What We WIsh Jesus Would Have Actually Done on the First Visit

We always hear about the many amazing things that Jesus of Nazareth apparently did, but nobody ever asks about the things that Jesus supposedly COULD have done, being omnipotent, but either didn't bother to do or didn't think were all that important.

Top 10 Church of God Deal Breakers

From an LCG source:

Top 10 COG Deal Breakers

If I see that a church has any of these characteristics, then it’s a deal breaker for my attending there. I’ve yet to find a COG that doesn’t have at least one of these characteristics.

1. Exaggeration of the authority of the ministry.
2. De-emphasis on the weightier matters of the law, exaggeration of the importance of ritual.
3. Callous view of the people in the world, minimization of human wellbeing.
4. Suppression of publicly preaching about the person of Jesus Christ and salvation.
5. Preferential treatment of certain members over others.
6. Demanding loyalty to the organization.
7. Exclusive club mentality.
8. Closed door policy.
9. Secrecy.
10. Tolerating abuse.

Here’s a recent example of #4, from this week’s LCG comments to the membership by Douglas Winnail. The below is illogical because what is supposed to be the action people are to take, other than accepting Jesus Christ as personal Savior, if they do heed the warning? How is a mission of a warning message separate from a mission of telling the world about Jesus and being saved??

The Church as a Watchman: Many churches feel their mission is to tell the world that God loves everyone and Jesus came to save sinners. However, there is much more to the biblical Gospel message! Jesus told His disciples to be alert and watch for specific events that will mark the approaching end of the age and the return of Jesus Christ: widespread religious deception and persecution, ethnic violence, wars and rumors of wars and numerous natural catastrophes (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). Other end-time prophecies warn of a growing coarseness in society as people focus on selfish pursuits and pleasures (2 Timothy 3:1–5). On the world scene, trouble will erupt in the Middle East involving a European power backed by the Roman Church, Arab-Muslim nations and nations from the east and north (Daniel 2; 7; 11:40–44). This final conflagration will threaten the future of humanity—if Christ does not return (Matthew 24:21–22). Just as God raised up prophets to warn the ancient nations of Israel and Judah, the Church of God has a similar mission to function as a watchman to warn modern Israelite nations and the world of what lies ahead (Ezekiel 2; 3; 33; Isaiah 58:1). Delivering this powerful warning message must also accompany the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 24:14). This is the mission we have been given to carry out as the end of the age approaches.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail

PCG: Fundraising For God. After All, It Is Always About The Money

The Philadelphia Church of God Greed has an article up instructing their members how to bring in extra income to the PCG. As income drops because members are leaving, Gerald Flurry's purchase of a new family jet, the immense drain on income due to supporting a boondoggle concert series and financial nightmare that the "college" in England is upon the church, the PCG struggles to maintain income levels at a safe level. Never fear though, the Flurry family has a new opportunity for PCG members to raise money for the most important work the church has ever seen.  Dave Pack and Bob Thiel have been seen whimpering in the shadows in humiliation.

John Krueger has this to say in the article, "Fundraising for God: A way to not only earn money but also show God your enthusiasm for His Work":

God blesses us in many ways, and He asks for so little in return. Every year, we have opportunities to contribute to God’s Work through tithes, holy day offerings and funds for building, airplane and other projects. But there is another way we can give that has proven to produce much fruit: congregational fundraisers. These fundraisers provide great value to God’s Work.

Oh yes, it is a blessing to take hard earned money that your family needs in order to pay triple tithes, a tithe of the tithe, give regular and special offerings, contribute to the building fund, the upkeep of the Flurry family's private jet, AICF, Jerusalem dig, and more.  

There are more than 100 Philadelphia Church of God congregations spread across the globe. Most of these congregations have few members. I’ve heard people say, “Our congregation is too small for a fundraiser.” But that is not true! Even small congregations can make a big contribution through fundraising. One of the smaller congregations that I have served brought in $1,100 in two days. It takes hard work and dedication, but it can be done. Even when members are too scattered to do a group fundraiser, they can use their talents to earn money individually, then pool it together and donate it to headquarters to help the Work.

In spite of all of this, Flurry's god does not look at the money total, but in the attitude of the church members raising money. Obviously, anyone not raising money has a bad attitude! 

Chief financial officer Andrew Locher said that the Church received $200,000 in fundraiser donations in 2017. That is a great donation to God’s Work! But God doesn’t look at the amount that is given; He looks on the attitudes of those working the fundraiser.

So what are some practical fundraisers you can become involved in? Here are some ideas you can suggest to your local minister. One of the most profitable ways to earn money is to work concessions at sporting venues, which are always looking for people to staff their food and drink stands. Garage sales are another great way to bring in extra cash. You can use eBay, Craigslist, Mercari and other websites to sell your unwanted items and use your profits as a donation. You can also use your God-given talents and abilities to sell arts and crafts. Carwashes, clean-up projects, house painting and cleaning, flea markets, and bake sales can all be profitable fundraisers. When I was serving as a minister in Michigan, we had a bake sale where one chocolate cake auctioned for $150!

Did you know that one of the aspects of church membership is that it is a team-building exercise? Church members with bad attitudes are not wanted!

Working on a fundraiser together with your fellow PCG family members is worthwhile. Sharing fellowship and building teamwork and unity is worth more than money. Small congregations can make a difference. As you organize, prepare and hold your fundraiser, remember that the main purpose is not the amount of money you make: It’s your attitude of service that God is looking for. God loves to see His people work in a spirit of unity and fellowship, furthering His Work!

Now is the time to start planning a fundraiser. Show God how much you want to get His message out to the world by going beyond your holy day offerings and tithes. Work to send in additional congregational donations to support this Work and push closer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ cannot come unless you hold a garage sale and sending in money! 

All of our congregations should have the attitude of the Macedonians and show our great God that we stand firmly and resolutely behind Him, Jesus Christ, His end-time apostle and His wonderful Work. Contact your minister with your ideas: Start fundraising for God!

jawohl, Herr Kapitän!