Church Leader to Iraqi Christians: It’s Finally Time to Leave

This will not be of much interest to those entrenched in Armstrongism, since there are no other Christians outside the "One and Only True Church.". But those that have taken the time to educate themselves know things differently.

Church Leader to Iraqi Christians: It’s Finally Time to Leave

November 7th, 2010 |

Angry mourners gather for a mass funeral in Baghdad after 58 Christians were massacred by Muslims last week.

UPDATE/FURTHER INFO: For those of our readers who will be in the UK, Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, will preside and preach at a remembrance service for the victims of the Baghdad massacre, to be held at Westminster Cathedral on Friday, November 27. Catholic or not, do try to attend to protest and to show your support.
After the horror of last weeks massacre of 58 Iraqi Christians at a Baghdad church by a RoP mob, the exiled Archbishop tells his flock it’s finally time to up sticks and begin an exodus:
A senior Iraqi Christian is to call on believers to quit the country, after gunmen targeted a church in Baghdad.
Archbishop Athanasios Dawood, who is based in the UK, will make his appeal during a service at the Syrian Orthodox Church in London.
The archbishop has previously criticised the lack of protection for Iraqi Christians.
At least 52 people died as security forces stormed a Catholic church in Baghdad to free dozens of hostages.
A number of gunmen entered Our Lady of Salvation in the city’s Karada district during Mass on Sunday 31 October, sparking an hours-long stand-off.
The militants made contact with the authorities by mobile phone, demanding the release of al-Qaeda prisoners and also of a number of Muslim women they insisted were being held prisoner by the Coptic Church in Egypt.
After negotiations failed, Iraqi security forces stormed the building, before the gunmen reportedly threw grenades and detonated their suicide vests.
On Sunday, Archbishop Dawood is expected to advise all Christians to leave Iraq now that al-Qaeda has warned of more attacks there.
The archbishop is also calling on the UK government to grant Christian Iraqis asylum.
Christians – as ethnic Assyrians – have lived in Iraq since the 1st Century, but following the fall of Saddam Hussein, they have become isolated and the Baghdad government has proved unwilling or unable to protect them.
There has been a string of bomb attacks on churches leading many to flee to neighbouring countries.
Church leaders have in the past advised the faithful to stay in Iraq and strengthen their communities.
But such is the insecurity, there are signs this policy may be about to change.

“Fight those who believe not in God nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by God and His Apostle, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued” Qur’an 9:29

Anyone who knows about Islam or reads publications such as ours will be all too aware of the plight of Christians living in Muslim lands. Sanctioned by Allah, non-Muslims in every Muslim-majority country in the world face life as second-class citizens; with restrictions and challenges ranging from low-level harassment to outright (and often violent) persecution by both the state and their Muslim neighbours.
Humiliation kidnap, rape, violence, legal persecution and other forms of hatred are rife and regular. Post-Saddam Iraq is one of the worst examples possible. Christians here are a target for any violent Islamist thug that feels the need for a little blood-letting. Or a lot, as was the case last week.
This is no place for Christians.
We fully support the Archbishop’s Dawood’s call for all Christians to quit Iraq – and for them to be afforded asylum in Britain and the West. Without the bloody sword of Islam over their heads, they are sure to integrate well and lead peaceful, productive lives.
[Source: BBC News]

COG Tithe Money at Work in Philadelphia

Years ago the tithe money of Worldwide Church of God members went to help restore the Wanamaker pipe organ in Philadelphia.  Check out the following video to see your tithe money actually being put to use in something worthwhile, instead of supporting some splinter group and it's Dwight Armstrong hymns.

Just this past weekend, shoppers at the the Macy's in Philadelphia (the old Wanamaker building) were surprised when over 600 choristers who were there mingling with regular shoppers suddenly burst into Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. It's pretty awesome.

The Opera Company of Philadelphia was instrumental in bringing it together to perform one of the Knight Foundation's "1000 Random Acts of Culture" which they'll be doing over the next three years across the country. Accompanied by the Wanamaker Organ - the world's largest pipe organ - the singers burst into song at exactly noon.

New UCG Splinter Groups Starting to Form

The first official splinter group to form from the current UCG crisis has just occurred.

Jack Hendren has split off and started a new group.  The Church of God - South Texas.

He has ties to the Church of God in Latin America that UCG has forced out also.

This is shades of WCG all over again.  More lives, families, and friends will be ripped apart by greedy, self serving ministers on BOTH sides who claim they are the REAL representatives of Christ on the earth.

The Church of God - South Texas

Is Your XYZ Church of God Spiritually Abusive?

 From Wicked Shepherds web site

The following is a questionnaire to see just how healthy your church really is. To determine how well it ranks, answer "yes" or "no" to the following questions:

•Does your church tightly control the flow of information within its ranks?

•Does the head of your church, along with the other “leaders”, use public shaming as a method to gain the compliance of followers? 

•Does the head of your church and his “fellow elders” appear to be intolerant or consider it evil persecution when criticized or questioned?

•Are you discouraged to associate with former members, being warned that they are "evil" or "defiling"; a “danger to your spiritual welfare”?

•Is leaving your church to join another church that “is not approved by your elders” equal to leaving God? 

•Do you fear being rebuked, shunned, or ignored for expressing a different opinion?

•At church, is there a sense of control, rather than support?

•Is there a relentless obsession of reminding the sheep of “who’s in authority”?

•Are you told not to ask questions as to why others have left?  Are you told to accept the statements that “your elders” give you?

•Are books, tapes and CD’s, speakers, music, etc., carefully controlled to keep only          the belief structure of your church before your mind?

•Is there is a relentless campaign to keep you around the activities of your church,   expecting you to be at all the stated meetings, except if providentially hindered?  And if you are absent, is  your spirituality and dedication sometimes questioned?

•Is the concept ever so subtly present that, “when you please the 'pastor', God is pleased and when your 'pastor' is not pleased with you, God is not pleased with you?"

•Is there present, the breaking of even the closest family ties, to “guard” the flock?

•Is there the constant using of guilt and shame as tools of control?

•Is there present at your church the encouragement of the members to spy and report on each other, lest sin be found in the midst?

•Is there present at your church the dominant climate of fear in the group – fear of failing to keep one of the rules, and fear of being held up to public humiliation and rejection?

•At church, are the normal lines between what is private and what is public knowledge broken, and members confess the most personal, and the most minor sins, as the conscience is being surrendered to the “leadership”?

•Are many (if not all) of the results from voting at "congregational business meetings"

announced as..... "it is unanimous!"?

•Is questioning condemned as "whispering, back- biting, vicious slander, gossip, nit   picking, signs of a proud rebellious spirit, being disaffected and divisive?"

•Are those who dissent publicly punished?  Are their  reputations murdered by veiled, or not so veiled “revelations” of “sins”; past and present, as confidentiality is broken for the benefit of the leaders? 

•Is there a misplaced loyalty from Jesus and God onto the leadership, which is idolatry?

•Is there harsh preaching and full of condemnation for your failures and are you              deliberately being kept wounded and off balance by the haranguing and condemnation from the pulpit?

•Is “Persevere or be damned” and “listen to YOUR elders; obey YOUR elders”; "submit to YOUR elders" preached over and over again?

•Is paranoia the “very air you breathe”?  Paranoia of falling from grace; thinking for yourselves; breaking the many unspoken rules as well as the clearly spelled out expectations of the leader?

•Are you becoming paranoid – carefully watching your every word and even gesture, lest someone report your faults?

•Does a code of silence reign at your church?  Is no one to divulge the business of the church, or the faults of the leadership?

●      Do the spiritual leaders at your church seem to give you the impression that either covertly or overtly, they have the right to tell you how you should manage your own family; presuming that they know your own family better than you know yourself?


                                                               RESULTS

If you answered "no" to all of the above questions, your church is relatively

healthy. If you answered "yes" to a quarter or more, your church is showing

signs of being unhealthy. If you answered "yes" to half or more, your church

is very, very unhealthy. If you answered "yes" to three-quarters or more,

your church is an authoritarian cult.  If you answered “yes” to all of the above

questions, click here.

UCG Sacramento and Reno Pastor Resigns

Dear Brethren and Friends,

Today, Thursday, November 4, 2010, I officially tendered my resignation as an employee of the United Church of God. I can no longer in good conscience support the current administration or the overall direction of the council majority. Since much of my concern has to do with administrative and employee issues, I prefer that the details of my departure remain confidential so as not to cause further trauma, stress and embarrassment to the individuals involved, their family members or our local congregations (Reno, NV and Sacramento, CA), which have already been through several years of trial and adversity. My wife and I, as well as the members of these congregations, would appreciate your prayers as we face the challenges that lie ahead. I respectfully request that you avoid rumors or public speculation about my resignation, these two congregations or other individuals involved. It will serve no good purpose. Please exercise patience and restraint as we all try to deal with
these trying and turbulent times. Should it become necessary for me to provide additional information about my situation, I will do so. Thank you for your care, your concern and your cooperation.

Sincerely,
Ken and Kathy Giese

November 3, 2010

Dear Brethren,

I am writing to offer you a brief update on the events of last weekend. In a meeting with Messrs. Luker and Kubik on Sunday evening, October 31st, they informed us that, from their perspective, the Reno and Sacramento congregations were divided over my perceived lack of support for the Council of Elders. Consequently, they offered to transfer us out of the area. After praying and fasting about this situation, my wife and I regret to inform you that I have resigned from employment with the United Church of God, effective immediately. I simply can no longer in good conscience remain a part of this organization.

Although our future plans are uncertain, we will remain here for the time being. We have appreciated the many friendships we have formed over the past two years and have counted it a privilege to serve the brethren in this beautiful part of the country.
We are both deeply saddened by the events unfolding in the United Church of God. May God guide you and sustain you in these difficult and challenging times.

With deep love and respect,

Ken and Kathy Giese
ken_giese@surewest.net

UCG Members Now Must Fast Because of Their Satanic Rebellion!

The Big Boss is NOT happy!  You rebellious sinful people  in UCG, shame on you!  How dare you read web sites and bogs!  There are wolves in your midst.  Dark satanic agents of rebellion and death!  Beware!

It's all your fault, once again.  Talk about a broken record!

Nov. 4 Letter from President Luker United Church of God | November 4, 2010 at 6:53 pm | Tags: president dennis luker letter rebellion |

November 4, 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Out of love and respect for each of you, and because of what Christ has in store for all of us, I write this very important letter to you. Our potential to be in God's family depends on each of us making Christ's nature our very own. Having the mind of Christ in us leads us to yield to Him and serve Him with proper respect and reverence in true humility. His way produces peace and harmony. God has given us His Scriptures to teach us the godly way in which to conduct ourselves.

Sadly, I must state that there is a spirit of rebellion that has been brewing in the United Church of God for some time—but which is now rising to the surface. Some ministers and members have taken it upon themselves to hold meetings to undermine the authority in the governing structure of United, that all of them once endorsed. They are disseminating false information designed to discredit those in authority, and favor others that they desire to have as leaders instead.

Some pastors and elders are defying direct orders, withholding letters, videos and other communications sent from the home office. Instead, they are proliferating information on Web sites where they claim members and ministers can “get the facts.” Please know and understand, these dissident sites have no direct relationship with UCGIA, and have no oversight as to doctrinal review or integrity of information. It has been noted that people who try to give factual information in favor of our Church, are barred from posting the facts or are blocked from these sites. It should be obvious from this that they have an agenda and are not seeking the truth. It is my duty before God and Jesus Christ to inform you of this rebellion with the fervent hope that you do not fall into its trap. Please pray that God will give you His wisdom and discernment.

I hope and pray that discontent has not been sown in your area, and that your congregation and ministry are at peace. However, because it is so easy to spread rumor and accusation, I am writing to the entire Church to warn you in case you hear things that are not supportive of the United Church of God and its duly appointed leadership. The United Church of God was formed to protect the biblical doctrines of the Church, to care for God's people, and to provide peaceful places for us to meet on the Sabbath and God's feasts. We will continue to do this while we preach the gospel, the truly good news of His Kingdom.
I also want to remind you of the official links and Web sites where accurate and uplifting information can be found. These sites are designed to update you on the progress of the work of the Church with the good news of God's blessings in the work He has given us to do. Below are listed just four of the opportunities currently available for information. I encourage everyone to be connected and inspired in support of the work God has given us to do. By entering your e-mail address on these sites you can receive fast notification of late-breaking news and immediate updates on the work of preaching the gospel.
Therefore, in an effort to improve our communications with you, I would appreciate it if you would please share this message with other brethren, especially those who do not have Internet access.

Some brethren may not be aware of the helpful, regular updates they can receive from the Church and the resources available to them online. We encourage everyone to sign up. Here is the information:

The UCG Member's Web site gives you updates and resources on everything to do with the United Church of God. To visit click on: http://members.ucg.org and enter your e-mail address in the box in the lower right hand column. This will give you weekly updates on what’s new on the member’s Web site. We currently have more than 14,000 members and others using this alert service.

Inside United: Realtime is a blog that provides you with late-breaking and up-to-date information from senior management personnel. We are already approaching a quarter of a million visitors to the blog, and it was only started in April of this year! This is an excellent way to keep up with the work of the Church, especially on our efforts to preach the gospel of God’s Kingdom.

Almost 1,000 users have already entered their e-mail address to get an alert as soon as a new post is uploaded. Often, new items are posted three or four times a week. To sign up click on: http://realtimeunited.wordpress.com and enter your e-mail address in the box in the right-hand column.

The Good News e-Newsletter is a twice-monthly update containing relevant information to all Good News magazine readers. You will hear from the managing editor, senior writers and the president of the United Church of God. To sign up click on: http://www.gnmagazine.org/gnupdate and you’ll receive a notification when new items are posted about our flagship publication. At present we have more than 32,000 people subscribed!

World News and Prophecy eNews is a monthly e-mail newsletter designed to help you put today's world events in biblical context by providing you with useful and accurate information, analysis and commentary. To sign up, please click on: http://www.wnponline.org/newsletter . So far, we have 21,500 active subscribers to this service. We believe all of our members should stay aware of the events shaping our world.

Brethren, spiritual wolves are in our midst, and this now-open rebellion on the part of some demonstrates this fact. But even in the midst of a crisis created by some, we know with surety that our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, is firmly at the Head of His Church. He knows our hearts, and He knows more about this situation than any of us could as human beings.

In His final prayer before His crucifixion, Jesus Himself prayed not once, but twice for protection that God would shield His Church “from the evil one” (John 17:15). Brethren, as a long-time minister and brother to you in the faith, I ask that you now urgently join with us in prayer and fasting to claim that promise of divine protection for the Church of God.

We have the confidence that God and Christ will protect and deliver us! Through faith, let us exercise that confidence and place this matter in God's hands as we all move forward.
Sincerely, in Christ’s service,
Dennis Luker

COG7 Day, Killing Pigs in the Tribulation and UCG Crisis

The Flickering Candle blog (Shining Light) is INCREDULOUS!  Let me repeat that again, INCREDULOUS!

They write:

According to The Bible Advocate, the COG 7th Day is now permitting work on Sabbath as long as it does not interfere with attendance at Sabbath services. How long will it take before Sabbath services are scheduled around members employment schedules?  For explanations and links concerning this departure into the foggy realm of situation ethics and the abandonment of the Word of God; read on!

Those demonic imbeciles!  How dare they say a person could work on Saturday!  Heretics!  Apostates! Losers!

Oh wait!  These are the same folk that the Armstrongites have always spit and snarled at as the 'Sardis era"  those lukewarm pantywaists.  So now they are all concerned about COG7th Day????????????

The various Armstrongite splinter cults are running scared  these days.  More and more people are waking up to the fact that Armstrongism and it's myriad of biblical interpretations are morally and intellectually bankrupt.  Their control over the membership is slipping away.  That's why you see them all screeching about GOVERNMENT in all their articles and writings.  "Submit" "You are under authority!"

Then the absurdities on the Flickering Candle get even crazier!

In Ottawa in 1976 I attended a meeting of the WCG Spokesman Club where the question was asked: if you were in the tribulation and you and your family were starving; and a pig ran into your house: would it be alright to kill it and eat it?
I was shocked to hear nearly all the men, including the minister John Adams say, YES.  The carnal reasoning’s and justifications were eye opening.
Their argument went like this.

1. God is a God of love; he would not want you to starve.
2. The law of the unclean is only physical and not really important

 These people did not even address the fact that they would be in the tribulation for a reason; that reason would be lukewarmness and a lack of zeal for God’s commandments, Rev 3.

Given that kind of sick logic theses same idiots would have turned in Jews that might have been hidden in their homes during WWII.  You can be guaranteed these Armstrongites would have turned in the Jews when the Germans came knocking at their doors.  In their warped thinking it is better to kill a Jew than to to tell a lie that will save a life.

They then go on to blame Satan for the pig being sent to feed your family.  They claim God would NEVER send a filthy, disgusting, unclean swine to save your family from death.  Only Satan would do such a thing to save your family.  Talk about IDIOTS!

If God wanted to give you food he would give you something that he had declared to be lawful!  Something not lawful would NOT be coming from God: Since this “food” would NOT be lawful; it would NOT be from God; and would be a TEST to see if we had learned our lesson yet.

All this talk about piggies, dying families, and working to feed your family on the 'sabbath', is all leading up to the current UCG Crisis:

United is about to rule on the matter of a little work on Sabbath compromising with God’s law to make life easier for the brethren.  The Church of God 7^th Day is already doing so!  Please read page seven of the latest Bible Advocate. To enlarge click the text.  These new changes are being  justified because of economic distress. When one’s love for God has cooled; an excuse to turn away can always be found!  If not the economy, something else will be found!

Then they resort to the typical fear mongering of all Armstrongite letters writers.

Will you trade it for a mouthful of filth; or a few dollars worth of employment? (for eternal life?)

Grumpy people!