Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Dave Pack: "...finally, finally, I understand why my last name is Passover."


 



A False Passover

 

David C. Pack of The Restored Church of God taught a false Passover.

 

The second Passover is NOT Iyar 15.

The second Passover is Iyar 14.

 

During “The Greatest Unending Story! (Part 435)” on April 15, 2023, David C. Pack declared the Kingdom of God would arrive on the second Passover on Iyar 15. But he had the wrong date.

 

Part 435 – April 15, 2023

@ 04:46 So, Iyar 15 starts the second Passover. That’s a little under twenty days away. Iyar 15. And it’s a moed. We’re waiting for a moed.

 

@ 05:25 So, Iyar 15 is a Passover. It is the Passover. In fact, it’s an absolutely commanded Passover. That has to be kept by people who are either unclean or on a far journey.

 

@ 07:08 So, Iyar 15 is the only biblically sanctioned date for a Passover.

 

Sometimes you are too close to something to see it. I usually fact-check Dave when he makes odd assertions to determine if the statements are true or imagined. The second Passover being on Iyar 15 was so central to his entire theory it never crossed my mind to look it up.

 

Until I received RCG’s Announcement Bulletin for April 15.

 

Second Passover Reminder:

 

As a reminder, if you are a baptized member and were unable to keep the Passover because of illness, inclement weather or other uncontrollable circumstances, you may still observe the second Passover (Num. 9:1-13). This year, it falls on the evening of Thursday, May 4 (the start of Iyar 14). Its observance is exactly the same as the Passover of Nisan 14 (with foot washing omitted if alone). If you need the Passover service DVD and letter, please contact your local minister as soon as possible.

 

This contradicts Dave. But what does the Bible say?

 

Numbers 9:10-11

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto the LORD. The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

 

The second Passover is Iyar 14, not Iyar 15. The second Passover on the wrong day is the foundation on which the entirety of Part 435 is established. All his subsequent "proofs" dissolve once a light is shined on his disingenuous premise.

 

 

@ 04:46 So, Iyar 15 starts the second Passover.

 

Did David C. Pack make a mistake, or did he lie?

 

If he made a mistake, he is incompetent and unfit to be Pastor General of The Restored Church of God. It also means Jim Habboush and Andrew Holcombe are equally deficient because they failed Dave when he needed them most.

 

This is what happens when a man thinks he knows what the Bible says without carefully reading what the Bible says. Dave's piss-poor reading comprehension can only be applied when he bothers to read it. But I suspect the situation is far worse than that. Not quoting Numbers 9:1-14 was a conscious choice.

 

If he knew it was Iyar 14 and hid it, that means neglecting to read Number 9 during the Bible study was not just an oversight but part of a calculated deception. That sounds like what an Angel of Light would do. That sounds like David C. Pack knowingly lied to the brethren of The Restored Church of God.

 

Around the 8-minute mark of Part 435, Dave explains the second Passover but does not read Numbers 9. The only logical reason for this choice is because when the brethren hear David C. Pack read, “The fourteenth day of the second month…” it would be a jolt that could potentially rouse the sleepiest of sleepyheads in the audience.

 

David C. Pack cannot read a verse that clearly states the "fourteenth" when he teaches it is the "fifteenth." This would expose him as a liar. It would expose his craftiness. It would reveal him handling the word of God deceitfully.

 

 

Does God use liars to disseminate His truth?

 

That should be a rhetorical question. But, based on the Headquarters ministry passively agreeing without protest and the brethren passively agreeing by staying, it is a question those people should ask themselves. They seem to not know the answer.

 

Whether David C. Pack made a mistake or lied, are we to believe every minister at Headquarters did not know which day the second Passover actually was? Dr. Jaco Viljoen knew. As the Director of Church Administration, it is part of his job to ensure the field ministers are prepared to assist brethren with the second Passover.

 

The Announcement that now humiliates Dave crossed Jaco's desk. So, Jaco either told Dave his theory was based on the wrong day by presenting an uncomfortable fact, or he remained silent as all hireling enablers do over there.

 

It could be he was hearing the content of Part 435 for the first time, like everyone else in the room. Did he immediately go to the back of the Main Hall to notify Dave he had the wrong day? Did ANY of them do that?

 

I reached out to Dr. Timothy Ranney at RCG Headquarters this morning for clarification. I left him a voice message. As of publishing this article, I did not receive a response. If one comes, I will report it.

 

@ 33:49 Numbers 9:10, you’ll recall, I said the second Passover rule allowed for those who are on a far journey...to take the second Passover. In fact, you’re commanded to.

 

Again here, he refers to a verse he likes but ignores the verse he does not like.

 

Numbers 9:11

The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

 

This Bible verse shames David C. Pack and the entire Headquarters ministry.

 

He could not read this verse and deliver Part 435. He could not have done it. And he knew it. Instead of being truthful with the Scriptures, he chose duplicity.

 

These techniques reveal his true character and what type of man he is.

 

In another opportunity to be honest with the Bible, Dave cites Hezekiah’s second Passover in 2 Chronicles 30 but opts to not read the verses. Why?

 

2 Chronicles 30:15 

Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.

 

Reading about the second Passover directly from the Bible confirms it is never on Iyar 15. If you think his not reading those verses is just a coincidence, then I fear for you. David C. Pack wants to establish doctrine without going to the Bible because the Bible would unveil his fraud.

 

Dr. Ranney, please call me back. I would like your side of the story.

 

 

@ 46:46 You can’t do it in Abib because if your plan in the next year to have ‘em in captivity fifth of Abib, but you want’em to keep the Passover the next year, it’s perfect. It’s perfect. It’s almost unbelievable how that lays out so perfect. In fact, it’s perfect twice.

 

It is almost unbelievable how transparent this lie is now. And, as it turns out, this theory is not perfect. Even once.

 

@ 13:33 So, Asaph carried a meaning and an application we never saw before. You can blow the trumpet on the full moon of the Feast of Tabernacles. You can blow the trumpet on the full moon of Abib 15 at the first Passover. And you can blow a trumpet on the full moon of Iyar 15 on the second Passover. They're the only three times in the calendar year in the sacred year you can do that, and it's a chag. Second Passover.

 

The second Passover is Iyar 14, not Iyar 15. Details are only for doctors and lawyers, it seems.

 

@ 47:19 Anybody getting close to being convinced that this couldn’t be any other day?

 

The most casual reader should be convinced the second Passover is Iyar 14, thus another day.

 

@ 59:19 …but I mean, as I am want to say though this long Series, there are many nights where I say, “Well, did we understand the Mystery of God if we didn’t know this?”…We knew the Mystery of God. Really? I don’t think so. We didn’t.

 

The Iyar 15 hoax does not change that.

 

His “proofs” about the Sabbath and almond trees also collapse. In fact, we may need to tear up and throw out all of Part 435 weeks sooner than planned.

 

 

David C. Pack's unnecessarily provocative comments make a different impression now.

 

@ 09:18 Now, let’s imagine. If Christ kept a different day than Iyar 15, what a terrible example to the world. It would be of disobedience to God’s law that brought death for anybody else.

 

If Jesus Christ decided to do that on Iyar 14, He would uphold the law and be a wonderful example to the world. The direct inverse of what Dave just said.

 

@ 10:54 So, if Christ kept a different day, this would be God (or we might say more directly) Christ saying to the world, “Do as I say, not as I do…

 

David C. Pack’s own words haunt him. His own words identify him. His own words convict him.

 

He is not speaking from the mind of God nor preaching the truths of the Bible. David C. Pack is fulfilling the phrase, “Believe me, don’t believe your Bible.” And he gets away with it.

 

 

I shudder to think the Iyar 14 fact almost slipped by unnoticed. But, the men at Headquarters noticed. RCG brethren, write and call to find out what they did about it. Hold your “leaders” accountable for their continued silence and inaction when a blatant ruse is being perpetuated by your Pastor General.

 

If it was a "mistake," then there was a failure of leadership worthy of disqualification from holding any religious government office. They had four days to issue a retraction or “clarification” via email or Member Services. Do not hold your breath on that coming.

 

David C. Pack knew the second Passover was Iyar 14, but that did not fit his prophetic failure escape plan. That is the only reason he chose not to read the few Bible verses that explain it.

 

Brethren, many lies does David C. Pack need to tell you before you wake up and take action? He only has power because you allow it. Do not look to the cowardly Headquarters hirelings for support or guidance. They operate in a perpetual wait-and-see mode. This is just another doctrinal bump in the road to ride out.

 

When you are asked before the Judgment Seat of Christ why you said and did nothing, what will you say? 

 

The false apostle is counting on the ministers being too weak and the brethren being too asleep to do anything about it. And both groups are proving him right.

 

 

The man cannot teach about the Passover without a reminder of his personal “specialness.”

 

@ 1:03:07 And by the way, finally, finally, I understand why my last name is Passover. Jews all know that David Passover. In fact, it's David Passover, in a way, to start the year and end twice. Not the first Passover. The second Passover.

 

He connects his name directly to the false teaching of the second Passover on Iyar 15. That is sobering.

 

David C. Pack taught a false Passover because he IS a false Passover.


Marc Cebrian

See: False Passover

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Do you really need 28 tips on prayer?


One of the most absurd expectations for church members over the decades was the concept of spending one hour every single day on your knees in prayer. While the benefits of prayer have been established as beneficial for a person by all kinds of studies, it was the near command that church members spend one hour every day that was absurd. Pretty soon, as a reader here noted the other day, a person starts repeating themselves over and over. It's nothing new after a few days and usually ends up as petitions for God to step in and fix problems for the person or endless prayers for the so-called work that some splinter groups claim they are doing.

The Great Bwana to Africa has set out a list of 28 expectations he believes his followers need to be doing.

28 Tips on Prayer 

People talk a lot about prayer.  So? Christians through the centuries have found it beneficial to their mental health and well being, just as those in Armstrongism claim to.
 
Many pray in public.  Yeah, and so what? Prayer in communal public worship is just as edifying as prayer in a closet or sitting on a rock in the woods. A person praying on a street corner makes most Armstrongites and the public uncomfortable. Yet, for that one individual who may find meaning and the need for prayer that day it may have life changing affects on the person. Armstrongite manipulators of scripture love to twist this and accuse Christians of doing it wrong, when in actuality the COG has been doing it wrong for decades!
 
Does God listen? This is a loaded question when an Armstrongite says it. They want want church members to believe that God only listens to them. Its not cool when a Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist or God forbid a so-called Christian offers up a heartfelt prayer since God supposedly only listens to  COG prayers. God supposedly does not hear these "unconverted people". Anyone who has ever interacted one on one with people of other faiths can realize they can make as many bold claims about answered prayers as Armstrongites can and many times offer better proof than a COG member can.
 
What does the Bible teach about prayer? There are five basic types of prayer in the Bible that have meaning for people, whether done corporately as a church or individually. These simple types of prayer are: intercession, petition, penitence, adoration, and thanksgivings. 

 

Can what you do or do not wear be a factor? This is absolute useless bullshit to believe that God only hears your prayer when you are dressed in a suit or dress. God forbid if you were in a pair of swim trunks at the beach and gave a short prayer of thanks for a glorious day and for the beautiful creation you are surrounded by. God apparently plugs his ears in those circumstances. Besides that, what about the thief on the cross next to Jesus who was covered in blood, oozing wounds, wrapped in a dirty loin cloth or even naked, covered in piss and shit as his body reacts to multiple blows. Does Gods ignore him? Jesus sure didn't. "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”  Luke 23:39-43"
 
How can your prayers be more effective? 
 
Why doesn’t God seem to answer all prayers? 

  

How should you deal with the difficult? 
 
How should you deal with ‘the impossible’? 
 
Here is a listing of the 28 tips that Dr. Thiel goes over in this sermon: 
 
1. Pray to God the Father or Jesus as the thief did or even to the Holy Spirit for guidance.

  

2. Worship God in Truth  Which truth? Thielism? Armstrongism? Flurryism?
 
3. Believe God 
 
4. Obey God: Do More than the Demons In Armstrongism far too many act more like demons than they do as followers of Christ.

 

5. Worship God in Spirit All prayers from humans come from the heart, are sincere and/or are motivated by love for God and all that he has done. This is a weapon COG leader use to keep people scared that they aren't praying to God right.
 
6. Resist Satan  Unless one is praying deliberately to Satan then prayers ascending from God followers are resisting Satan. COG members need to stop fearing Satan and the power COG leaders have given him over members lives.
 
7. Don’t Fight God 
 
8. Pray for Others 
 
9. Pray for Your Needs 

 

10. Remember God’s Will and Have Your Priorities in Order 
 
11. Praying Positions from the Bible  Sitting, kneeling, standing, running, laying on your back in bed or under the stars...the positions are endless. Don't swallow the claptrap of so-called COG leaders.
 
12. Pray Every Day While this may be the desired amount, most never do it. Don't beat yourself up if it's every other day or maybe weeks at a time. Sometimes people just need to step back from all the rigamarole COG leaders have placed upon them and recenter themselves.
 
13. Forgiveness 
 
14. Recognize God’s Spirit 
 
15. Pray for What the Bible Says to Pray For 

 

16. Ask for Spiritual Gifts 
 
17. Don’t Pray for Show  Tell this to any any man standing in services for the opening and closing prayer. Far too many times these tend to be a slobberfest of adoration for the preacher.
 
18. Obey the New Testament About Head Coverings This is more claptrap that Armstrongites love to say is required. If it works for you then great, but certainly is NOT a requirement. If you say it is then you cannot sit there in condemnation for those in certain Christian churches, Islam, Amish, and other faiths who use head coverings.
 
19. Ask Often, Do Not Use Vain Repetitions, But Be Fervent 
 
20. If You Are Suffering or Sick, Pray About It 
 
21. Pray for Church Leaders 

 

 
22. Pray for Secular Leaders 
 
23. Put Jesus in Your Prayers 
 
24. The Difficult: Remember Fasting  While fasting may be beneficial to some it is not and never was a New Covenant command.
 
25. Pray With Thanksgiving 
 
26. Deal With ‘Secret Sins’ 

 

27. Change Can Make the Impossible, Possible 
 
28. Close with Amen.

Sometimes the most effective prayer a person can utter is just one simple word, Thanks!,  Wow!, or WTF!

Some of the best prayers a person can utter are when they are angry with God, pissed off, or in utter despair. Saying WTF God? is a far more genuine utterance that is heard by God than all the platitudes that so many COG men click off from the checklist in church prayers or even from Bob's silly list above.

Prayer should always be what is right for you and never what some so-called self-appointed church leader says you should be doing. Sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee in hand and praying will be far more beneficial than being locked in some prayer closet, on your knees for a strict one hour, and with a written list of prayers in front of you.

Holy God, your knowledge of me exceeds what I grasp or see in any moment; you know me better than I know myself. Now, help me to trust in your mercy, to see myself in the light of your holiness, and grant me the grace that I may have true contrition, make an honest confession, and find in you forgiveness and perfect remission. Amen.

O Lord support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening come, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen 


As Long as We're at It....Dave the Wonder Worker