Happy 12th To The Greatest African Swindle Ever!

 

It's paaaaaaaarty time, boys and girls! Get out your confetti and noisemakers as we celebrate the greatest African con job the church has ever seen! The Great Bwana to Africa is tooting his little horn today as he celebrates 12 years of the existence of the improperly named "continuing" Church of God on the African continent. This a pretty mighty feat, considering the loony Wade Cox claims to have converted almost all of Africa to his church, including the African Muslims. But this is the Church of God, after all, and truth-telling is not one of its strong points.

The Great Bwana Bob writes:

In the past 12 years, the CCOG went from 5 congregants to over 9,000.

This has already been proven wrong by people in Africa for years now. 

He continues on claiming he is a continuation of the Philadelphia Era malarkey that Herbert taught:

Notice an important criteria that Jesus set:

16 You will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16).

And what are the fruits?

Essentially, doing what Jesus taught–as well as working on gospel proclamation (Matthew 24:14) and preparation of the short work (Romans 9:28) with growth which helps fulfill Matthew 28:19-20 and Romans 11:25.

Consider that restoration of truth was a reason that the old WCG taught that Philadelphia was raised up to do:

This Philadelphia era has been raised up to do the work of Elijah in preparation of “restoring all things” (Matt. 17:11). (Waterhouse G. Enlist in the Army of God. Good News, June-July 1979)

Using Gerald Waterhouse as a truthful reference is pretty desperate, considering how much that man lied over the decades. 

Sadly, even Herbert and Waterhouse did not know the full completion yet to come. The Great Bwana Bob has restored three things that Herbert was too ignorant to teach. Only God's highly favored leader, brought into being before the foundations of the world began, was able to do this!

In addition to matters on church history and prophecy, speaking of restoration, many other things have been restored since Herbert Armstrong’s death.

Let’s look at three.

First of all, why did God create anything? In the Continuing Church of God we teach:

God created what He did so eternity would be better. (cf. Hebrews 6:9, 11:16; Philippians 1:23) 

Do you agree with that?

Secondly, why did God make you? In the Continuing Church of God we teach:

Your purpose in this life is to build character so you can maximize your potential and increase how much better you can improve eternity. God made YOU so that you will be able to use your unique talents (Matthew 25:14-23; Luke 19:11-19) to give love in order to make eternity better! 

Do you agree with that?

Thirdly, why did God make others? In the Continuing Church of God we teach:

God’s plan for all who will respond to Him is to be able to give love in a unique way to make eternity better for them personally and everyone else

Do you agree with that?

Those are three BASIC TRUTHS which were not fully restored by Herbert W. Armstrong nor the other COGs, but were restored via the Continuing Church of God.

 

No other Church of God, anywhere on this green earth, is teaching the "truth" like the improperly named "continuing" Church of God is. Who knew!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Apostle Paul predicted this!!!!!!!!

The Apostle Paul wrote:

14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, (2 Timothy 3:14)

Those truths were first taught in this century by the CCOG, which is where others also learned them.

If you agree with them, that should help you recognize that the Continuing Church of God does best represent the Philadelphian remnant of the Church of God during this time of Laodicean church dominance.

Jesus himself warned future generations that they would rebel against the improperly named "conning" Church of God! 

As Jesus said to the Philadelphians, “Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”

Brethren, do not reject the truths restored by and to the Philadelphians because of critics and those who think their pet doctrine or assessment of how a church should be run affect you. NO OTHER GROUP HAS RESTORED THE TRUTHS THAT THE CCOG HAS–AND PROPHETICALLY THAT IS WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR THE PHILADELPHIAN REMNANT TO DO.

We in the Continuing Church of God have been restoring all things–at least 17, while keeping/holding fast to the original 18 that Herbert W. Armstrong said God had him restore. No other groups has restored so much in the 21st century. The CCOG possesses the Philadelphian mantle.

Um, no, it doesn't! Why does Bob lie so much? 

The Great Bwana then goes on to make these ridiculous claims:

Radio/Worldwide and Continuing Church of God Similarities: 

Radio/Worldwide Church of God	Continuing Church of God
Formation preceded by a dream given by God to a woman  (Loma Armstrong).	Formation preceded by a dream given by God to a woman  (Fesilafai Fiso Leaana).
Took time to accept if the dream came from God.	Took time to accept if certain dreams came from God.
Taught that at least two eras of the true Church could exist at the same time.	Taught that at least two eras of the true Church could exist at the same time.
Was led by one man at a time, who was considered to have the top ecclesiastical position, not a committee. It practiced hierarchical church governance.	Is led by one man at a time, who is considered to have the top ecclesiastical position, not a committee. It practices hierarchical church governance.
Top leader (Herbert W. Armstrong) had a special calling through a dream.	Top leader (Bob Thiel) had a special calling through a dream.
Held the Philadelphian mantle.	Holds the Philadelphian remnant mantle
Leader (Herbert W. Armstrong) left prior COG organization because the top leadership said he was right on doctrinal and prophetic matters, but that group (CG7) would not teach them.	Leader (Bob Thiel) left prior COG organization because the top leadership said he was right on doctrinal and prophetic matters, but that group (LCG), after promising to do so, decided it would not teach them.
Taught that God would use dreams and fulfill Acts 2:17-18 in the end.	Taught that God would use dreams and fulfill Acts 2:17-18 in the end—and that this has happened to the CCOG more than any other group in the 21st century.
Started mass public proclamation as a radio guest.	Started mass public proclamation on the internet and as a radio guest.
Focused on reaching the entire world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in multiple languages.	Focused on reaching the entire world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in more languages than had ever been done in the history of the Church of God.
Continued with mass media including radio.	Continued with mass media including radio.
Did not have much money in its early years.	Did not have much money in its early years.
For years, had scattered members in North America with few congregations.	For years, has had scattered members in North America with few congregations.
Went through ‘new doors’ like television.	Went through ‘new doors’ like Internet television.
Taught work would be revived.	Teaches it revived the Philadelphia work.
Taught Philadelphia work would endure to the end.	Teaches that Philadelphia work is continuing to the end and that is consistent with Hebrews 13:1, literal translation.
Taught that the full number of Gentiles would come in.	Teaches that the full number of Gentiles must come in—and has been successfully reaching them. Note: That was not clearly taught in any of the COGs once I was in, until after CCOG formed.
Fulfilled first portion of Loma Armstrong’s dream.	Working towards fulfilling the second portion of Loma Armstrong’s dream.
For many years, averaged 30% growth per year.	For many years, averaged over 30% growth per year.
Was willing to change positions prior group held when the Bible supported the change.	Was willing to change positions prior group held when the Bible supported the change.
Had prophetic understanding others lacked.	Has prophetic understanding others lack.
Proclaimed the Ezekiel watchman warning.	Functions as a watchman proclaiming the Ezekiel watchman warning.
Restored at least 18 truths lost by the end of the Sardis era.	Officially teaches those 18 restored truths, plus others related to prophecy, doctrine, and church history.
To minimize government interference, eventually formed as a ‘corporation sole.’	To minimize government interference, initially formed as a ‘corporation sole.’
The fastest growing COG in the mid 20th century.	The fastest growing COG in the 21st century.

There are many parallels. For those with eyes to see, CCOG is the clear Philadelphian leading successor.

No other COG has the entire list, nor even most of it, except the CCOG. Do not deceive yourself that all COGs are about the same.

You must get on your knees repent from your unbelief, and follow the Great Bwana blindly as he leads you to perdition.

Accept the biblical criteria, which were also the old WCG criteria, for the Philadelphian remnant.

And truly, Philadelphians need to keep preaching to the world until the end comes, since they will be around until the end comes. Thus, Herbert W. Armstrong knew that the work of Matthew 24:14 was not finished. It is the highly dedicated in the real Church of God that will finish the final phase of the work before (Matthew 24:14; see also the video Implications of Matthew 24:14) and during (Revelation 11:3-14) the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord–and the final phase will also involve dealing with the ecumenical religion that will rise up (cf. Revelation 13:4,8; 14:9-13)–and this is what the Continuing Church of God is doing.

Contrary to those who interpret Herbert W. Armstrong otherwise, the first half of Matthew 24:14 has not been completely fulfilled. It was only to the Philadelphians, the ones that are specifically promised protection, who were given the open door to proclaim the gospel. Since it is also only the Philadelphians that are promised to be protected from the tribulation, they must still exist at the time of the end. The world still does not really know of the Church of God, but this will change as the result of the work of the Philadelphians. Because the Laodicean work is not acceptable to Jesus, it makes no sense that the Laodiceans will be the ones who complete the work of proclaiming the gospel. Remember, the Laodiceans are condemned for having a work that is different than that of the Philadelphians.

If you do not heed the words of the Great Bwana Bob Mzungu, then your life is endangered, and you will not be allowed into Petra.

Crackpot Prophet Is Still Seething After Being Called A False Prophet

It has been almost a year since we ran an article about the Great Bwana Bob's New Year's Prophecies that he predicted for 2024. In that article, we mocked his self-appointed status as a prophet of God and other absurdities he claims.

Never has the Church of God had such a delicate man leading a splinter group as we have today in the improperly named "continuing" Church of God and its Great Bwana Bob, the savior of Africa.

The Great Bwana Bob Mzungu Thiel writes:

The Bible teaches:

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,

Lest you also be like him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly,

Lest he be wise in his own eyes. (Proverbs 26:4-5) 

 

Jesus sometimes answered detractors and sometimes He did not. 

 

Last week, a couple of people posted some statements about me, Bob Thiel, such as that I have had many false prophecies. Yet, they listed none as proof. Instead, they repeated that claim multiple times. 

 

The Bible teaches:

16 The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes

Than seven men who can answer sensibly. (Proverbs 26:15) 

 

Can you accept the sensible truth? 

 

Earlier this year, Gary Leonard, the webmaster at the Banned by HWA, posted the following at his Banned by HWA website: 

 

This brings us today to our very own resident prophet of God dreamed into being as the foundations of the world were being created. Assigned to be revealed on earth in the perilous end times as God’s most important human to ever walk the earth, after Jesus of course, but above all others, this great prophet would arise from the ashes of Armstrongism to bring truth and light to a hurting world. This prophet would be the last chance anyone in humanity would have to be saved before Satan is unleashed to wreak havoc worldwide. Only true followers of this mighty prophet would be able to discern the time they need to flee to Petra, Sella, or some other godforsaken place in the Middle East where all devoted followers would be subjected to 3 1/2 years of hearing him preach.

Never in the history of the Church of God movement has a man as great and important as Bob Thiel the Great Bwana to Africa and 100 Caucasians been more prophetically endowed than we see in him today. A world-renowned scholar on everything imaginable, from the Mayans to end-time prophecy, the Great Bwana is the most quoted man spiritually converted man ever to appear on MSNBC and in the Washington Post. These news organizations stood in awe as the wisdom of the Great Bwana astounded them all as he spoke. Never had they heard such mind-altering information!

As the new year starts all kinds of people are making their yearly predictions on what they expect to happen in 2024. For prophecy addicts this is a very important time to get their messages out even though their track records have all been epic failures the previous year. Yet, they march on to victory! Onward Christian Soldiers!!!

Anyway, back to our favorite resident prophet of Armstrongism, the Great Bwana to Africa and 100 Caucasians has released his list of prophetic things to watch for in 2024. Anyone with half a brain can see these are nothing more than current news stories or just daily events that happen all the time. It is so easy for COG false prophets to search for articles and news stories to prop up their utterances.

The Great Bwana Mzungu writes:

He then goes on to list how big old meanies like those on Banned will persecute him and his church:

Sermon: 24 Items to Prophetically Watch in 2024


Dr. Thiel goes over 24 items to watch in 2024 and points out events that were related to several of them in 2023:

1. Scoffing in the Last Days

2. Immorality Prophecies Being Fulfilled

3. Media, Internet, and Other Censorship

4. Weather Sorrows and Troubles

5. Earthquakes and Volcanoes

6. The White Horse of the Apocalypse

7. Strife and the Red Horse of War

8. Trade Issues

9. The Deal of Daniel 9:27

10. Knowledge Increasing

11. Debt

12. US Dollar Dominance will Decrease

13. CBDC and 666

14. Gold

15. Unrest, Terror, and the Dividing of the USA

16. Europe Will Work to Reorganize

17. Europe Will Have a Great Army and Many Ships

18. Steps Towards the Formation of the King of the South

19. The Time of the Gentiles will Lead to Armageddon

20. Jews Readying to Sacrifice

21. Inventions of Evil Things

22. Totalitarian Steps

23. Preparation for the Short Work

24. Fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 and 28:19-20.

Dr. Thiel goes over prophetic scriptures (in 2 Timothy, Habakkuk, Amos, Daniel, Matthew, Mark, Romans, Revelation, Isaiah, 2 Corinthians, Psalms), including those that must be fulfilled before the start of the Great Tribulation, as well as others that also need to be fulfilled before Jesus returns. When are some prophetic events expected and not expected to be fulfilled? Could we see events in 2024 in the Middle East involving Israel that would lead to the Great Tribulation starting in 3 1/2 years and Jesus returning in 2031? Dr. Thiel goes over many biblical items and ties them in with world events that happened and are in the process of happening.

The following particularly set off his beta-boy alarms:

Here is the list of years where the Great Bwana Bob was wrong:

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

We can now add 2024 to this list. Imagine twelve years of speaking utter nonsense!

                                                                                   

 

CGI: Is It Tolerance or Cowardice?

 

Is It Tolerance or Cowardice?

Lonnie Hendrix

As someone who formerly associated with the Church of God International and continues to have family and friends within that organization, most of you will understand the focus of my posts on that particular Armstrong Church of God. More particularly, for many years now, I have concentrated on the dissonant messaging coming from that group.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the situation within that organization, there is a substantial group of ministers who have rejected the heresies of British Israelism and Current Events Headline Theology. In short, this group is focused on the good news about salvation through Jesus Christ and eternal life in God’s Kingdom. However, there is another prominent group of ministers who embrace both and are insistent that those things be the focus of that organization’s messaging. Unfortunately, the more enlightened group has decided to be very tolerant of, and accommodating toward, the Armstrongist reactionaries in their midst.

Why tolerate messaging which they clearly think is inappropriate and/or wrong? When presented with that question, those ministers often cite the need to keep the peace, preserve the unity of the organization, and/or tolerate diverse perspectives within their membership. On the surface, it sounds reasonable and noble, but it doesn’t hold up very well under the scrutiny of Scripture.

First, we know that Jesus of Nazareth delivered very clear instructions to his disciples about messaging before he ascended into heaven. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read: “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20, NLT) Did you notice the glaring absence of anything regarding currents events or Anglo-Israelism? In other words, NOTHING about warning Israel!

“We’re preaching the right message!” the enlightened protest. “Nevertheless, the reactionaries have their fans, and they’d be upset if we didn’t post their messages!” they claim. The thinking seems to go something like this: “Sure, they’re wrong, but what’s wrong with keeping them happy?” Of course, they would recoil in horror if that same line of reasoning was employed with regards to homosexuality, Sabbath-keeping, or Festival observance! “I don’t personally believe in British Israelism, but what harm can it do to indulge their delusion?” “It’s an unfortunate part of our culture and history.” In the meantime, the other side is shouting: “At least we have the courage to speak the ‘truth’ and confront Israel’s sins!”

All of this reminds me of a story in the Hebrew Bible and another one in the Greek New Testament. In the time of the judges, we read that Eli was faithful to the Lord and didn’t follow the wicked behaviors of his sons; but he did tolerate their behavior (I Samuel 2:12-16, 22-25). How did God react to Eli’s tolerance of his sons’ behavior? We read that he sent a prophet to confront ELI! He demanded: “why do you scorn my sacrifices and offerings? Why do you give your sons more honor than you give me—for you and they have become fat from the best offerings of my people Israel!” (Verse 29, NLT) As a consequence, Eli was told that God would remove his family from the priesthood, and that his sons would die (I Samuel 2:30-36)!

Likewise, in Paul’s first epistle to the saints at Corinth, we read: “I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother. You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship. Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns. Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth.” (I Corinthians 5:1-8, NLT)

In both of these instances, the tolerance of someone else’s wrongdoing tainted the “righteous” with sin. Eli and the Christians of Corinth weren’t personally participating in the evil behaviors which were displeasing to God, but they were tolerating or overlooking those behaviors in others!

Finally, Paul told the saints of Galatia: “I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” (Galatians 1:6-10, NLT) Clearly, Paul thought that messaging was important. What about you?