Living Church of God Minister Sets The Standard For All Other Ministers

Once more, we have the sterling example of Christian love that the Living Church of God exudes through its ministers. 

Sadly, the bar has always been low, but they keep lowering it.

I attended what I hope was my last WCG-splinter funeral today for my mother-in-law...a faithful, 50+ year member of WCG, then GCG, and for the past 20 years or so, LCG. 

I understand that in the eyes of their "pastor" that my husband and I are the worst possible people on the planet... Former members, apostates, the "fallen away". And it boy, did it show!!!! 

The pastor didn't offer a single word of condolence or comfort to my husband or his brother... The last living members of their immediate family. He didn't speak to my husband, didn't shake his hand and say "I'm so sorry for your loss... Your mother was a lovely woman and so proud of you both." You know, the kind and decent things that people usually say when two men just lost their last surviving parent. 

To be fair, his wife did make an effort to be polite and nice... Which frankly made the fact that her husband utterly ignored the deceased person's two sons even more noticeable. 

My husband, on the other hand, this EX member, the apostate, the fallen one... Went out of his way before we left to walk all the way across the cemetery to thank the two men who were waiting in their pickup truck to place his mother's coffin into the ground. You tell me... What would Jesus do? 

Reprinted from Facebook with permission.

United Church of God: Why doesn't it have representative leadership of its membership?

From a reader.

The UCG "Council of Elders" , is 100% USA based, with all white ministry. Even the international regional representatives are home-based in the USA.

Nearly half of the UCG membership lives AWAY from the USA, yet has no council representation of someone who lives there!

Thousands of black Africans are in the UCG, yet not one council member who lives and works in Africa.

Baseball desegregated in 1947 with Jackie Robinson, but it was 30 years later before a black manager was seen in baseball (Frank Robinson). UCG, just like baseball, speaks out against racism, but the real proof will be when they allow empowerment in upper management at the Council level of a minority presence and representative to the population numbers that are members of the UCG.

UCG, on the international basis, is still practicing a Colonial European plantation mentality to its own members. Tonto

This lack of leadership diversity in the Church of God is not unique to UCG. Living Church of God, COGWA, Philadelphia Church of God, Restored Church of God, and many others are white based in its leadership and almost exclusively American in its international leadership.

UCG: Victor Kubik "I can declare with authority that we condemn racism."

With the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of corrupt policemen, UCG has jumped on the bandwagon with their own take on the situation.

Nothing works better for a Church of God splinter group than taking advantage of some tragedy or world event in order to push their version of the Bible that they claim is right.

For my wife Bev and me, the news of the tragic murder of an African American in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by police officers really hit home. As many know, we both lived and served in Minnesota for many years. Minnesota was home to us. Just before going to Ambassador College in California, I first started attending church services near Lake Street and 1st Avenue South—less than two miles from the Powderhorn Park area where George Floyd was murdered. I saw many personally familiar landmarks in the television coverage, except this time they were marred by rioting people burning and destroying businesses and property.

The rage ignited in Minneapolis has since spread all over the United States and has set the country on fire. This is in the wake of a country exhausted by thousands of deaths, record unemployment, and economic catastrophe all fueled by COVID-19.

What should we be doing? What is our response?

Scott Ashley, the managing editor of Beyond Today, saw the importance of speaking out as quickly as possible on this searing issue. He rearranged the July-August lineup of articles accordingly to create space at the last minute before sending the magazine to the printer. I was given the task of providing an article. My column here contains excerpts from some of those thoughts, which were written for a more general audience—one that needs to hear our voice in these increasingly tumultuous times (Isaiah 58:1).

Kubik starts off by letting us all know he knows all about African American discrimination because his family was discriminated against when they fled from the advancing Russians in defeated Nazi Germany. Also, living a life of exceptional privilege since entering the COG ministry and still wallowing in that privilege, he knows all about discrimination that Blacks deal with in housing, jobs and daily life.

As we live in this world, awaiting the powerful return of our Savior in glory, we must recognize that the wrongful death of George Floyd represents a deadly serious, unresolved issue in America. As one familiar with oppression (many know of my background as an immigrant to the United States as a refugee fleeing advancing Russians in defeated Nazi Germany), I grieve when I hear the accounts of violence and discrimination against people of color.

Kubik's next statement is his "bold" stance that UCG does NOT discriminate and that UCG condemns "white-superiority" and racism.

To God—who is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11)—skin color and cultural background don’t matter. All have full access to Him through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. That is why—as the current president of the United Church of God, an International Association—I can declare with authority that we condemn racism. Make no mistake. As a Church and as a people called out by God, we condemn so-called “white superiority.” Neither has anything to do with God!

If this is true, then Kubik and the entire United Church of God need to IMMEDIATELY discard their belief in British Israelism. They still hold dear Herbert Armstrong's racist propaganda teaching that is the basic foundation of UCG and every single splinter group out there today masquerading as a true church.  UCG makes weak comments occasionally that the church does not follow those teachings, but they do.  Many high ranking evangelists and leaders believe it is 100% accurate.

Kubik then goes on to state that he and UCG know a "better way." He starts off by quoting Colossians 3:11. As long as he still keeps BI as a basic tenant of the UCG he CANNOT believe the following, because the scripture below totally invalidates BI and the teaching that in Herbert's world tomorrow races would be segregated in their own nations

As members of the body of Christ, we know firsthand what Paul meant when he stated in the first century: “It doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile [Greek], circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us” (Colossians 3:11, New Living Translation, emphasis added throughout).

Ironically, in ancient times a “barbarian” or “being barbaric” was a cultural slur that referred to anyone who didn’t speak Greek, which essentially meant anyone outside the Mediterranean area—the rest of the world. Together with anti-Semitism, it represented an early form of racism.

What is our response? Simply put, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to live a better way.

Really? 

There is a better way.

So he quotes Rev. Martin Luther King...a man Herbert Armstrong and almost all ministers reject as a trouble maker and an adulterer.  Every time any posts King's words, some COG members whip themselves into a frenzy about King being an adulterer and of course, being a "so-called" Christian.

Let us take a moment to consider the words of Dr. Martin Luther King. In 1966, Dr. King remarked: “I’m concerned about a better world. I’m concerned about justice … and when one is concerned about that, he can never advocate violence. For through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can’t murder murder … Darkness cannot put out darkness; only light can do that.”

The answer, according to Dr. King? “Love is ultimately the only answer to humankind’s problems … I have seen too much hate … If you are seeking the highest good, I think you can find it through love.”

God defines and manifests this incomparable quality, and Paul urges us to “be imitators of God and live a life of love” (Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV). There is no room for racism.

God’s great purpose marvelously focuses on “bringing many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10, ESV). This includes men and women of all walks of life, being brought together in the coming future Kingdom of God.

Jesus gave us our focus: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9, ESV). Note this: first, Jesus didn’t say “blessed are the peace-lovers,” or those who simply wish for peace. Jesus said that God favors—blesses—those who pursue peace and live peace. Secondly, the Greek word translated here “sons” is anthropoi, referring to both men and women—all of humanity!

If we want to be peacemakers, we must understand that peace begins by peace with God. When we have peace with God, we have peace with all men and women, regardless of background.

Note this marvelous statement from the apostle Paul: “Christ himself has brought peace to us … our hostility toward each other was put to death” (Ephesians 2:14, 16 NLT).

If Kubik actually believes this then why does he continue to reject everything Jesus said and accomplished by his clinging to the law and forcing his followers to keep things no longer required of New Covenant Christians.

As we follow the living Leader of our Church, Jesus Christ, we must hold to high standards, being examples of the way He taught (Matthew 5:14). Let us pause and consider what God told the ancient Israelites: “You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong … do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice” (Exodus 23:2, NLT).

Kubik believes that UCG knows the way to peace, and yet this is the very church that actively worked to bring dissension and trouble to the Worldwide Church of God as he and his small group of men sat in the 360 Apartments on the Pasadena campus planning on how to take as many members and as much money with them as they could. Then a few years later they fought again over leadership positions and COGWA ruptured off taking well over half the ministry and members with them.

There is no justice in the path UCG is on and never has been.

This world desperately needs God’s truth. Tragically for many, “the way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths” (Isaiah 59:8, ESV). Tough times are ahead. Given that this is a presidential election year, we can anticipate these issues will be inflamed for some time. We can be sure of what Jesus emphasized: “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light” (Luke 8:17). We must be patient. And we must be faithful.

What are elements of this better way? “What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

This much I can agree with, if only he would do it and reject Herbert's teachings, including British Israelsim 

Let us live a better way! Reject racism. Make peace with God through Jesus Christ and let us all live a life of God-centered love, striving to be an example in these challenging times! 

Will Victor Kubik do what is right and set the example for all the other Churches of God and publicly denounce the racist myth of British Israelism?  Until he does, UCG will NEVER be the "better way."

Glynn Washington: Thick Blue Line

Glynn Washington is a nationally syndicated storyteller
and a former Worldwide Church of God member

Police shootings, mistaken arrests, and growing up Black / Brown up in America. This week, Snap presents amazing stories from people facing our nation’s original sin.

STORIES

Never Again

Glynn and his family protest in Oakland where thousands gather to scream light at our national darkness.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller 

Thick Blue Line

In 2012, Kari Brandenburg became the longest-serving district attorney in Bernalillo County, where Albuquerque sits. But at the start of her fourth term in office something big started to take hold of the county. Police shootings were at an all-time high and everyone was looking to Kari’s office for answers.

For more on what went down in Albuquerque, check out Jeff Proctor’s reporting for the Albuquerque Journal.

Produced by Nancy Lopez, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Captive Audience 

When Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter was mistakenly arrested at the airport, he learned that his fame could only get him so far.

Performed live by Tariq Trotter at the Brooklyn Academy of Music for Snap Judgment LIVE.

Music by Alex Mandel, performed by the Snap Players Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.

DRANOA reluctant young Boy Scout comes face to face with DRANO, and earns his merit badge in "reality." 

Shannon Cason is a writer, award-winning storyteller, and the host of the Shannon Cason’s Homemade Stories podcast and the In Good Co. Detroit podcast. Listen and subscribe!  

Produced by Mark Ristich Artwork: Teo Ducot Protest tape: Annie Nguyen + Lauryn Newson 

We stand with the black community. We stand with our black listeners, storytellers, employees, creators, supporters, family, and friends. Please stay strong and stay safe as we write the next chapter of our collective history. 

Lost video of how COG ministers operate

censored version

The uncensored version

WCG the Good, the Bad, the Ugly

A viewer comment:

"Thank you for a little honesty. That church missed out on the wealth and diversity of the common man. People taught me more than I ever got out of sermons or classes in the college. Thanks for the plusses."

Is God just waiting to pounce on sinful nations?

GOD AND THE MORALITY OF A NATION

Many modern Christian leaders are fond of pointing out that God is standing at the ready to punish the United States (and other Western nations) for its (their) sins. Of course, the majority of these prophets of doom have a few very specific sins in mind when they say such things.

Notice this exchange that recently took place on Pat Robertson's The 700 Club:

“How can God heal our land and forgive the sins when abortion and same-sex marriage are laws and many people are anti-Israel. Doesn’t this prevent his healing and forgiveness?” a viewer named John asked on the television program.

In response, Robertson said John was "right."

“The Bible says ... turn from their wicked ways," said Robertson, adding, "We are not turning when we have done terrible things. We have broken the covenant that God made with the mankind. We have violated his covenant.”

“We’ve allowed this terrible plague to spread throughout our society. And it’s a small wonder God would hold us guilty," he said. “But the answer is, you confess your sins and forsake them. Then he heals the land. It’s not before." see Pat Robertson: Same sex marriage caused coronavirus

Likewise, many years ago, Herbert Armstrong wrote in his The United States and Britain in Prophecy:

It will now be made plain — from God's own warning prophecies — that this greatest multiplied intensity of corrective punishment will fall on Britain and America — including British peoples in Commonwealth countries. And it will strike them down first!

But they are not the only nations to suffer corrective disaster. God is Creator of all other nations, too! God is concerned about the people and races we have called "heathen." They, too, are human. They, too, are made in God's own likeness, with the potential of being molded into God's spiritual and character IMAGE! God sent the apostle Paul to Gentile nations!

All mankind has rebelled against, rejected, and turned from God and His ways! There can never be peace on earth until all nations will have been turned to God and His ways, ruled by His supreme government!

All mankind, right now, is caught in the vortex of the swiftly accelerating crisis marking utter destruction of this world's man- built, Satan-inspired civilization...God will use a Nazi-Fascist Europe to punish Britain-America. Then He will use the Communist hordes to wipe out the Roman Europe. We are entering a time of world trouble — utter world chaos! There is war, strife, violence in Asia, Africa, South America — as well as Europe and North America. The population explosion is a worldwide threat to human existence. Crime, violence, sickness, disease, inequality, poverty, filth, squalor, degeneration, suffering — these infest ALL nations! see US & BC In Prophecy

For these (and many other) preachers, the sins of a nation invite Divine punishment. But which sins are societal in nature, and which sins are personal in nature? Is abortion a sin? Who decides? Does individual conscience play any role in determining whether or not it is a sin? And, if it is a sin, is it a personal sin, a societal sin or both? Likewise, is homosexuality a sin? OR Is same-sex behavior the sin? And, if we say that homosexuality is a personal choice, how can it also be a societal sin? Does a Supreme Court decision make everyone guilty? What about the folks who reject abortion and homosexuality? What if there are fifty people in the nation who reject these behaviors? What if there are only ten people in the nation who reject those behaviors?

What about America's other sins? What about the sins of stealing lands from Native Americans and breaking treaties with them (not to mention all of the deaths that those policies generated)? And, since these were government instigated or led sins, aren't these sins clearly collective in nature? What about the sin of slavery? What about the hundreds of thousands of deaths associated with that institution and the war that was fought to end it? What about all of the societal, political, economic and criminal justice inequities that slavery engendered in America? And how many generations did it take to wipe away those sins? Were those sins laundered away by the generations who succeeded the generations who actually committed those sins? Does a painting that was stolen from a Jewish family actually become the legitimate property of the descendants of the Nazi who stole it? And, if previous generations didn't suffer Divine punishment for their sins, why must the current generation pay for theirs? Is that justice? Is that fair? And, if we say that those individuals paid for their sins, what does that do to the entire concept of collective punishment?

Is God just waiting to pounce on sinful nations? OR Has God "bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all"? (Romans 11:32) Are particular nations going to be singled out for Divine punishment because of their sins? OR Have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God? (Romans 3:23) Is God eager to zap wayward nations? OR Does God want "all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth"? (I Timothy 2:4) And, if that's truly what God wants, is that what's going to happen? Hmmmm, maybe this whole subject isn't as straightforward and simplistic as some of these evangelists would have us believe? 

Lonnie Hendrik