Exposing the underbelly of Armstrongism in all of its wacky glory! Nothing you read here is made up. What you read here is the up to date face of Herbert W Armstrong's legacy. It's the gritty and dirty behind the scenes look at Armstrongism as you have never seen it before!
With all the new crazy self-appointed Chief Overseers, Apostles, Prophets, Pharisees, legalists, and outright liars leading various Churches of God today, it is important to hold these agents of deception accountable.
Herbert Armstrong's Tangled Web of Corrupt Leaders
The Role of a Watchman: Many churches today feel their mission is to tell the world that God loves them and that Jesus came to save sinners. Yet, there is much more to the biblical mission of God’s Church. Jesus told His disciples to be alert and watch for events that will mark the approaching end of the age and His return (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). The events making news today—severe weather; increasing violence and war; the declining influence of Israelite nations and the rise of a European power with links to ancient Rome, promoted by an ecumenical- minded Roman church; and the rise of adversarial powers in Asia and the Arab world—all tie in to end-time prophecies. Just as the prophets were commissioned to warn ancient Israel and Judah, God’s Church has a commission to function as a “watchman” and warn modern Israelite nations of the coming consequences of their sins (Isaiah 58:1; Ezekiel 3 and 33). Delivering this powerful warning message must also accompany the preaching of the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of God (see Matthew 24:14).
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).
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.
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,
It's Friday and time for the weekly smackdown of LCG members concerning things they are not doing right. LCG members are still letting contentions divide them because they are not "perfectly joined together" as one. They are not humble like the ministry of the LCG is. They are also not patient, are conceited and are easily entreated as they buck for positions in the church (something the Meredith and McNair boys never did, right?). LCG members are also filled with PRIDE! Down with PRIDE!
Winnail then quotes Galatians to back up his accusations but for some reason never writes anything about what the rest of the book is actually about. People who understand grace are the people who love one another. Perhaps it is time for Winnail to start preaching grace instead of condemnation.
The Importance of Working Together: Jesus referred to His disciples as His “friends” and encouraged them to “love one another” (John 15:12–17). The Apostle Paul called those who assisted him in his ministry “my fellow workers” (Romans 16:3). He referred to members of God’s Church as “God’s fellow workers” and “workers together [coworkers] with Him” (1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1). These exciting opportunities carry a big responsibility of learning how to work together, and the Scriptures provide valuable guidelines. We are instructed to “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” and not let contentions divide us (1 Corinthians 1:10–13). We are to be humble; live in harmony; be patient; avoid being haughty, conceited, or ambitious for a position; and be easily entreated (Romans 12:16–18; James 3:14–18). Proverbs 13:10 reminds us that pride is a major cause of contention, and Galatians teaches us that using God’s Spirit is a key to eliminating dissention and promoting peace, cooperation, and friendship (Galatians 5:16–26). How are you doing at learning to work together?
It's time for the regular Friday Night Smackdown of LCG members who just can never seem to do anything right. Now it seems that some have hardened their hearts by not being teachable and as a result will be suffering serious consequences at some point in the future! What a comforting message to receive on the Sabbath, a supposed time of rest and time of communion with God. The chances of becoming a god when the rest of the loyal LCG members do are now slim to none.
Are You Teachable? The Scriptures reveal that one of the important qualities of character that God is looking for in Christians and in future leaders in the Kingdom of God is teachability—the desire and willingness to listen and learn and be molded by God. Abraham was teachable and responsive to God’s instructions (Genesis 12:1–4). Moses was a very capable leader, yet he was also humble and teachable (Numbers 12:3). David’s attitude comes through in Psalm 119:33, when he writes, “Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes.” Solomon recognized his own human inadequacies when he asked God for wisdom and an “understanding heart” so he could learn to rule God’s people wisely (1 Kings 3:9). When Jesus said the meek and the poor in spirit will be blessed, He was referring to their teachability and their willingness to learn and grow (Matthew 5:3, 5). However, the Bible also warns that if we harden our hearts to instruction and correction, we will reap serious consequences (Proverbs 8:32–36; 28:14). We’ve been called to reign with Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of God—and being teachable is one of the keys to attaining that reward.
Have a profitable Sabbath, Douglas S. Winnail
Contrast the constant striving to do everything right with this:
It's Friday and time for the weekly smackdown for Living Church of God members who just can never seem to do anything right. Today, they are failing to recognize the "more sure word of prophecy" that LCG claims to have. Not only that, LCG is the Watchman! This is sure to set off that other false prophet who claims he is the Watchman and has the "more sure word of propehcy" due to the fact that LCG refused to listen to him and now are ignorant of real prophecy. Given the track record of self-appointed prophets in the COG and their long history of lying to the members, whenever anyone hears a COG claim to have a "more sure word of prophecy" it is a guarantee they do not. The church has had no accurate prophet in its midst in the 80 some years of the Armstrong COG movement.
Pay Attention to Prophecy: Jesus told His disciples to stay alert and watch for the fulfillment of specific prophecies that will mark the approaching end of this age (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). He also warned, in the parable of foolish virgins, that many will be caught napping and unprepared by the surge of events that will precede His return (Matthew 25:1–13). God has given His Church “a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV) so we can warn the nations of Israel and the world about the prophetic significance of world events. It is also an awesome responsibility to be commissioned as a watchman (Ezekiel 3 and 33). Satan has deceived the world and many in the Church to discount the importance of prophecy. We must never take prophecy lightly (1 Thessalonians 5:20). As we watch world events building to a prophetic crescendo, let’s make sure we continue to study Bible prophecy, build a closer relationship with God, and learn to live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4).
