Saturday, June 20, 2020

Vic Kubik: Whitewashing racism in the COG from the past and on todays troubles



Here is what Vik Kubik has to say:
The Church of God community is no stranger to racial issues. I personally witnessed church racial segregation at the 1966 Feast of Tabernacles in Big Sandy, Texas. I had recently traveled through the Soviet Union for six weeks as a translator and photographer with Herman Hoeh, managing editor of the Plain Truth magazine. Dr. Hoeh invited me to make a few remarks about the significance of the trip to about 12,000 members and families attending there.
As I looked over the crowd, I was taken aback. A very large group of black families was segregated together. In a now-obvious reflection of cultural trends of the times, the church misunderstood certain Bible verses and here was the result. The application of this misunderstanding physically segregated church members by race, which was, of course, not right.
Thankfully, that policy based on societal expectations and biblical misunderstanding ended, and our understanding improved. Unfortunately, remnants remained, particularly in pockets around the world. As people join the Body of Christ, wrong cultural attitudes need to be abandoned. We have made progress—more is needed.
But even back then, as we believe now, we understood that all people have access to the incredible human potential—the capacity to become a literal child of God (1 John 3:2) and live in glory for all eternity as a member of the God family. What is most important is that we fully understand how God views us and then rise to that standard.
I find it interesting that the church, even during the "enlightened" times Kubik refers to above, regularly called those that were not white, gentiles. That was especially evident with Mayor Tom Bradley was elected mayor of Los Angeles. The gentle black man was ruling over people. Kubik's co-workers in Pasadena in some of his fellow ministers said this.
What is God’s view of us now as literal children? “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave [bondservant] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, English Standard Version).
Jesus Christ, whose incomprehensible sacrifice cleared the way for all to be reconciled to God, is the gateway to the true end of this current conflict.
In these times of upheaval, it is critical to remember that when God created all things through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:2Colossians 1:16), marvelous diversity was the result. Whether Asian, African, Caucasian, Latin or other background, God pronounced all of it good. Concerning the Kingdom of God—the ultimate goal and objective of every disciple of Jesus Christ—God makes no differentiation to imply that one race is superior to any other. All are equal before Him. His goal, His desire, is that we all become one in Christ.
So, how do we respond to a call for change?
Let's start by putting a black man in charge of United Church of God! Have coordinators of foreign regions of the church regions men of color who are actually from those regions, not some white lackey from Cincinnati sent out into the field. 
First, we must remember that when Jesus came the first time, many thought (or wanted) Jesus to be a political deliverer to put Israel in place as a global-dominating world power. Even moments before a resurrected Jesus ascended to His Father, the apostles were still wondering about that possibility: “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6).
Despite living on this earth armed with all authority (John 17:2Matthew 28:18), Jesus never incited political rebellion against Roman authorities or government leaders, despite having numerous opportunities.
And yet, Kubik and his small cabal of ministers in Pasadena incited rebellion against the mother church, while still on their payroll, to take as many members,, ministers and as much money as he could to start. new church. Kubik and his bro's were in a constant of rebellion against authority.
Second, we should note that the spiritual instructions and commands that Jesus gave apply to all people. The Beatitudes are color-blind. This includes the statement: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Jesus—who is our coming King—left instructions with authority. Even the apostles recognized that salvation was available to all and that all held responsibilities for obedience (Acts 15).
Third, true freedom is only available through Jesus Christ. “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:34-36, New Living Translation).
If this is true, then why does UCG and Kubik place the emphasis upon submission to the law? 
In this time of upheaval, we should all be active and careful listeners, whatever our background. Decades worth of hidden hurt and fear now lie open to all. Healing must take place, but the task will be challenging.
Paul tells us to be imitators of God and live a life of love. In this time, that means we are to be intolerant of racial slurs. We understand and appreciate that all people will have the opportunity to achieve their incredible human potential, and we treat them like it. Where there is strife, we sow peace as peacemakers. Our thoughts, speech, and behavior should be free of coarse speech, including online comments. As Paul directs us: “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:4ESV).
 "Where there is strife, we sow peace as peacemakers."  What an absolute hypocritical joke for Kubik to say this!  Where was the peacemaking when his own church ruptured and 3/4's of it left to form COGWA?  Where has there ever been peacmaking making in the Church of God movement between the 500+ splinter groups out there now all proclaiming themselves the true modern-day representation of 1st-century Christianity?
In the immediate days ahead, what is our response? God wants to see “all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:21-27NLT).
What is our part in change? Consider this: are we praying that more should receive access to the precious truth we hold, and that more people from all walks of life will be called and join our fellowship? Are we conducting ourselves in such a fashion that people can openly see Jesus Christ in us? We are promised a better life, now and in the world to come. Can those outside catch a glimpse of the coming Kingdom of God in our lives today?
When has the leadership of the Church of God - ANY COG - ever conducted themselves in a fashion that humanity could see Jesus in them? They cannot even talk about the dude that much let alone exemplify the guy in their lives. 
Here’s our part: instead of engaging in contentious protest, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18NLT). Answer the call for change: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2NLT).

And when our children tell their story...They'll tell the story of tonight...Raise a glass to freedom!



This video was posted on a FB page from a family who left a COG and how profound that decision was upon their children and the incredible future they now have before them. Their children will now have a story to tell about what it means to be free.

Raise a glass to freedom! What a glorious story the children of those who have left bondage will tell!




We may not yet have reached our glory

But I will gladly join the fight
And when our children tell their story
They'll tell the story of tonight
They'll tell the story of tonight
Tonight

Have you ever felt like nobody was there?
Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere?
Have you ever felt like you could disappear?
Like you could fall, and no one would hear?

Well, let that lonely feeling wash away
All we see is light
'Cause maybe there's a reason to believe you'll be okay
For forever
'Cause when you don't feel strong enough to stand
You can reach, reach out your hand

And oh
Raise a glass to freedom
Something they can never take away
Oh
No matter what they tell you
Someone will come running
To take you home
Raise a glass to all of us
Tomorrow there'll…

Friday, June 19, 2020

Why do COG members still feel the need that they still have to go to the ministers for answers?



We are heading down the slope into 2021 and after decades of upheaval in the church and with so many splinters filled with self-appointed lying men, why do some members still think they must go to the ministry to get answers to their questions?

After all that they have witnessed over the decades in the break up of the Worldwide Church of God into hundreds and hundreds of little splinter groups, all led by men whom Herbert Armstrong would have slapped silly for their self-important arrogance, to the latest blasphemous baloney from Flurry, Pack, Weinland, and Thiel, one would think that members and ex-members would have the mental capacity to make a decision on their own about the current state of affairs in the church.

Sadly, that is still not the case. There are still floundering people out there wandering around STILL looking for that right church to belong to. Still looking for a man to tell them what to do. Still incapable of making a decision on their own, so they run to any false teacher they can find to validate their indecision.


Several hours ago, I received an email from a former Worldwide Church of God member that included the following:
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SOME ISSUES OF MR. …. BELIEF AND APPARENTLY YOU DON’T AGREE WITH.  I DON’T THINK THAT ANY OF THESE CHURCHES AGREE WITH OTHER SO WHO DO YOU GO WITH? …
SOME OF GERALD FLURRY’S TEACHINGS ARE COMPLETELY WRONG AND HE’S GONE FAR OUT ON SOME THINGS SUCH AS ARMSTRONG’S STONE REPLACING JACOB’S.  MANY, MANY PLACES IN THE BIBLE STATES THAT CHRIST IS THAT ROCK AND IT’S SPIRITUAL.  CHRIST DOESN’T NEED A ROCK.  FLURRY BASED HIS THEORY ON THE IDEA THAT COME KIDS STOLE JACOB’S ROCK FROM ENGLAND.  THAT’S AMAZING SINCE IT WEIGHS OVER 350 LBS.  I’VE READ OTHER LITERATURE THAT THE STONE IS STORED IN SCOTLAND.FALSE PREACHER #1
I SAW A DAVID PACK SERMON ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE 2 WITNESSES .  HE SAID THAT THEY ARE IN HIS CHURCH RIGHT NOW.  I BELIEVE HE’S NOW PULLED THAT SERMON BECAUSE I COULDKN’T FIND IT NOW. FALSE PREACHER #2
I SAW A SERMON BY THE LIVING CHURCH OF GOD ABOUT THE MARK OF THE BEAST AND THE PRESENTER SAID WITHOUT HESITATION THAT THE MARK OF THE BEAST IS SUNDAY WORSHIP.  PERIOD.. HE MADE NO MENTION OF ANY MARKS ON YOUR BODY OR 666.  SABBATH MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT, BUT THERE WILL BE OTHER FACTORS.  YOU LEFT BECAUSE OF DOCTRINE. I’LL  ????????? ….
NOW I COME TO …  A FALSE TEACHER …
YOU SEE HOW A PERSON COULD BE DECEIVED?
PLEASE ADVISE

This still questioning person had the ability to at least slightly perceive that Flurry, Pack, and LCG are wrong, and yet they run to one of the biggest liars the church currently has in it for an answer, Bob Thiel.

Here is what the great Dr. told the person:


Anyway, here is what I responded to the former WCG member with:
Dear …:
As I have repeatedly written at COGwriter, I doubt that David Pack or Gerald Flurry are converted.
I consider that the only COG that is Philadelphian is the CCOG–though not all in CCOG are Philadelphian and there are Philadelphians not in CCOG–but no other COG represents the continuation of Philadelphia.
You should use God’s criteria, and none other to decide.
Here are two links you should read and pray about if you are truly serious:<
  1. How does the Continuing Church of God differ from other Sabbatarian COG groups?
  2. Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
But most refuse to believe and use their own standards.
Best regards,
Bob Thiel

Of course, he is going to say Flurry and Pack are wrong.  How could he say anything less? To do so would take the spotlight off his amazing wisdom. After all, no human in the history of the world has ever been more set apart for the job of leading the church than the reincarnated Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Habbakuk, doubly-blessed, and self-appointed prophet Bob has dreamed into being. Remember that Dr. Eljah Bob's theological understanding is so far advanced that he felt the need to correct Rod Meredith and the Living Church of God.  When Meredith publicly rebuked Thiel from the pulpit and kicked him out of the church, the Great Elijah rose up in self-righteous anger due to the utter humiliation he felt. That's what started this whole shit show of absurdity.

As usual, the Great Bwana identifies his little group as the one and ONLY true church. The true heir of the so-called Philadelphia era of the church.
I consider that the only COG that is Philadelphian is the CCOG–though not all in CCOG are Philadelphian
Dr. Elijah Bob is right about one thing though, COG members and ex-members should use God's criteria and throw Bob's perverse theology and self-aggrandizing ministry back into the stinking pig trough where it came from.

All the pearls in the world cannot dress up an unclean pig especially when it wallows in some of the worst theological pig slop imaginable.

We must never forget that there is no COG leader on the face of the entire earth who is more converted than Dr. Elijah Bob, the Great Bwana, and savior of Africa.