Back in late 2017, Davie gave a follow-up sermon expounding on his "All Things Common" teaching which demands that Restored Church of God members are to sell all they have and give it to Dave.
Let’s review several verses, starting with two now very familiar Matthew 13 parables. The picture they paint is irrefutable.
First, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man has found, he hides, and for joy thereof goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field” (vs. 44). And, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (vs. 45-46).
In both parables, the value of the Kingdom outweighed the value of everything else. Do we all see this alike?
But what did these parables mean—“sells/sold all that he has”—in actual practical fact? Surely Christ would never leave such a life-altering action subject to opinion.
The also very familiar Acts 2 description of the early Church pictures a time of extraordinary excitement, unity and growth, and serves as a template for us—the Church of the final generation. And it puts a face on Christ’s parables and on the additional verses that follow.
Immediate big growth followed Peter’s first sermon: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added…about three thousand souls” (vs. 41). It was a time of great unity: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (vs. 42). Miracles regularly occurred: “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles” (vs. 43).
Tied to this, “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people” (vs. 44-47). From Pentecost forward (the day Christ built His Church), the Common doctrine was in place. God was pleased: “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (vs. 47).
Chapter 4 adds emphasis: “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors [not everyone] of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need” (vs. 32-35).Here is where Davie deviates from the path. Once people give him the money it is his and his alone. Since everything belongs to God and Davie is God's superfantabulous leader today, then naturally, everything belongs to Davie. the difference here is that Davie does NOT share the money he has with members who may be suffering. Davie never distributes anything to anyone in need.
Most commands related to Common come directly from Christ Himself. His instruction alongside the New Testament pattern is unmistakable—material possessions (excluding of course what would be necessary to comfortably/modestly live) were sold. The increase went to needs in the Church. The chapter closes picturing a man who did his part—in contrast to the sad story of Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit right after in chapter 5. It is no wonder Jesus warned of the “deceitfulness of riches” in the parable of the sower and the seed. Christ had much to say regarding Common. From where else would the apostles have derived their authority? Here’s more.
In Matthew 19:16, Jesus answered what is the very greatest question in the Bible: “One came and said unto Him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have ETERNAL LIFE?” Nothing is more important for a follower of Christ. What goal could be greater than receiving eternal life?! Christ’s answer began, “If you will enter into life, keep the commandments,” and ended with “If you will be perfect [the pursuit of every Christian—recall Matt. 5:48], go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me” (19:17, 21).Now notice how Davie twists this to his own advantage and says the money is for his use and does not need to be distributed to the poor or those in need. Who cares if they are homeless or suffering, Hearing Davie's messages is far more important than any physical needs, like feeding ones belly or finding shelter.
Jesus was not telling the man to give his money directly to the poor—but rather to fund the great commission at hand. God’s Work alone brings to the poor what Christ said they should hear—the true gospel (read Luke 7:22 and Matt. 11:5). The Restored Church of God is the only organization that does this today.
Jesus went on to acknowledge that parting with riches was very difficult, so much so that “a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven” (vs. 23), but the reward is incomparable. The “exceedingly amazed” disciples, who held the rich in high regard, asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus explained that even the rich could do this: “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (vs. 25-26). Continuing, the apostles themselves were no exception to the Common command—and this proves they obeyed it from a point years before the Church was even built. Grasp this!: “Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed You” (vs. 27). The verses that follow reveal their reward.
In Luke 14, Jesus spoke of a coming “great supper.” But the guests who were invited made “excuse.” One was focused on property—a “piece of ground.” Another on “oxen.” A third put a wife first. The angry host (God) had to find other guests, with none who were originally invited permitted to “taste of my supper.” Jesus immediately addressed three elements of His Zechariah 11 “price” for discipleship. Each of the three was attached to whether one could even be Christ’s disciple.The rebellious vermin in the church that do not agree with Davie's "All Things Common" teaching cannot ever be a disciple of his "christ." As usual, church members re never good enough for the creature "christ" that church leaders have created.
First was the need to put love of Christ ahead of family (vs. 26). Second was a follower’s requirement to “bear his cross” and “count the cost” (vs. 27-32). Christianity is a life of endurance, something every disciple must understand. The third element relates directly to Common—a literal “price” in the monetary sense: “whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has [there it is again], he cannot be My disciple” (vs. 33). Of course a tiny few have left us, not willing to meet Christ’s price. They dismiss the plainness of Common teaching, but it seems invariably we learn they were also disobeying God in other ways.The more you give to Davie the better your reward is going to be in his man-made kingdom.
Earlier in Luke 6, Jesus had taught that willingness to give what God instructs correlates directly to reward: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again!” (vs. 38).
This is a promise—and an EQUATION!Davie claims that the amazing superfantabulous work that he is doing is all a result of members heeding the "common" call.
Perhaps many do not realize how God has used a small flock to achieve so much. The answer is simple. Beyond outright miracles, the way we have advanced—in fact leaped ahead—has been through Common checks that came from people who believed God. They read the verses you just saw, and others, and then in faith BELIEVED GOD! Their reaction was very different from the rich young ruler of Matthew 19.Notice what he says next: if you do not give ALL to him, then you are NOT obeying his "christ."
Many have obeyed the above verses. But of course we never “police” it (how could we if we even wanted to!). Some may still be wrestling over these passages, stuck in the middle. They have not decided to disobey God, but have not yet brought themselves to where they can obey Him. I hope this article will help turn the corner for some. More powerful verses are ahead.Davie reinforces AGAIN that RCG members are NOT to leave money to their children or anyone else. That "anyone else" has ended up being non-member spouses. RCG members are taking money from their spouses and giving it to Davie.
Before continuing, know that the Work has advanced as it has because many people sent small, medium and large“common” sums. They understood that the shortness of time precludes leaving funds to children or bequeathing them anywhere else. They know they cannot possibly spend it! Most importantly they know they must believe and heed the plain words of God!Davie now wants all of his followers to know that he is giving his money to the church and also justifies why he needs to live in a custom-built home on this sueprfantabulous campus.
Mr. Armstrong sometimes shared his personal financial sacrifices so others would feel connected to him, and know that he lived what he taught. My wife and I moved onto the Campus last week into a smaller home with a much bigger payment (set by IRS rules). But it is better for the Work if I (and a few others) live behind a gate. We all understand the world we live in. It is important that you know I have always sought to practice what I preach—to set the example. My wife and I just gave perhaps our last Common check from equity on our previous home. We are thrilled. Also, just over two years ago, my wife’s 97-year-old grandmother died. They were very close. My wife unexpectedly received a small inheritance, and immediately on her own gave most of it to the Work. It was entirely her call. From a family that never had much money, she still didn’t hesitate.
We have done our part. As Mr. Armstrong occasionally reported, you should know this of your leader.Aren't you impressed! Davie has done his part, now you must do your part and continue and continue and continue to do your part!
The more you give the more "sons of God" will be reached and join the RCG. The only problem for Davie and his crew in Wadsworth is that for each person who may be joining up with him (almost always a person from another COG) there are multiple people who leave his group. Davie is not growing his church.
Rather than many tens or even hundreds of thousands of people giving moderately, as Co-Workers did in the Worldwide Church of God, it now takes Common checks from faithful brethren for the Work to be able to freely give what all of us once freely received—to carry out the Great Commission of teaching all nations all things whatsoever Christ commanded (Matt. 28:19-20). Besides regular tithes and offerings, it is Common that is yielding many more sons of God. Many reading this article are part of that “crop.” But ultimately the generosity of others facilitated the calling of all of us! YOU may actually be here because someone else obeyed verses you just read. Could your actions produce the next crop who would be eternally thankful for what you did without ever having known your name?The more you give to Davie, the better your reward will be in the Kingdom of God! Heck, you may even get your own planet to rule over! Wowsers!
If you have been blessed with extra substance and are able to help, think of your ability in terms of making an investment. Most investments carry risk. Those of lowest risk offer guaranteed rates of return—almost always small. God’sinvestment plan is different. If you fulfill (all elements of) your end of the deal, He guarantees the very greatest return—a role in the KINGDOM OF GOD where we can directly affect millions!Davie ends his message with this:
The “nuts and bolts” of Common have been covered elsewhere. What you read here is not meant to—and cannot—replace the other material. The original article has a thorough section answering questions. But certain practicalities should be reasserted.
First, you cannot give what you do not have. Don’t try! God does not want you destitute. Though you may want to give more, if you have honestly assessed your situation and cannot, seek to serve more in other ways (prayer, sending cards, transporting others, congregational duties, visiting the sick and widows, hosting meals, local fundraising, etc.).
If you encounter opposition from family (most likely a mate), recognize that he or she cannot give you salvation. And also recognize that if God is not calling or working with your mate, He is not holding them accountable for resisting you. He is not seeking their agreement. The matter is between you and God.You know exactly where this goes when he says this. RCG members cut off their unconverted spouses financially and many times with divorces.
Finally, if it takes time to sort out how much Common you can send, send part as soon as possible! Those funds can be put to use now. Maybe the fifth law of success—resourcefulness!—has a place here.Davie claims that giving does not give eternal life but then says that not giving "precludes it."
Its never about following Jesus, but always about doing something to impress the dude so that he might pass out some salvation tokens, here and there.
Two starkly different choices present themselves to those in a position to give. Cling to riches now and lose everything later—or—give so that others may have what you have been given, and in so doing help secure your place in the Family of God for eternity. While giving Common does not ensure entrance, or “buy a ticket” to eternal life, withholding precludes it. Incredibly, standing face to face with Him, the rich young ruler was not even willing to obey the very Jesus Christ who was the One who could give him eternal life.
Are you?
