When Prophecy Fails

The Bible contains many failed propehcies. In the Old Testament and used as proof of basically nothing correct, the WCG appealed to the Prophecy about Tyre to prove its validity. The prophecy about Tyre failed spectacularly to this day.

The Book of Revelation is a failed prophecy. Apologetics will insist it was for both then and now again but this is simply not true. Letting go of failed prophecy is not something the true believer does easily or at all.

The Apostle Paul, and others in the NT failed miserably in their understanding of the Second Coming in their time.

Paul ended up having to admit that prophecy, which he made many of in his "soon" and "shortly" preaching could and ultimately, did fail. I often wondered how many lives he somewhat ruined as they prepared by not marrying or "giving all", with his own prophetic wishful thinking.

"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will fail" ,Paul was, at least, able to admit

(From the United Church of God)

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Dave Pack can't "unveil" it, so he simply has to "explain" it

In our time, we have Fake Apostle and Notta-real-Minister, David C Pack, who is obcessed with predicting Christ's Second Coming, failing now again over his inarguable truth of it being, for sure, March 29th now past. This marks the 93rd false teaching on this topic for Dave in just the last two years.

Caught in his own prophectic loop, one wonders why does anyone listen to this charlatan anymore?

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"These failed prophecies are not just mistakes. The reveal something deeper about the nature of belief, human psychology and the power of expectation"

"When scientific claims fail, they are discarded. When religious prophecies fail they are often reinterpreted, delayed or ignored."

"Science is willing to be wrong and adjust. While religious belief often bends reality to fit its narrative"

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These 6 minutes explain the phenomenon of reworking failed prophecies so that one can pretend they did not fail....

...and why they stay.

Jana Brock: Raised In A Cult

 

This video is the introduction to a my Raised In A Cult series I intend to publish about a very specific high demand religion called Armstrongism - a church labeled as a cult by many people since its founder died. Eventually, it splintered off into other churches but many still adhere to the original doctrines of Herbert W. Armstrong. 

I was a third generation member of this cult. My paternal grandparents were one of several founding familes here in the Pacific Northwest. Eventually, the church was renamed Worldwide Church of God. Armstrong amassed great wealth off the backs of his church members, many of whom were living at or near the poverty line. 

Worldwide Church of God splintered off after Armstrong died. Many members left but many fiercely defend those cult teachings, even today. One documentary ("Called To Be Free") features leaders of Worldwide Church of God talking about how their doctrine was wrong and how hard their mistakes were to correct with church (cult) membership. That’s all well and good for the paid ministers and their families, but it does nothing to correct the immense harm inflicted on countless families around the world, including mine. Not one of them admitted to the immense harm that was done to the membership all those years. 

There is no way to know how many people have suffered needlessly because of high-demand religions (aka cults) and their harmful teachings. 

Many bible-based churches are nothing like what I learned growing up. They are filled with good people who have good intentions and live good lives. If you choose to go to church, hopefully you can find one of them. 

Be well, Jana

UCG Also Looking Back To Exodus For Passover Prep

 

You can tell it is getting close to Passover time in COGland. The overemphasis on law-keeping is flying fast and furious. UCG is asking their members to look back to Exodus and the law as they prepare to crucify Christ once more in a high school gym or Masonic Lodge. Instead of focusing on the deep, rich things that Christians have understood for centuries about Christ, they prefer to prostrate themselves at the foot of the law, expecting it to save and forgive them.

Timeless and foundational principles are found throughout the book of Exodus as God begins to bring His people out of Egypt and teach them His way. In Exodus 1, for example, Pharaoh determines the children of Israel have grown too many. As a result, he decides to kill a number of God’s people and commands the midwives to carry this out as each male child is born. The midwives do not all follow Pharaoh’s order. They are right in their actions. Killing in any of its forms, as Christ magnifies in Matthew 5:21-22, is wrong 

 

The Bible is clear we are to obey our master’s instructions and requests unless they are ungodly. To defy is against God’s way (Ephesians 6:5-8). But, if we are asked by any leader at work, in government or anywhere else, to do something that is contrary to God’s way, we don’t do it. Acts 5:29 is clear in this respect: “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said, ‘We ought to obey God rather than men.’” 

 

Always do things God’s way. His way leads to peace, unity, joy, fulfillment and true love for Him and each other (agape). 

 

Remember why we are here 

 

Brethren, remember we are here to become like Christ. Remember your calling, remember the eternal purpose for which God has called you and to which you committed. Nothing in this physical life compares with what God has prepared for those who truly love (agape) Him. 

 

As we prepare for Passover, now just a little over four weeks away, let us truly examine ourselves and purpose to endeavor together to follow Him with all our hearts, minds and souls.
Continuing in Christ’s service,
Rick Shabi