It is still amazing after all these years that so many in the COG movement are so wrapped up in "proper" church government when each and every one of them has been the most corrupt church environments in decades. Why would anyone want to be in some fantasy kingdom where it is ruled by the gods and goddesses of Armstrongism who are devoid of grace, justice, and mercy?
Christianity has always looked at the kingdom of God as a peaceful kingdom where creation and humanity dwell together in harmony and peace reigns supreme. People do what is right because they experience the blessing of grace and mercy. This vision is not part of the Church of God's millennial kingdom. That kingdom is to be ruled over by little gods and goddesses who were trained under corrupt legalistic empires of COG leaders who are hell-bent on making the lives of the members as miserable as possible in order to "test" them. If they pass that "test" then they "might" be qualified to be a mini-god or goddess in that kingdom where they will get to dish out strict rules and policies to govern people and FORCE them to obey.
Church of God Scattered Faithful's Gary Liebold, has an article up today about that kingdom to come and how today's COGFF members are being trained under "proper" church government on how to be mini-gods and goddesses. Of course, like any good follower of Armstrongism, Herbert Armstrong has to be trotted out, not Jesus, but Herbert.
Dear Brethren,
Tonight, I’ll begin by quoting from Mystery of the Ages, as written by Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong, with the chapter entitled, “Mystery of the Church.” Here are a few excerpts from page 227, under the subheading, “Once Again: Why the Church?”
Never lose sight of the setting that led up to the raising up of the Church. Keep in mind WHO and WHAT God is — the divine creating family, now reproducing himself in man.Bear in mind further: In order for Christ to RESTORE God’s government over the earth, he would need with and under him a qualified and organized personnel of GOD BEINGS all having rejected Satan’s false way and having proved their loyalty to the government and righteous ways of GOD!
God’s CHURCH was designed in his supreme master plan to prepare that dedicated and organized personnel of GOD BEINGS. The Church, then, became God’s instrumentality for aiding him in bringing about the salvation to humanity.
The gods and goddesses of Armstrongism cannot be agents of bringing salvation to humanity. If you're a Christian, you know that that was accomplished already with Jesus. While that salvation's fullness is yet to reach its full potential, Christians know that salvation is already a fact. That's why when you see the horrible martyrdom of Christians in places like Iraq, India, South Africa, and other regions, while the living mourns them they know for a fact salvation is attained. They believe that so fervently that they hold fast to their beliefs in spite of endless persecution. Unlike today's whiny COG prophets, like Bob Thiel, who complain endlessly about being persecuted.
Liebold continues:
Sadly, multiple thousands of people who were once a part of the Church of God, have lost sight of the BIG picture and what God has promised His people. However, as the Bible shows us, there ARE brethren who REMAIN loyal and faithful (Revelation 3:7-13; 17:14). These dedicated members love the TRUTH of God and will refuse to let that TRUTH fall by the wayside (II John 1:4; III John 1:4). A scripture shown in the book of Malachi, reveals a people called a “special treasure” to God.
Then they that feared the ETERNAL spoke often one to another: and the ETERNAL hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the ETERNAL, and that thought upon His name.
And they shall be mine, says the ETERNAL of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels [special treasure]; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him” (Malachi 3:16-17).
Please tell me where in any of the COG's today that TRUTH still reigns supreme? Is it possible to name just one? The Churches of God today are a quagmire of endless beliefs, doctrines, and interpretations. If they cannot be unified on what they teach and believe how can they be agents of God in some legalistic fantasy kingdom they imagine?
God views these loyal members as “jewels,” or as being a “special treasure.” Matthew 16:27 shows us the following… “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works [deeds].”
I have never understood why Armstrongism only considers "loyal" COG members to be those jewels when two millennia of Christians before Armstrongism is filled with jewels of every imaginable kind regardless of church identity. Jewels do not have to be some member of a COG remnant down through history. No one needs an identifier such as "Church of God" to be included in their identity as a Christian to be a jewel.
Sadly, in Armstrongism, there are far more lumps of coal than there are any shining jewels.
Brethren, there are very serious problems happening in this world, the likes of which I’ve never experienced in my lifetime. Most of us did not live during the GREAT Depression, or World War II. Many hardships existed during that time, as history shows us. We have heard it said, history often repeats itself! Not only is America headed for economic disaster, but nations in Europe also face their own “economic crisis point” (and globally, as well)!
Brethren, I truly feel we have a responsibility to give to, and serve the scattered faithful of God (if they want us to). I fully believe it is MY responsibility as an elder to get the Church ready, spiritually. I will continue to give my ALL, in doing just that!
And there we go...you have the responsibility to GIVE money to him for his so-called ministry that NO ONE outside of the COG has ever heard about, and, most people in the COG know nothing about! But give your tithe money to him. He has mighty work to do.
In closing, I’ll quote Malachi 3:17 once again…
“And they shall be mine, says the ETERNAL of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels [special treasure]; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.” (Malachi 3:16-17).
Those words make the trials of this life truly worth it!
Have a good Sabbath, everyone!!
Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold
