camp has been exposed to COVID-19 and are returning home and will be quarantined for 14 days. Please continue in your prayers for all concerned. Our God is great!

Living Church of God Tells Those Soon To Be Ordained To "...cut ties with friends who are members and rather build friendships with those who are ordained"

 

A reader here commented on Doug Winnail's Peacemaker post about how Living Church of God expects those soon to be ordained to cut ties with friends who are members and instead build friendships with those already ordained. Talk about elitism! Talk about being peacemakers! Sheesh!

Dr. D. Winnail is one of the main Ministers who tells people before they become ordained they have to cut ties with friends who are members and rather build friendships with those who are ordained. He is not the only one who teaches this as it is a "Normal Routine" to tell anyone who is considered for an ordained leader position.

I have seen many friendships just end all of a sudden and the ones who are not ordained are left wondering what happened. I thought it was crazy and something that was NOT Biblical at all and it certainly does not promote unity.

I was told by not only family who were being ordained but also close friends who were about to be ordained that they had to distance themselves from us in order to be ordained. After about another 10 years of dealing with practically being ignored at the Feast because we are not of the "Elite ordained" so they could not fellowship with us...HA that was my own family and of course our once very close friends that could not have time for us until maybe after the Feast. Mr. Weston also told our "very Close friends" (who turned out to not be real friends) to "SEEK OUT and DESTROY ANYONE who is considered a cancer to the Ministry and church." That hurt us deeply and our children. So we have left that because the fruits are not good. There are good people in that Organization but the majority of the leadership that we have met (remember we have family that are in the Ministry ) do not have good fruits. I have heard that Atlanta is almost as bad as HQ too.

Friday Night Smackdown: LCG Members Are Not Peacemakers

 

What would a Friday night be without the weekly smackdown of LCG members who seem to constantly never do anything right? This week LCG members are mistreating friends, gossiping, and otherwise not being peacemakers. Why blame the members? The biggest peacebreakers in the LCG are its ministry and leaders.  When has the ministry ever sat down with a member, in a spirit of meekness, to counsel? Instead, those sessions tend to be an egotistical power trip as the member is berated for failing to do what the minister thinks is right. When the leadership sets the example, the members will follow.

Are You a Peacemaker? Jesus explained a fundamental aspect of Christianity when He told His disciples, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). The Apostle Paul advised Christians in Rome they should do all they can to “live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:17–21). Paul explained we can become peacemakers by not seeking revenge or mistreating others when we have been mistreated and by overcoming evil with good. Solomon stated, “He who covers [overlooks and forgives] a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter [keeps talking about or won’t let go] separates friends” (Proverbs 17:9). Real peacemakers are willing to go to their brother or sister when problems arise and talk things over in a spirit of meekness (Matthew 18:15), and a brother or sister led by God’s Spirit will be willing to listen to bring peace (James 3:17–18). One important lesson we must learn as Christians is that peace comes when we follow and learn to apply the laws of God—as David wrote, “Great peace have those who love Your law” (Psalm 119:165). How are you doing in this area of your life? 

 

Have a profitable Sabbath, 

Douglas S. Winnail

Living Church of God: "He called me “Satan,” told me to stay away from him and even threatened to divorce me."

 

We have all heard horror stories over the years of marriages being ruined or broken up by the church. Whether it be in Dave Pack's cult or in Gerald Flurry's the abuse has been horrific. They are not the only destroyers of marriages and relationships, as the Worldwide Church of God reigned supreme in that department, particularly when heavy-handed Rod Meredith was over Church Administration. 

One would think that when all of the current splinter groups split off to preserve the "one truth" that they would have reinvented themselves and stopped the many cases of abuse they saw prevailing in the WCG. Instead, all any of them did was carry on exactly like they did in the WCG. They were so used to the power they had that they felt unstoppable and in no need to change anything. Living Church of God, despite being part of two different splinter groups, never has cleaned up their act and still is an abusive church.

Check out the latest post on Exit and Support Network from a woman in LCG:

Why I’m Leaving Living Church of God:
July 10, 2021 

 

I’ve been a member of LCG from 2012 but I always had doubts and tried to convince myself that it was the “true church.” Many things preached by LCG never added up. For example, the promise that Jesus would return within the next 5 years. 

 

LCG is a dangerous cult leading to many divorces for members who did marital counseling with the ministers. I ended up with serious anxiety issues and suffered financially when my husband forced me to pay the third tithe. I have never seen a verse in the Bible that says the Levites should be in charge of the third tithe and that the excess 2nd tithe should be given to the church on the Last Great Day. My question was always around why LCG never does any charitable deeds like helping the poor? 

 

I discovered the incest allegations about HWA and I found that very disturbing that someone who was supposed to be a servant of God could even be accused of such a thing. 

 

LCG preaches closet racism about interracial marriages in youth camps as being unequally yoked. I realised they were preaching nonsense and are not Christians who read the Bible. 

 

My husband is still part of the cult even after I showed him allegations about HWA and racist articles written in the Plain Truth. He called me “Satan,” told me to stay away from him and even threatened to divorce me. We were constantly fighting and my husband was trying to force me to remain with LCG which became emotionally abusive. He is determined to teach our kids about the nonsense of LCG child members being princesses when Christ returns. 

 

So many wrong things about LCG are so blatant but my husband refuses to see reason. How do I live in peace with someone like that and I’m worried about the influence on my children. Not sure what to do. I only pray that one day he sees the real truth not LCG fables. I just want to say thank you for your website as it helped me to see the true state of affairs at LCG. –[name withheld]