PCG: Get A Grip On Your Finances So You Can Give More To Us

Of the many extra-biblical things the church felt they needed to stick their noses into, the big one was how you spend your money. Underneath all the expectations and rules set out by the church and its leaders, the bottom line was that how you managed your money determined how much money you could give to the church. After all, the church n needed your money more than you did.

None is worse at this than the Restored Church of God and its "common" teaching where all you have belongs to Dave and the church. Christ's return is minutes, hours, days, and months away, so why spend money on frivolous things when you can send it all to Dave Pack.

Quickly behind the Restored Church of God is the Philadelphia Church of God and its money expectations members. As membership rapidly drops, income is being affected. OCG recently ran a 2004 article by Wik Herrma, Get a Grip on Your Finances

Let’s face it, most people today struggle with their finances. Under today’s rising costs, many worry and fret over this issue more than any other problem, regardless of how much money they make. Yet this worry robs them of the real happiness and joy God intended man to have. Even among God’s people, financial problems hold an oppressive grip. 

 

Isn’t it time you reversed this trend and got a grip on your finances? 

 

But how do you go about it? Where do you start?

His first point out of the box is materialism, Everyone knows this is a materialistic society. The problem comes into focus when the church feels it needs to blab on about materialism. They see it as the more you buy the less you send into the church. Materialism is not good for members, but for church headquarters and the no-expenses-spared mentality, this does not jive well with struggling members. Lavish campuses, concert halls, fancy homes, fine art, lavish gardens, horses, etc. is like a slap in the face to struggling members. 

Did you know the "obsession" with physical pursuits drains the Holy Spirit at work in you? The more you do the weaker it gets.

Drifting into materialism slackens our dedication to God and His Work. We cannot let the cares of this world control our lives. If we do, we may not be alert to the signs of the times—those events that indicate the imminent return of Christ and the establishment of a government based on the way of give instead of get. Christ Himself said, “[T]ake heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares” (Luke 21:34). 

 

The obsession with physical pursuits leeches the supply of God’s Holy Spirit and will prevent us from reaching our full potential. “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:17). Coveting will lead to more and more financial, personal and physical problems.

The church has always coveted our money. The more you have the more they expected you to give, It also did not matter how you struggled financially, that money still was required to come in. Some even resorted to checking on members' salaries to make sure they had their 20+ percent. 

He continues:

If God promised physical blessings for obedience to His commandments, wouldn’t it make sense that He’d specify what would happen if we let our minds drift from His spiritual law and dwell on the physical? Of course! 

 

“And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store. Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy [cattle], and the flocks of thy sheep. Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out. The Lord shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me” (Deuteronomy 28:14-20). 

 

Letting materialism become our god will automatically reap these curses, “until thou be destroyed.” 

Since the New Covenant does not require tithing nor the demands of the law those curses have been lifted and no longer have any sway of Christians.

Pursuing material wealth is a form of idolatry and if we go after it, we will incur these curses. One major reason people do not have control over their finances is their materialistic mindset that pushes God out of the picture.

The materialist mindset of so many Church of God leaders has shoved Christ completely out of the picture. They despise his name, and anything he stood for and instead bow down at the altar of the law and its demands of tithing. New Covenant followers of The Way give as they have been richly blessed. 

New Covenant followers of The Way give as they have been richly blessed. 

Wik continues with this little gem:

God is the multibillionaire who is eager to share all of His riches with us (Revelation 21:7), but we must learn how to manage our affairs now so God can entrust us with such responsibility. In order to prepare for our future roles, God has given us dominion, or rule, over our physical possessions now.

So, if you piss off magical god then their riches will not be shared.

Our generation has lost the mastery of faithful diligence. God will bless our efforts; He did not say He would reward our idleness. God wants us to learn to work and said that “if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). God does not give social handouts to those who are able, but unwilling, to produce. 

 

Sadly, even among God’s people, some are not good providers. They rely on handouts from the government, fellow members or even the Church to supply their families’ need. God rebukes such behavior: “[I]f any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8). 

We won't assist our own but let's spend millions on jets, concert halls, performers, lavish campuses, and private homes. Dumb fools! How dare you even contemplate asking us to help you when you are seriously in need!  

Christians have an obligation to work hard in order to provide for their physical families. They should carry the burden for not just their immediate relatives, but even supply the needs of generations before and after them. They should take care of any widows in their family and lay up for their grandchildren (verse 16; Proverbs 13:22). 

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27

Wik then moves on to hard work (not the kind of white shirt work that goes on at so many COG HQ's where legions of men have never formed a callus on their delicate hands from actual work).

Regular tithe slaves are needed to work long and hard hours so that they can give most of it to the church. After all, Gerry Flurry's grandkids need to travel the country doing Irish dance.

 

Hard labor will be rewarded. Those who apply this principle will prosper and be able to share their blessings with others. Through their first tithe they help God’s Church do the Work. By their excess second tithe they provide a way for others to attend God’s festivals, and by their third tithe, twice every seven years, they provide social security for those who really are needy, the widows and the fatherless. 

 

Such an individual is a credit to God’s Church and to his community.

Then there is this:

God has placed ministers in His Church who can help give valuable advice and counsel on financial dealings, from a biblical perspective. Too often, however, they are confronted with people presenting to them the consequences of their ill-thought-out actions.

Yep, go to men who get a salary from the church, get ministerial perks and deep deductions for homes, cars, gas, utilities, personal expenses, and large checks at Feast time for travel along with their free rooms. Yes, they sure know how difficult it is for regular members to survive. 

While not everything in the article is bad advice, and it does contain some good advice, the ultimate goal is that the more you make the more you give to the church in demanded tithing.

 

 

COGWA Shenanigans: After Dave Myers Recent Facebook/Henderson Disfellowshipment Debacle He Is Promoted To Ministerial Services Operations Manager

 

From a reader:

The good old boys network at COGWA is still alive and well. Doug Horchak, who was Ministerial Services Operation Manager, has been given the international position that Leon Walker had, leaving his position open. Yesterday, the announcement was made that all the "administration" in Texas agreed the Dave Myers was the perfect replacement. I guess Dave just got an "atta boy" endorsement for calling about Aaron and Mary Henderson on social media for calling him out on social media. I was reminded of one of the things in the COGWA bylaws that made my blood boil at the time and still does (because it was read during the announcements). Anyone serving as an operations manager must have (pg 18 of the attached bylaws):

The least amount of time that I saw was 15 years (for the president). What is truly astonishing about this and seems to be lost on everyone in TX is that Jesus and the 12 apostles would be not eligible to fill any of their administrative positions. There is something really wrong with that.

A recap of the Facebook reaming that Dave Myers got earlier this year:

He posted:

David J. Myers

4 h  · 
Any time a pastor has to ask a person not to fellowship with the flock due to such things as doctrinal disagreement, causing division, derogatory accusations, or the like, it is a sad and heartrending time for that pastor (and many others). He hopes and prays with all his heart that the person will come to see themselves accurately and be able to change their way. His action is done out of love to spur the person to deeply examine themselves and help them to change. The mantle of shepherding in these instances is quite heavy and frankly, unpleasant. If the person does not accept this loving correction, sadly, social media provides a platform for the supposed 'offended' to tell their story widely - from their perspective - which is usually found to be quite 'slanted' and often just plain inaccurate. Good-hearted people can read these 'posts-of-the-offended' and be misled as to what actually went on. Some might think, "If their post doesn't reflect what really has happened, the pastor would defend his action by posting the truth, wouldn't he?" But consider this: I, for one, am thankful that the 'church' does not post its 'side' of the story revealing all the details as to why this painful action has had to be taken. Love and respect for the person being 'disciplined' means that the 'church' would not reveal their personal problems or lay out all the ugly details that led to this necessary action. We all know that the scripture teaches "Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins" (Proverbs 10:12) and "He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends" (Proverbs 17:9). So you will not read the pastor's 'rebuttal' because he loves the person and does not wish to 'air their dirty laundry.' So, a pastor does not post on social media, but rather, prays that the 'offended' comes to his senses and is able to repent. I hope this small window into the shepherd's mantle of responsibility is helpful.

After the usual kissing of loyal members, the negative reactions were swift so much so that he shut downtime conversation. After all, how dare ANYONE ever question the actions of a minister! 

This is what we previously wrote about the story:

A Response to Dave Myers - Take it to the presbyteros or take it to the ekklesia?

God hates Division - The couple Dave Myers is upset about

How God Moved Us Out Of The Church (COGWA)

COGWA's Dave Myers Talks About How Heavy His Shepherds Mantle Is When He Has To Disfellowship Members And Then Watch Them Get On Social Media And Tell THEIR Side Of The Story.

Some of those reactions to Dave Myers post above (with names deleted)

I can’t imagine how hard it must be.

I have seen this heavy responsibility on our pastors many years ago when I witnessed the attacks on a minister who had to put someone out. The people verbally attacking the minister had absolutely no idea of the gravity of the situation.

Try doing what Christ said to do in Matthew 18. The authority to remove does not lie with you but with the congregation. It is way past time that we quit ignoring the scriptural admonitions in favor of our traditions.

there are a lot of people that would like to cast the first stone! So are you sure you would want the whole congregation knowing everything about you?

Are you sure that you would like to ignore the admonition of Christ as to how to handle sin?

I am trying! Be aware the snare of the righteous!

You are trying to ignore the admonition of Christ? Tell me where in the scriptures you picked up this pearl of "wisdom?"
"Be aware the snare of the righteous!"
People who know and understand the path to regaining a brother who is sinning are much less likely to do those things that would cause Matthew 18 to be invoked. Failure to use that procedure creates the problems that we have experienced in the Churches where "headquarters" people ride into congregations, shoot the place up figuratively, leave the brethren bleeding, and the ride off into the sunset in their own righteousness. It is way past time that we started doing what Christ said to do instead of leaning on tradition.

the snare of righteousness would be the leaven of the Pharisees. Thinking they are righteous when indeed they were not. We shouldn’t divide over doctrinal issues but focus on the main thing which is Christ in us and loving one another. The enemy loves to divide us over the twigs on the branches and get our eyes off the trunk who is Christ. Focus the congregation on Christ rather than doctrine and the enemy won’t be able to cause division

Might have been Paul! Regardless what if it is there and you are ignoring it? If you think you are something when you are nothing then you receive yourself! In 1st or 2nd john

We agree but this string was about the problems with removing someone from the congregation by a pastor who then is limited in a public response. There is no doubt that these problems exist. The problems have been further compounded by the leadership of the Church taking to themselves authority that was not granted to them but to the Church/congregation. Had David Myers made sure that Matt 18 was the process, the publicity would have been on the one sinning for not repenting, i.e., they refused to repent and so step three brought the publicity. Then the congregation does not have to wonder whether the one removed was wronged by the pastor. The congregation itself would have put the person out.

Find it for us since you "quoted" it. Yes, if anyone thinks that they are something they have forgotten to look into that spiritual mirror and don't realize who they are. However, none of this helps the situation described by David Myers above. The solution is to follow what Christ said because HE knows best--and you don't.

I wholeheartedly agree with you!! I was born and raised in the church and have never witnessed the ministry (or the members) correctly following the Matthew 18 protocol for handling disagreements within the congregation as Scripture lays out.
Steps are: 1) go to your brother one on one to try to discuss. 2) if that doesn't work, bring in a few witnesses 3) if that doesn't work, take it to the ekklisia, the congregation (not the ministry!) in hopes for reconciliation! (Not condemning!) If it can still not be reconciled, the person causing the issue is to then be removed and treated as a non-believer (yes, even the minister, if he is the one at fault!)
Problem is, the ministry thinks they are the sole authority above all other members and are above this instruction found in Scripture. As you said, Royce, if someone truly did need to be removed, they should have gone through ALL 3 steps FIRST, and if it ended up needing to go to that last step, it would have allowed BOTH parties to share their side before the whole congregation, so there wouldn't be any question of what was going on, nor would there be any secrets for rumors or gossip to spread, because the brethren would know what was going on.
It would also allow the ENTIRE congregation to support and pray for the situation, not just the minister in secret, creating a higher chance for redemption for the person in question. It was never the responsibility of the ministry to make these decisions alone.
And the ministry themselves should never be exempt from the process when they're the one in a disagreement with one of their members. If a minister and one of his members have an issue, that minister needs to go through the 3 steps as well, and if it makes it to step 3, that minster should be held accountable by the brethren. But we just don't see that happening in the COG's, and it's quite concerning. It needs to change. I am with you, brother!

Nothing says the witnesses are mediators. They are witnesses that the offended brought the problem to the offender and whether or not the offender repented...nothing more is said by Christ. We need to be careful not to add to His words.

thanks for pointing that out!

 

need to be careful and listen to his words! I don't see a whole lot of mercy these days! If you can judge and show mercy , love at the same time I say well done.

Actually, what you speak of doesn’t have anything to do with expulsion. Matthew’s text is about offense and the translations defer on what going to the church actually means. What this relates to is more like 1 Cor 5. It involves taking the other brethren with you on the path of dissension.

you need to reread the third step in light of the outcome should the sending party refuse to repent. All Church matters where there is a problem between two individuals should be dealt with as a Matthew 18 procedure. Matthew 18 says, simply stated, if your brother commits an offense against you go in privately and try to work it out. This makes certain that both sides of the problem have their minds right. If one doesn't have their mind right that's when you need to bring in witnesses to see what's going on. It doesn't matter what the problem is, it should be dealt with in this simple way. The final step is a shunning or putting out. That should be the last resort and only made by a congregation, not somebody who thinks they're an authority over other people instead of a servant to the flock. This is not to cast any aspersion on Dave Myers or any other minister. It is the point out a problem and how people who live in the church set things up. And, people all too easily I will only turn over their responsibilities for someone else to do. That's how we got in this situation to begin with. They want somebody else to fix the problem instead of stepping up to the plate and going to their brother and working the problem out. Anyway I don't want to get sidetracked, but we don't need people ruling over us and taking authority into their hands that should be ours and that we should handle. Paul even wrote about some of the brother who are taking matters to court rather than deal with it internally. This internal dealing with problems is the very Matthew 18 procedure that Christ gave us. This is the procedure we ought to be using when we have problems in the congregation, not dumping our responsibilities onto a pastor or any other minister.

How truly sad and difficult!

That's why we are to pray for you. God's support for the ministry is something that none of us can do without.

A pastor consults with several other parties and gets advice and is a group decision and not just the decision of one pastor alone.
Being a pastor has to be one of the most toughest jobs you'll ever love . Praying for you Mr Myers.

Thank you Mr Myers our prayers are with you.

Well lately it's been the ministry who has split the flock and sowed discorce. They have also stepped outside doctrine and made decisions about people's individual choices and made them feel guilty for their own lives.

Rightly so. Members have no power but only those who have access to the pulpit sowing division and creating new organizations. I have witnessed such a heartbreaking incident in 2010 when some elders lambasted ministers whom they claimed as dissidents.

Yes. Making decisions of what we can do on our own time is not okay. I don't mean sinful behavior, I mean the things we are led to do by the Holy Spirit.
Some are corrected for doing GOOD. Bible Studies in the home, you name it.
If we only had Adonai's eyes!! Things are so much bigger than an organization.
Things are really happening. We cannot stand in the way of people's spiritual gifts and Purposes in Him.
I know a handful of loving humble people that were told NOT to do beautiful Spirit led things.
and no, they weren't gossiping about it.

That’s one of the biggest drawbacks in a monolithic organization.
Monolithic is one exhibiting or characterized by often rigidly fixed uniformity. The council in Sanhedrin is an ideal example. They were not concern about preaching the Truth ( for they crucified the TRUTH)and unconcerned about people’s salvation. In verse 48, of John 11, “ If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place (position) and our nation."
Their fundamental concerns are control and their position.

The church as a carnal organization has made a lot of mistakes throughout the years. The Church of God is a spiritual organization led by Jesus Christ our savior. I am 100 percent subject to his authority. I cannot always agree with the decisions made from the pulpit when it goes against my moral values, which are biblically based on the teachings of Christ. You can only have one master either Christ or moral man. I choose Christ!
I am in agreement

Crystal clear and very well stated.

Frankly, none of us know what happened. Both sides of an issues have always disturbed the COG community. I can be sorry for both sides if this issue, without “taking sides” in the debate. Let it go people…

Our entire society is infected by a spiritual virus that has invaded the Church of God. That is "no one is going to tell me what to do." We in the Churches of God need to be correctable. And that's biblical.

yes, we all need to be humble and teachable...members and ministry alike.

So so very true. 

 

We must remember or understand that God's Church is not a democracy. God's Church is lead from the top - God the Father, Jesus Christ down...not from the bottom up. There could be some matters that should be brought to the attention of the members...and there are other issues that should not. That is a prayerful judgement call by the ordained ministry. We individually need to make sure that we are working our OUR OWN salvation with fear and trembling.

Matthew 23, “Then Jesus said to the multitudes and to His disciples,…. Dropping down to verse 8, “But you are not to be called rabbi (teacher), for you have one Teacher and you are all BRETHREN .”
Then, verses 10-11, “10 And you must not be called masters (leaders), for you have one Master (Leader), the Christ.
11 He who is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
It’s in the same chapter whereupon Christ pronounced the 7 woes against the so called religious leaders in Israel.

What about the instructions for how to deal with issues within the church found in Matthew 18:15-17 :
“Moreover, if your brother commits a sin against you, go and show him his fault — but privately, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he doesn’t listen, take one or two others with you so that every accusation can be supported by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to hear them, tell the congregation (not the ministry); and if he refuses to listen even to the congregation, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax-collector."

You are in my prayers and for our church.



Mary Henderson
Would you please speak openly and use our names? It's me and my husband Aaron Henderson. Thank you for sharing this and making the conversation bigger. We love you all.

I love you so much!!!!

Will pray about this situation

I have no idea what this post is specifically about. However....
Brothers and Sisters,
Our Abba wants a rising of Holy Soldiers...
This is so much bigger than organizations..
There are 5 Red hieffers, Abrahamic Family House just opened (Google it all)
Do some Brethren cause discord? Of course. The problem with churches is there are people in it.
What I do know is there have been Spirit LED Brethren over the years that aren't "allowed" to do many things. Bible study at home, have family retreats and humbly discuss things that aren't in a COG booklet.
In SOME ministers and Congregations there is a spirit of control. (Not speaking of this one as I've not been there for many years)
The Holy Spirit doesn't control it guides.
The Holy Spirit has been guiding many brethren and it doesn't always fit into the COG rules but it doesn't mean Adonai is not the one that leads and guides them.
Interestingly, sometimes we as humans can inadvertently squash the Spiritual Gifts and God led Purposes of individuals...and it makes the job of THE ENEMY a lot easier.
When you must choose: Follow the gentle guide of the Holy Spirit or the control of man, always choose The Lord Almighty!


What if, as in many cases, the pastor is wrong? Does that person get to tell the congregation not to associate with the pastor?


as we have had church splits, we know that we are to prove all things ourselves. Question the teaching and do your personal best to make your decision.
To vilify one human is wrong. The pastor tries to uphold the church teachings and not vilify the one being asked to leave.
I left WCG. I left UCG. We chose our physical leaders. We can have conflicts with our physical leaders. But we each must be able to do the Bible study and pray for each other for proper guidance.
If you feel the pastor is wrong, pray for him. Pray for your personal guidance in dealing with this matter. When the truth is revealed, it will be awkward for someone. Pray that it is not awkward for you.
(My personal experience and mindset. I’m thankful for those that I trust that I can ask for physical guidance as well.)
you didn't need to write all that nonsense. You could've just said you don't know how to answer the question.

to me it’s not nonsense. Thanks anyway for your feedback

answer the questions. If the pastor is wrong, does the person who isn't wrong, get to demand the people shun the pastor?
And why don't you just pray for them instead of shunning them, if it's not the pastor? You know, like you say the congregation would, if the pastor was wrong?


I understand this fully. I have seen both sides. I can say that it is confusing when a person is originally put out. The person usually has a front that is a mask over the issues that caused the decision. Once the person is comfortable, the truth will surface.
I am aware of one example where the person was not honest and I became aware of the whole situation after the decision to remove the member. I can definitely see why that one was not allowed in the congregation. (I can think of several people who would say this refers to them).
It’s never an easy task. I’m sorry for the heartache the whole situation causes. It destroys relationships and makes us question our own choices.
The Bible says that many will fall away. Some people try to take away the faith of others as they go.


So much love! Let's get this issue out there people! Matthew 18 says tell it to the Church! (Before you disfellowship someone).



Ohhhhh NOW I know the individuals David J. Myers is talking about. It doesn't take much. I remember great public venting regarding other couples in sermons and everyone knew who was being criticized.
Brothers and Sisters: Mary Henderson and Aaron Henderson are humble, loving, serving, Spirit LED children of the most high.
Do NOT be deceived children of God.
Pride and Control is alive and well in some authoritative leaders in some congregations/organizations.
Wait, I keep reading the part of not posting on social media IN a post on social media...
Was Matthew 18 used? In lieu of this post I reckon things will now become public. It's sad it has to come to this.
Truly a beautiful Godly couple


I am allergic to Religious Fanaticism!
I won't say anything. Just makes me to want to stay away from religious people including ministers.


Christ said go the extra mile, give your coat, turn the other cheek. Paul said rather be wronged, Peter said take it patiently. EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN WRONGED, FACEBOOK IS NOT THE PLACE TO COME AND DISCUSS IT! Which is what I saw this posting to be about! Anything else is plain wrong!!!
I’ll add this: if you are on your knees, praying to our Father to inspire and direct the Ministry and the pastors in carrying out their incredibly difficult ministrations, you don’t have the time to point fingers.
Nothing will please the Adversary more than dragging the Church into mini disagreements that keep us from the commission of preaching the gospel, and preparing a people.
May the Father be pleased to save us.


As the end of the age draws closer...more and more of the brethren become easily offended. This is when it is extremely important to draw closer to our Father in prayer and fasting for spiritual discernment. It certainly is not easy for the ministers at this point in time. But ultimately it is the responsibility of each individual to make things right in the eyes of the Lord. Reprimands are necessary for the growth of the body of Christ to prepare us for eternal life. Human nature is our enemy that we must overcome so we can have agape love that draws us closer to our brethren. That's why we are to pray for the brethren everyday. We also must remember that ministers are human too and very capable of making mistakes just as we all are. We should never be quik to judge and condemn...but be ready to love and forgive as our elder Brother taught us to do.

Is it possible that people in Ministry roles will be "more and more easily offended"? I know this couple and they are doing beautiful Spirit led things. Matthew 18 matters.

it certainly is important to have love, patience, and grace towards one another, as well as forgive and not be quick to judge/condemn... and while we know that ALL brethren (ministers and members alike) will fall short, there are times when, as you said, reprimands are necessary, above and beyond just prayers, love, and forgiveness. Members will often seek ministers to help in that regard...but who keeps the ministers accountable when THEY need reprimanding? Oftentimes, the ministry gets final say without the members having a voice. Abuse, neglect, and overlording has been common among the COG ministry for generations. If the members do not have a voice to defend themselves, and the Matt 18 protocol is not being followed as it is suppose to be, then brethren are lost and the abuse continues. There needs to be a way to hold ministers accountable when they cross lines they are not suppose to cross.


 anyone can fall into the trap of being easily offended. That's why we are to be on guard against the wiles of our adversary. Not one of us is exempt from this attack. If someone is unjustly accused of something... that's when we fall on our knees in prayer for guidance and understanding. We should remember the example that Christ gave us when He was nailed to the stake after being beaten and accused of wrongs. He prayed for the Father to forgive those who wronged Him. He did this out of love for them. We should be able to do the same for those that have wronged us.

This type of thing has been going on since I can remember. I have seen the COG split several times in the 40 some years I have attended. Prove all things to yourself. After all of the years I have attended, I still have many questions. Belittling ones curiosity is not a way to handle things.
Causing disturbance though is another issue.

Vic Kubik: The "Great Apostasy" And The Justification For The Start Of United Church of God

 

Most of us here experienced the great upheaval that hit the Worldwide Church of God in the 1990s with its rejection of certain extra-biblical teachings and doctrines of Herbert W Armstrong. Regardless of where your sympathies were on either side of these changes, they were traumatic and not well thought out when they are announced. It was assumed by many in leadership positions that the majority of the church members would blindly follow along because they had had "church government" shoved down their throats for decades and would not rebel en mass as so many did. 

Most of us watched as various men who always thought themselves far more enlightened than regular members beat their chests in self-righteous indignation and claimed they were taking up the mantle of truth the WCG was rejecting to preserve the truth once delivered. Each one was always more deserving of followers than the previous chest thumper.

One of the most prominent groups to break off during this time was those that started the United Church of God. What was most galling about this event is that far too many of the ministers leading up to the changes and for a while afterward, while still on WCG payroll, pretended to follow and enforce WCG edicts as changes were slowly happening. These same men kicked out lots of members for disagreeing with the various changes while they themselves were having questions about the changes. A divide in loyalties was quickly happening in Pasadena and within the ministry. In Pasadena many of these men soon started to gather on and off campus in various ministers' homes to plan how they could take as many members, mailing lists, church inventory, and as much money as they could to start a new splinter group. 

Most of these men had never worked a full day of manual labor outside the privileged lifestyle of a paid dark-suited church employee and were fearful of now having to get real jobs to provide for their families to live on during the transition they were planning. Gone would be the ministerial perks of $5,000 Feast allocations and tax deductions they were so privileged to partake of over the previous decades. Life was going to be tough for these guys and they knew it. But, with good planning and locations to start gathering tithe money of unhappy WCG members, they knew they could raise the money they needed to transfer over from one paid job to another keeping their important lifestyle intact.

For far too many of these men who started splinter groups, it was not so much really about preserving doctrine but a means of preserving income. Church teachings and doctrines came second. 

Scores of books, articles, and video programs were made by men on both sides of the issue justifying their stances on why the changes were made and why those that started new groups had the right to do so. Most members read and watched these men while many times rolling their eyes at the stuff they were hearing, yet switched groups over and over till they found a group that satisfied their perceived needs.

This brings us to today as we have Victor Kubik telling his version of that story. Like far too many other COG men who authored stories, it comes across as self-righteous justification or martyrdom for the truth as they saw it.

Kubik currently has three editions of his version of the United Church of God story up to read. He started his series in mid-May 2023.

I am curious as to what those that read here think about his version. 

Chapter 1 The Genesis of the United Church of God

Chapter 2  Crossing the Rubicon on March 3, 1995

Chapter 3  Conflict Erupts 

Trying to get out from under the weight of history

 

Trying to get out from under the weight of history

Lonnie Hendrix

As part of the comment thread for a post that appeared here, Trooisto asked CGI’s Jeff Reed: “How does your church reconcile the failed prophecies, proclaimed to be uttered under the authority of God, by your church’s founding fathers, HWA and GTA? How does all the written and recorded evidence of false prophecies of your leaders impact the legitimacy of your church and your claim to have a ‘correct set of beliefs’?” Trooisto went on to note: “CGI also copied the extra-biblical doctrines of British Israelism from HWA and much of the same failed prophesies of impending, in the next few years, catastrophes to fall upon ‘Israelitish nations’. You can claim to have a historical foundation in Jesus, but Jesus never identified certain European nations as being lost tribes of Israel and Jesus never mentioned the United States. So, an honest admission should be given that at least part of your church’s theology came from HWA, as also preached by GTA prior to the inception of CGI and for the first twenty years of CGI’s history. Anything short of that acknowledgment is a dishonest whitewash of CGI history.”

For me, these observations underscored a problem that ALL of the Armstrong Churches of God must confront: “How does one handle all of that sordid history regarding their origins?” And, to be clear, I’m not talking about the Seventh Day Baptists, the founding of the Adventist Movement, or the history of the two Churches of God, Seventh Day. No, I’m talking about the history that begins with Herbert Armstrong. How does one deal with: The events surrounding Armstrong’s separation from the COG, 7^th Day? Armstrong’s plagiarism and borrowing from other traditions/organizations? The problems with Armstrong’s character? The large volume of writings that were generated over fifty years (including failed predictions and changes in doctrine)? The teachings of Herbert Armstrong which have been thoroughly discredited and/or effectively challenged (e.g. Anglo-Israelism, Headline Theology, the warning message for Israel, tithing, the nature of the message about the Kingdom of God, Church government, etc.)? The behavior of Garner Ted Armstrong, and the impact of his (and others’) efforts to systematize Herbert’s teachings? What happened with the Tkach regime? The numerous splits/schisms which have happened over the years before and after Herbert Armstrong’s death? These are all part of that great weight of history that confronts ALL of the Armstrong Churches of God!

Hence, the question: How does one deal with all of this sordid history? Well, so far, the ACOG’s have dealt with their history in the same way(s) that most people, organizations, and nations have dealt with unpleasant episodes in their history. In brief, humans have a tendency to deal with past embarrassments by: 1) Ignoring them/pretending they didn’t happen, 2) Trying to change/modify the narrative and put a more positive spin on what happened, 3) Confronting the unpleasantness, and trying to deal with it. Moreover, if any attempt is made to confront the past, people usually try to emphasize the changes they’ve instituted and/or the measures which they have taken to address past injustices. Needless to say, remedy number three requires the most soul-searching and work and has, consequently, been the least popular way of dealing with all of the unpleasantness in our collective past. And, as we look at the Armstrong Churches of God, we see that most of them have simply ignored that past or attempted to change the narrative – neither of which has worked very well for them in the age of the internet.

Dave Pack: "I'm taking A 10% Pay Cut" As Restored Church of God Financial Problems Continue To Deepen

 

Fairly Dramatic Cuts?

 

Instead of front-loading “The Greatest Unending Story! (Part 461)” on July 29, 2023, with the bad news, David C. Pack of The Restored Church of God opted to save it for the last five minutes. There was probably a secret hope that most of the congregation would have already mentally checked out by then and that the members in the field who still bothered to listen stopped halfway through.

 

The Restored Church of God is in financial straits as David C. Pack piecemeals information to the brethren. He has said nothing in any of his messages to the church about WHY they need cuts, but that financial changes are necessary "IF time went on.”

 

Oh, Dave. Time is going to Energizer Bunny all up in your biz-natch.

 

It has been several weeks since Dave last sang his lamentations to the membership. Back in June, six Headquarters employees received their pink slips, including Mrs. Pack. Dr. Tim Ranney (PR No Mo) and Ken Orel (The Chicago Heavy) received the added bonus of being wished away into the cornfield.

 

 

Flashback Part 451, Part 2 – June 14, 2023

@ 06:15 So, we reached a point where we realized we're gonna send some people to the field…we're doing everything we can to cut costs.

 

@ 10:16 But anybody who has Common out there, we want to hit it.

 

@ 10:42 But I would just ask…all of you listening…Can you do more? Sell all…this is a great time to be thinking about that.

 

“Think about that” is all the brethren did. It seems the Common money did not materialize. Keep holding out, folks. There will come a day when you will be extremely thankful you did.

 

 

If you thought making six people redundant would be enough to secure the ship, then you would be wrong. Apparently, The Restored Church of God needs to trim even more fat at Headquarters. The situation is becoming a little "too real," especially since the Kingdom of God cannot possibly arrive until the Opening Night of The Feast of Tabernacles. That is way, way out on September 29 at sunset.

 

To the All-Believing Zealots and Headquarters Fakers: Book only a one-way flight to the Feast this year as a show of faith. And only pack one change of clothes since the first song on Opening Night will not be sung. You do not even need a toothbrush. Please show David C. Pack just how much you trust what he says. Walk in faith. As he has said, just having hope is not enough.

Part 461 – July 29, 2023

@ 1:34:23 …one of the problems is, we’ve got two months to go. What is that? Conditions will worsen. The implications of how God uses the next two months are great. Just trust me on that. I may have big decisions to make, or they may be made for me.

 

@ 1:38:00 But, I still wondered, you know, if that's what God wanted to do, then we were gonna be ready to do it.

 

Dave’s god wants to use the next two months but is unwilling to provide the cash windfall to make it happen? Perhaps Dave’s god slumbers or is on a far journey and cannot wire the adequate funds.

 

We all know David C. Pack does not believe his own doctrines, and his promises could not be more worthless. If this new date was sure, he could easily empty the reserves and do whatever. He knows he will walk all this back, just like we do.

 

Talk of cuts is a faithless act on his part. He does not trust his own god to provide. Instead of waiting for the ravens to bring bread and flesh each day, he has to roll up his sleeves and do it himself. His human steam is a shining example of righteous virtue.

 

@ 1:38:06 We were not gonna continue as we are. So, I began to make major cuts. I announced, for instance (and believe it, this is just the first one), but I think the cuts start with me, so I already had in mind long before I knew this, my wife was gonna step aside, and I'm gonna give up her salary. But I’ma take a ten percent cut. I was planning to stay here for the Feast. Mr. Schleifer knows this. I wasn't gonna travel. The price of renting an airplane is an abomination, and I won’t do it again.

 

Flying commercial is just ridiculous, out of the question, and not even worthy of discussion.

 

@ 1:38:36 I'll just stay here, and I'll leave half of my Second Tithe just stay in the General Fund. Which is what happens at the end of every year.

 

Giving your “excess Second Tithe" back to the church is not biblical. That is a Herbert W. Armstrong manufactured tradition with no scriptural basis. It is just another way the church guilts brethren out of more money. Do yourself a favor. Study the Bible before you do that.

 

 

Dave breezed past a tiny detail, but it is worthy of your attention. One crucial word caught my attention. Half.

 

@1:38:42 And I’ll give up half my secretary.

 

Whoa. Whoa. That is NOT what he said during the Ministerial Conference when he was willing to bleed alongside everyone else. Dave informed Ed Winkfield (Stepford Prime) that since he was firing one of Ed’s staff, Dave’s personal handmaiden would be gifted to him in exchange. Now only half-gifted.

 

Flashback Part 451, Part 2 – June 14, 2023

@ 08:56 So, I'm gonna just make a sacrifice…I'm gonna give up my secretary… she's gonna work for Mr. Winkfield.

 

@ 09:10 So, I'm gonna have to function without a secretary.

 

Dave shuddered at the idea of pouring his own coffee. The thought of being responsible for bringing the right glasses down the Main Hall for a message sent a chill up his spine. When times are tough, David C. Pack is willing to half-sacrifice.

 

For all who feel obligated to donate extra funds, follow the example of your Pastor General, David C. Pack. Give him half of what you planned.

 

But seriously, for the love of Pete…do not give them anything!

 

 

Dave likes to inject inappropriate humor while delivering unpleasant news to the local congregation. He has no consideration for those in the audience who may feel distressed learning that more vague cuts are coming to Headquarters. They do not know if that means layoffs or an across-the-board salary percentage cut.

 

What a fantastic way to top off another restful Sabbath at Headquarters. Employees enjoy going home, setting down their briefcases, and taking off their ties, wondering what financial woes shall befall them. Dave is long on drama and short on details.

 

Part 461 – July 29, 2023

@ 1:38:44 And then I realized if I do that, I been preachin', and then I could look at the other ministers and start meddlin’. [Laughs] 'Cause that's preachin’. Long as I’m makin’ the cuts. But, after that, it’s time to meddle. And [laughs] have fun. There's some men nervously laughing right now out there. [Laughs] So hoping the Kingdom comes.

 

Ha ha ha. Some are nervous right now because they might lose their jobs. Ha ha ha.

 

Wow. How creepy is that?

 

The callous attitude and snarky delivery again expose David C. Pack as to what kind of man he is. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. And his mouth speaks A-Lot.

 

@ 1:39:09 I know how to motivate our ministers to get them to want the Feast.

 

He might as well say, “Mr. Armstrong chastised you with whips, but I shall chastise you with scorpions.” Yes, fear is a potent motivator, Dave. You have grown quite good at it.

 

Having outgoing love and concern is for the unordained. Letting your light shine is a nice idea, but it does not pay the rent. Choosing mercy over judgment is intended for those not in any real position to wield it. By their fruits, you shall know them, brethren. Pay attention to his fruits.

 

@ 1:39:13 But, there’d be other cuts. More much streamlining. Cuts of various kinds. Fairly dramatic, and it would put us in a powerful position IF God did not add (we'll call it) an accelerant.

 

The "good night" thirty seconds later, without giving any clue as to what will happen or why, is just more spit in the eyes of the brethren of The Restored Church of Another god.

 

Hey, Brad. Is Dave going to streamline the horses or put a moratorium on new trees? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

Those ringing the bell signaling the financial demise of RCG need a reality check. They have millions of dollars tied into real estate around the Campus. An accurate indicator of dire economic circumstances will be when houses start popping up on Zillow. It will come. It is only a matter of when.

 

I hope these fairly dramatic cuts affect things more than they do people. But I doubt it.

 

This is not a sign of the end for RCG, folks. It IS another step down that slope.

Marc Cebrian

See: Fairly Dramatic Cuts?

Dave Pack And His Manipulative Brainwashing Rainbow

 

The Brainwashing Rainbow

 

Some brethren who leave The Restored Church of God become mini-experts researching psychological manipulation, narcissism, and cults. The interweb is filled with articles about mental conditioning utilizing brainwashing techniques and fear tactics.

 

Those desiring to understand their time under the thumb of Pastor General David C. Pack have recommended books for me to read. I sometimes receive photos of highlighted paragraphs that are relevant and interesting. Unlike my contemporaries, I have yet to read any of them. I am comfortable with why I joined The Restored Church of God. I am comfortable with why I left The Restored Church of God.

 

Those people understand their own experiences, but I do not share the same curiosity they have in gaining a deeper insight to help them make sense of the nonsensical. From the summaries I hear, those materials better explain the RCG Crazy and what David C. Pack really is. Kudos to them.

 

The craziness inside that organization cannot be understated. Former ministers have the most-shocking horror stories to tell. They are almost unbelievable. This collective group is not a vindictive gang of coordinated liars. When you hear similar stories from various people across a stretch of years, the picture becomes too clear to deny as a rumor.

 

All the voices sing harmoniously: David C. Pack is an awful person. He is an awful shepherd. He is an awful leader. The man's reputation is legendary, going back to when he was a student at Ambassador College in Pasadena. He was a pain even back when he wore Speedos in public.

 

David C. Pack has spent decades rubbing people the wrong way. And he has only gotten worse.

 

The closer individuals have been to David C. Pack, the more exponential their trauma is. Is he the man selected to usher in the Kingdom of God? Is he Elijah That Prophet? Is he the Seventh Angel of Revelation? Is he the Goodman of the House? Has he correctly identified the Sixth King? Is he unveiling the Mystery of God before the return of Jesus Christ?

 

A polite yet firm, "Oh, hell no!"

 

 

One unifying question among those who fled is, “How can they continue to stay there and listen to that garbage?” I address this if it comes up over the phone, "But you stayed, and I stayed. Everyone has their personal line in the sand. None of us know what it is until we cross it."

 

When David C. Pack declared he was Elijah in January 2015, I knew this was terrible news for the church. However, I managed to separate the Pastor General from The Restored Church of God. After all, he was just one man, and the church would be fine.

 

Then, in December 2015, instead of Jesus Christ being That Prophet, David C. Pack announced Elijah was. Since David C. Pack was Elijah, it meant he was teaching, “I am That Prophet.” He avoided saying that for those two hours, but that is what it meant.

 

It took me six years to finally leave because I kept partitioning David C. Pack away from The Restored Church of God. He was just the leader. But, RCG was the place where God's Government was active. It was the only organization doing The Work. The gates of the grave cannot prevail against the Grand Garden or Mirror Lake.

 

The deal-breaker was when David C. Pack began corrupting God. He perverted the roles of the Father and Jesus Christ. I seethed every time Dave uttered the Father was coming first and Jesus Christ “was in the backseat.” Sycophants like Ed Winkfield joyfully regurgitated this filth as impressive knowledge rather than losing sleep over it like I was.

 

This was a repeat of The Worldwide Church of God apostasy. Except, Dave wisely kept pork off the menu. Once The Restored Church of God threw out the True God and became The Restored Church of Another god, who cares if they still keep the Sabbath?

 

God has a sense of humor and is a fan of irony. David C. Pack wrote books eviscerating Gerald Flurry of The Philadelphia Church of God and lambasted him in sermons. Yet, Grandpa Dave has become everything he warned us about.

 

If Joseph W. Tkach had David C. Pack as an advisor rather than an adversary, WCG might still be with us today.

 

 

Why do the brethren not leave in droves when dates continue to fail?

 

They are being manipulated by unrelenting psychological warfare. “The Greatest Unending Story!” Series is a Brainwashing Rainbow. David C. Pack preys upon the fears and hopes of the members. He will sometimes chastise them while other times praise them. It is a highly dysfunctional relationship.

 

Sampling the five latest messages provides a snapshot of what the brethren of The Restored Church of God are enduring. These are not “the worst of the worst," like when RCG’s young people were told God would have them torn apart by lions within days, but these are the more recent.

 

Multiply what you read by ten years and see if you can understand why brethren stick.

 

Part 453 – June 17, 2023

@ 1:30:12 So, this is all faith-building. If your faith didn’t grow as a result of hearing this sermon, then there's something wrong. You should be on fire and excited.

 

If someone is not excited, the fault is THEIRS. Something is wrong with THEM. It cannot be prophecy fatigue or the simple fact that David C. Pack has never been right.

 

The Pastor General changes his tune week by week, day by day, and the brethren are expected to live in a state of perpetual excitement. The only people capable of doing that are mentally ill lunatics.

 

@ 1:30:36 You’re seeing prophecy fulfilled.

 

This is God’s work they are witnessing, so they better be on board. Doubting Dave means they doubt God.

 

Part 454 – June 17, 2023

@ 56:55 If this doesn’t happen Monday [June 19], if this doesn't happen Monday unless you don’t believe the Bible, write off Av.

 

Brethren who disagree with what he teaches do not believe their Bibles. A Bible-believing Christian must accept what David C. Pack teaches since he is chosen to explain it. The bar is set relatively high.

 

 

Part 455 – June 21, 2023

@ 19:03 In Daniel 12…I wanna re-ask something. I wanna correct something. The Mystery has got to be ended, and there's something WE got wrong, and I wanna clarify it. WE were close to right. But, WE were misreading a verse and inverted it.

 

Words are manipulated in The Restored Church of God. “Clarify” is code for change. And there are a lot. “WE” got wrong instead of “I” got it wrong. Blame is a collective effort in RCG. That is one way the brethren actively participate in the process.

 

@ 1:24:36 Is another week possible? Another message isn't. But is another week possible? Yes. Yes. I can just tell you that unless God violates His word, two more weeks aren't possible.

 

To doubt David C. Pack is to doubt God, and no faithful Christian would dare do that. The brethren must take his words as true as coming directly from God. Except, they are not even coming sideways from God. Dave can read the verses but cannot rightly divide them. The Spirit of Error drives his conclusions, not the Holy Spirit.

 

This was spoken on June 21. Over two weeks later, we are still here. Therefore, according to David C. Pack, God violated His word. The man has no fear of throwing God under the bus leaving Him as the fall guy for when things fall short.

 

When events do not transpire as projected, the brethren should blame God, not Dave.

 

Pointing out David C. Pack as a lying blasphemer is not an accusation. It is an observable, provable fact of history. If I noted a black panther was in a tree, would that make me racist?

 

David C. Pack is a lying blasphemer.

Do not trust him. Do not believe him.

 

 

For there to be an error, God has to violate His word, and the brethren must disbelieve their Bibles. That is pretty strong stuff to go up against.

 

Part of the Brainwashing Rainbow is the excuses shrink-wrapped in soft language.

 

Part 456 – June 24, 2023

@ 09:55 It seems God wants everything straightened out and kinda cleared up that may have been wrong.

 

It seems—God wants—straightened out—kinda cleared up—may have been wrong.

 

That one sentence has enough padding to insulate your attic. Errors, false doctrines, uninspired preaching, biblical fraud, deception, presumption, and foolishness. None of those enter the discussion when you are trying to cover up what a colossal waste of time all of this is.

 

@ 32:35 It’s literally a miraculous thing we’re experiencing. But, it dudn't mean Mr. Pack gets it right every time because it’s incredibly complex even with them [Daniel and Revelation] open.

 

Prophecy is hard. It is "literally" a miracle, brethren, but expect more mistakes. I am unsure which version of the Bible Dave reads, but I cannot recall any miraculous Whoopsie Daisies in mine.

 

@ 42:40 It’s never been so clear to me, brethren, what I’m going to explain to you.

 

Everything is clear until it is not. The brethren are continually reassured that he FINALLY has it all put together, and nothing about this will change. But, then, it does.

 

 

The hardline RCG No-Contact policy has been reinforced in the last two years. It was in the background while I attended, but Headquarters has pushed it more while Dave puts the screws to those who leave, labeling them as enemies of God.

 

This is all part of the Brainwashing Rainbow. Dave warns about how bad people are who leave and how weak they are. Departing from RCG is just an excuse for wanting to sin, being impatient, tired of Bible study, being rebellious and prideful, or the coup de grâce: “They just don’t wanna obey God.”

 

Part 456 – June 24, 2023

@ 1:26:07 …so [leaving has] been going on for 2,000 years, and many thousands have repented, and many thousands have stayed faithful, and many thousands have sold out, and they're gonna get themselves destroyed.

 

Brethren, this is a dire warning for you. So, listen up and stay in your seats as This Ole Shepherd exposes his soft side.

 

@ 1:26:17 If anything makes me sick, it’s thinking about a lot of people that I know who tried to murder this church, and they’ve gotta be destroyed.

 

Do not murder the church! No, no, no! Your calamity makes Grandpa Dave sick.

 

@ 1:26:24 If they try to destroy the Temple of God, they have to be destroyed. They blew off Christ. They did despite to the Spirit of Grace. They’re gonna fall into the living hands of God. Not waiting a year to do it. They’re gonna receive vengeance outta the gate.

 

People leave because they blow off Christ. Brethren need to say in The Restored Church of God if they want to avoid God’s vengeance and dodge being destroyed. Sit down, shut up, and pay your tithes, or this is your fate, people.

 

@ 1:34:43 One reason I think our growth slowed down to this flat description is you're just not gonna give people a pass for a whole year after they’ve been here for a short period.

 

The flat growth in RCG is now due to God not having enough time to convert people before Jesus Christ returns this month. Someone remind Dave about the parable of the servants hired at the eleventh hour.

 

@ 1:36:07 Now, there are people who are blind, and they've lost the Holy Spirit. And the last estate of those people is worst than the first…They're sows that went back to wallow, and dogs went back to the vomit, and they don't really understand what's going on around them… But, if they stuck around, they might have caught fire and realized what they were part of.

 

I stuck around from July 2012 to March 2021. I was on fire for what I was a part of. But then, David C. Pack changed the terms, perverted doctrine, threw out the True God, preached Another Jesus, stopped preaching the Gospel, stopped doing The Work, and turned himself into That Prophet.

 

The insatiable desire for porn and bacon did not cause my exit, Dave. Your blasphemy did.

 

@ 1:36:34 But, instead, they couldn’t just leave, and we could hope they were prodigal sons. They had to try to kill the church. Which became our test, and so, that’s fine.

 

If the brethren leave The Restored Church of God, they will try to murder the church. Only a person with murder in their heart would want to leave. The Brainwashing Rainbow is very ugly.

 

 

One week later, the theme continued. Dave must be thinking about this a lot, even though people are not gushing out the door.

 

Part 457 – July 1, 2023

@ 04:19 We’re not losing people now. There’s no gush of people out the door at the last minute ‘cause “This went an extra week or three.” There’s nothing like that going on at all. Church is doing just fine.

 

So incredibly fine they just laid off six people as a cost-cutting measure. This topic is fireless smoke.

 

@ 04:30 But, we been losing people for several years who have been correctly saying, therefore, “Christ tarried,” and He did. And that’s all it took for them to quit.

 

@ 05:48 In other words, it becomes encouraging for me to realize God built this Series to go a lot longer than I thought. It's just I wuddn’t gonna leave the church. It was always sort of built-in.

 

When brethren have concerns about the continuous date-setting that results in embarrassing disappointment, the fingers are not to be pointed at David C. Pack. Just navigate your accusation stick at God.

 

@ 14:21 So, let’s see if we can [prove] by something God waited deliberately, very carefully, for the very last message and that what I was supposta “make plain” was not WHAT had been covered in 456 messages, but WHEN this is gonna happen. I think now I understand.

 

Over 800 hours of ever-changing doctrines spread across seven years was always part of God's plan. No responsibility needs to fall upon the shoulders of David C. Pack.

 

@ 22:26 “In wrath” can mean He has wrath in His heart, but also, remember, God is coming, and He's gonna put the failed saints to death. He’s not exactly happy with saints who beat their fellow servants. We had people beat us regularly. They leave. They can’t just leave, many of ‘em. They hafta turn and beat us. “My Lord tarries. He’s waiting.” And they turn and beat us. Why don’t you just go off and be a Baptist or an atheist? Leave us alone. They don’t. And that makes God angry. In many ways, that lit the fire more than the Sixth King.

 

@ 1:02:19 Lotta houses are gonna be broken up in the Seventh Era. Lotta houses of people who already left the church and beat their fellow servants are gonna really be broken up. They’re gonna get sudden death.

 

Resign from The Restored Church of God, and you will receive sudden death by an angry God. That makes for some serious stakes.

 

 

Fear wins the day despite the mountain of evidence telling brethren they should flee. This critical element in the Brainwashing Rainbow is why brethren do not leave The Restored Church of God.

 

They do not stay because the Pastor General exudes outgoing love and concern, teaching God’s truth with wisdom and compassion. They stay because they cannot see a viable alternative. And that is no excuse.

Marc Cebrian

See: The Brainwashing Rainbow