Turned over to Satan: Dis-Membered From Which and What?

 

 

Falling away was always a scary topic in WCG. Getting "turned over to Satan" was no small problem for the unbelieving, rebellious towards Church everything, tired of all the scandal, stuck with an authoritarian and incapable of love and mercy type Pastor, unable or unwilling to give til it hurt, and it did or any number of other issues that could play hard on the mind of the member or the minister. 

One got "marked" and dis-membered real quick and often publically back in the day. Later, when it was more a flood of fallers away, not so much.

At any rate, the church "wished them no ill, but that they would repent". However, some scriptures indicated that it was too late to repent while others would extend an olive branch of kindness. Most who fell never wanted to return anyway. 

I spoke with a former AC student who was accused by the Administration of "being gay."  He wasn't but that was that for him. He left when he declared "I am not gay," and the pastor simply told asked him "Do you believe we are God's chosen ministry?"  In other words, "if we think you are gay and we discern that you are gay, we are not wrong."  So he "fell away". 

The scriptures on the topic are pretty tough on the one who questions, get's tired or simply can't take this or that any longer. 

They range from "once and done" to "aw, come on back and all is forgiven." Most opt for the second as losing members these days is a problem, and Churches have to keep the numbers up. 

Even in the First Century, one had the option of falling away from either the Jewish Christian version of the truth or the Pauline Genitle version. And early in the game, the NT is filled with the charges and countercharges each had for the other illustrating this early problem. Falling away so early in the history of the NT church was pretty common. They came, they saw, the left either following others such as Apollo or Paul or in the case of WCG, Larry, Moe or Curly. 

The Author of Hebrews says: Hebrews 6:4-6 

 

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

However, James says: James 5:19-20 

 

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

And Even Paul Says: 1 Corinthians 10:13 

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

 

But then the author of "Peter" says: 2 Peter 2:20-22 

 

For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

 

But then Paul Says: Romans 11:19-22 

 

Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

 

(Note: "kindness" but also "severity" makes no sense to me personally. It's the "Compulsory fear and Compulsory love" problem. You know, as the sign on the Interstate said, "Love Jesus or burn forever in Hell". )

 

So aside from the concept of "you have had it" to "no, you can be salvaged, the question in our day and age becomes "Fall away from who or what?" 

 

Currently there are over 45,000 differing Christian denominations with all having various twists and turns of belief than the others. All believe they are "the faith once delivered" and NO ONE believes they belong to" the false church" or that their faith is misplaced or their beliefs mistaken. 

 

Many of these differences are not minor. Some are tolerant of others and let them "also be true Christians" but many insist on being "the true Church" and you are not. 

 

So if you fall away from a True Church, big trouble Biblically. If you fall away from "Christianity falsely so called" or "Churchianity" as WCG often portrayed everyone else, no biggy, as long as you come "into the truth" of the WCG. Many others churches feel this way about themselves as well. 

 

How often I heard as a pastor during the crazy times, "I have not fallen away from the Church! The Church has fallen away from me!".  How little did those people realize just how much further the Church they knew and originally was drawn to would fall away from everyone.  

 

Huge topic and in the mix of us that read and contribute to Bannedhwa, having shared our common first love of our youth, we now find every combination of human religious affiliation or not common to man, here on Bannedhwa as well. 

 

What say you about all this? 

Did UCG Finally Admit They Have Succumbed To The Pressures Of The World Around Them?

 

After the improperly named "continuing" Church of "God" that claims to be the one true representation of 1st century Christianity, there is the United Church of God that thinks their church is God's one true church. But is it?

We have already seen the huge debacle with the Church of God a Worldwide Association breaking off due to the slow creep of Laodiceanism they saw creeping in the UCG. Then, last week in a letter to the fateful they seemed to admit the church is having problems:

The only way to survive those times as His people is to be very close to God. When the pressures of society and Satan bear down on us, it will then be too late to develop the relationship and trust in God that we must have. If we don’t actively make the right choices in our lives and ask God to strengthen us and deepen our conviction to Him now, we will fail. 

 

Unity of heart requires us to put away selfish ambitions and the desires of this world that divide us, and this must happen now. We must yield ourselves to God, let His will be done and trust His will is being fulfilled—and we bind together as His family.

Apparently, prayer and reading the Book of Deuteronomy will save their asses. Forget Galatians, Romans, and Hebrews, the law trumps all.

Brethren, I could go on and on, but I’ll leave it at this: let us all commit to real, heartfelt prayer—beginning now and continuing throughout the rest of our lives. 

 

Remember to keep up with the recommended reading of the book of Deuteronomy. Combining that reading with prayer will help us all to understand and implement God’s will in our lives. 

 

Crackpot Watchman Tooting His Horn

I just posted a story from Living Church of God with them claiming to be the Watchman. Look who got his itty-bitty feelings hurt and had to proclaim he and his little cult are the Watchman. Our Great Bwana Bob Mzungu Butt-hurt Thiel, chosen by God before the foundations of the world were laid to emerge in the perilous end times to proclaim a nutty message of salvation by works,.

The Feast of Trumpets runs until sunset October 3rd in 2024. 

 

The book of Revelation outlines God’s future use of trumpets. This message is for the entire world, and concerns events before and including the return of Jesus Christ, who will soon return to rule this earth with God’s government. 

 

We in the Continuing Church of God are working to perform as that modern-day watchman today. We boldly tell of sins of society and how world events are aligning with properly understood prophecy–which we also explain.

Yeah right. Dream on buttercup. 

Just How Many "Watchmen" Does the Church of God Need?

LCG believes their message to the world is far superior than talking much about Jesus and the salvation work accomplished. They much prefer the death and damnation route to keep people living in fear. Nuclear war, famines, children being eaten by their parents, concentration camps, WWIII and so much more keeps people that come into contact with them living in a constant state of fear. End of days porn is far more profitable and titillating.

Sadly, this is not limited to the Living Church of God. The Great Bwana Bob  Mzungu Thiel hilariously claims he is a watchman. Gerald Flurry says he is. Dave Pack thinks he is...well, on second thought, that changes hour by hour. Alton Billingsly thinks he is. UCG and COGWA think their churches are.

Does anyone care? Especially when most of these churches are corrupt to the core. Would anyone in their right mind trust these guys?

The Role of a Watchman: Many churches today feel their mission is to tell people about Jesus and hold numerous social activities. Yet, Jesus instructed His disciples to be alert and watch for events that will mark the approaching end of the age and the return of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). The events making news today—natural disasters, increasing violence and wars around the globe, and the increasing moral, religious, and political decline of Israelite nations (2 Timothy 3:1–5; Deuteronomy 31:29)—are occurring along with the emergence of adversarial powers in Asia and the Middle East (Leviticus 26:15–17). Just as God sent prophets to warn ancient Israel and Judah of their coming punishments, the Church of God has a similar mission to function as a watchman to warn modern Israelite nations of the coming consequences of their sinful ways (Ezekiel 3:17; 33:2–7). This powerful warning must accompany the preaching of the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of God (Matthew 24:14). Let’s stay focused on this God-given mission.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail

LCG Lectures Members How To Dress At The Feast And Beach

Appropriate Dress for Feast Services
While Scripture teaches that God looks on the heart, dress and outward decorum are also important (Matthew 22:8–14). As we prepare to be “lights to the world” at the Feast, it’s good to review some basic principles for attire at Feast services. For men, in most western countries, coats, collared shirts, ties, and nice slacks are considered appropriate on special occasions. This may vary somewhat in tropical climates. For ladies, 1 Timothy 2:9–10 explains that dress should be “modest apparel, with propriety and moderation.” Short, tight, form-fitting dresses, necklines flaunting cleavage, bare shoulders, backless dresses, crop-tops, etc., are not appropriate for Church services. We come to services to worship God, not to display our bodies. Our challenge as Christian men and women is to come out of this world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and be lights to a world that has lost its way (Matthew 5:14–16). This is especially true as we gather to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles—picturing Christ’s glorious reign on earth! 

 

What About at the Beach?
Appropriate beach attire for women and men at the Feast of Tabernacles is swimwear that is modest and in good taste. We should be guided by the two great commandments—to love God and love neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39; Mark 12:29–31)—so as not to offend God or neighbor in our dress at the Feast. Accordingly, beachwear at the Feast for ladies should be a modest one-piece or a modest tankini (covering the mid-section), and for the men, no Speedo-type suits (unless pool facility rules require them, as is the case in some countries). Fathers and husbands have a responsibility to be leaders in their families to teach and guide regarding what is appropriate and what is not (Ezekiel 22:26).

LCG Palmetto Feast Site: Please Isolate Us From The Riff-Raff

 

As the east coast of the United States reels from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, the boys in Charlotte want to make sure that the general public does not mix with their site in Palmetto, FL. Apparently, part of the property is used during disasters and power outages. 

LCG has been working with the site to keep those people separated away from the glorious Gospel of the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the millennial setting picture by the Feast of Tabernacles. God forbid any unwashed heathens might happen to sit in the back during church services. That would be a shame.

Also, pray for the brethren in these areas, not so much for the rest of the population.

Hurricane Helene 

 

As Mr. Weston mentioned in his weekly video message, Mr. Ryan Dawson, Festival Site Coordinator for Palmetto, Florida, has been in contact with the site administrator concerning the incoming storm. The property is not expected to sustain any major damage or to be closed for any length of time. However, the property is an emergency shelter, and the south end of it is used when there are power outages. Mr. Dawson and our contact with the venue have discussed a plan to isolate our event from any potential traffic. We do not currently anticipate any major disruptions to the Feast site in Palmetto. 

 

Some of the local brethren in the potential path of the storm may experience a direct hit, though most are fairly far inland. However, they may be subject to flooding or wind damage. Just last year, one member's house was left uninhabitable due to hurricane Idalia. Please pray for God’s protection for the Palmetto Feast site as well as the one in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and for all the brethren in the path of the storm.

Bearing Witness to Laodiceans and the Worldwide Declaration That WCG Still Exists

 

Anyone who has been a part of the Church of God movement over the decades has witnessed or maybe even known one of the various Elijahs, Elishas, and men who self-appointed themselves as the overlords of the so-called restored truth from Herbert Armstrong and then expected us to respect their decisions. We have seen how well that has played out over the decades, especially since 1996.

Yet, here we are in 2024 and these self-appointed ne'er-do-wells continue to flap their jowls about how God has sent them on a mission to preserve the truth once restored, which was apparently lost by an impotent god who could not preserve it. Never fear though, that god has sent Bob Thiel and Samuel Kitchen to preserve that truth as they prepare to walk the streets of Jerusalem proclaiming a loud and forceful message...

Samuel has this up about his 2022 Jerusalem/Jordan Feast of Tabernacles experience.

Sometimes I run across someone writing about me or my family.

It’s hard to tell the full story, without dragging up dirty laundry on the other person. So I’ve refrained from writing about it.

When I went to Jerusalem in 2022, I was originally going alone.

Satan was really attacking that time, and what kept coming to my mind was, even Christ had to escape to solitude to continue on in life. He used that time to draw close to God the Father.

So I was going to use that time to draw close to God.

What ended up being, was the announcement of the Worldwide Church of God existing and assembling to keep the Holy Days of the Lord. It was a worldwide declaration.

I had let my brother choose where we were all staying in Jerusalem. We found out we were scammed(it wasn’t my brothers fault)but Christ did intervene on our behalf and we ended up in Petra, Jordan keeping all the Fall Feast days.

It was made apparently clear, God had placed His name THERE in Wadi Mussa, as we ended up there without foreknowledge.

So that was exciting news for us. Not only was we allowed to declare to the world from Jerusalem we, the Worldwide Church of God, still existed and were still assembling, we also felt Christ revealed what “her place” meant in Revelation 12:14 with this trip.

We were filled with bewilderment!

We never would have thought we would end up in Jerusalem and then Jordan! So briefly we thought on what our attitudes should be! We left our homes thinking on Gods Word, where it says “remember lot’s wife”.

We didn’t want to “look back”.

Trouble begins in paradise, a woman enters the picture: 

Now as we ended up in Jordan, we were still in contact with loved ones back home. We told them the possibility of us not returning home.

So my brother became excited because his estranged wife and their children, decided they were coming to Jordan! I was seeing woman at the time, and she flew out to Jordan as well!

But now, things turned from “the church” and “her place”, to family problems.

Tim, my brother, needed to be the head of his household again. He had been separated from his wife for several years prior. But he had no money to provide for them and take care of them in Jordan. Our group ended up taking care of them, even after protesting. We didn’t have enough for everyone, and when they showed up with no money, we protested.

This was not an unfamiliar problem, as when my brother initially got married, they showed up at our home with no money and no means to provide for themselves. Even my brother had to admit God seemed to shut all the doors for him to provide for her and her children! She eventually had to run back to her parents and go elsewhere for the privisions. Now my brother worked very hard and is working hard to provide for his family. He wasn’t lazy. He was seeking to do good. God just intervened on certain things, because he knew all hearts.

In Jordan, my brother simply had no ability to provide for the addition of his returning family, and so he leaned on church assistance for it, which we did give at our own peril and loss.

His wife placed him in that position. I don’t look down on my brother for him wanting his family together again.

He would have given if he had it to give.

But with us not being able to help THEM,

He chose to stick with them, as they had to go elsewhere for assistance.

That’s what problem we faced in Jordan.

He stayed with his family. I stayed with the brethren.

Now afterwards, he did take the YouTube and social media away from me. That was wrong of him. He, finding himself in the new role of “head of family”, which was handed back to him by his wife, began to encroach all areas he was included in with the work online.

And since I discerned a wrong spirit with his wife, I was at odds with him too, because he felt wronged by me. It was his wife, I was saying who had a wrong spirit.

So he felt I was attacking his “headship” of his family, and therefore was attacking the God ordained family government.

So he felt, it was his duty, to remove me from my own YouTube channels and social media over this problem.

Later he found out his wife, in her private messages online, went to Jordan to “pull” him away from me because I had too much influence with him.

She went there to divide brothers.

And after looking at things, and praying about it, we had a lot of growing up to do after mom and dad died. Lots of socialization needed to happen.

I don’t have any hard feelings against my brother. I don’t think he necessarily did wrong. With exception of usurping me on the channels and social media. My dad placed me in charge of those things and not him.

As soon as he did that, however wrong it may have or not have been, I continued on with new social media and new YouTube channels, doing what I was led of Christ to do, which set up a scenario of someone going after them, shutting me down using a new trademark.

As soon as my brother and I started to talk again, our little brother was working on being healthy and to my excitement was becoming more and more interested with God’s truth and work! Well in his quest to be more health, he started to supplement testosterone. Which made him extremely aggressive. He didn’t seem to be thinking right and clearly, and being “a babe in Christ” he didn’t know enough spiritually to defend against the Devil and his demons. So a wrong attitude developed.

Bad attitudes. The church seemed to be filled with them, or that is the excuse that was convenient to use. 

He ran to my brother with this attitude, and I was “executed” swiftly, without question, and once again my brother took the YouTube channels and social media away.

That hasn’t stopped me from working where I have been placed by God. But it’s clearly Satan trying to DESTROY us brothers, and doesn’t want us working together.

I’ll hope, my brothers can forgive me. I forgive them. We all have done wrong or have given the appearance of wrong. Satan capitalized on it. But the work of God isn’t destroyed thankfully.

I think Christ needed to establish whom He is using.

Mr Armstrong is Christ’s apostle.

Through him, Matthew 24:14 was fulfilled “as a witness to all nations”.

The Worldwide Church of God, was raised up through such preaching, and gave a second witness by living and putting into action the way of God which was preached by the apostle!

The publishing stage for this Church ended roughly around 1986. That’s when the organization was taken off the track and used for other purposes by non believers.

The internet stage was raised up simply to preserve such publishing for future engagement.

As we address the departures from Jesus Christ, and the dangers set against the Church, we have a true witness to show how it’s meant to be, Jesus Christ is there leading the Church.

But in warning, I do give my own testimony and witness, in observing the departures in order to raise alarm!

People ask, how do you know this isn’t Jesus Christ? I point back to the witness work done through Herbert W Armstrong and point back to the Head of this Church, back to Jesus Christ leading this Church! So the mouth of two witnesses the thing is establish. My voice alone is worthless. And without someone raising the alarm and seeing the departure, and bringing forth the true witness work, that witness work is locked into 1986- and prior!

So my family has been bringing forth the true witness which was done through Herbert W Armstrong and the church, and raising the alarm with our own witness and testimony!

Now, what happens to the “archives” if the beast system shuts down the internet? It cuts off our ability to bring forward the true witness! We can no longer direct people to the preaching of Herbert Armstrong, and the church, if we can no longer access those archives!

So what would be needed? Assembly at Jerusalem, for now there requires TWO WITNESSES.

This is also about the freedom to assemble as the Worldwide Church of God!

Those of the Body of Christ, the Worldwide Church of God, will go into a place of safety. “Her place”(Rev. 12:14)

No one can stop that assembly.

But right now, the warning to the Laodiceans, is going out through our work. We have been warning of departures, of becoming a “separated church” and from joining “other churches”. We are admonishing brethren and ministry to come back and return and reassemble as the Worldwide Church of God. And boy have we seen opposition!!!!!!!!

I think that opposition will continue until the place of safety. Then the world will know!

Our job with preserving the archives, is not to hold possession of the archives, but to ensure their preservation and to stir up engagement!

In fear of us holding possession, others have fought much harder, and with more money we could ever provide, to keep us from possessing all of the archives. In that attempt, they have made it possible for more people to engage with those archives, and to expand our reach with the warning.

So I feel everything my brothers and I, my family etc, have gone through has been for the good of God’s Church. For the preservation of the witness work, and engagement people have with it.

 

All of you rebellious Laodicean heathens need to repent and return to the one true Worldwide Church of God! 

NOW! 

Get your lamps trimmed, your Petra bags packed, and all of your money ready for that final push and be ready to buy your plane tickets to Jordan where I have been assured by the Jordanian government that they will welcome tens of thousands of COG members flying in from all over the world to take over their prime tourist destination.

Be warned though. The Great Bwana Bob Thiel has laid dibs on the Petra Marriot Presidential Suite for his place of lodging. While you suffer in heat and cold in some dank pissed filled cave, the Great Bwana, the first Witless Witness,  and the Second Witless Witness Samuel will be living in luxury. God is great!