When did you ever hear "When I die" from those ministers abscessed (I meant to use that word) with their own "because we won't" prophetic drool and why not?
"You don't fear the Unknown?"
"I love the Unknown"
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Monday, May 8, 2017
"Would HWA's Empire have been more successful, widespread and accepted if..."
Gerald Bronkar has asked the following question to be thrown out for comment. This is a "neutral" question that would allow those in LCG and other groups to share their observations.
"Would HWA's Empire have been more successful, widespread and accepted if the heavy yoke of some of his church doctrines had been less onerous?
His idea of God's rules presented many tough pills to swallow: Sabbath, holy days, tithing, divorce and remarriage, dietary laws, secret society difficult to get in, church government, etc. If some of this had been relaxed, would he have had a greater impact---membership, income, fame? Or was this actually his real attraction? He sure knew how to make religion difficult.
COG False Prophet Makes Claim That Tribulation Begins Christmas 2018
Our certified Chief Pharisee, who places the law above mercy and grace, has set a definitive date for the abomination of desolation to be set up and thus start the end times.
Like all of the hundreds and hundreds of Church of God false prophets and outright liars the church has had in its midst for the last 80 some years, the utterances of James Malm will be proven to be wrong once again. Of course, come October 10th, 2017 and December 24-25, 2018 when absolutely NOTHING will happen, the lying false prophet will claim
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Does God want the UCG to flourish?
The United Church of God just finished its annual Council of Elders conference. As usual, there has never been a more unified group of men to meet together in the annals of human history. The problem when leaders of UCG make such claims, trouble is always on the horizon.
The UCG
Why is it that COG leaders seem to be constantly "finding out" who they are as a church? It has been over 22 years since UCG apostatized from their mother church and decided they knew how to do things better. At that time they claimed to know who they were and what they were doing. In the proceeding years, we saw one issue after another hit the church as they were constantly "finding" themselves. The church imploded with huge numbers of ministers and members jumping ship to form yet another splinter group who in turn claimed that they had found themselves in order to justify their existence. As all of the COG's shrink smaller and smaller, just how are they to "flourish?"Mr. Kubik expressed his appreciation for the spirit of fellowship among the elders of the general conference. He also welcomed those elders watching the webcast from home who were not able to make it to the meeting this year. He said that he was asked again what the purpose was for the recent church-wide fast we had. The Church hasn’t fasted together in anticipation of the meeting of the general conference for some time. In Isaiah 58 the prophet seems to be answering questions about fasting at that time. He then lays out the spiritual purpose of fasting: to humble ourselves before God and draw closer to Him and to make His purpose our purpose. Fasting is not to get our way; it is to orient ourselves to God’s way. Through this fast he has come to understand who and what we are. He sees how small we are but how much potential there is for growth, both spiritual and in numbers. God wants the Church to flourish.
United has never been united and they most certainly will NEVER be a "Gideon's army" into performing some mighty purpose. Just HOW can the United Church of God be "fostering and developing relationships" when the leadership of the church has split families and destroyed marriages over it ongoing in-fighting. This has been the sad legacy of the entire Church of God movement for 80 some years.Though we’re small we’re at a place where we can be united like Gideon’s army in performing God’s purpose for His Church. We’re working on a video to show the Church’s work in fostering and developing relationships across the generations that make up the Church. It’s important that we develop strong relationships among all God’s people. The younger generation coming up is very engaged in the Church and its work. We need to be ready to “hand the keys” off to those who will be the next to do that work.
Just how can the "younger generation" ever be engaged in the church when the old guard continue to be elected to the Council of Elders? Four spots were open on the Council and look who is back, yet again:
UCG goes on to say this:Council of Elders SeatsRainer Salomaa (international)Aaron DeanDon WardMr. Seelig announced that the last Council spot on the ballot was too close to call. Auditors are reviewing to confirm the General Conference of Elders’ choice, which should be announced tomorrow, May 8.
He said there have also been questions about the structure and function of Ministerial and Member Services. He says it’s functional very well, and what he would like to do is put together a chart for the ministry to express how the department works and functions. Mr. Kubik is the acting director of MMS, and Chris Rowland is the administrator, and this situation has worked well. He has a lot of respect and appreciation for the work Mr. Rowland has done in that role. Kathe Myers was also hired to help Mr. Rowland administer the department, and she’s been a big help in the day-to-day function of MMS.The bandages they continue to put on everything only cover the rot underneath. After 22 years ministerial services now needs a chart for the ministry to understand what it does. After suffering huge hemorrhaging of members, the church has never recovered to be anything truly outstanding, as hard as they try.
Be Ye Not Of This World
For anyone who has ever been a part of the Church of God longer than 3 months will have heard the following phrase thrown about,
"be not conformed to this world, just as Christ is not of this world."
When you step back and look at the COG leadership and a lot if its ministry, one quickly sees that the church leadership is highly immersed in the world and felt the intense desire to be "seen." If that were not so, there would be no need for campuses in Edmond, Oklahoma or Wadsworth, Ohio. There would be no need for jets and auditoriums.
Being "not of this world" never applied to church leaders, it was for the lowly masses that composed the membership of the church. Church members were prohibited for all kinds of things and were constantly berated from the pulpit as to what they would NOT be doing.
Church members were told to not worry about things in this world because God was going to fix it all in the future. Church members had no need to feed the homeless, care for the disadvantaged and work to make the lives of people more manageable. Church members were taught this for a far more selfish reason; money that would be used to feed the homeless and care for others would not be sent into the true church, thus the church would suffer financially.
Gerald Bronkar had this post on the Ambassador Alumni page regarding church members "being not of this world" and is posted here with his permission.
One of the many problems I have with Armstrongism and most of Fundamentalism is the concept that "God's Chosen People" are Not Of This World, so in whatever situation we (they) find ourselves, it is His will. YIKES!
Therefore, we should not vote or support any candidate, not join any type of military or defense organization, not join a union (or probably ask for a raise or better working conditions), not protest, not own a weapon for self protection, not stand up for ourselves and never participate in any "worldly" activity. The "Chosen" are to shut-up and submit, because whoever is in charge is in their position because it is God's will. YIKES again!
Be quiet and patient and trust God to fix any problem when He sees fit.. Talk about putting your life and that of your family in someone else's hands! This is the height of the "victim mentality" so prevalent in our country today.
Can we just ignore the many despots throughout the world (and even in the business world) who wreak havoc on their citizens, employees and neighbors?
Pure lunacy! This mind-set places the general population at the mercy of the tyrants. If our founding fathers had this attitude, there would be no United States of America. Are we supposed to be patient and wait for some supernatural intervention, and if so, how long? It has been over fifty generations since Christians first began waiting on the return of a Savior. Is there an expiration date? How long do we wait to get involved and become responsible for our future?
Apostle Pack Interviews for Ordination in RCG
And too...I need you to understand our Corporate Structure
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Gerald Flurry's New Family Gulfstream: Inside Pictures
Aircraft Features
• FANS 1A Upgrade
• ADS-B Out
• RVSM /8.33 Spacing/FM Immunity
• SecuraPlane External Camera System w/Three (3) External
Cameras
• Enhanced Soundproofing
• Airshow 4000
• Wireless LAN System
• CD/DVD Player
• LCD Monitor 20.0" in Fwd Bulkhead
• LCD Monitor 17.0" Above Credenza Two LCD Monitors
7.0" at Individual Seats
• Electric Window Shades
• Fax Machine
• Forward Crew Lavatory
• 30 Gallon Pressurized Water System
• Passenger Emergency Oxygen System • 115v outlets in cockpit
• Swivel Air Outlets
• Indirect Cabin Lighting
• Reading and Table Lights
• Mason Cursor Control Devices
Interior
Sixteen (16) passenger executive interior featuring 4 forward berthable single seats, mid cabin has a 4-place conference group with opposing credenza, the aft cabin has two 4-place divans opposite of each other. All seating is covered in light blue leather with the exception of the divans, which are complete in patterned fabric. The aft divan area is extremely private due to the privacy door. This area can be used as a private sleep area. A privacy door also separates the forward galley with cabin seating area. Cabin is complete with sound proofing, high gloss medium wood cabinetry with dark wood trim, light blue carpeting, fully equipped forward galley, aft lavatory and forward crew lavatory. High Temp Oven, Microwave, Coffee Maker, Espresso Maker
• FANS 1A Upgrade
• ADS-B Out
• RVSM /8.33 Spacing/FM Immunity
• SecuraPlane External Camera System w/Three (3) External
Cameras
• Enhanced Soundproofing
• Airshow 4000
• Wireless LAN System
• CD/DVD Player
• LCD Monitor 20.0" in Fwd Bulkhead
• LCD Monitor 17.0" Above Credenza Two LCD Monitors
7.0" at Individual Seats
• Electric Window Shades
• Fax Machine
• Forward Crew Lavatory
• 30 Gallon Pressurized Water System
• Passenger Emergency Oxygen System • 115v outlets in cockpit
• Swivel Air Outlets
• Indirect Cabin Lighting
• Reading and Table Lights
• Mason Cursor Control Devices
Interior
Sixteen (16) passenger executive interior featuring 4 forward berthable single seats, mid cabin has a 4-place conference group with opposing credenza, the aft cabin has two 4-place divans opposite of each other. All seating is covered in light blue leather with the exception of the divans, which are complete in patterned fabric. The aft divan area is extremely private due to the privacy door. This area can be used as a private sleep area. A privacy door also separates the forward galley with cabin seating area. Cabin is complete with sound proofing, high gloss medium wood cabinetry with dark wood trim, light blue carpeting, fully equipped forward galley, aft lavatory and forward crew lavatory. High Temp Oven, Microwave, Coffee Maker, Espresso Maker
Friday, May 5, 2017
It's all good. Clearing the air.
Dennis, I am David Rickman. I HATE the WCG and all the splinter groups! I HATE ________ for the unhappiness he and that god dammed church has caused me. I once was a happy person growing up attending a pentecostal Church until I began reading that Armstrong Bull shit and began attending the Tupelo Congregation Of the worldwide church. I am sorry for the attack that I imposed on you on this website. I was taking my anger out on you and you did no wrong to me. For that I apologize. I hope you can forgive my stupidity.
Response:
Hi David,
I completely understand. I have my own issues but have chosen consciously to get on with my life in the present and not the past for my own good. It was easy to fall into as it seemed to explain a lot and they used the Bible much more than most. I was a naive kid in the 60's and I did mean well as a minister until it just got to be too much. All is forgiven if that needs to be. I do understand the emotions that these kinds of things raise.
Hi David,
I completely understand. I have my own issues but have chosen consciously to get on with my life in the present and not the past for my own good. It was easy to fall into as it seemed to explain a lot and they used the Bible much more than most. I was a naive kid in the 60's and I did mean well as a minister until it just got to be too much. All is forgiven if that needs to be. I do understand the emotions that these kinds of things raise.
My Pastor Is Nuts; he turns heaven into hell for the church
Narcissists can make good first impressions, but they're selfish
By Dennis Diehl
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- I have felt for years that a minister, pastor or priest who in fact has mental and emotional problems can hide in the ministry for years because his quirkiness and his obedience and demands for obedience to whatever he defines as "God's laws" seem so sincere.
Many mental-illness quirks are mistaken for piety and spiritual insights. Leadership styles and public-speaking approaches that Christians would never tolerate in the workplace are encouraged in the pulpit.
A minister who is mentally imbalanced rather than spiritually inspired can wreak havoc on a congregation, and I am amazed at how often few, if any, members of the congregation will confront the problem until it has all but destroyed the church.
Therefore I'd like to politely ask pastors, priests and ministers -- you who have taken it upon yourselves to speak for God, Jesus, the apostles and the intent of Scripture -- to examine the quirkiness that drives your membership nuts and harms more than helps.
Take this test and like it
You -- who think you know the mind of God and can clearly see what the Bible wants humans everywhere to understand through you -- need to find a personality disorder test and take it.
Since you claim to know all of what God is, has done and is doing, along with the truth of every important question about things past, present and future, it's important that your church members understand the filter -- your mind -- that this information passes through before it arrives on their doorstep.
You say you know the mind of God. But do you know how your own mind works and why you inspire the reactions you do from the faithful? Do you even know how people feel about your way of being and doing? Is it just you and God against the world?
Are you mentally fit to lead and speak? Do you responsibly handle the moneys your congregants entrust to you, believing they are sending them to you to do "God's work"? Or do you teach them that, once they send it in, it is no longer their business what "God" does with it?
I recall a leading evangelist in the Worldwide Church of God telling church members that, once they sent their tithe in, Herbert W. Armstrong could throw it off a bridge if he wanted and it was not their concern.
Wrong.
What's the truth?
What about truth, justice and the American way? Do you tell the truth at all costs? Or do you improve on it now and then for your own glory rather than God's?
It's important you find out these things about yourself, because others who have gone before you have ripped the souls out of millions of would-be followers of the Eternal.
Those millions failed to take the time to ask their leaders to divulge a little bit about themselves before they got teary-eyed over the doctrines and other teachings they endeavored to superimpose over their spiritual hopes and dreams.
Mr. Minister, you're invited to see if you can see yourself in the following descriptions of mental disorders. If any of these disorders sound all too familiar to you, maybe now is the time to ask why.
Suspicious mind
o Paranoid-personality disorder: This ailment is characterized by a distrust of others and
a constant suspicion that people around you have sinister motives.
People with this disorder tend to place excessive trust in their own knowledge and abilities and usually avoid close relationships.
They search for hidden meanings in everything and read hostile intentions into the actions of others.
They are quick to challenge the loyalties of friends and loved ones and often appear cold and distant. They usually shift blame to other people and tend to carry long grudges.
Its symptoms also include an unwillingness to forgive perceived insults; distrust and excessive self-reliance; projection of blame onto others; a consuming anticipation of betrayal; combative and tenacious concern for personal rights; and relentless suspicion.
A minister with this disorder may believe the brethren are always talking about him behind his back and may blame all his problems on someone else.
Odd forms
o Schizotypal-personality disorder: Many believe that someone with the schizotypal personality has a mild case of schizophrenia. This disorder is characterized by odd forms of thinking and perceiving. Folks with this malady often seek isolation from others.
They sometimes believe they have extrasensory abilities or that unrelated events relate to each other and to them in some important way.
They engage in eccentric behavior and have difficulty concentrating for long periods. Their speech is often overelaborate and difficult to follow.
Symptoms also include odd or eccentric mannerisms or appearance, superstitious or other preoccupation with paranormal phenomena, difficult-to-follow speech patterns, feelings of anxiety in social situations, suspicion, shyness, aloofness.
Some of these symptoms might explain the tie, collar, robes or crown you wear during sermons. It might also explain the quasi-Jewish paraphernalia in the form of phylacteries and tassels that have found a home in your wardrobe.
These symptoms might also help us understand why we can't understand what the heck you're getting at in your sermons or how you wrested a particular idea out of Scripture.
Lacking social graces
o Antisocial-personality disorder: A common misconception is that "antisocial personality" refers to people who lack the social graces.
The opposite is often the case. Indeed, antisocial-personality disorder is characterized by a lack of conscience. People with symptoms are prone to criminal behavior, believing their victims weak and deserving of being taken advantage of.
Antisocials tend to lie and steal. Often they are careless with money and take action without thinking about consequences. They are sometimes aggressive and are much more concerned with their own needs than the needs of others.
Symptoms include disregard for the feelings of others; impulsive and irresponsible decision-making; a lack of remorse for harm done to others; lying; stealing; other criminal behavior; and disregard for the safety of self and others.
If you have an antisocial personality, that might explain your cruelty to church members or anyone who questions you, or it may be a clue as to why most of the members of your congregation are reduced to tears when they question your stewardship of their money.
It might also explain why you think you need a ministerial bus, or even a small jet aircraft, for your travels around the country.
It could even explain why you made fun of the guy who wasn't able to come to church and then died at home without your taking time to visit and encourage him.
In and out of the mood
o Borderline-personality disorder: A borderline personality is characterized by mood instability and a poor self-image.
People with this disorder are prone to constant mood swings and bouts of anger. Often they take their anger out on themselves, inflicting injury on their own body.
Suicidal threats and actions are not uncommon.
Borderlines think in stark black and white terms and often form intense, conflict-ridden relationships. They are quick to anger when their expectations are not met.
Symptoms also include attempted suicide or other self-injury; strong feelings of anger, anxiety or depression that last for several hours; impulsive behavior; drug or alcohol abuse; feelings of low self-worth; and unstable relationships with friends, family and boyfriends or girlfriends.
Your borderline personality might help us understand why you yell all the time or are so darn negative in sermons about everyone and everything on this beautiful planet.
It might even help us to understand why you disappear on missionary trips or evangelistic journeys for weeks at a time or your visits with brethren we have never heard of in places we have to look up.
The next stage
o Histrionic-personality disorder: People with histrionic personalities are constant attention seekers. They need to be the center of attraction, often interrupting others so they can dominate the conversation.
They use grandiose language to describe everyday events and seek to garner constant praise.
They may dress provocatively or exaggerate illnesses to gain attention.
Histrionic types also tend to exaggerate friendships and relationships, believing that everyone loves them. They are often manipulative.
Symptoms include rapidly shifting and shallow emotions; exaggerated friendliness; and overly dramatic and occasionally theatrical speech. Histrionics are easily influenced and highly suggestible.
Whoa! If we realize you're a histrionic personality, we might then understand why nothing we say is good enough for you or correct and why you make such mountains out of our molehills. We might also understand why you think the whole world is just amazed at your wonderful self.
Good first impressions
Narcissistic-personality disorder: Narcissistic-personality disorder is characterized by self-centeredness.
Like histrionic disorder, people with this ailment seek attention and praise. They exaggerate the number and worth of their achievements, expecting others to honor them as superior.
They tend to be choosy about picking friends, since they believe that not just anyone is worthy of being their friend.
Narcissists can make good first impressions, yet they have difficulty maintaining long-lasting relationships. They are generally not interested in the feelings of others and may take advantage of them.
They crave praise and admiration, have a grandiose sense of self-importance, lack empathy, lie to themselves and others and may be obsessed with fantasies of fame, power or beauty.
How many narcissists does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Just one. He holds the bulb and the whole world revolves around him.
If you're a narcissist, Mr. Minister, that may explain why we have to call you "Mr." and why the in-group you surround yourself with seems to quit working for you or gets thrown out every month or so.
Everything right
o Obsessive-compulsive–personality disorder (OCPD): While OCPD is similar in name to obsessive-compulsive–anxiety disorder, the two are not the same.
People with OCPD are overly focused on orderliness and perfection. Their need to do everything "right" often interferes with their productivity.
They tend to get caught up in the details and miss the bigger picture.
They set unreasonably high standards for themselves and others and tend to be critical of people when they do not live up to their high standards.
They avoid working in teams, believing others to be too careless or incompetent.
They avoid making decisions because they fear making mistakes and are rarely generous with their time or money. They often have difficulty expressing emotion.
Symptoms include a need for perfection and excessive discipline, a preoccupation with orderliness, inflexibility, a lack of generosity, a hyperfocus on details and rules, and excessive devotion to work.
If you're an OCPD person, maybe that's why no one is ever good enough in your church or tries hard enough to become perfect.
We might then understand why you rant in every sermon about "God's law" and Jesus' imminent return with a rod of iron. Heck, a hug would be better, don't you think?
We'd also come close to understanding why once you make up your mind it never changes and why you brag about all the work you do for the church. It could also explain both your and our ulcers.
Friendly advice
If you decide to consider a personality test, please print the results in your local church's bulletin. Even taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test would be helpful.
I recommended this to WCG administrators and got an instant no.
That told me a lot right there. However, taking the Myers-Briggs survey would be only fair, since lives, emotions, finances, faith, hope and love depend on whether you really do speak for God, Jesus and the apostles or would just like to be the boss of the world.
"Know thyself" was good advice in ancient times and is still valuable counsel today.
What about Dennis?
I know, I know. What about you, Dennis?
That's a fair question. Here is the result of my own personality outlook, according to a well-known personality test: Paranoid: low. Schizoid: low. Antisocial: low. Borderline: low. Histrionic: low. Narcissistic: low. Avoidant: low. Dependent: low. Obsessive-compulsive: low.
I also turned out to be an ENFP according to Myers-Briggs. That's Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeling and Perceptive.
That's the same as 2 percent of the population.
ENFP types like myself make good negotiators, counselors, pastors and massage therapists.
Alas, the first three didn't work all that well in my experience as a pastor in the Wild World Church of God. I'm presently doing okay in the fourth one.
All Is Vanity
noun, plural vanities.1. excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities,abilities, achievements, etc.; character or qualityof being vain; conceit: Failure to be elected was a great blow to his vanity.
2. an instance or display of this quality or feeling.
3.something about which one is vain or excessivelyproud:His good looks are his greatest vanity.
4.lack of real value; hollowness; worthlessness:the vanity of a selfish life.
5.something worthless, trivial, or pointless.
There has been an interesting conversation on a Facebook page about how the church tried its utmost to wipe out gratitude and the ability to accept gratitude because it was labelled as vanity. This is ironic considering how vain most of the upper leadership of the church has always been and still is. Just look at Bob Thiel, Gerald Flurry and Dave Pack, three of the vainest men the church has ever produced, but that is another ongoing story.
Many have told stories how difficult it is today, as adults to accept praise and gratitude from others. It was so ingrained in them that to accept praise was a vain attempt to puff up one's ego. Praising other members for jobs well done was to make them big headed and seeking glory.
Just look at Herbert Armstrong's absurd waffling on woman and make-up. Every single time it was all about vanity. While he continually berated women for looking beautiful, he was out buying the best custom designed suits, shirts with his initials embroidered on them, silk ties and expensive cuff links. Of course, there was no vanity there because the apostle needed to dress impeccably in order to meet world leaders and talk about a "strong hand from someplace."
God's most superfantabulous man has this to say about women and makeup, which translates into them being whores and prostitutes.
The Pull of Vanity
Psalm 39:5-6 states, “…verily [truly] every man at his best state is altogether VANITY…Surely every man walks in a VAIN SHOW [an image].” Vanity is a powerful force in all human beings, and it is far stronger than most understand. Each person must have a healthy respect for the pull of vanity at work within him. Be honest with yourself, and admit that this tendency is within you.
Pride and vanity are why the Encyclopaedia Britannica defines “cosmetics” as “…products nobody needs—but wanting them is human nature. Today, the desire to look better, smell better, and thus feel better causes consumers worldwide—mostly women—to spend an estimated $65 billion annually on personal enhancement—cosmetics”
Everyone wants to look or be considered pretty—or even beautiful. The pull of vanity begins early in life. Modern society places enormous emphasis on beauty. As a result, recent studies demonstrate that even very little girls are unhappy with themselves to the point of depression, with many actually contemplating suicide as a result! They feel that they do not measure up to their peers or favorite movie stars. Today, the obsession with being beautiful has led nearly 10 million adolescent and teenage girls into eating disorders.
Consider the meaning of the word mascara. If we just accept the word for what it is, then it becomes its own honest statement from the cosmetics industry. It comes from the word mask, and the word masquerade also derives from it. In essence, to wear mascara is to wear a mask—and to masquerade as something that one is not—for the purpose of vanity and perceived beauty
Many women who used cosmetics in these cultures also took their lead from Semiramis and adopted the use of cosmetics for the purpose of harlotry. History shows how women applied makeup to change their appearance and seduce men. Harlots and “matrons” (the female leaders of prostitution rings) were specifically recognized by their silk, jewels and cosmetics. The Truth Hidden Behind MakeupDave has done nothing more that take Herbert Armstrong's turn of the century beliefs and re-word them for 2017 to continue belittling women, making them "less than" and subservient.
Here is Herbert Armstrong and his twisted reasoning on how makeup causes vanity and is, therefore, a sin.
Spirit, Not Letter of Law"But," some might exclaim, "I never thought of any connection between lipstick and the Ten Commandments! Surely the Ten Commandments do not say anything about painting the lips or the face."
Perhaps you have a surprise coming. Just read on, and you shall see that God's Law is all-inclusive. It covers the WHOLE DUTY of man. It covers, in principle, everything that can be sin!
So what we need to find out, in order to know whether the use of lipstick and makeup is wrong, is just as simple as that! The only question is whether it transgresses GOD'S LAW! Whoever continues in sin, willfully, after receiving the knowledge of the Truth is doomed to eternal DEATH!
It is not enough to say, as one woman wrote me: "I am willing to obey God in all things I THINK are His will." We must obey what GOD SAYS is His will, and cease doing what GOD SAYS is sin.
Lipstick Not Mentioned by Name
The English word "lipstick" is not used anywhere in any English translation or version of the Bible. Nor do we find the modern words "makeup" or "cosmetics." Most people have believed that the right or wrong of using makeup is not directly or specifically mentioned in the Scriptures.
Actually, God's Word does reveal directly and specifically whether this alteration of the appearance of the face is sin! This will come as quite a surprise to nearly all who read this.
How is it possible that painting the lips, cheeks, or eyes could be either forbidden or approved by God's LAW? It's time we realize that the Spiritual Law covers every act of right or wrong.
God's Law is a great inexorable overall Law of SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES! It is not merely ten literal commands. It must be obeyed according to all the scope of its SPIRIT, as well as its literal letter. The Truth About MakeupHerbert Armstrong and the ministers of the various splinter groups use the word "vanity" as a means to control members. No one deserves praise, other than the Dear Leader. Just check out the Facebook pages for Living Church of God, Restored Church of God and the Philadelphia Church of God and witness the slobber fest church members heap upon church leaders and ministers. It is actually stomach-turning to read at times.
Notice how praise works:
The church never praised its members and continually warned that praise was only worthy to God. Church of God members have never been able to do anything right in the eyes of the leadership. The church members were always being blamed for something.Why do we need praise?It's no secret that being praised often makes people feel good. Pride, pleasure and increased feelings of self-esteem are all common reactions to being paid a compliment or receiving positive feedback. This is because being praised triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control the reward and pleasure centres of the brain. As well as making us feel good, dopamine can also contribute to innovative thinking and creative problem-solving at work. The Power of Praise and Recognition
"Christ has had to delay his coming because YOU were not ready!"
"Loma Armstrong is dying because church members were "backed up" and hard hearted."
" The church is struggling financially because YOU have not sent in your FULL tithe or made extra offerings."
"The upcoming ministerial conference will not be able function properly unless YOU fast and repent. Brethren."
"Unless YOU send in MORE money, God's House cannot be built!"
It is no wonder that many adults today who have escaped the clutches of Armstrongism have difficulty in being praiseworthy. The church did its utmost at times to dehumanize the members and make them "less than."
If one is a Christian, that person knows that praise is a good thing to do. But in order to praise God, one must also learn to praise each other, otherwise, the praise is empty.
2 Chronicles 5:13-14
in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the LORD saying, "He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting," then the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.
1 Peter 1:7
so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
And a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great." Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Letter To Rod Meredith About Ordaining Bob Thiel
Dear Dr Meredith
It has come to my attention that there has been a grievous oversight in God's true church, and I know that you will be keen to correct it immediately once you have been made aware of the situation. Bob Thiel has still not been ordained!
As you know, Dr Meredith, Mr Thiel is actually DOCTOR Thiel. In fact he has TWO doctorates, one in Naturopathy. This is surely equivalent to a theological degree, as I recollect all those bylines in the 1960s Plain Truth by your uncle "Dr C. Paul Meredith" - and HE was just a vet!
Bob also has a legitimate PhD from an obscure but accredited university. This is a major accomplishment, especially for someone who demonstrates limited grammatical and proof reading skills. I mean, how many double doctors does God's Philadelphian Work have at its disposal? This man is a treasure!
Plus, Dr Thiel has labored as a church host for years, and gives learned sermonettes on subjects like Marcion. Again, Dr Meredith, I wonder how many of the leading evangelists in God's Work would even know who Marcion was? Yet here is Bob providing this high quality edification for the lucky brethren in southern San Luis Obispo County.
But wait, Dr Meredith, there is more! Dr Thiel has his own website which provided vital information to the world in the wake of the Wisconsin shootings. For example, Dr Thiel correctly pointed out that it was inappropriate for outsiders to put up crosses as a sign of respect for those slain because crosses are pagan. This brave, principled stand was widely commented on!
And now Bob Thiel has expanded his wonderful website to include historical information on the Church of God in New Testament times and the first centuries. Already the fine scholarship he demonstrates has left Papists like Jared Olar (who is also counted among the anti-COG demonaics at XCG) speechless (other than making relevant critiques and citing facts in rebuttal.) Just take a look at the superb article Bob provides on Polycarp: again - who else even knows who Polycarp was (apart from Jared Olar - and being a Catholic he clearly doesn't count!)
Dr Meredith, please bear with me just a little longer while I mention Dr Thiel's excellent articles which have appeared not only in the church members' magazine, but even in The Journal, where they witness against the Laodicean subscribers who would otherwise have only been exposed to Brian Knowles, Dave Havir and other highly questionable sources.
So it was with shock, SHOCK, that I read Bob's recent disclaimer on his website: "I have not been ordained as a deacon or an elder."
I would personally like to recommend Dr Thiel for ordination as he is so clearly qualified - overqualified even - to be a minister in your great End Time Work to restore Apostolic Christianity. His gift for tact and respect when commenting on other Churches of God especially qualifies him to develop fraternal ties with those separated brethren in the United Church of God. I know that you will act expeditiously to bring him into the highest levels of ministry in the LCG.
With deep sincerity
GR
From Gavin Rumney's blog
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