COGWA on Leavening: Brethren, We Know You Are Too Stupid To Understand Things, So Let Us Mansplain It For You Once Again

The Armstrong version of the Churches of God has been going on close to 85 years since Herbert Armstrong started his splinter group of the Church of God 7th Day. For 85 years now the ministry of the church has been lecturing the members on all kinds of topics. For 85 years those topics have  never wavered into new territory leading members to think for themselves. For 85 years now AOCG ministers still believe they need to tell members how to do things.

That continues on today with Church of God a Worldwide Association, in their latest article by Cecil Maranville telling members what is leavened and what is not. COGWA members are NOT to rely upon Jewish understandings or of those of other COG groups or members.  Only the COGWA way is the right way.

In preparing for the Days of Unleavened Bread, people often ask what constitutes the “leaven” that they need to remove from their property. God commands, “You shall remove leaven from your houses” (Exodus 12:15), but Scripture does not define “leaven.”

Rather than produce a list of items that “must go” or “can stay,” the Church has taught the scriptural instruction along with the principles contained therein, so that individuals would be able to exercise good judgment. We advise people to be cautious about accepting the wide variety of opinions, whether from Jewish traditions or even from within the Church of God community.

He continues on, telling members they don't need to throw out their toothpaste, bottled water, pet food and litter, medicines, etc.  Whew!  Good to know.

We look to history to learn what leaven was used in the past, and we look at modern baking practices for guidance. According to Smith’s Bible Dictionary, “Various substances were known to have fermenting qualities; but the ordinary leaven consisted of a lump of old dough in a high state of fermentation, which was mixed into the mass of dough prepared for baking.” Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines leaven as follows: “1a: a substance (as yeast) used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid; especially: SOURDOUGH b: a material (as baking powder) used to produce a gas that lightens dough or batter.”

However, some of these chemicals can have other uses besides leavening. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), for instance, can be used to control pH balance and for other medical issues. In such items as medicines, salt and antacids, it is commonly used as a binder, not as an agent to “puff up,” as is the case when it’s used for making bread or other baked products. Bottled water may have sodium bicarbonate added to enhance the taste and add minerals. When used in these ways, sodium bicarbonate and other such chemicals are clearly not acting as leavening agents. When chemicals that could be leavening agents—if they were used in conjunction with food—are used in other ways, they are not what God intended His people to put out to remember their affliction in Egypt.

This basic principle answers the host of questions about products that are not human food or bread/bread products: toothpaste, pet food, medicines, cat litter, salt, water, laundry detergents, antacids and fire extinguishers! None of these have to be put out. 

I remember years ago in Pasadena when some little self-righteous turd got all pissy over the fact that we had close to a 500 pounds of baking soda stored at the gym to use in the large swimming pool. He went screeching to the ministry to force us to throw it out. We had laughed at him when he originally approached us and that set him off on his one man crusade against baking soda. The big boys basically told him where he could stick it and he was NOT happy. We would park our electric service cart with a 50 lb bag of baking soda next to his car just to rub it in.

But, even now in 2019, members are still asking about beer, kefir, egg whites and brewers yeast. And, once again the ministry has to tell members what is ok and what is not. Common sense never prevails. Can you ever imagine a ACOG prohibiting beer during this time of year?  Alcohol and the ACOG go hand in hand!

Live yeast is used in making beer. Therefore, it is sometimes called “brewer’s yeast.” However, the “brewer’s yeast” that appears on a food or health product label is “dead” (inactive, unable to leaven dough). This type of brewer’s yeast offers various health benefits, and it is often used as a dietary supplement. It is sometimes added to soups and other foods as a flavoring agent. Either it was harvested from the brewing process (from which it got its name, “brewer’s yeast”) and deactivated by heat or it was cultivated as inactive yeast for commercial use. The brewer’s yeast that is a food additive or a health supplement is not leaven.

Kefir is a fermented milk drink, but it is not leavened. The whey from kefir could be used as a leavening agent—just as the active leaven in unpasteurized beer could be used to make bread. Obviously, a believer should not use either to make bread during the Days of Unleavened Bread. However, the Church has not taught believers to avoid drinking these beverages during the Days of Unleavened Bread or to put them out before the festival merely because they could be used to leaven dough. Kefir and beer are beverages, not bread.

Some people question whether using egg whites to fluff up or lighten a baking batter “breaks the spirit of the law” and whether it is a type of leaven. There are other ways of mechanically adding air to dough. Historically, the Church of God has counseled that this is not leavening. We should remember that one characteristic of yeast and other leavening agents is that they spread their puffing-up quality until they change the nature of the entire batch of dough. That is not true of air added to dough by whipping. Active leaven makes an excellent symbol for sin, which spreads through human thoughts. Paul compared active leaven to sin with the phrase “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6).

No brethren!  You do NOT have to throw out your toasters!

About toasters or toaster ovens, the Church does not teach members to throw these away every year but to do the best they can to clean them. Some members clean such appliances by carefully spraying them with water—after unplugging them, of course! They find that by the time the festival is over, the toaster has dried thoroughly and is safe to plug in again. Another method of cleaning is simply to use the hand tools many vacuum cleaners have.

They conclude the article with this, and it is sure to piss off the likes of uber-Pharisee James Malm and our self-appointed Elijah, Bwana Thiel, who demand that brethren adhere to strict forms of legalism,  How dare different people have different views on what they consider leaven and unleavend!

We should also consider the matter of personal conscience. Different believers can have different personal convictions about what constitutes leaven. We respect those convictions, even on matters about which the Church teaches differently; we do not tell people to act against their conscience. The Bible tells us that whatever we do that is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23).

In conclusion, a Christian should look to the simplicity of Scripture: Put out leaven; do not eat leaven. As described, leaven means active yeast and chemical leavening agents, as well as human food products that were made with leaven. Keep it simple—and keep the Feast.

The sad part is that COGWA is still adhering to old covenant days while ignoring the new covenant and everything Jesus exemplified.  It is more import to kill Jesus once again in some gymnasium or Masonic Lodge, where they will leave him bruised and battered till next year when they begrudgingly have to drag him out and mention his name again. 

Sermons So Incredible That They Must Be Destroyed In A Microwave!

I remember decades ago when the church got all antsy about members recording sermons.  They were afraid that those tapes would fall into the wrong hands.  Fast forward to today and that idiocy is still prevalent.  COG groups are STILL totally embarrassed by what they teach, so much so that they command members to destroy sermons from HQ. Forget about speaking the truth, lets instead hide it!  Jesus was never afraid to speak truth, but COG leaders sure are.

This is the Philadelphia Church of God:

We drove over an hour to attend a small house group to listen to recorded garbage a few times. They had CDs for sermons which they put in the microwave after it was played. I asked why and they told me that it was to destroy them so they wouldn’t fall into the “wrong” hands. 

Dave Pack: God Told Paul To Change Scripture

Dave says Paul did it so that he can change things to fit his interpretations.

Gerald Weston: Don't Worry About the Evils In Other COG's, God Will Fix It Later

Gerald Weston has written a missive about how the Living Church of God members are to view others in various splinter personality cults of Armstrongism.  LCG members wonder why the LCG does not speak out about abusive splinter cults that damage members lives, like Gerald Flurry, Bob Thiel and Dave Pack, but also wonder why, if everyone is doing a "work," then why can't they be called brothers?

Following the mid-1990s breakup of the Worldwide Church of God, hundreds of Sabbath-keeping groups formed. A handful are significant in terms of numbers and the work they do, but most of these “hundreds” are family or local groups, virtually unknown outside their areas. Groups formed around ordained and un-ordained leaders, usually involving some doctrinal difference. Some have declared themselves prophets or apostles and have convinced people to follow them. The Internet has made it possible for a few of these groups to attract scattered individuals to their doctrines.

Many are confused by this scattering of former members, and wonder what we should think about these many groups. On this subject, there are generally two camps. One looks to Ephesians 4:4, which tells us, “There is one body and one Spirit…,” and says that people in multiple organizations can’t be a part of one spiritual body. The other looks to passages showing that the first-century Church of God was not always as unified as it ought to have been—but was still the Church of God. “Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ.’ Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:12–13). Which view is right? Is either view correct? Perhaps each is partially, but not wholly, correct.

Apparently it is not a concern for LCG to speak out about the lairs and various false prophets now populating the Armstrong Churches of God.  It is not LCG's concern that members commit suicide because of aberrant doctrines of other ACOG leaders or that families are ripped apart or financially ruined.  Weston says that God will correct it in the end, so why worry today.

When we see others doing a work similar to what we are doing, we need not be concerned. We must know why we, as individuals, choose to be where we are, but it is unwise for us to compare ourselves with others. God is the judge. All of us, leaders and members, must one day answer to Him for the decisions we make in this life.

At least Weston calls Bob Thiel a fool and a hypocrite! Envy has always been the prime motivator in Bwana Bob's deluded self-appointment.

Some today no doubt “preach Christ even from envy and strife” and from “selfish ambition.” Others do so sincerely “from goodwill.” Yes, we need to base our decisions on biblical facts, comparing such things as doctrines, governance, and focus. That we must do. We cannot compromise truth for the sake of a false unity. But neither should we be in the business of judging the motives of others. It is true that the motives of some are so transparent that only a fool would be so blind as not to notice, and Jesus, after all, did call some of the religious leaders hypocrites (Matthew 23). However, our responsibility is to leave alone those who are not with us and to focus on the Work He set before us. As Paul advised the disunited Corinthians, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

He ends his missive with this:

We are coming up on the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread. This is a time for introspection. The breakup of the Worldwide Church of God was something few, if any, of us foresaw, and it created a lot of distrust and confusion. We will someday look back and understand a greater picture than we currently can see, but here is one thing we should all be able to agree upon: There has been far too much judging of others and other groups, in all the groups. That is not the mind of Christ! 

Since when has the Armstrongite Churches of God ever put on the "mind of Christ?"  They cannot even talk about the dude and anything he accomplished but rather prostrate themselves at the feet of the law and church government which has become their god. They should be reveling in Galatians, Roman and Ephesians this item of year instead of looking at Exodus.  The mind of Christ has been unattainable for them all for 80 some years now.

See complete article here:  How Do We View Others?

Dave Pack: Do you think I am a false prophet?

What is it that causes one to be accepted by God?

Anonymous said in a previous thread: 

"Protestantism is now visibly dying some 500 years after Luther nailed his theses to a church door. Church buildings are empty on Sunday. Some major denominations even have Pastors or "Priests" that are openly atheists! There is an increasing odour of denominational desperation with some Protestants seeking ecumenical reconciliation with Rome for moral support.

But most of their practices, traditions and holidays have no scriptural basis at all. THAT is why some left them for the Churches of God."

Very good point, Anonymous. And one worthy of discussion. So today, let's delve into this, one of the biggest reasons why Armstrongism was such a draw for many who were attracted to it. 

In the previous article, what was simply presented was scripture in the book of Romans which was handling a major controversy within the Church concerning a division between the brethren. There was a breakaway group within the Church (Haha, isn't that a big surprise?) that believed that they were free of the binds of shackles. They believed that they were now free to eat anything that they wished for (Meats, etc.) - while the legalists of the Church still believed that the food laws were still enforced. The arguments were understandably, apparently, pretty heated between the two segments. Heated enough that Paul had to draft a special letter to the Church to address this serious issue. 

From verse one in Romans 14, we can see the very attitudes of human nature that were prevalent then, and just as prevalent at the start of the Armstrong movement, and even now. The human arguments and disputes about what is interpreted to be "right", and what is interpreted to be "wrong". Paul's basis of thought was a condemnation of the need to argue about it. 

Paul went on to make the point that those who feel free to discontinue the practice of food dietary laws are not to look down on those who feel the need to do so, and for those that do practice the dietary laws not to look down on those who don't - because - and this is the big point, the point that needs to be yelled loud and clear to all of the legalists who continually try to enforce their opinions in arguments about right or wrong - that God has accepted all of them. 

Paul was clear that God accepts those who do not adhere, and who do adhere. He goes on to stretch the point to not only include the food dietary regulations - but clear up to days of Worship. Paul said some believe that they must keep one specific day (obviously, the Seventh Day Sabbath), and others believe all days are alike (obviously those who accepted the new way of thinking) - and then made another "heretical" statement to legalists that said simply this: Whichever day you choose is acceptable". 

Now here is a statement that is nerve-wracking to legal-minded thinkers, that both ways of doing it are acceptable to God - IF - and it's a big IF - it is done to honor and to please the Lord. Paul is making a distinction between matters of legal compliance, and matters of a heart yearning to please God and honor God. It is this attitude that seemed to float over the legalists' head because - in the minds of the legalists - they aren't doing it "right". 

Now we will address the elephant in the room - Christians - (or, to Armstrong Apologists, falsely-so called Christians) who observe days and traditions that do not have scriptural basis. We are talking about those who claim a love, reverence, and belief in Christ who believe they are honoring God while attending Christmas, Easter, and Sunday services, or for that matter, Wednesday services, Tuesday night Services - you fill in the blank here. We're talking about Christians who have developed a way of doing things that is different from the Law or Traditions that have existed for thousands of years. 

We know that this includes Biblical commands of food law because that is the basis of the arguments of those on the legal side who would  have pointed to the Torah. We know that this basis includes the Sabbath, because that is the basis on the legal side of the arguments who would have pointed back to Deuteronomy. We know that the Old Testament commands were the basis of the disputes between those of the legalism side and those of the "freedom" side. Those of the legal side would defend vigorously with argumentation the validity and enforcement of the Mosaic Law, and those of the freedom side would defend with equal vigor their freedom in Christ. Paul's point was that God has accepted both sides based on their heart and their desire to worship God. That God was not looking at who was "obeying" this or "obeying" that - but that Christians have - (GASP) choice in what they prefer, in faith, is right to them. 

This idea of freedom of choice was new then - and in Armstrongism - is new, even now. This idea of freedom of choice is spat on, frowned on, and stomped on by legalists who don't believe that God can honor those things that aren't written in iron-clad black and white print in the Scriptures. They believe that no person can choose to worship God in any other way than specifically ordained and commanded by scripture. 

The argument - then - if one finally relents on the freedom of choice given to a Christian in Christ that Paul clearly states God accepts - switches to an argument of "unknown observance of pagan rituals" - citing past historical things that happened on certain days, times, seasons and years. The argument becomes exactly as stated above - the argument that "practices, traditions, and holidays that have no scriptural basis at all" can possibly be accepted by God. 

The question has to be thus: What is it that causes one to be accepted by God? 

Paul was very clear, in regards to the food issue, that both sides were accepted by God. He was very clear that the Church was not to argue about it. He also made it clear that it is not our business to condemn another believer. That all will stand before God and all will give account for our choices. But that does not negate the fact that we have choice. And choice is the one thing Armstrongism has robbed their members of for over 70 years.  

Since Paul was clear that in regard to food, and in regard to worship, and days, that both groups are acceptable to God based on their faith and based on their heart of worship to God - is it then so difficult to conclude that God can also accept Sunday-keepers? Or that God can accept Christmas keepers? Or that God can accept those who worship God on "non-scripturally based days"? Is it possible that God has accepted all of those who worship Him and believe in Him with pure hearts? Is it possible that all in Christ have been accepted, whether they are in an Armstrong Church or whether they are in a Sunday-keeping, Christmas-keeping, Ham-eating Church? 

How Many Armstrong Apologists would have stoned Paul themselves for making such a statement? How many would have accused Paul of having a demon? How many would have rejected this chapter in Romans if being told that by a person themselves? If someone in the Church walked up to a minister and said such a thing, what would happen? Would they have been kicked to the curb? Would such a declaration have raised the ire and fury of the legalistic minister? And in Armstrongism - would accepting such a declaration have harmed the Church's financial and business bottom line - by daring to state that a Christian has choice - and freedom - to choose and to honor God in whatever way is acceptable to them. 

The entire construct of Paul's teachings is personal responsibility. Personal freedom. Personal choice - based on individual faith, and freedom in Christ. God has accepted both sides - and looks on a believer's heart - not on what day or what food or what legalistic command is or is not in force. This is the one thing that Armstrong stifles. Personal Choice and freedom in Christ. 

The other entire construct of Paul's teaching? To not judge. To not condemn. Which is precisely what we as legalists did to all others who did not do things in the way we thought they should. "Who are you to judge another's servant"? Yet for years, that's exactly what we all did - based not on the faith and mind of the heart but on suppositions of days, times, seasons, years, and what is or is not "pagan".

What's the bottom line. The bottom line - according to New Testament teaching - is that the decisions of what is or is not acceptable in regards to worship, to meats, to food, whatever is physical - is between that person and God, and that no person has the right to interfere in that person's choice and decision. That faith is the binding glue of relationship as to what is or is not acceptable to a person - and that arguing about it does nothing but tear down and divide the Church. The biggest point of all of this? That no matter if one keeps Saturday or Sunday, or eats Pork, Ham, or Beef - that all - if their heart is right with the Lord - in faith - are acceptable to God, and are Christians as much as the other. 

This is the Good News that Armstrongism staunchly rejects. This is the message of righteousness, peace and Joy in the Spirit. It is the message or a righteous heart - and the freedom of choice in faith that has been provided in Christ to the believer.

Submitted by SHT

Dave Pack: What I Really Want