Stephen Elliot: Did LCG Commit Another Misstep When They Put Him In A Position Of Power After He Defected From David Hulme?

Many Living Church of God members where shaking their heads when Stephen Elliot jumped ship from David Hulme's minuscule little group to join up with Rod Meredith.  Meredith accepted him with open arms and it wasn't too long till he was back preaching.  Now it looks like Stephen is bringing his legalistic "sheriff" attitude with him.   It has emerged that Elliot was the one who fellowship the LCG woman who brought up the calendar issue.

A comment made about Elliot says this:

Many of us, though not in LCG, were horrified when we heard Stephen Elliot had been accepted into LCG, knowing they would rue the day. As a former policeman he was, and seemingly still is, firstly a sheriff instead of a shepherd. We remember when his actions in a UCG congregation resulted in the possibility of a lawsuit against the church which could have destroyed UCG financially. He was immediately pulled from the area and banished to the Mexico border while we heard that Jim Franks would frantically call members asking if the lawsuit was still coming. Perhaps it was Elliot’s fortunate move to Hulme a few months later that the lawsuit was dropped. Shining Light

Is God A Racist?

By

Lonnie C. Hendrix/Miller Jones

The Church of God International has posted a new "web chat" entitled "Revisiting the Biblical Origins of USA and Britain" with Pastors Bill Watson and Wayne Hendrix (this blogger's father). For those interested, you may see the video at this address: http://cgi.org/armor-of-god-web-chat/2015/7/8/revisiting-the-biblical-origins-of-usa-and-britain

This production seeks to rebut the argument that the church's teachings with regard to the physical ancestry of the English speaking peoples are inherently racist. In their attempt to make the doctrine of British Israelism more palatable, they seek to distance themselves from the teachings/writings of Herbert W. Armstrong and the various proponents of it over the last almost four hundred years. Mr. Watson and Mr. Hendrix insist that God only segregated the Israelites because "He" is a jealous God and didn't want "His" people to be worshipping other gods. They point out the fact that Ephraim and Manasseh were themselves the product of an interracial marriage (between a Hebrew and an Egyptian) as proof that God didn't really care about the physical ethnicity/ancestry of the folks in question. Of course, the entire discussion is based on the premise that the Bible is an infallible account of God and "His" purposes and plans for mankind.

However, for those of us who do not share this view of Scripture, several objections immediately come to mind regarding their defense of this obnoxious doctrine. There are numerous statements within the Bible that make plain that the Israelites were regarded as God's special people - above all of the other nations on the face of the earth. The Israelites were instructed in numerous places not to intermarry with other folks (pagan, heathen, uncircumcised Gentiles). In fact, they are instructed in several places to annihilate non-Israelites - to completely destroy the people and their culture. In numerous places, God is portrayed as fighting on behalf of "His" people and against other people. Interestingly, the Israelites often enslaved the people they conquered, and there are numerous provisions within the Torah which outline the proper treatment of those slaves.

One could argue that the whole Bible is a book about Israel. Moreover, even in the New Testament, we find much evidence that the Jews looked down on the Samaritans, Greeks and Romans. In fact, the context makes quite clear that the Jews regarded themselves as being superior to those other folks - not even worthy for a Jew to associate with them. The Israelites themselves are often described collectively as being a "stiff-necked" and sinful people.

Google defines racism as "the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior." Clearly, based on the evidence of the scriptures themselves, we would have to conclude that the human authors of Scripture were mostly racists.

There is, however, another view of race expressed within the pages of the Bible. It is a view that American Abolitionists found to be more compelling and believable than those noted above. This view is presented in numerous places where God's care and concern for all of the peoples of the earth is made clear. This view is found in the places where it is made clear that God chose the Israelites for a special mission - to be an example to the other nations - to tell the other folks about "Him." John the Baptist told the Jews of his day not to rely on their physical descent from Abraham. He went on to tell them that God could raise up offspring to Abraham from the stones at their feet. This view is found in Christ's parable about the Good Samaritan, and in his instructions to his followers to make disciples of all nations. It is made clear in the vision that was given to Peter about what (who) should be regarded as clean or unclean. Finally, it is also made plain in the ministry/writings of the Apostle Paul that God does not regard one people over another - that Christians lose their Jewish or Greek designation when they are baptized into the Church. Paul went on to say that God considers Christians to be Abraham's descendants, and the proper heirs of the promises made to him.

And if all of that is not enough to convince us, we would still have the very plain statements of the Apostle Paul to the Galatians and the author of the epistle to the Hebrews to completely discredit this teaching. Paul wrote: "The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say 'and to seeds,' meaning many people, but 'and to your seed,' meaning one person, who is Christ." (Galatians 3:16, NIV) Likewise, after recounting the stories of many of God's faithful people down through the ages (including Abraham), the author of the letter to the Hebrews tells us: "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." (Hebrews 11:39-40, NIV) In other words, there doesn't have to be any fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham in this life! And, when those promises are finally fulfilled, they will be fulfilled through those who belong to Jesus Christ (from all nations)! Likewise, Christ is the fulfillment of the promises made to King David. Christ is the one who will sit on his throne forever and ever. It is ridiculous to suggest that the British royal family has any role to play in fulfilling that promise!

Hence, there is legitimate reason for Christians of good will to say that God is not a racist. Nevertheless, for those who cling to this pernicious doctrine, you are stuck with defending a teaching that is racist at its core. It is unfortunate, but the Church of God International (along with all of the other descendants of the Worldwide Church of God) cannot escape the baggage that this doctrine carries with it, no matter how hard they may try to do just that.

Feast of Tabernacles To Be Kept On Big Sandy Campus Once Again

Who would have ever dreamed that a splinter group of Armstrongism would ever be holding a feast on the Big Sandy campus in our life time.  This is no ordinary Church of God splinter group, in fact it isn't one of the larger groups who claim to be the sole possessors of the truth.  None of these larger groups ever had the will power to ask Alert Academy (see end of page) of they could do so.  Its a small group of sacred name/new moon observers.  This group is lead by Mark Harris.

Their web site is: The Feast of Tabernacles 2015 Big Sandy where they write:

We are excited to announce our site for The Feast of Tabernacles 2015!   This year we will be hosting Sukkot in Big Sandy, Texas!

Years ago this campus was built to host and house thousands of people to celebrate The Feast of Tabernacles!

So after many years, we are resurrecting the original intent of the campus to Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles as families united together for YHWH!

At this Wonderful facility, now known as International Alert Academy, you’ll discover many exciting things to do and find not only a restful & relaxing feast, but also an unforgettable experience of enjoyment, inspiration and togetherness as we rejoice before YHWH our Maker! Come enjoy a spirit filled Sukkot Celebration with us in UNITY with our Messiah!

We welcome you to come and join our family along with many of our close friends and brethren! Among the many scheduled activities there will be awesome praise, worship and dance, inspiring messages, Torah studies, exciting hikes, wonderful family feast games such as repelling, swimming, zip line, obstacle course (provided by Alert), sweet fellowship and encouragement along with beautiful enjoyment in YAH’s Creation!

From what I have seen of them over the years they certainly seem to have a more interesting version of the Feast of Tabernacles than any of the dull Feast sites that the regular Church of God's produce.  Its filled with joy and dancing compared to endless hours of old white men preaching the same canned sermons they have preached for the last 30-50 years.

This has to be an huge embarrassment to Gerald Flurry, Dave Pack and Rod Meredith.  None of these men ever had the guts to ask Alert Academy of they could hold a Feast there. Imagine the coup they could have had if they did.  They could have had thousands show up just to experience it again.

I also think that this is a far from benign splinter group of Armstrongism.  When you look at their videos and pictures you see women dressed in long prairie dresses and braided hair.  Large amounts of kids are present too.  It looks like many of the polygamist splinter groups you see in the news.  This group also takes legalism to the extreme by worshiping according to the new moons and using sacred names, none of which is a requirement of any new covenant Christian.

International Alert Academy was the buyer of the Big Sandy campus of Ambassador College.  They were able to buy the entire 2000+  acre property for pennies on the dollar.  Alert works with men (women are to remain in the home and breed children) to send out to the world in case of emergencies and other disasters as they represent their version of Jesus Christ.  Alert Academy also has close ties to the Dugger Family.   Its a right wing, conservative, dominionist oriented belief system far worse than any of the cult teachings of Herbert Armstrong!

Alert Academy was started by Bill Gothard who was recently accused of molesting several women in his conservative cult.  Bill Gothard

David C Pack: My Logic Is Irrefutable!

Dave Pack has always wanted it to be known that he runs the most superfantabulous Church of God to ever exist in the annals of human history.  No other COG has ever been more dynamic, forceful or had the best web site ever to be created on the entire Internet.  No other COG leader is as intelligent or as special as Dave Pack.

Dave's super-inflated ego led him two and half years ago to proclaim that because he was so incredible as a leader that thousands of COG members in other groups would soon be flocking to his church (along with their money since it already belonged to him.)  He even pictured himself as so special before God that this god would strike down three COG leaders as proof of his magnificence.

Then, like every other single prophecy uttered by every COG leader today, his prophecy FAILED!  Not once, but TWICE!  He soon started losing some members and a few ministers.  God's most important COG ever was starting to unravel.  Dave kicked into survival mode and went silent.  His web sites and news update sites soon started lagging behind in their awesomeness.  Updates disappeared as Dave sulked in his Wadsworth ivory tower.

While ensconced in his office he has been working on a video series of "sermons" that "prove" the god he believes in.  Of course possessing the most incredible human mind ever created, Dave has to gloat about his knowledge.  It is soooooooooooooooooooooooo awesome that the things he says CANNOT be refuted!  No theologian or scientist can cast any doubt upon his knowledge.  NO ONE!

Dave writes:

Pastor General David C. Pack brings irrefutable logic and an array of stunning, detailed quotes from renowned scientists, famous authors and well-known thinkers, as he illuminates the most important topic of all—the existence of a supreme Creator.

Dave's awesome knowledge is without precedence.  He knowledge CANNOT be challenged.

No one has ever spoken such earth shattering knowledge in the epic sweep of human history (other than hundreds of other COG leaders, but that's another discussion.)

Skeptics and atheists will be trembling at the earth shattering information Dave has provided.  They will be so shocked that they will be "confounded" as their careers are ruined.

Unlike anything produced before, this series is certain to inspire those sincerely searching for plain answers—and to confound skeptics. Each part builds on those that come before it, bringing proof—upon proof—upon undeniable PROOF!—of God’s existence.

Nothing ever spoken in the annals of human history is as historic as this video series.

Be sure to see the entirety of this unique, historic series. (And stay tuned for a companion series addressing whether a Christian can believe in evolution.)

Once you start watching, you will not want to stop!

In the first few minutes of the video Dave proclaims that within the two hours of the video it will be IMPOSSIBLE for Dave's god to NOT exist.  All doubts that Dave's god exist will VANISH!,

Superfantabulous Dave, God's greatest creation ever to walk this earth.  We bow before your awesomeness, Dude!

More Missteps at Living Church of God "...this time it took a major pratfall."

It is quite apparent that Rod Meredith is losing control of his dwindling organization.  Meredith used to be the man that knew the pulse beat of his organization and nothing passed him by.  Not so much any more.  Apparently his appointed right hand men are not doing such a good job of it any more.  This is all happening while Meredith is still alive, imagine what will happen the day he dies!

Living Church of God's latest turmoil is the over of its May 2015 issue of Tomorrow's World magazine.

Gavin Rumney is reporting on OTAGOSH: LCG apologises (sort of) for offensive cover.

Even so, the purpose of this magazine is not to shock readers for shock’s sake. Rather, we strive to analyze world events plainly and honestly in light of Bible prophecy. As such, we certainly regret any upset or offense our May-June 2015 cover may have caused some readers.

LCG has been stung by many negative comments over the last few years even though they claim to never pay attention to negative reactions.  The mere fact that Rod Meredith had to publicly denounce this blog shows they are having to sit up and take notice.

Gavin writes:

Which just goes to show that movements like LCG really do have to take public opinion into account, especially when readers and viewers might react by cutting off financial support in response to an ill-judged decision. Tomorrow's World is not a news magazine. It's purpose is not to report but to exploit; to promote it's fear-ridden eschatology.

And this time it took a major pratfall.