Sunday, March 2, 2025

Petulant Narcissistic Man-Child Dares To Lecture Us About Anger and Rebellion

 



Never in the history of the Church of God has it been filled with so many narcissistic self-appointed prophets of truth that have been sent by God to lead the church. Where would we be without all of these vainglorious blowhards? Gerald Flurry and Dave Pack, in all of their narcissistic bombastic chest thumping, pale in comparison to our petulant narcissistic man-child who is constantly whipped into a state of prissiness.

He started down that slippery road when he took a class at Fuller and tried to tell them how things should be. They ignored him. Then he tried it in the Worldwide Church of God in hopes of being ordained for his amazing insights. They ignored him. In an act of rebellion, he left to join up with Rod Meredith when the Global Church of God started. He tried to educate McNair and others on how things should be. They ignored him. Then, in another fit of rebellion he left to join up with Rod Merdith when Living Church of God started. He attempted to educate the Council of Elders and other men in the LCG as to how things are to be. They ignored him. More years went by as a non-ordained man of God and he got sick of being ignored. After all, he is God's special gift to the church and they all should be thanking him for his great wisdom. Yet, he was ignored over and over. Ordinations flew by like flies on a rotting carcass.

The anger was too much. Rebellion erupted in his veins once again. This time he would do what HE wanted and no one could stop him. So out the door he went in a fit of rebellion against his spiritual daddy, Rod Meredith. The constant public rebukes by him were too much to endure.

Thus, another rebellious Church of God was formed, all thanks to anger and rebellion. Yet, blind to his own foibles, he is trying to lecture us about anger and rebellion!

Anger and Rebellion
Anger and rebellion have been issues throughout history. Do scientific studies point to venting one’s anger has the answer or something else? What does the Bible say about anger? Is anger ever a sin? Can people repent of rebellion? Do those that harden their hearts risk a root of bitterness? Does the company you keep affect you? Can relaxation and meditation help with anger? Did Jesus teach that we are to to love and do good even to those that hate us? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel discuss these matters and more.

 He also has this to say about anger and rebellion:

29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding,
But he who is impulsive exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29)
1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. (Proverbs 15:1-2)
18 A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention. (Proverbs 15:18) 
 
The Bible also teaches self-control:

9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,
For anger rests in the bosom of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
5 give yourselves to fasting and prayer; … so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:5) 
 
While Paul did not write that specifically for uncontrolled anger, the principle is still applicable.

He ends with this gem:

Despite our personal flaws, we all need to be striving for perfection–which includes controlling anger.




UCG: We Love Ya Rick, But...Goodbye...


UCG Council of Elders on removal of Rick Shabi as President:

Dear brethren,

As a follow-up to my video message to you on Friday, I’m writing to share an update from our February meeting of the Council of Elders related to our process for reaffirming a president.

As you know, the president is appointed by the Council to serve the Church for three years and this term is ending. It is now time to determine whether to reaffirm our president or select a new president, a process required by our governing documents.

Some might ask, what goes into the decision to reaffirm the president of the United Church of God, an International Association? To be clear, Jesus Christ is the head of the Church. After seeking God’s direction, past Councils have chosen seven men to serve as president during our 30-year history, each with different approaches and talents.

The process of reaffirmation allows for either planned continuation of current talents or a transition to another set of talents to further God’s Work. Through this model, we benefit from having emeritus presidents who continue to contribute their skills on an ongoing basis in different capacities.

After seeking God’s direction through prayer and fasting, through thoughtful deliberations, and in accordance with processes outlined in our Bylaws, the Council has decided to transition to a new president. With this decision, we now turn our attention to beginning the selection process for the next president. I will share more information about this in the coming weeks.

We are deeply appreciative of Rick Shabi’s service as president. He traveled extensively to international areas, bringing to light important needs outside of the United States. He also brought a fresh approach to preaching the gospel with the Biblical Worldview video program. Having worked with him since May, I know he put in many hours and late nights fulfilling his duties. He previously served in many other ways, including as a pastor and treasurer.

Thank you for your prayers and support of this process and please join me in thanking Mr. Shabi for his service over the past three years. We look forward to his continued service.

In Christ’s service,

Tim Pebworth