Wonder how many will understand this?
Exposing the underbelly of Armstrongism in all of its wacky glory! Nothing you read here is made up. What you read here is the up to date face of Herbert W Armstrong's legacy. It's the gritty and dirty behind the scenes look at Armstrongism as you have never seen it before! With all the new crazy self-appointed Chief Overseers, Apostles, Prophets, Pharisees, legalists, and outright liars leading various Churches of God today, it is important to hold these agents of deception accountable.
Dear Mr. Jackson,
I never in a million years thought I would be writing this letter, but here I am. I have no other choice since this is eternally my life or death. I am still struggling to get the words out properly, and I pray God will guide me into conveying my most sincere thoughts and concerns. This will be long because I need you to feel and understand the extreme emotions I've been going through and am still going through.
I got baptized on April 8, 2017, almost 3 months after my father died in the faith on January 15, 2017. Both my parents attended The Worldwide Church of God when I was a little girl. I vaguely remember Mr. Armstrong preaching in an open-air amphitheater in NY. I had pictures from the Feast many years ago. My parents, for whatever reason, journeyed through the wilderness away from WCG. They never knew of the apostasy happening. Around 2013-2014 my parents found RCG and started attending. They would come to stay with me during their "combined" services once a month. This is where I would hear such words as: splinters, Feast of Tabernacles, Trumpets, Days of Unleavened Bread, Atonement, brethren, baptisms, foot washing, tithing, The Eternal, ministers, headquarters, Mr. Pack, and so many more. This is also where I witnessed my father's change. It was dramatic, obvious, genuine, and refreshing. I attributed this new attitude to the church he was a part of.
Once a month, I'd look forward to my parents coming to stay with us (At the time, I wasn't married to my husband). My dad would always read his Bible and tell me about our Creator. I was attending another at-home "church" group during this period. Dad and I would go back and forth about scripture. I'll never forget when he told me about God telling Job how He laid out the earth's foundations with precise measurements. I thought to myself, "Wow, really? God did that?" He opened his Bible and showed me Job 38:4-6. From that point, I was enamored with my dad showing me God's words.
During this time, my father's health was already spiraling down. I had to take him to Sabbath services while my mother and siblings traveled on a planned trip to the Philippines to visit family. I took care of my dad and spent quality time with him. I sat in many services listening to sermons and Mr. Pack's series "The Greatest Untold Story!" in December 2016. We were then on part 53, I believe. By the time my mother returned, dad was in the hospital, and she went straight to his bedside. He was in congestive heart failure. My whole family flew into Florida, and our ministers were at his bedside for days. At this time, God was pulling at my heart, calling me to Him, and I FELT it. I had lovely talks with my dad in the hospital. One late night, my dad had a heart attack and was put on life support. During this painful time, I tearfully sobbed, constantly asking my minister, "Where is my dad going? What's happening? Will I see him again in heaven?" I couldn't stop asking questions. I was so distraught. I was on a mission to know the TRUTH.
Our family had to make the most unbearably heartbreaking decision in my life, to unplug his life support. The only people in that room were my siblings, mother, and our ministers. I felt like I had died that day with him.
We had his funeral 3 days later, and our minister spoke. This whole time, I didn’t stop with questions. I started counseling, read EVERY booklet and article, and watched every video of Mr. Pack. I highlighted, made notes, and studied everything my minister told me to. I would sit at my parent's table, read for 5 hours straight, sometimes 8 hours, and put everyone, including my husband, to the side. I was FOCUSED. I couldn’t believe I finally knew the TRUTH about where my dad was.
God put him to sleep. What a sigh of relief that was! I was, in fact, going to see him again one day! That was the number one most profound, enlightening piece of factual truth about God I had EVER learned. It hit me like a Mack truck and gave me such peace all at the same time.
I got baptized on April 8, 2017, in a hotel pool in Tampa along with 2 other brothers. I was so excited I kept telling everyone, "I can't wait to cannonball into that water!" I was ready to see my dad when Christ returned! I often jokingly told brethren my dad would be surprised when he wakes up to see me standing there. He's going to say, "What are you doing here laughing with a huge grin? Ha!” and I'm going to say, "Well, you win. YOU WERE RIGHT, DAD." Since my dad and I were SO ALIKE, we also bumped heads.
As the months went by, I changed drastically, inside and out. It was obvious to everyone, including family. I stood my ground. I lost friends. I lost family members. I almost lost my marriage. I defended Mr. Pack as God’s apostle. You couldn't say a bad word about Mr. Pack without me biting back at you, firmly but gently. I knew the TRUTH, and I was in the ONE TRUE CHURCH! I was FULLY submerged in RCG.
I remember a particular night we were told to stay up all night in March 2019. We were to wear our Sabbath attire. Mr. Pack said Christ was returning. I was so excited! I wrapped up things I needed to take care of, and I said my "goodbyes" to people I loved, but I knew I'd see them again and just anxiously waited all night to be "taken away" by an angel. That night came and went. I was genuinely heartbroken, but I was told it was OKAY because God knew the brethren weren't ready, and we had more time to work on ourselves. I thought, "Alright, I need to work on my character, and I should be grateful God is giving me more time.”
New dates were repeatedly given over the next few months, and they came more frequently. I still believed but had a little voice inside questioning. Hmm... I immediately knew nobody was to question Mr. Pack or any of the sermons. I would constantly repent, all day, in my closet, on my knees, in my head, and push these bad thoughts down. How could I be so ungrateful to question God’s apostle? I wasn’t worthy. I was horrible. I’m going to the lake of fire. I was a heathen. I was the devil’s child. These were comments I heard and learned from DCPs sermons and other ministers. What was wrong with me?
My brother started asking lots of questions about RCG in 2020. I thought, “Oh, how wonderful! My brother will be a saint alongside mom and I!” I was so excited that I made a point to REALLY steer my thoughts away from any negativity regarding whether Mr. Pack and RCG were true. I mean, this was a sign to me that God was working to show me that I was in the right church. He’s calling my brother!
In October 2020, in Panama City, my brother was baptized with other new brethren in the hotel pool while Mr. Pack and his ministers were in attendance. This was exciting! It was emotional as he cried, I cried, mom was beaming, families were tearful, and we basked in that moment. I thought to myself, Dad will be so happy with us when he wakes.
About 5 months into my brother's new journey, more dates were set by Mr. Pack and failed. I remember listening to other brethren discuss this. Certain ministers were giving sermons repeatedly, saying, "You don’t need to understand prophesy for salvation." You just need to obey God’s foundational laws. Hmm... Okay. That small voice was popping up again, and I was questioning. One day, I spoke to my brother on the phone and he asked me, "Who laid hands on Mr. Pack to become an apostle of God?" I replied, Umm...I don’t know, honestly. But he’s definitely the apostle because he’s the leader of RCG, and you shouldn’t be questioning Mr. Pack. You will get into trouble and others will see you as divisive and a troublemaker. Oh no, why is my brother questioning now? What if he has a valid question? Who will answer it? Do the ministers know? I’m not allowed to question Mr. Pack!
My brother wouldn’t stop asking, and I had no answers. I just kept defending Mr. Pack with no proof. But I, too, had questions. ARGH... He eventually went to his local minister and had numerous discussions, but NO ANSWERS. I couldn’t believe it. And his minister is the sweetest man. He is a genuine, loving, kind-spirited human, just like my minister. I felt so torn and confused. What's happening? Eventually, my brother stopped attending after feeling completely lost, with no answers. Not one of the brethren in his congregation could answer him either. He lasted 8 months in RCG. He left in mid-2021.
He called and told me, "Sis, Mr. Pack is a false apostle. Read your Bible and pray. God is NOT a liar, nor the author of confusion."
THAT was God planting a seed for me to PROVE ALL THINGS. I’m so glad I did.
His comment bothered me for months. The tug on my heart and mind was greatly increased, but I kept pushing it away! More dates were set. They came and went. I started researching God’s word again. I found myself so enveloped in this constant fear of questioning Mr. Pack and his teachings that I completely IGNORED The Fathers Holy Word. I trusted Mr. Pack. I trusted the ministers. I trusted the brethren. And I ignored scripture. That has been such a heartache for me and, at the same time, such an enlightening time as I draw closer to The Father. I’m repenting for being so blind, so naive, and fearful of MEN. It makes me sick.
I have questions, but rather rhetorical; for you to ponder.
I'll start with this TRUTH. God says He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:2). A person either believes God or they don't. It's that SIMPLE. There isn't a debate. I believe we can agree on this.
Since God CANNOT lie, why are these verses ignored by the RCG ministry? Deuteronomy 18:20-22 states, But the prophet, which shall PRESUME to speak a word in my name, which I have NOT commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a PROPHET SPEAKETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, if the thing NOT follow, nor come TO PASS, that is the thing which the LORD hath NOT SPOKEN, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
These verses alone make RCG false and DCP a fraud. God doesn’t lie.
Why was the book Is "That Prophet" Alive Today? The Rise of False Prophets taken off the RCG website? An interesting read for sure and eye-opening written by Mr. Pack. I’d like to share some of his own words. Chapter 6, page 41.
FEAR, FLATTERY, FILTHY LUCRE AND FALSE PROPHETS.
Take a moment to review Deuteronomy 18:22. Christ inspired Moses to warn God’s people to “not be afraid of” false prophets. This is because they do engender fear in their followers! Actually, this is their central goal. FEAR is generally how they motivate followers.
Also, if people leave, he knows that he loses financial support. No mystery here! Titus warns of “gainsayers…vain talkers and deceivers…whose mouths must be stopped” because they “teach things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake” (1:9-11). In the end, false teachers always have a money angle hidden in their “new teachings.” II Peter 2:1-3 explains that the false prophets of the Old Testament (of which Peter was speaking) functioned like false teachers in the New Testament. Verse 3 shows that it is through “covetousness which they with feigned words make merchandise of you.” Another way of stating this is false prophets try to deceive you so that they can take God’s money from you! Do you believe these plain warnings?
I'd like to dive deeper into some of those words Mr. Pack stated. FEAR. I’ve been in RCG for 5 years and 8 months. Anyone in RCG knows good and well that if you open your mouth and ask questions regarding Mr. Pack and his failed dates or anything for that matter, you're immediately "divisive," "arrogant," "high-minded," "rebellious," and you'll be put on notice with ministers and brethren which could lead to being flagged, suspended, or "marked." (MARKED-which I’ll come back to). I’ve been brainwashed into NOT opening my mouth to anyone, in fear of what I just stated. Brethren have been trained to be "tattletales," "reporters," or "informers ."It's as if hosts and brethren are secret CIA agents for the ministry. Are we not allowed to have brains to THINK as God intended? God does say, "Prove ALL THINGS..." (1 Thessalonians 5:21). I came to realize, sadly, that RCG's environment is one that is NOT safe to disagree in and is not an environment focused on the growth of the flock, but is absolutely focused on control through fear tactics.
Why do ministers and Mr. Pack say brethren leaving RCG will cut you off of the vine connected to Christ.
John 15:5 states, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that ABIDETH IN ME, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING.
Abiding in Christ allows HIS WORD to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform our affections. It reflects a DEEP personal relationship and personal connection to GOD. Leaving RCG does NOT cut you off from the vine physically. It is deeply SPIRITUAL. Following and imitating Christ is what we are called to DO. Listening to Mr. Pack lie and twist God’s word is blasphemy. It’s mind control. How utterly disgusted and sad I am for "following a man" over GOD'S OWN WORDS.
2 Peter 1:20-21 says, Above all, YOU must realize that NO PROPHECY in scripture ever came from the prophets OWN UNDERSTANDING, or from human initiative. No, THOSE prophets were moved by the holy spirit, and they SPOKE FROM GOD.
God’s spirit is not moving DCP.
DCP LIES! And he does it while making merchandise out of the brethren. He’s keeping himself and his campus ministers nice and cozy. Actually, you are contributing to that, too. So are all the brethren across the world. He’s robbing people of their tithes and preaching a fake doctrine of "common.”
YES, a fake doctrine he made up by cherry-picking verses and twisting them. Common is for the brethren to help each other and the poor among them, not to give to RCG and watch our money be used for a sprawling campus for DCP and his ministers, while truly poor brethren who don’t have 2 nickles to rub together are fighting to feed their families in the Philippines, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Africa, and even right here in the United States.
Acts 2:42-47
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and PARTED THEM TO ALL MEN, AS EVERY MAN HAD NEED. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Brethren then took care of EACH OTHER.
This is how he purchased houses, barns, horses, and only God knows what else. The most recent purchase: a $500K house. Was there an announcement? Because there were past announcements of him needing money to expand the campus.
Did God speak to him and tell him to do that? Wheeling and dealing with brethren’s money, aka God’s money? Is this what a true apostle-prophet of God does? Ask yourself if that’s okay while working hard to pay bills, car loans, purchase groceries, pay for children’s activities, medical bills, etc.
I'd also like to know what happened to AYC's 2020 money? Remember, that was the year it was canceled due to Covid. Where exactly did that money go? The kids and parents who gave did not get a refund when it didn’t happen.
Tithe of Tithes: I recently realized this is to be paid by the ministers, NOT brethren. I kick myself for not simply reading the context, but I listened to a man again. It’s a simple study, but I trusted more in man than I did in God. It really pains my heart that I allowed this to go on for so long. The Levites, which are the priests, had to take a tenth of the tithes ALREADY GIVEN by the Israelites to God’s storehouse. AGAIN, DCP twists verses to fit his agenda.
Numbers 18:26
Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I HAVE GIVEN YOU FROM THEM for your inheritance, then YE SHALL OFFER up an heave offering of it for the Lord, even a TENTH PART OF THE TITHE.
Nehemiah 10:38
And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the LEVITES (MINISTERS) take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
I’ve witnessed that when you first come into RCG, they prey on you. They use your lack of understanding, your zeal, and vulnerability to bleed you dry with fundraising, tithe of tithes, coin challenges, potlucks, AYC funds, silent auctions, fake common, and the Envoy book. I’m surprised they don’t ask brethren for their inheritances, 401K, stocks, bonds, collections, rare jewelry, lands, and vehicles. Oh wait, never mind.
Now back to being "marked" or shunned by brethren when people leave RCG. This is another cherry-picked, twisted verse told to the brethren to further brainwash them. These verses are used for damage control to keep the money flowing in the pockets of DCP and staff.
Romans 16:17-18
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which YE HAVE LEARNED; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but THEIR OWN BELLY; and by GOOD WORKS and FAIR SPEECHES DECEIVE THE HEARTS OF THE SIMPLE.
Another simple study; reading CONTEXT is key. Paul is urging the brethren to watch out for FALSE TEACHERS. He told them to not stray from the gospel he taught. Keep away from those that preach ANYTHING CONTRARY TO THE GOSPEL! They are experts at making lies sound good with their sly, cunning convincing speeches!
This is David C. Pack! He is not preaching God’s gospel. He is preaching his own doctrines, twisting scripture to fit his agenda, robbing brethren, blaspheming God, lying to everyone, putting himself above Jesus Christ, and brainwashing hundreds. Probably thousands. Since there are innocent people right now reading his free booklets.
Some will say, "you shouldn’t judge God’s apostle." Well, DCP is not an apostle. He’s self-appointed, a liar, a deceiver, and a FALSE PROPHET, but let’s see what scripture says.
Revelation 2:2-3
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast TRIED THEM WHICH SAY THEY ARE APOSTLES, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for MY NAMES SAKE HAST LABOURED, and hast not fainted.
Jesus Christ COMMENDED the Ephesian brethren for trying and testing those who claim to be apostles! Again, another simple study with the context being key. It is most important to know what kind of man you follow when he promises to lead you into the kingdom of God.
Do you truly know what kind of man you are serving, Mr. Jackson?
I think of Isaiah 59, a REAL prophet who warns those who conceive mischief, lie, and bring forth iniquity. Their feet run to do evil. THE WAY OF PEACE THEY KNOW NOT. They make themselves crooked paths and weave spider webs. But Isaiah promises that those webs will not cover your sins. Yikes! I pray the ministers and brethren WAKE UP! I pray you wake up, too.
Chapter 7, titled MORE CHARACTERISTICS, pages 45-51 of the book Is "That Prophet" Alive Today? The Rise of False Prophets. I encourage you to read and ponder EVERY word DCP writes here! READ IT WITH YOUR OWN EYES, and allow the words to SINK IN! May God help the brethren to WAKE UP!
There are additional elements of character and conduct common to false prophets that need to be examined and understood. The first is introduced with one of the Bible’s most tragic examples. King Saul’s love/hate relationship with David is well-known. Most are familiar with this sad but instructive story, where Saul slowly yielded himself to a demon. This account proves that people can start out “little in their own eyes” and yet fall so far from God that they can actually become demon-possessed.
False prophets do often rage, sometimes in great anger, and conduct themselves in a bizarre fashion.
What was really occurring was simply a demon controlling a human vessel! Saul was vexed, and often outright possessed by a demon.
This account should truly sober you! It is a characteristic of false prophets and demoniacs to bellow, rage, belittle and attack other people—sometimes relentlessly—to elevate themselves. Apparently, Saul also had a particularly murderous spirit, which repeatedly tried to kill David, or have him killed. Saul became abusive.
Be careful if what is being described is a pattern visible in your leader. It is not of God.
DCP constantly attacks and blames his staff and brethren for everything while continually elevating himself. It has become more and more obvious as he preaches how "off" he is in speaking. He will say to the effect, "Now brethren, some of you many be offended but I’m speaking candidly with you." Then lambaste everyone. Then speak kindly. Back and forth.
Let’s continue with more of Mr. Pack’s own words.
The Accuser of the Brethren
…Revelation 12:10 calls Satan the “accuser of the brethren.” He attacks, accuses, and slanders God's people "day and night" before God—never letting up. Constant accusation is a common characteristic of those in Satan's grips!
Let's consider. As weak and pitiful as the condition of Laodicea, those of the final era are still God’s people.
No true Philadelphian (or Christian, for that matter) continually attacks, slanders, maligns, and accuses all the "evil Laodiceans"!
But no one with God’s Spirit would ever forbid all contact with them. It should be a great warning to you if your leader continually attacks and accuses the “evil Laodiceans”!
How does this fit with blasting, lambasting, attacking, slandering and accusing anyone—never mind brethren—through endless name-calling. This will not help awaken God’s people—it will drive them away, and possibly into the lake of fire!
The Christ of the Bible would never have His servant declare “civil war” between eras by stating, “We are at war with the Laodiceans.” If this is your leader, he is wrong and his actions are absolutely ungodly! But they are consistent with the conduct of a raging false prophet!
DCP is the accuser of brethren! I can’t count how many times he has thundered at brethren and staff and spoken about splinter groups angrily.
Failed Prophecies
Another characteristic of false prophets is that few or none of their prophecies ever really come to pass.
If a man predicts (in 1995) that the O.J. Simpson trial would “produce a guilty verdict” and that race riots would ensue as a result, and the verdict comes back not guilty—and there are, of course, no race riots—this is a failed prophecy, disproving the prophet’s authority!
Carefully reflect on what God declares in Ezekiel 14: "And if the prophet be deceived when he has spoken a thing, I the lord have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel."…God reveals that the real source of the false prophet’s delusion is actually HIM—GOD! When a prophet speaks falsely, it is because he has already departed from God, and thus become the recipient of God’s own form of “deception.”
This passage in Ezekiel reveals that within the understanding that demons are actually the ones inspiring a false prophet, it is God who has sent one or more of these spirits to fulfill His purpose, which can also be to present a test to God’s people regarding whether or not they will follow those He has not sent. If a prophet is sent by God, every one of his prophecies will always be perfectly accurate—no exceptions!
Are these words from DCP sinking in?
Prolific Revelations
A less familiar characteristic of false prophets…is that they are often extremely prolific in claiming new revelations from God. True prophets always speak plain, simple truth, delivered without frills! Typically, false prophets claim that they are getting “more and more insight.” They often work late at night (recall that Saul raged all night), while they produce things that are increasingly bizarre, odd and strange. They also claim…that the new understanding they are receiving is coming “faster than they can record it.” This makes no sense if such understanding or supposed new insight were coming from God. If God wants to send a message, why would He give it faster than the prophet could receive it? As a man yields himself to the demon manipulating him, in fact, he does become consumed with his messages and the need to deliver them.
Remember—God’s Spirit reflects “power, love and a sound mind” (II Tim. 1:7). When what is being said, and/or a person’s actions, are continually unsound, it is not coming from God! “Revelations” often occur late at night because spirits know that the mind of a sleep-deprived person grows weaker and more open to outside influence! I have seen this pattern far too often!
How often has DCP said in sermons that he stays up late into the night with little sleep going over scriptures? And that he is "getting more insight?”
Taking More Titles
No description of false prophets is complete without explaining one final characteristic. These deceivers always seem to find new ways to elevate themselves to greater offices and roles! Declaring oneself to hold the second-highest New Testament office—prophet—is, in itself, a huge self-elevation. But it rarely stops there.
But it is ultimately the responsibility of God’s people to discern the difference between true and false apostles. More false leaders will rise in the future to make this claim.
DCP has elevated himself and claimed so many titles that I can’t keep up. He's the apostle, The Elijah, That Prophet, The Old Testament David, The Messenger, The Watchman, etc. Can you honestly say you agree with all of that?
I know this has been quite long, Mr. Jackson. I hope you took the time to read it. I like you and your family very much. My prayer is that you and the other ministers open your eyes to accept the nature of the man you serve. God is not behind what DCP is teaching.
This is something else DCP said in the past during a sermon.
David C. Pack, December 12, 1998
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 going to try to get you to follow me! I'm going to come to you and tell you it doesn't apply, it doesn't mean me, no, no, no, no, no, no, it's okay to follow me because ABCD and XY and Z. Do you understand what I'm saying? Listen to me now when I tell you, you don't follow me if I go off into weird ideas, or if I get off into other things that are totally and absolutely unscriptural conduct, because if I do, I'm going to 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.
Wrapping this up, I FINALLY have taken Mr. Pack's advice. He has repeatedly said, "Brethren, don't believe me. Let the Bible interpret itself. Research it yourself."
God repeatedly says to NOT follow false prophets. I am moving in FEAR of our Creator’s wrath. I am heeding His warning of trembling and fear for my own eternal salvation.
Mr. Jackson, I am resigning as a member of The Restored Church of God.
Kind regards,
Elizabeth O'Leary-Noble
Well, it has been a rough day in the Five Cities as a winter storm has hit the coast and inland regions of California with lots and rain, snow, and wind. Even worse, another kind of wind has been blowing and it's got the homeopathic knickers of God's greatest prophet the church has ever seen in a royal twist.
The Great Bwana to Africa and 150 Caucasians, the most important man to ever lead a COG in the history of civilization is NOT happy about all of Dave Pack's appalling failures about the return of the creature he calls "christ".
Beto writes:
12/10/22 a.m. As mentioned in the post 12/02/22 p.m. , David Pack was proven wrong about his prediction for December 8th.
Sadly, that makes Laodicean Christians dismiss the idea that God can have any prophets now.
Let's get this straight, anyone who DARES to not believe the Great Bwana or feels the is no need for prophets in the COG today is a Laodicean? You are hilarious, Beto! Hilarious!
The Great Bwana goes on to quote another failed prophet of the church, Herbert W Armstrong as proof of the need for prophets in the church.
Yet, prophets were expected for the last days.
The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG), Herbert W. Armstrong, basically said so in a 1981 sermon (scripture is from the KJV):
All right, now there’s another prophecy for the people …
Joel 2:28-29 And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (29) And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
So there is a time coming when God will start pouring out His spirit on human beings. … Day of Pentecost, 3000 were baptized. Peter preached a sermon. They were pricked in their hearts. God began to draw them. God was now… Remember He said, “I will pour out of my spirit on all flesh.” All right, there’s a duality of that. (Armstrong HW. Building The Temple. Sermon, February 14, 1981)
Herbert W. Armstrong was correct about the time coming when God would pour out His Spirit as well as the duality. There was a duality to what Peter preached in Acts 2–and that duality is for our current time!
Why does everything in COGland have to be "dual"? They could not get it right in the singular aspects, and when they "dualize" it they all tend to be double failures.
Nevertheless, because Herb said it, so let it be done! Of course, there is only ONE person in all of the shrinking landscape of the COG movement who is now having dreams and giving prophecies. That person is the Great Bwana, savior of Africa, and a small pack of deluded Caucasians who should know better.
Therefore, dreams and prophesy were expected for our day!
The Great Bwana then continues down the rabbit hole into absurdity:
Remember that there were dreams (Matthew 1:20, 2:13-22; 27:9; Acts 16:9) AND prophets (e.g. Acts 15:32, 21:10; 1 Corinthians 13:9) in the New Testament (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God).
On that Day of Pentecost, here is some of what the Apostle Peter taught:
14 … “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:14b-18)
This is a prophecy, according to the Bible, for the last days.
We are in the last days.
Therefore, dreams and prophesy were expected for our day!
Has this happened in the 21st century?
Yes.
Um, NO, it has not!
Then, the Great Bwana goes on to list all of his incredibly ACCURATE prophecies. If you thought the nuttiness of Dave pack was getting weird, the Great Bwana Bob Thiel takes it to another level!
This is what he deems as "accurate prophecy? This is what Bwana Bob believes will be added to the Book of Acts as further proof of his prophethood:
Coincidences or Divine Intervention?
Category Event Fulfillment Prediction During late August 2008, Bob Thiel told LCG minister Davy Crocket that unless evangelists would implement certain matters that God was about to strike a top LCG leader with something. LCG’s top evangelist, Roderick C. Meredith, suffered a ministroke on September 19, 2008. Prayer On February 4, 2009, Dr. Meredith asked Bob Thiel to pray that he would live another 7 – 15 years, so Bob Thiel did. Dr. Meredith died on May 18, 2017–a little over 8 years after that prayer. Predictions In July 2009, Bob Thiel’s book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect went to press. By December 22, 2012, 32 predictions in that book were at least partially fulfilled. For details, go to https://www.cogwriter.com/Confirmed2012BookEvents.htm Possible Divine Intervention During the Feast of Tabernacles in October 2009, an odd feeling came over me that pointed to looking to see if the beginning of sorrows may have began. After researching and finding that events consistent with the ride of the 1st horseman occurred, I telephoned Dr. Roderick C. Meredith and told him. While his church had taught that the beginning of sorrows had not begun prior to that, it taught shortly after that telephone call that it had begun. Speculative
PredictionOn June 24, 2010, Bob Thiel warned that “Certain biblical, Chinese, and other prophecies…discuss that how Australia itself may become taken over. By virtue of her timing, Julia Gillard may inadvertently pursue policies that will lead to the fulfillment of various end time prophecies.” On November 10, 2011, because an agreement with Julia Gillard, US troops were stationed in Darwin, Australia, and by November 18, 2011 China pointed to this as a reason to consider military action against Australia. Speculative
PredictionsFrom 2010 to 2015, Bob Thiel made and/or posted speculative predictions related to Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. By late 2017, 7-11 predictions (depending on how they are included) related to Herr Guttenberg were at least partially fulfilled. For details, go to https://www.cogwriter.com/karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-king-of-the-north.htm Prayer Although told by two LCG ministers (Dr. Jeff Fall and Gary Ehman) in the late Fall of 2011 that he did not need to have hands laid on him to be a prophet, Bob Thiel prayed that something would happen related to his ‘prophet’ situation in a planned December 2011 trip to Charlotte, North Carolina. On December 15, 2011, Gaylyn Bonjour anointed Bob Thiel and prayed that he be granted a double-portion of God’s Spirit. Gaylyn Bonjour said this was reminiscent of the passing of the mantle, that he realized what he may have unintentionally did, and that what he did could not be undone. This answered Bob Thiel’s prayer. Gaylyn Bonjour also confirmed on November 28, 2019 his belief that his prayer was answered. Prayer On December 16, 2011, Richard Ames prayed that Bob Thiel would continue his evangelical/prophetic efforts and LCG evangelists Dr. Meredith and Dr. D. Winnail gave Amen concurrence–as did Bob Thiel. Bob Thiel has continued evangelical/prophetic efforts and has been the human leader of the fastest growing COG group in the 21st century, known as the Continuing Church of God. These show the fruits of a true prophet, consistent with Jesus’ criteria in John 7:15-20. Prediction On December 19, 2011, Bob Thiel tried to meet with Dr. Meredith to tell him that it seemed God was telling him that his wife Sheryl was about to be struck with something serious. In Dr. Meredith’s letter dated 1/12/12, he reported that his wife Sheryl (who was much younger than he) was stricken with stage four cancer. She later died on November 29, 2013. Speculation On May 12, 2013, I warned in an online post about the threat of new coronaviruses and speculated that “novel” diseases could be a threat. In 2019, a “novel coronavirus,” later renamed COVID-19 emerged and devastated peace and normalcy around the world. In 2020, I tied that in with the possibly start of the ride of the 2nd horseman of the Apocalypse. Predictions In a book published on January 19, 2017, Bob Thiel listed many predictions related to the upcoming Donald Trump presidency. Plus he published others at cogwriter.com In a book published on January 20, 2021, Bob Thiel listed many predictions related to the upcoming Joe Biden presidency.
By mid 2019, events aligned with at least 19 predictions related to the Trump Administration. For details go to https://www.cogwriter.com/donald-trump-prophecy.htm
By the year after Joe Biden took office, his Administration had already fulfilled numerous predictive warnings in that book. Some detailed proof can be found in the following: Have published COGwriter warnings about Joe Biden come to pass?
Prediction In 2013, in an article about the future of Ukraine and Russia, Bob Thiel said that at least part of the territory in Ukraine would support Russia. On March 18, 2014, Russia officially annexed Crimea. Prediction On March 18, 2019, Bob Thiel posted: It remains my view that Crimea and at least parts of eastern Ukraine will ultimately align with Russia. International sanctions will not stop biblical prophecies from being fulfilled. Sanctions did not stop Russia. Prediction On February 22, 2022, two days before Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine began, Bob Thiel posted: I expect that Donetsk and Luhansk will either be annexed by Russia and/or join its Eurasian Economic Union.
On September 30, 2022, Russia formally annexed Donetsk and Luhansk.
Imagine you are in the world tomorrow and are lounging next to your swimming pool as lions and tigers play with your kids. You are bored and you pick up the latest edition of the Bible that has every conversation of the "important" men in the COG movement (1030-1986) recorded in it. No one else in the span of human history has ever accomplished such a thing.
Isn't the COG fantastic!
Then, the Great Bwana goes on to justify his words because deep down he knows 99.99% of the COG members know he is full of bullshit!
Clearly the above are not all coincidental nor the only result of analytical news skills and biblical knowledge, particularly on those that were related to the health of Dr. Roderick and Sheryl Meredith.
Jesus said that fruits were the criteria to determine true vs. false prophets (John 7:15-20). The Continuing Church of God has the true fruits.
If only two of the confirmed dreams and/or prophetic fulfillments were the result of something from God (cf. Matthew 18:16), then this is Divine validation of Bob Thiel’s prophetic status. And since no other COG has God’s confirmation of a prophetic leader like this, this is something that any claiming to be true Church of God Christians should pay attention to. And, of course, anyone who accepts and truly understands biblical church governance realizes that prophets are only considered second to apostles (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11)–so if there are no accepted apostles today, those outside of CCOG should consider that they need to properly respond to Philadelphian biblical church governance.
Do not be Laodicean (Revelation 3:14-18) about this–“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV).
God expects Christians to accept the criteria in His word.
The Laodiceans do not want to hear prophets and even Jesus has to knock to get them to pay even minimal attention:
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20)
JC isn't knocking on any door in order to make people believe COG prophets and apostles. There is no need for either of them today. Bob is a liar when he says stuff like this. Bob is no more a Christian than Dave Pack is. They are on equal status as COG false prophets.
Beto ends with this convoluted mess of self-justification:
Jesus did NOT say He would knock the door down to force Laodiceans to change! He said He would knock. Can you accept His knocking?
Jesus also told the Laodiceans to “anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see” (Revelation 3:18). The salve is responding to the work of God’s Spirit as His word teaches how it would impact the last days (cf. Revelation 3:22). Jesus “advised the spiritually blind Laodiceans to buy eyesalve of Him that they might have spiritual vision” (The Seven Cities of Asia Minor. Study guide for Ambassador College. Quotes from 1947 book by Taylor Bunch).
Will you answer Jesus’ criteria in the Bible? Do you have the proper spiritual vision to realize that prophetic dreams were to exist in these last days?
Although Jesus gave many signs (John 2:11; 6:2, 26; 7:31; 9:16; 11:47; 12:37), the people apparently wanted different ones:
37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:
“Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” (John 12:37-38)
Jesus denounced those who wanted different signs from Him (Matthew 12:38-39). Non-Philadelphians are often unwilling to accept God’s signs–that’s the biblical reality. God does not always show signs or manifestations of His Spirit the way many seem to think He has to.