Monday, August 1, 2022

An Open Letter to David C Pack: Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin...


God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it 

 Dave,

You mentioned in part 385 of your latest delusional theological foolishness that there are people that only want to hear what they want to hear and not what they need to hear. I am writing you for such a time as this when you need to hear what I am sure you don't wish to hear. 

Dave, clearly you need help to break free of this theological delusion you suffer from and pass on to your ministry, middlemen and few members, who, no doubt, quietly and to themselves have figured this reality out as well. They do like the perks, I suspect, of associating with you, but this will prove only to be temporary. Eventually they will abandon you to your delusions and move on with their lives. They will have to.  Should anyone think they are waiting in the wings to take over your church in time, there will be nothing left to take over except the bills. 

First of all, you need to face the fact that your theological training has never reached even minimal standards. You studied the Bible, as did I, under "mere Bible readers". Herbert Armstrong was untrained and undisciplined in his theology as was Joseph Tkach Sr. and the vast majority of the faculty and ministry at Ambassador College.  The results of that, in time, will always be splits, splinters and slivers, of which you are one, a sliver, in such an organization.  You can justify your "little flock" status as being the true church all you want, but your lack of success in drawing people to RCG and your absolute talent for driving them away from it is the reason the flock will always be little and finally disappear. 

Secondly, few if any care what you think has to happen and how it must be for your Christ to return. I used to hear how intelligent you were. Personally, I thought not so much, just clever. But you aren't even clever. You are probably sincerely delusional with religious content and suffering the narcissism that can so often go along with those who have the need to be top dog in their chosen field which usually comes at the expense of everyone whose backs they had to climb over to get there. 

I have known you for over 50 years and it was always obvious you don't work with or for anyone. Others only work for you and your words are the final words on any topic. This how you got to be where you are today and the mess you are in. If you don't understand the mess you are in, I suspect you soon will. Those around you have to see it coming. Or at least I'd like to think they are still capable of independent thought and able to. In your close associates, independent thought has died, or more likely gone underground for now. 

Someday, your mini-AC, that you have built at the incredible expense, hardship and burden placed on your followers will be sold off, perhaps as a drug rehab facility or snapped up by a mega-church that will make you roll over in your grave should that be possible. 

Your talks and sermons are beyond painful to endure. I don't think I have ever, maybe once or twice in the past, but uniquely now, as you might say, heard such a confusing mess and misuse of scripture in my life as you wander around the Bible making it mean what it does not mean, could not mean and never did mean. You are so sadly mistaken in every last bit of it over these past years and will be so until the day you die. 

Your ministry and members will look back and wonder "what was I thinking and why did I put up with all that for so long?"  I promise you, they will.  I make an effort to listen to them, but they all sound the same with just new excuses for why the previous one was wrong and how "We didn't understand, but now I do".  That habit of blaming the group for not getting this or that but then taking the personal credit when YOU finally understand it all is obnoxious and disrespectful to your groupies. It is YOU who didn't get it right again and has NOTHING to do with THEM not doing so. YOU DAVE.... YOU. 

Whenever you announce at the beginning of a talk, "this will be a short message", of course, it isn't. The need to dominate the flow and frequency of information in RCG is strong in this one... you.  Following your reasoning and logic, which I KNOW you think is awesome and well above average, because of your amazing upbringing, is painful and part of your delusional thinking.  There is nothing reasonable or logical about anything you think up with regards to just about anything at this point in your trainwreck of a church. 

Finally, and so much more could be noted and said, I would encourage someone hold you accountable for your mistaken notions about your Christ's Second Coming and your wanderings through the scriptures to reveal your fine mind on all things theological. You said in chat 384 that people hear what they want to hear and not what they need to hear and so here I am for YOU. 

While I have quoted this back to you time and time again over the past 20 years, I don't think a minister ever said something quite as eternally quotable as this. Thank you for the warning and it is time to remind you that all of this you have done and continue to do, minus anyone reminding you of it withing your ranks. 

 "I want to make a statement about...me...now, if I became deceived, I will never tell you what I'm going to tell you now...I am telling you if I go off into strange ideas, misconduct, rebellion, you name it, don't follow me. I want to tell you that now, because if I start doing that I'm gonna try to get you to follow me! I'm gonna come to you and tell you it doesn't apply, it doesn't mean me, no, no, no, no, no, no, it's OK to follow me because ABCD and XY and ZDo you understand what I'm saying? Listen to me now, when I tell you don't follow me if I go off into weird ideas, or if I get off into other things that are total absolutely unscriptural conduct, because if I do I'm gonna paint it with a different face and try to get you to follow me. Do you understand what I'm saying brethren? Please remember that, because I promise you that if I become deceived, I'll forget it, and I'll want you to forget it...And I hope you'll remember it well enough to quote it right back to me...But I'll tell you what, I'm not going anywhere."
David C Pack
December 12, 1998

The above, at least shows you do understand your own tendencies and potential, which now has been realized, to deceive and drive yourself and others right over the proverbial cliff. 

  You often project on others what you dearly need to apply to yourself. I have heard you do it often though I am sure you are unaware of it. Perhaps you don't know what projection is. You did it so often in your Proof of God series, where Aron Ra called you out on it, that it is not difficult to see that you do it well. You, however, seem obvious to the fact that you note and accuse others of doing what you do and are going to do yourself. 

In conclusion, if you are incapable of holding yourself accountable for your foolish, strange and weird ideas then one would hope someone in your inner circle would before it is really too late. You are almost there now. 

If those on the inside won't then your followers, who know in their souls that every sermon you give these days is delusional poison, should.  Why no one does, I can only suspect that the reason is the temporary perks or the idea that "maybe this time he got it right."  You will never get it right so let's get that out of the way right now.  

To the membership I would say, they have NOTHING to fear. No falling away from the True Church and no loss of your salvation awaits you. No Lake of Fire beckons, and they are not, as you recently called those who have left, snakes and serpents. They are simply observing what is so and bringing to your attention that which many if not most are now recognizing to be you delusions but seem afraid to actually bring to your attention. 

Well, once again, I just have, wish they would and hope you will consider your ways before it is way too late. You are almost there. 

I wish you no ill will Dave, but that you would wake up and humbly admit you are not only not on any right track but that you're on the wrong train to begin with.  It's the only right thing left to do and if you don't see this now, you will look back and have to admit it would have been. 

PS While I know this probably Tekels ur Pharsin, it seems necessary for such a time as this. Please stop giving those painfully delusional sermons and move on to the New Testament if you can and you are going to pretend to know what you are talking about as a Christian pastor. 

It would look and start with something like this...






Sunday, July 31, 2022

COG Scattered Faithful: God Needs More Gods on Earth Before He Can Institute His Government


 


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

Saturday, July 30, 2022

PCG Members Expected To Send In Money To Fund $80,000.00 Jet Rides For Lil'Stevie And The Grandkids

 

In 2017 the Philadelphia Church of God bought a Gulfstream Jet for the use of Gerald Flurry. It was supposed to be used to visit world leaders like Herbert Armstrong did back in the 1970/1980's. Flurry has never had an original thought in his brain and has to constantly find ways to imitate Herbert Armstrong. The main difference between Flurryand HWA and their jets is that he has never used it to visit world leaders. It is only a private luxury service for himself, Lil'Stevie, the grandkids that are into Irish dance, and certain Edmond HQ elite.

One of the reasons to justify the purchase of the jet was it will allow Flurry to travel in isolation instead of on a commercial aircraft where he would have to sit by unconverted heathens of the world, who might be unwashed, have body order, or carry some disease. God's true servants must be kept untainted from the world!

Gareth Fraser, who at the time wrote this was one of the elitist children of the HQ ministry, says:

"One of the birthright blessings that the descendants of Abraham received from God was the means by which to invent air travel. Wilbur and Orville Wright began the progression to today’s high-tech passenger jet airplanes in 1903 with their four short flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Because of this astounding invention, God’s Work was able to soar to new levels of effectiveness during the 20th century. 
 
Jesus Himself prophesied, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). In the sixth era of the Church, the gospel was preached through Herbert W. Armstrong, and in order to most effectively preach the gospel to the world, God’s apostle was required to utilize this invention. Though he had to battle and overcome a fear of flying at first, Mr. Armstrong went on to fulfill this divinely-inspired commission through traveling around the world by plane." 
 
"For the past 28 years, Mr. Flurry has trumpeted the royal vision of God’s “prophesy again” message. He also has walked by foot, driven by car, and flown around the world by aircraft preaching Christ’s gospel. Recently, the pcg acquired a Gulfstream G-450 to aid in fulfilling the commission—just as Mr. Armstrong did. The gospel is once again going around the world, and this time, the completion of the Church’s commission will lead directly to the event that this gospel is centered around: the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God—the government that will finally bring world peace." How the Gospel Was Taken Around the World 
 

On May 2, 2021, Andrew Locher announced that the PCG had paid off the jet:

“The Gulfstream G450 Jet is now paid off. We own it. God’s church is debt free. We don’t own anything to anybody–except to God. We own everything–Edstone, Edmond, all the equipment, the aircraft, the vehicles. We own God’s revelation, the most valuable gift of all.” More Craziness From PCG's Andrew Locher: "PCG is Debt Free, We Own Everything - Even God's Revelations, The Most Valuable Gift Of All!"

Now that the jet is paid off, the PCG is still expecting members to give to the jet fund. It costs them over $80,000 every time it flies Lil'Stevie back and forth to England and Israel and each time Flurry's grandkids have an Irish Dance completion somewhere in the world.

Exit and Support Network has this up by Andrew Locher from July 22, 2022:

“All over the world, brethren continue to sacrifice at record-setting levels,
“ensuring we have the resources to expand God’s Work.
“The expanded projects in Israel have benefited from this increase. Most recently, the UK-Europe-Africa office sent $54,000 to Israel to promote the excavations, as well as full-time staff and students to excavate and renovate.
“…the Church continues to expand our educational efforts around the world.
“…we have had an increase in both income and expense. Our cost of operation continues to increase now that ministers are able to travel.
“As with family budgets, inflation has resulted in rising costs for the Work …
“We are carefully monitoring the budget,
“but with the excavation and new office in Israel, America Under Attack [booklet], replenishment of literature
“inventory all over the world and other projects, we have much to plan for.“During the upcoming ministerial conference, we will have the 16-year inspection/maintenance performed on the Church’s aircraft.
“If possible, please consider making donations to the aircraft fund (only if you are able)
“to help us prepare for this expensive event.

MinistryWatch had this little tidbit about Flurry's jet:

Regarding the Canadair Challenger CL-600-2B16 jet owned by the Rhema Bible Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma; the Tulsa County appraiser’s office told Trinity Foundation investigators that aircraft are not assessed property taxes in Oklahoma. This would include the Philadelphia Church of God’s Gulfstream G450 in Oklahoma City, which is apparently not assessed property taxes as well. Million Dollar Homes Become Status Symbols of Televangelists and Pastors

Twitter has a feed that focuses on the private jets of ministry leaders, including Gerald Flurry and the PCG:


The Trinity Foundation also monitors Gerald Flurry's jet trips: Calculating the Cost of Ministry-Owned Aircraft Flights


Philadelphia Church of God members are bled dry sending on money to finance the extravagant lifestyles of Gerald, Lil'Stevie, the grandkids, and the PCG elite. None of these people suffer financially as they live in church-owned homes, and have all their repair bills, lawn work, etc paid for by the church. They drive church vehicles and receive huge ministerial allowances that allow for gas and other expenses. They are over in need of anything. Yet, the lower masses of the church are seen only as a cash machine to keep the money flowing in.

 


See: 

Gerald Flurry Follows in HWA's Steps and Buys Gulfstream G450 Jet