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Thursday, January 23, 2020
Gerald Weston: Living Church of God Members Enslaved By Lust, Alcohol, Vaping, Cigarettes, Pot and Porn
The one message you never hear in the Living Church of God.
Instead, just constant condemnation.
Some things never change in the Church of God.
The Apostle John tells us that loving this world is incompatible with loving God: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John 2:15–16). John was likely thinking of the Garden of Eden when he expressed these thoughts, for we are told that “when the woman saw that the tree was good for food [the lust of the flesh], that it was pleasant to the eyes [the lust of the eyes], and a tree desirable to make one wise [the pride of life], she took of its fruit and ate” (Genesis 3:6). When preaching on these chapters of Genesis, Mr. Herbert Armstrong thundered to the Church that the majority of members didn’t get it. Time proved him correct! Do we get it?
These three motivations of human nature are closely related and often feed each other. Consider how even some in the Church are enslaved by the lust of the flesh. Teens and adults alike may take up vaping, cigarettes, or marijuana and other drugs to feed fleshly appetites and to appear more sophisticated to their peers. Some overindulge in alcohol. How many “just have to have” something that they cannot afford? It is not wrong to buy a new dress or a new boat, or to move into a larger home if one can afford it, but many only fool themselves into thinking that they can afford it. We live in a consumer society, and it is naïve to think we are unaffected. Everything is an infomercial! Society relentlessly tempts us to believe that happiness is found in acquisitions. The expensive sneakers of our teen years become the shiny new car of our working years. Neither are sins in themselves, but it is an illusion to think happiness is found in such things. The acquisition of goods and amusements, as an end in itself, has never produced lasting happiness—no lust of the flesh ever has.
The Internet certainly fuels the lust of the eyes. Pornography is a huge problem, affecting both men and women of every age. David wrote a psalm in which he declared, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes” (Psalm 101:3). As my Bible says in its marginal notes, the word wicked in this verse may also mean worthless.
Worthlessness is not the only problem. There are sad consequences in our lives when we follow such lusts. Jesus famously instructed, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). No wonder David prayed to God to “turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things” (Psalm 119:37)—but as we know, in a weak moment in his life, David failed to do his part to resist temptation, and it became the biggest mistake of his life (1 Kings 15:5). His son Solomon wisely advised, “Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you” (Proverbs 4:25).It is interesting that Weston focuses upon "worthless." Isn't this the message that the church has beat into us for 8 decades? Have church members ever been able to do anything right? It is always the members fault that leaders have issues, that the church has issues, that income is down. Of course, that is the ultimate goal of the unworthiness gospel. The more we hear it, the more we were expected to feel guilty and thus contribute more to redeem ourselves in the eyes of the leadership. Loyal tithe payers and givers were true believers. Those who were slackards always started off by skipping tithing and giving. Then it was a direct pathway into porn and vaping.
We were always lower than worms. Always unable to understand anything Herbert Armstrong or Meredith said and certainly made to feel unworthy at Passover as we sat there listening to the unworthiness message being amplified through the speaker systems when the bread was broken. It is no wonder they despise grace so much.
Colossians 1:12 New International Version (NIV)
12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[a] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
God, Miracles, World Events and January 16
There is only one Church of God today who truly worships Herbert Armstrong and everything about him. From building an imitation mini-me auditorium to digging up a dirty old rock and enshrining it a glass case while it rests on royal purple velvet, all because of some silly myth that HWA prayer at the rock. If PCG had been able to get their hands of HWA's underwear we would most likely see it proudly displayed in the HWA Auditorium lobby.
Here are a few significant things that the PCG claims have happened on the 16th.
January 16, 2010President Obama announces one of America’s largest-ever rebuilding projects in Haiti after a massive earthquake there killed more than 100,000 people and caused about $8 billion in damage.
January 16, 2012European bailout fund’s AAA credit rating stripped after France, Austria, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia are downgraded.
January 16, 2013President Obama issues executive orders on gun control after the Sandy Hook massacre. Militants in Algeria seize a facility on the Libyan border. Germany withdraws gold from Paris and New York.
January 16, 2015U.S. Supreme Court announces it will hear arguments on the question of same-sex “marriage,” later ruling it to be constitutional.
January 16, 2016“Implementation Day” for Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Iran nuclear deal, granting Iran $100 billion in sanctions relief. China inaugurates a major global economic entity, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
January 16, 2020Impeachment trial of President Donald Trump begins in U.S. Senate.
Oh, for goodness sake!
Is there anyone who is good except for God? Luke 18:19.
A commonly used euphemism is the expression “for goodness’ sake.” Good is God’s character, His name. So when a person uses the expression “for goodness’ sake,” this, in reality, is saying, “for God’s sake.” That is using God’s name in vain if it isn’t spoken in a manner of reverence toward God.
Other euphemistic statements are: “Oh my gosh,” “Golly,” “Gee whiz” and “Jeepers.” A few other euphemistic statements probably come to mind too. These statements are bad enough, but there have been some who have actually used the terms, “Oh my God,” “For God’s sake” and “For Lord’s sake.” If these statements aren’t made in reverence toward God, or if they are used as mild oaths, then those who utter these statements are taking God’s name in vain and disobeying the Third Commandment.
Most actors and actresses use God’s name in vain when they perform on tv or in the movies. In fact, it appears to be cute to use God’s name this way on television or in public. It is often the punchline of jokes: a crazy situation occurs, and the character takes God’s name in vain, and the studio audience breaks out in uproarious laughter. This problem can very easily spread into the Church because we see and hear it so often that we grow accustomed to it, and after a while, it doesn’t seem as offensive to us as it once did. We have to be on guard against it.
WCG Africa Endorsing New Kenya President
Others, like the false prophets of doom and gloom in the church, will use any political leader they can find to prop up their delusional rants.
Actually, it is probably a good thing that these people do not vote. They cannot make educated and well thought out predictions or preach a well thought out sermon, so how can we expect them to think through things before they vote?
Leaders root for Nyaga to succeed Uhuru as Mt Kenya region’s kingpin
The race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta as the Mt Kenya region kingpin is gaining momentum as the clock ticks towards the 2022 General Election.
With slightly less than three years left to the poll, there have been heightened political activities in the region, with several leaders criss-crossing the area with their eyes trained on taking up the region’s mantle once Mr Kenyatta retires.
The move by some Mt Kenya religious and business leaders to endorse former presidential candidate Joseph Nyaga as the region’s next kingpin is the latest development in the succession battle.
The leaders said Mr Nyaga is best suited to take the region’s leadership owing to his immense experience in politics and government.
Led by Bishop Johana Ndirangu of Akorino Faithful Church, the group said Mr Nyaga has all the necessary qualifications to be the region’s kingpin.
“As a church, we feel that Mr Nyaga is the voice of reason that the region needs. He has had an illustrious political career and, therefore, has the requisite experience,” said Bishop Ndirangu in Nakuru.
VAST EXPERIENCE
Rev Patrick Kinuthia of Worldwide Church of God in Murang’a said that due to Mr Nyaga’s vast experience in politics, spanning more than two decades, he is best suited to unite the region’s divided leaders.
“It is paramount that the region goes to the 2022 General Election speaking with one voice. Currently, leaders in the region are sharply divided, which is not a good thing,” he said.
Leaders in the region are divided into two groups: Tangatanga, which supports Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 presidential ambitions, and Kieleweke, which supports the President.
The two camps do not see eye to eye, with leaders in both factions going for each other’s jugular at public functions.
“With his immense experience in politics and being an elder in the game, it is our belief that he can unite these leaders,” he added.
“With his immense experience in politics and being an elder in the game, it is our belief that he can unite these leaders,” he added.
Monday, January 20, 2020
Saying Amen is Wrong? Missing the point all together.
There was a post on Facebook the other day on one of the xCOG pages about the word "amen" and its supposed origins. Several Armstromgites are taking this so seriously that they have split off from the group they are in and even from a group they founded in order to never have to say the word again...
Thought this was funny. What if we said Amen all those times heartening back to the “pagan” god of Amun in a church SO careful not to do anything even remotely of such origins??! I grew up in South Texas and we took a church youth field trip to a museum where we learned that tortillas were originally round in worship of the Sun god in Aztec culture. No ministers stopped chowing down on tacos. 🌮 Tacos continued to show up at every potluck and church picnic where I was from!! My point I guess is that the true roots of a lot of things are convoluted. Many hands have touched, for instance, what a cross means. It’s a very common symbol I’ve see engraved and sculpted by many cultures as I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world. Mrs. Armstrong saw what she thought were Easter eggs engraved in the walls in Egypt and HWA declared them pagan because something that looked like them decorated Ancient Egyptian ruins - I’ve seen those same engravings when I travelled there. Tour guides of multiple cultures have given me so many explanations for the meaning of the exact same symbol. The WCG/COGs not only are hypocritical in this, but they miss the point all together. I think things, symbols, and words hold the meaning we give them. FacebookYet, in COGland, some are taking so much offense at the word "amen" that they have resigned from their own church. Ron Harmon, of The House of God, wrote this recently:
I don’t believe for one second amen is one of Jesus names, nor is God or any other name we use and amen won’t be used in His kingdom.
It is not credible that God would invoke the name of an Egyptian god when he regarded himself as the only true God and his own name as above all names. “I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other…” (Isaiah 42:8).
Even the name Lord here is improper, should actually say Yahweh.
But I don’t make folks adhere to the true translations either, I even try and not say the word lord, instead I use Eternal if I remember.
In John chapter one He is called the logo’s (word) and that is a correct interpretation as well.
But scriptures have been manipulated in so many areas of the bible, its really a matter of where one draws the line.
The word wasn’t used before Israel went into captivity, while in captivity there is no evidence they kept their complete language pure or unbroken, it wouldn’t even be practical to believe so.
It also isn’t practical to assume they worshiped only the God of Israel, they didn’t.
It is the reason why the true God did what He did when He brought Israel out of Egypt.
I don’t want to go word for word on this with you, all I need to know is what is your solution?
I’m fine with leaving the issue as it is and not bringing it up, but if you want it expunged from Austin’s lexicon and Franks archives, you’ll have to address the whole Austin congregation about it.
One last thing, I don’t in any way consider it blasphemous to our true Father or Christ to limit ones words he uses, especially when affirming another’s prayers or statements.
Mathew 5:33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
Mike if you feel so strongly about my stance on this, then I gladly step down and you can chart the way of the church for the future. I’m not so wrapped up in this position it would bother me to step aside at this time.
Until then, I’m glad to let those that want to use amen use it, and those that don’t, not do so.
This has been my stance on the use of sacred names, and any other thing someone wants to believe.
It’s my desire we can get this issue behind us and we can stay friends and fellow workers for Christ but I won’t be forced to do something I don’t believe in, and I wouldn’t expect you or any other person to do so either.And then this was sent out in December:
This is pastor Ron Harmon’s letter of resignation from the House of God in Texas:“To The Wonderful People of the House of God:
Unknown to most of you there has been a spiritual struggle occurring within our congregations. It was a battle not of my choosing, but it caused much tension in our home. This last Sunday at our annual meeting of the consul and ministers of the House of God, it all came to a conclusion.
This spiritual battle has been raging behind the scenes for many years bringing me to a final conclusion. I can’t work effectively when others I work with are so consumed by my different beliefs on ending prayers, not allowing camaraderie to exist.
As of Sunday (12th December 2017), Virginia and I are no longer members of the House of God. I won’t get into the specifics for the sake of the church, only to say the following. I cannot go against my convictions and how I see the scriptures. There are some in the leadership of the church who seem to believe my salvation is lost because of what I believe on one issue. I can only say this, you might be careful how you judge others and their salvation.
I will be continuing the work in the ways I can from my home. I’m not sure at this time how that will manifest itself, but the fact is, I can’t stop serving God.
I wish everyone well and God’s blessings. I’ve always tried to help make everyone’s lives a little better at the House of God and we hope you remember us fondly. Virginia and I are deeply saddened by what has transpired over the last few months. We are saddened to not be a part of your lives any longer, but we no longer feel welcomed, and we don’t go where we’re not welcomed.
God Bless you all: Ron Harmon.” Church of God NewsTypical of the Church of God. Always majoring in minors instead of what is of real value.
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Lift Every Voice and SingLift every voice and singTill earth and heaven ringRing with the harmonies of LibertyLet our rejoicing riseHigh as the list'ning skies, let it resound loud as the rolling seaSing a song full of faith that the dark past has tought usSing a song full of the hope that the present has brought usFacing the rising sun of our new day begunLet us march on till victory is wonStony the road we trodBitter the chast'ning rodFelt in the day that hope unborn had diedYet with a steady beatHave not our weary feetCome to the place on which our fathers sighedWe have come over a way that with tears has been wateredWe have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughteredOut from the gloomy past, till now we stand at lastWhere the white gleam of our star is castGod of our weary yearsGod of our silent tearsThou who has brought us thus far on the wayThou who has by thy mightLed us into the lightKeep us forever in the path, we prayLest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met theeLest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget theeShadowed beneath the handMay we forever standTrue to our GodTrue to our native land
As part of a celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12, 1900, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was first publicly performed by 500 school children at the Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida. The school principal, James Weldon Johnson, wrote the words and Johnson’s broth3r Rosamond set them to music. The children continued to sing the song, popularizing it for generations to come.
Later, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People(NAACP) adopted the song as the Black National Anthem.In calling for earth and heaven to “ring with the harmonies of Liberty,” thelyrics spoke out subtly against racism and Jim Crow laws—and especially the huge number of lynching’s accompanying the rise of the Klan at the turn of the century.By the 1920s, copies of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” could be found in Black churches across the country, often pasted into the hymnals. Thewords to the poem/song and another poem by Johnson can be read on theCivil Rights Movement Veterans website.Learn about the history of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in(UNC Press, 2018) by Imani Perry.
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