Herbert Armstrong’s Feast of Tabernacles

Herbert Armstrong’s Feast of Tabernacles

Lonnie Hendrix

In his infamous booklet, Pagan Holidays or God’s Holy Days? Herbert Armstrong declared that the Feast of Tabernacles of Leviticus 23 represented the Millenium. He wrote: “Here are pictured those final culminating events in God's great plan: after Christ has died for our sins to redeem mankind-after He has sent us the Holy Spirit and picked out a people for His Name to become kings and priests through the thousand years-after His glorious Second Coming-after He has finally restored the redeemed by placing all the sins upon the head of Satan, their real author, and separating both him and the sins from the presence of God and His people, thus finally perfecting the at-one-ment, making us finally joined in one-then we are ready for that final series of events, the commencement of the ‘Marriage of the Lamb,’ the actual making of the New Covenant, the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth and the reaping of the great harvest of souls for a thousand years. This festival is the picture of the Millennium!”

However, an objective review of the Scriptural evidence which is available to us reveals a very different meaning for this festival from the one advocated by Mr. Armstrong. Indeed, from a Christian perspective, the festival symbolizes Jesus Christ tabernacling in human form – inhabiting the same temporary shell which all humans have inhabited – in order to make a permanent and eternal home possible for us someday! As we shall see, for Christians, this festival pictures the perfect contrast between that which is transient and terrestrial and that which is eternal and heavenly.

In Torah, the Israelites were instructed to construct booths, or temporary shelters, to live in for the duration of the festival (Leviticus 23:40-42). In this connection, it is interesting to note that Jesus Christ "tabernacled" in the flesh for a little while. We read in the Gospel of John that "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14) Indeed, this tabernacling in the flesh was necessary for Christ to suffer the affliction and death that would result in our atonement/reconciliation to God!

This is made very plain in the epistle to the Hebrews. We read there: "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (2:9-10) And, a little later, we read: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." (Verse 14)

That Christ did this for US is at the very heart of the Gospel message! Although it is unpleasant to contemplate, each one of us has an appointment with death. (Hebrews 9:27) Somewhere in the back of our minds, all of us understand that this life that we are currently enjoying is temporary – it will not last forever (we are subject to time and chance). Paul once told the saints at Corinth, “that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.” (I Corinthians 15:50) He went on to tell them that “our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.” (I Corinthians 15:53)

Sometime later, Paul wrote another letter to the Corinthians. He told them that the light of Christ was shining in their hearts, but he described that treasure as residing in fragile clay jars. (II Corinthians 4:7) He talked about how Christians must face many trials and perils because of their association with Jesus Christ, but that this had resulted in them having the hope of eternal life. (II Corinthians 4:8-15) He continued: “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small AND WON’T LAST VERY LONG. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (II Corinthians 4:16-18)

In other words, Paul understood that Christians are currently living in temporary shelters (human bodies), and that they are looking forward to the time when they will be living in a permanent home (spiritual bodies). In his second letter to the saints at Corinth, we read: “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.” (II Corinthians 5:1-4, KJV)

Peter also understood this concept. In addressing the saints toward the close of his ministry, he wanted to remind them about the truths which he had previously conveyed to them. He wrote: “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.” (II Peter 1:13-14, KJV) Peter understood that this life is not permanent, and that he was going to die. He also knew that his present body could not inherit the Kingdom of God, and that he would have to shed that body and receive a new one in the resurrection.

As strangers and pilgrims in this world, Christians are looking to exchange a temporary home for a more permanent one (one that God has provided for us). Hence, for us, this is an important component of the symbolism of this Old Testament Festival.

Moreover, perhaps the most important component of this symbolism has to do with our relationship with Christ and Almighty God – the fact that Christ tabernacled with us in the past and will do so again someday with the Father! We read in the Gospel According to John that the “Word was made flesh and dwelt <tabernacled> among us.” – John 1:14, KJV Then, at the conclusion of all things, we are told in the book of Revelation: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” - Revelation 21:1-3 I don’t know about you, but I think that this symbolism beats Armstrong’s teachings on the subject by a mile!

Finally, in the seventh chapter of the Gospel of John, we have an account of Christ’s celebration of this festival. Interestingly, Christ’s message to the people on this occasion underscored the fact that his message and mission was from God (verses 16-19). He went on to tell his fellow attendees that they didn’t really understand Torah, and that their observance of it was superficial (verses 21-24). This, of course, made Jesus a very controversial figure, and the debate raged around him. As a consequence, he told them: “I will be with you only a little longer. Then I will return to the one who sent me. You will search for me but not find me. And you cannot go where I am going.” (Verses 33-34)

Then, on the last day – that great day of the feast, Jesus told them: “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” Although he was then dwelling in the tabernacle of a human form, Christ declared himself to be the source of eternity! As I said in the most recent post on my blog: “This is the message of the Gospel, and the message of this festival: The transient and eternal Christ has made possible eternity for us transient folk of planet earth!” 

Bill Goff vs Bob Thiel: Guess Which One Is Actually Doing Good In Africa?

 

The horrific actions exposed over the last year concerning the mismanagement of funds and lack of compassion for the so-called members of Bob Thiel's "continuing" Church of "god" in Africa have been appalling, to say the least.

Other COG groups, however, have actually made an impact on the lives of their members and non-members they serve. Victor Kubik's LifeNets have been providing life-saving/enriching resources to those in need or suffering. Bill Goff's Kenya Hands of Hope has also been assisting orphans and others in Africa, well before Bob Thiel started his misinformation campaign there.

It has always been an odd situation since the implosion of the church in the mid 90's as to how the countless number of splinter groups half-heartedly proclaim that other groups are still "true" Christians and yet refuse to cooperate or even fellowship with each other when they have competing Feast of Tabernacles sites in various American cities. God help any of them if they had to assist a destitute member of another group! What utter blasphemy! 

The resounding message that the church actively preached for decades was that God was going to come and fix these problems and there was no need for the church to currently do so. That was the purpose of the kingdom. Why waste money on the unconverted and unwashed masses when money was needed for more important things like jets, mansions, auditoriums, campuses, Irish dance studios, fine art, gold, silver, a Rolls Royce, limo's, and all those important booklets in hundreds of languages that no one will ever read. Letting the kingdom break forth in one life at a time is not as important as the vanity collections so "necessary" in today's Church of God movement.

While it is widely known by hundreds of missionary organizations and church groups (except for Bob Thiel) that many African leaders and so-called evangelists routinely take advantage of organizations and churches, there are still very sincere people out there who are suffering and who need help. 

Bill Goff has been doing this for many years with orphanages and other projects. Instead of sending money to Bob Thiel where you will be funding frivolous lawsuits, or paying for Bibles and laptops that his African leaders will sell for their personal gain, perhaps help a child out with Hands of Hope.

COGNews reports:

A Voice in the Wilderness

Bill Goff writes: I will be attending the FOT in Tennessee with a group called: Independent Church of God Seventh Day. They are allowing me to give a “Kenya Presentation” which will allow other members of God’s church to learn about our suffering Brethren. 

This is wonderful of this Independent Church of God, because all the large Church of God organizations have not only turned their backs on our suffering brethren, but won’t even allow their congregations to be informed about their suffering. If others only knew of the suffering, some would help. When will those “leaders” comprehend that our Lord “hates” hierarchy? (Revelation 2:15)

The Kingdom of God Arrives Friday, September 29th!!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!

 

During "The Greatest Unending Story! (Part 470)" on September 23, 2023, David C. Pack discovered that the Kingdom of God would arrive at sunset Jerusalem time on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, which begins at sunset.

Jesus Christ will bring the Kingdom of God on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 11:27am ET.

It is impossible that it could happen at any other time!

All of this incredible knowledge came to him AFTER the Feast of Trumpets on September 16 failed to produce a 50-foot Elijah.

Marc Cebrian

Fun Post Of The Day: Evans Ochieng Received Massages From 10 Congregations!

 

How cool is this? 

Free massages from every congregation he visits! 

There are perks to being a fake evangelist for the Great Bwana Bob Mzungu!

Bob Thiel Is Funding A Criminal

 

From Terry Nelson:

Radson Mulozowa has hired a Lawyer and filed A Defamation Lawsuit against Terry Nelson, Forster Abraham, Lewis Wahera, and members of the Hope of Israel Worldwide Church of God.

This suit came within days of the Police entering Radson Mulozowa and his wife's house. Radson was very sick that day and was suffering from health problems, otherwise, the police were going to arrest him that day and place him in jail until his court hearing for Fraud- Stealing church Bibles. 

Police told him to go to Hospital and turn himself in within 2 Days. He did not do this; hence Police are still looking for him and he's on the Run. Dr. Thiel is funding a criminal and unless he fires Radson, he will make a more complete Fool of himself than he already is.  

I will be sending a video soon of the Detective of the Blantyre Police Department explaining the case against Radson. Hopefully, Dr. Thiel, if you're Reading this, I would hope you know this is all true and if you continue to fund a criminal that represents the Continuing Church of God in Malawi, you can be sure you will be shut down in Malawi and most likely in all of Africa. 

You are without excuse. 

The Case against Radson is solid. He lied in front of me and many people that he didn't really know me. 

He lied I had nothing to with sponsoring the Bibles.

He said in front of Everyone, "I Deny" 

This Man has stolen upwards of $30,000 in tithe-payer money, maybe much more, since 2017. Plus he has a Kissing Cousin Wife, and many Mistresses, with whom he committed adultery with when he was married to Priscilla and after he was divorced. 

Evans Ocheing is in compliance with all these Evil Deeds and his own Evil Deeds as well and is also has his own pending investigation from the Government of Malawi. 

You Best snap back into Reality and do the right thing, instead of pleading, "I Never Knew/" I am sure your Oldest son Michael has tried or will try talking to you about his concerns as even he is on 

record back years ago, saying your claim of being a Prophet is not right. 

You are bringing curses on your Family because you are too Prideful to admit you are wrong. 

Remember you taught us, "Cursed is he who does the Work of God Deceitfully". 

Please wake up for at least your family. It's never too late to admit a grave mistake and repent of your bad decisions. You could at least do the right thing, while there's still time.

I really hope you do!!! 

Bob Thiel Now Financing Lawsuit Against The Brethren

Radson Mulozowa's court case against Members of the Hope of Israel Worldwide Church of God 

The second part of the Document showing Radson Mulozowa's Court case against 

Members of the Hope of Israel Worldwide Church of God 

Sadly, the Church of God has had a malignant history of vindictive narcissists who have set themselves up as leaders in the church and over church splits over the last three decades. These men imagine themselves as glorious representatives of the god they claim to follow. Unfortunately, that god is not the one from Scripture, especially when it comes to emulating the qualities of Jesus Christ, his word, or the New Covenant. They have set themselves up as little popes over their domains and rule far too often with vindictive nastiness against anyone who dares cross their path.

We have seen this vindictive narcissistic personality in Gerald Flurry, Dave Pack, Rod Meredith, Ron Weinland, and others. Sadly, most of the nastiness these guys dump in their followers in no way compares to how vindictive Bob Thiel is to anyone who crosses his path. However, as was pointed out here previously by a reader, Bob channels his vindictiveness through his minions and when they fail, he assumes no responsibility:

Actually, this is not a bad tactic on Bob's part. Pay for his man to have his day in court. When that man fails, act surprised and let the law take its course. That way, you don't have to step in, make the decision, and do your dirty work, You allow the authorities to do it for you while explaining that you gave your man all the support in the world and are shocked that the situation ended up as it did.

Here are the attributes of narcissists. No one could describe Bob better than this: 

• Grandiosity or an inflated ego
• Fantasizing about power, success, or importance
• Feeling special, exceptional, or better than others
• Needing excessive praise, validation, or attention
• Feeling entitled to special treatment
• A pattern of exploiting or using other people
• A lack of empathy for the feelings and needs of others
• Envious, jealous, or extremely competitive
• Arrogance or a sense of superiority over others
• Extreme sensitivity to criticism
• Poor self-awareness, low emotional intelligence, and poor impulse control

Despite years of warnings from many of his followers in Africa, Bob continued to stick his head in the sand and believe that his appointed evangelists in Malawi were sinless.

He turns all of this around to say that it is persecution. by Satan and as more proof that the end times are here. All of this is to inhibit the gospel being spread to the world as an end-times witness.

Bob is also consistent in how the Church of God has been towards its own members at times. He has no problem suing the brethren whom he claimed were his own just a few months earlier. Oh wait, he is NOT the one suing the brethren, but it is Radson Mulozowa who is using. This way Dirty Bwana Bob Mzungu is not getting his delicate hands dirty and cannot be held responsible if Radson's lawsuit fails.

Like most other things in the Bible that Bwana Bob ignores, this one is particularly not embraced:

New King James Version: I Corinthians 6:1-8

Do Not Sue the Brethren
6 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 4 If then you have [a]judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? 5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers!
7 Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? 8 No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren!

Dear Dave: You are "so extremely inspiring that I caught myself punching the air. Literally."

 

Punching the Air

 

The lunacy of David C. Pack of The Restored Church of God during his “Greatest Unending Story!” Series is feast or famine when it comes to blasphemy, biblical incompetence, or just plain stupidity. Of the last three, Part 468, on September 9, was the biggie on all counts.

 

He opened the Bible Dave Study, reading one of the dumbest letters he has ever relayed to the church. And that is saying something. Most often, it is well-meaning yet foolish brethren who slobber all over their human idol, offering unnecessary homage and saccharin-rich encouragement.

 

But, occasionally, a field minister yearning for attention musters the courage to write Headquarters in the hopes their In-Place-Of-Christ Pastor General will bless them with the thrill of knowing his eyes fell upon their words. Caesar may even offer a nod of approval the next time they come by dropping to their knees to kiss his ring.

 

This very dumb letter (Did I mention yet the letter is dumb?) is a peek at the type of weak-minded, biblically ignorant, unhelpful, wisdom-free, and spineless hirelings that RCG ordains.

 

From the sounds of it, I know it cannot be Brian Jackson, Nestor Toro, or Larry Cockshutt. Vidal Wachuku is too dignified to conduct himself in the manner the writer describes. Wulphert de Graaf, Dominic Rivard, and Andre Rouzan are not nearly “on board” enough to have anything Dave says even receive a nod.

 

Of the 38 speakers in the RCG Member Services Sermon Library, 17 are at Headquarters, and 4 are dead. Not all field ministers give messages of reasonable quality worthy of production for the members, so they would not be listed. As I scrolled the names, some educated guesses came to mind. But I will leave it for members to ponder which man they should now avoid expressing any doctrinal concerns to.

 

 

Part 468 – September 9, 2023

@ 00:39 Here's an email I thought I'd just read to you. It came from a minister. And, we'll keep the name out of it, but. I've been hearing a lot of comments starting last Sabbath, but even Thursday more and then more today. And some of you maybe heard the same, but he writes to Mr. Schleifer.

 

This read like world-class sucking up to me. I guess someone was forward-thinking about securing their future spot at Dave’s supper table.

 

@ 01:00 "Wanna write this message earlier today, but it was one of those preparation days that took much. Could you maybe please pass on this short message instapack [to Mr. Pack]. I'm so privileged beyond my expectations for being in the audience of all these prophecy messages, but in particular, the last few sermons. They've been the most exciting, inspiring, and exhilarating sermons I have ever heard. The understanding is all coming together so perfectly. The knowledge about the Branch and branches, difference between the Stone of Genesis 49. It has 'bugged me' for a long time. And the Rock, the Messenger of the Covenant, Habakkuk 2 vision. So extremely inspiring that I caught myself punching the air. Literally. What a revelation…If we somehow got past Trumpets, then I cannot wait to preach these things one day. I truly cannot wait.”

 

Reading this letter makes me want to scream.

 

This man has exposed himself as a useful idiot for the RCG propaganda machine. Brad can make use of his services when the time is ripe.

 

Not only is the writer worthless as a true shepherd, but he is actually feeding the sheep to the wolves and is too dumb to know that is blood spilling on the grass. Brethren who are deeply disturbed by the content of RCG messages hear letters like this and wrongly second-guess themselves. They know blasphemy when they hear it. They know the Bible condemns what RCG now teaches, yet this zealous minister in the field is excited by it. Why aren’t I? What’s wrong with me?

 

Nothing is wrong with you. That screaming in your gut is the Holy Spirit telling you to flee. Do not listen to the foolish words of a foolish man captured by the Spirit of Error and seduced by antichrist thinking.

 

Jeremiah 23:1

Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD.

 

Jeremiah 5:31

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will you do in the end thereof?

 

What will you do, brethren? Stay when you know what you are being fed are lies?

 

If he “literally” punched the air during services, his creepy behavior should have been reported to Headquarters. That is not the sign of a mentally stable individual. If he had done that while sitting in the Main Hall, he would have been escorted out the door instantly and would not have returned.

 

1 Corinthians 9:26

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air:

 

Paul was explaining he is NOT like the ignorant man who wrote that letter.

 

Ephesians 4:14

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 

David C. Pack is tossing the brethren to and fro with constant changes. The wind of doctrine shifts wildly day by day and week by week. The biblical sleight of hand is part of the deception to keep people in their seats with checkbooks open.

 

Luke 19:46

Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

 

@ 01:55 So I thought maybe you would find that inspiring in case it reflects your sentiment. I feel the same way. I, I, I, in a way, I'm a member of the audience. I'm just the first person in the audience, and I get to hear it. I even am inspired when I see it all come together and hear it come outta my own lips. Somebody has to be the conduit. So, I guess that is my role.

 

Matthew 12:37

For by your words you shalt be justified, and by your words you shalt be condemned.

 

The role of David C. Pack is to indoctrinate the members of The Restored Church of Another god with lies. He is normalizing the spirit of antichrist so that further progression into damnable heresies can continue.

 

2 Timothy 3:5, 7

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away…Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

The pathetic writer of the letter and David C. Pack will continue in endless circles that will never achieve a resolution. Now that this field minister has publicly agreed with David C. Pack and his wicked teachings, he can partake of the same fruits.

 

Psalm 59:12

For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.

 

Jeremiah 5:2

And though they say, The LORD lives; surely they swear falsely.

 

When the Feast of Trumpets failed, the writer of that letter was surely not phased. He could be one of the All-Believing Zealots in hireling form. But he may want to cool his heels on preaching any “present truth” because RCG doctrines rust faster than iron in the rain.

 

Brethren of The Restored Church of God, if you ever witness anyone in your congregation punching the air upon hearing the words of David C. Pack, leave as fast as you can.

 

Dennis Diehl wrote a fascinating article for Banned by HWA that examines the psychology behind failed prophecy and why people choose to stay. Read it HERE.

 

Marc Cebrian

See: Punching the Air