LCG: Some members are shocked that Mario Hernandez will be the public face of LCG in Cuba

According to Gerald Weston, Mario Hernandez will be trotting off to Cuba to be the public face of LCG to the Cuban nation.  I cannot imagine people who have suffered mightily through the legalism of the laws of socialism, with many who have died because of it, would embrace more legalism in a church.  God is not bound up in the demands, rules and regulations of the LCG.  What the Cuban people need more than anything is freedom with grace, not arrogant narcissistic bubbling lectures by Mario on how things should be.

LCG is not presenting "original Christianity" to the Cubans. Besides, which version would they be presenting?  James version?  Paul's version? The Cubans will hear very little about Jesus but lots and lots about the law.

Now for that wonderful news. Mr. Mario Hernandez, our Spanish Regional Director, and Mr. George Schaubeck from Costa Rica recently visited Cuba, where God is beginning to do a work in an area that was once closed to us. How exciting it is to reach out to people who have not previously been introduced to original Christianity and all that this means! Messrs. Hernandez and Schaubeck visited with about 50 people in total, people who had come in contact with us via the Internet or personal acquaintances and requested we contact them. Some 30 people were already committed enough to attend a Sabbath service conducted by Mr. Hernandez. One man was baptized, but we expect many more will take that step in the near future, and we are now making preparations to hold the Feast of Tabernacles on the island for what we believe will be the first time ever! 

These truth-seekers are what the Bible refers to as firstfruits(James 1:18). They are stepping out in faith to join with others whom God is calling to do a Work at the end of the age. In a real sense they are pioneers of the age to come, the time that we refer to as Tomorrow’s World, when Jesus Christ returns to this troubled planet to set up His Kingdom. They are the called of God, and if they respond to that call and are chosen and remain faithful to the end (Revelation 17:14), God will resurrect them to be king-priests to teach these same truths to others (Revelation 5:9-10; 20:4).

Living Church of God: Are members struggling with hardening hearts

The poor LCG member just can never get it right. Apparently some LCG members are "hardening their hearts" and are no longer teachable.  In other words, if you dare question anything you have a bad attitude and have hardened your heart against the "truth" relayed to church members.  Why can't church leaders ever write anything positive for their member?  Perhaps talk about Jesus...though I know that is a big stretch.  When he is talked  it is by making church member feel guilty about crucifying him.

Are You Teachable? The Scriptures reveal that an important quality of character that God is looking for in Christians and future leaders in His Kingdom is teachability—the desire and willingness to listen and learn. 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 human inadequacies when he asked God for wisdom and an “understanding heart,” so that he could learn to rule God’s people wisely (1 Kings 3:9). When Jesus said the meek and the poor in spirit are blessed, He was emphasizing their teachability and their willingness to learn and grow (Matthew 5:3-5). The Scriptures also reveal that when we harden our hearts to God’s instruction, we will reap serious consequences (Proverbs 28:14). We have been called to reign with Jesus Christ in the coming Kingdom of God—and being teachable is one of the keys to attaining that reward. Let’s strive to develop this most important quality.

Have a profitable Sabbath,

Douglas S. Winnail