ht: SHT
Why Is My Tithing Not Working?
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GTA's Propehcy About Bob Thiel
God's Word is literally filled with fearsome WARNINGS to any and all who would presumptuously SET THEMSELVES UP as "teachers" of the people, when God has not specifically PLACED them in that office!
THERE IS NOT ONE SINGLE EXAMPLE — ANYWHERE IN THE BIBLE, WHERE A CALLED AND CHOSEN SERVANT OF GOD CAME FORWARD AND VOLUNTEERED FOR THE OFFICE!
Some, however, who are always looking for ways to GET AROUND the set and established ways of their Creator and RULER, want to "have their own way," and so try to achieve their wrong goals by wrong means!
Frequently, some will get a certain "feeling" they are being called to the ministry! Setting their heart on the ministry, they DECIDE God has called them to be His stewards — and try to maneuver THEMSELVES IN!
Frequently, some will get a certain "feeling" they are being called to the ministry! Setting their heart on the ministry, they DECIDE God has called them to be His stewards — and try to maneuver THEMSELVES IN!
Notice, they have NOT been trained — have NOT fulfilled the divinely imposed Scriptural qualifications, have NOT been observed, tested and proved by God's true ministers — they merely "make up their minds" and then VOLUNTEER!
Others have a "dream" and then come to the ministers, telling them God is calling them to the ministry! But WHO HAD THE DREAMS IN THE BIBLE? The one being called? Or the human instrument used in the actual calling?
God's true servants are not called by weird dreams and visions which God keeps HIDDEN from His already — called and ordained officers of the church.
A lay member will not be called to the ministry without the MINISTERS being the FIRST ONES TO RECOGNIZE IT — BEFORE THE LAY MEMBER EVER DOES!
But — as is nearly ALWAYS the case when a presumptuous person tries to USURP authority, he repudiates the office of the one in the already — established position, aid accuses that person of having arrogated the office to himself!
Satan "volunteered" to take over the office of God! All the FALSE prophets set themselves up, claiming to be the true Prophets of God!
Any person who tries to arrogate to himself an office of the ministry joins ranks with Korah, with Adonijah and all the false prophets, with Simon Magus and with Satan the devil himself!
-Garner Ted Armstrong
-Good News
-December 1964
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Judging and Discipline According to Armstrongism
"Christ will certainly guide His ministers in judging His people today. He intends to present the church holy and blameless before God. The Bible form of church discipline is one of the means Christ is using to keep His church free from corruption. All such judgments by God's servants will be bound in heaven. Christ directs His ministers in governing His church. Then He bucks them up with His divine authority and power. "
-Roderick C. Meredith, Judging and Discipline in God's Church, Good News, 1966
One of the largest points of contention within the Worldwide Church of God and it's Daughter Splinters is the extremely controversial issue regarding "Judging and Discipline". No other topic can create such an array of reaction. All one has to do is say the name "Scarborough", and nearly any person within the LCG Splinter group knows exactly what you're talking about. No other doctrine has promoted such an abuse of power among the "ministers...governing His church".
Of course, Meredith himself was the leader of the Living Church of God when he was alive - and also, as you may note above, the author of this article. As a senior evangelist in the Worldwide Church under Herbert Armstrong, and the leader of Global and then Living Church of God, Rod himself has had a lot to do with the administration and legislature of church discipline practices and standards. Looking into what was taught and what was done is one of the best ways to do an autopsy on the spiritual health of the churches.
"If a person gets in a wrong spirit and refuses to heed the instructions of God's called servants, Paul showed that they are to be disfellowshipped that they may be ashamed.
Learning to obey the government of God is the very basis of true Christianity. People must be taught to respect and fear the authority God wields through His ministers. If a person refuses to obey God's government now, how can he be expected to obey it in the kingdom?"
Learning to obey the government of God is the very basis of true Christianity. People must be taught to respect and fear the authority God wields through His ministers. If a person refuses to obey God's government now, how can he be expected to obey it in the kingdom?"
This is a very interesting comment by Meredith. He teaches that "Learning to obey the government of God is the very basis of true Christianity". That's an interesting spin on a concept that was amazingly well-versed by Jesus himself. Jesus said that pure and undefiled religion is to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained. In short, to love God and love each other.
Meredith's version of Christianity seems more like the system of the military then a spirit of love in Christ. Especially with the comment that "people must be taught to respect and fear the authority God wields through His ministers."
What these statements show is the over-whelming power that the ministry convinced the members of the church to believe that they had. It seems the most important thing of all things on the minds of the ministry of the Church was obedience. Obedience to the ministry is important now - and apparently, according to Rod, for all of eternity forever and ever and ever. What an absolutely incredible, astounding , scintillating fate we should all be shivering in our boots for - in the deepest and fullest possible fear of their ever omni-present God Powers!! Be still our beating hearts.
Now, we get to the big iron anvil of disfellowshipment. After explaining why an "obstinate sinner" is put out of the church - meaning the Worldwide Church of God at the time - they're thrown to the lion's den as freshly killed meat. Sin and rebellion against the "Government of God" can only lead you to the horror house of Satan, and demons, and a horrible, unworthy life where everything goes wrong, so it was taught by the church. This mind-conditioning to cause fear in disobeying a minister or in leaving the physical church - sadly - worked for thousands of people creating a condition of bondage, shackled to every rule and command of "God's Government".
"once an obstinate sinner is put out of the church, God will permit Satan to afflict him until he repents — if he will repent. How fearful is the judgment of God on those who know the truth and then let themselves be led into sin and rebellion against God's government!"
Or, to protect the church from "becoming infiltrated with sinners" or "false teachers" who will lead others into sin.
The problem is with this philosophy is that many power-hungry ministers - who had NO BUSINESS being ministers in any way, shape, or form - were so busy throwing their phasers on "kill" setting and striking everyone who does wrong, or pulling out their light-sabers and tasers to zap the offenders, didn't see the horrible over-abundance of sin that had infected "God's Ministry" to the point of near uncontrollable growth (GTA's words paraphrased here, not mine). How could "God's Ministry", already infected with sin from the top down, possibly be capable of eliminating sin on the ground floor? You can't put fire out with lava! This is nothing but blatant hypocrisy, designed - intentionally or not - from the beginning to force submission in a regime of sin bound with chains and shackles to every word of an already sin-infested ministry. "The purpose of this form of church discipline is to prevent God's children from becoming careless and lukewarm about SIN — which God hates — and to protect God's church from becoming infiltrated with sinners or false teachers who will lead others into sin."
The ministers - "God's Government" - are the only authority that matters when it comes to discipline and judgment, Rod taught. This "bring it to the minister" for every dispute was taught and enabled directly by Rod Meredith himself - which many of the members took to mean every little thing, and many of whom took it to unrealistic extremes. Using the word "commanded" just made it more binding, and it wasn't long before people were going to the ministry for things they should have been more than capable of handling themselves. The ministry reduced them to first-grade teacher-student settlements. "He stole my pencil". "It was mine!". "Go to the minister.""Mr. Law-Dude!!!!!"
"It is the wise men, then, the ministers and elders in the church, to whom these problems should be brought. Instead of going before worldly courts, Christians should want to have their disputes settled God's way, according to the principles of God's righteous laws. They are commanded to bring all such disputes before the church for judgment."
The last thing that the Church wanted was the Law involved in the lives of their members. Who knows what would come out about the Church under interrogation under oath that could negatively impact the Church or it's teachings!!!
"In material disputes, you are to go directly to God's ministers instead of a worldly court. If you love God, this will always be to your best interests in the end. This is God's way — God's command."
So the ministers were to decide every detail of the life of a member - right down to "material disputes". It's pretty easy to see how a minister may have used this for their own financial benefit. If the courts could be avoided, and "God's Ministers" used their "divine authority" to "cast judgment" - you can best believe it would always be for the Church's best interests in the end each and every time.
"In all cases, remember that the final responsibility for all decisions rests with God's ministers whom He has called. Christ has promised to "be with" and guide them in every judgment. The judgment is of God. It will be "bound" in heaven."
In other words: Whatever the minister says, goes. If the minister says it,the minister takes the responsibility. God backs it and the judgement is of God. It is bound in heaven. So it is written, so it shall be done. No argument. This is why so much harm to members was allowed to fall at the hand of power-hungry ministers who yielded nearly unlimited power (so far as the laws of the REAL governments would allow) on their members.
"You may be tempted to criticize or disagree with some decision that God's ministers will bind. Be very careful lest. you let this turn you against God. You may not understand all the facts. But God's called ministers probably do and they are responsible to Him — not some human — for their actions in directing His church."
You don't know anything. The ministers bind it. It could "turn you against God", even if you "don't understand" but the ministers probably do and you, of course do not. They're responsible to God - not some human - for their actions. Perhaps this is why Herbert Armstrong never took action on ministers who wreaked havoc on so many congregations. Perhaps Herbert believed that God would supernaturally take care of the problem. So, just shuffle them from church to church spreading trouble like a malignant cancer from congregation to congregation.
"It is human nature to disagree with God. When the children of Israel rejected Samuel as their judge and leader (I Sam. 8:1-9), God told Samuel, "They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected ME, that I should not reign over them."Be fearful lest you reject God by rebelling against His called servants."If you rebel against the ministers, then you rebel against God. How could you possibly then, in your mind, once believing this clap-trap, possibly say "no" to orders which were unethical, immoral, over-reaching, out-of-bounds, or even illegal? You would be rebelling against God himself, you were told! So you ended up as a meek, spineless, submissive child to the hands of your new father, who controls your every issue in life. And if you do that, now God does not "reign over you" any more. Oh yeah, and you might get (likely, will get) disfellowshiped and thrown to Satan to be ashamed of your rebellion against God's Government! You are a child all over again.
This is why the ministerial edicts against medicine, on dating, on marriage, on jobs, on money, on Sabbath observance, on church attendance, on travel, on child-rearing and many other life points were revered and followed as much as they were. These ministers, on the basis of Government, threw themselves between you and God as an intermediary. Now, you had to go through them to get to God, and God through them to get to you. Why even bother praying. Just call Mr. Law-Dude and ask him.
"God holds His ministers responsible for teaching you His word, and for directing His church and carrying out church discipline. By following God's way of church discipline and judgment, the church of God may go forward in peace and love — and will be purged of all sin to be presented "holy and without blemish" to Christ at His coming."
Fear religion in Armstrongism is this: To reject the biblical teaching that Christ came to break through the chains of bondage that false ministers and teachers use to enslave their members, thus throwing their lives at the mercy of rebellious and carnal posers of righteousness, and world-oriented men intent to build an empire of wickedness at the full and total expense of the care and compassion - and well-being of their sheep.
submitted by SHT
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Church 1955 - Pray and Pay. That is your Duty
graphic courtesy of SHT
So there you have it. This is your duty as a Church of God member.
You are expected to answer questions from others, but you were never allowed to ask the really hard questions. The "answers" you were expected to give were already thought out and told to you in sermons and booklets. God forbid if you ever had an original thought of your own.
And...pay that money! As a member, you were expected to pay your tithes and offerings while those above you in the ministry did not have to pay tithes since they were "spiritual Levites." And don't forget that Herbert Armstrong set the standard for you and tithed on his "income." However, his income was 10 times what yours was, had a home mortgage free that was fully furnished with the finest art, gold and silver imaginable. While you struggled to feed your family and cloth your children, HWA had the church pay for and maintain the homes for himself of his daughters for many years, with no money out of his pocket.
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Herbal Detoxification – A Parable
Herbal Detoxification – A Metaphorical Story
“A Parable”
guest writer: SHT
guest writer: SHT
Eleven herbs and spices, so goes the popular catch-phrase for one of the most well-known Chicken-Centric eateries in the United States.
Those with a passion for poultry gobble down boxes and buckets of assortments of legs, thighs, and breasts of these herb-coated Great-American staples of Kentucky fame. What gives the distinctive, finger-licking, can't get enough taste to these unfortunate victims of the food chain is, of course, the special combination of the herbs and spices. In this instance, Herbs have added something to a dish that, so far as I know, no one has been completely successful at replicating. This is an example of a benefit of herbs (and spices).
And then there are those who really don't know how to use herbs and spices. If you are a novice at creating, shall we say, a casserole, or a stew – and you decide to flavor up your creation – but you really don't have any idea as to what herbs and spices to use, and simply grab some herbs here, and a few spices there – what you'll come up with will probably be not the greatest example of a Gordon Ramsey-worthy creation. I would probably dare you to show him what you would come up with. I'd challenge you to stay to hear his critique. More than likely, your novice dish would be a disaster – unless you got really lucky!
When it came to the recipe that Herbert Armstrong used in creating his theology, it can sometimes be just as challenging to attempt to reverse-engineer it as it is to figure out the Colonel's award-winning recipe for chicken. The urge to do so is just as challenging, for two very polarizing reasons. One of them just gave you good chicken. The other one just makes you want to hurl!
When the Colonel developed his Chicken, he knew exactly what to do. He knew how to USE herbs and spices, because he understood that when it comes to food, you just can't go “here a little, there a little”, and “cherry-pick” your way to success. You had to know what each herb and what spice does. You have to understand the right measurements and proportions. You need to know the temperature needed to thoroughly cook the chicken, to make sure there's nothing raw in there, or overcooked as well. You have to make sure it has just the right crunch – and just the right proportions of salt. In short, you have to understand everything about the herbs, the spices, and the chicken to really make a product that the public understands is nothing short of amazing.
In our analogy, Herbert decided that he was going to make a much better chicken product. His wife told him that the recipe was all wrong. He had to prove it wasn't correct. So Herbert decided to run down to the local library, and learn everything he could about creating the perfect chicken restaurant in six months. After reading a dozen or so books, Herbert became convinced that he, and he alone, made the perfect, most amazing, most delicate chicken he could ever create. The knowledge was a gift – given to him from the Chicken Masters Themselves!
Herbert then ripped pages out of these books. One from this recipe book, one from another recipe book. He ripped out a few pages on herbs, on spices, on the use of flour, and a few things about temperature and what have you. Then, using the time-practiced methods of others – he discovered he, and he alone was given the talent and ability to make – wouldn't you know it – the PERFECT chicken!
But THIS Chicken is special! You see, THIS chicken – this Chicken of Herbert – was the only TRUE Chicken you could ever eat. Every other chicken restaurant is not only horrible, it's rotten. It's putrid. It's tasteless. It's overcooked. Or it's raw. This chicken is absolutely the worst chicken you could ever look at! Why? Because you're the only one that has the knowledge of how chicken is done properly (I really had to work to avoid slogan infringement there!), and every other chicken restaurant out there is completely counterfeit.
But Herbert ran into a little problem with his new Chicken Empire. He was short of money. But he HAD to show the world just how great HIS Chicken was! So, he developed a way to fund his chicken empire. It was really simple. Herbert would form a club, let's call it “The Worldwide Clucking Chickens of Gobble”, claiming that his chickens had a special mix of herbs and spices that no one else had that had healing abilities. If you ate this chicken, you would feel better, be healed of all of your illnesses, be favored by the Worldwide Clucking Chickens of Gobble, spread the word of the Cluckers, and grow in the knowledge of the Power of Clucking Chickens. But there was, of course, a catch.
In order to grow his Clucking Chickens Club, he had to make sure he had the loyalty of his Chicken Cluckers. First, each member would need to pay their dues. It wouldn't be that much – just a small stipend of the salary they make – say, maybe ten percent of their earnings. Next, they would have to be told to never, ever go to another Chicken Restaurant, because their ingredients were toxic. That'll do it, because they would be scared if they ate their competitor's chickens, they'd suffer from horrible indigestion, worms, maggots, burns, and a horrible awful taste. Worse than this, it would be the most unloyal thing they'd ever do to forsake the Clucking Chickens Club to try something that was told to be so bad for them. They wouldn't even try it, because they believed Herbert simply understood Chickens better than the rest of them.
So those who believed Herbert knew best hung on to his every word.
Herbert developed countless articles on why HIS Chickens were SO great, and everyone else's Chickens were so horrible. Herbert looked at every possible thing that favored his methods, and promoted them to the ends of the earth. But if Herbert saw anything at all that disagreed with his techniques, they were putrid, rotten, and disgusting. They just didn't get it. They were the “Evil, Rotten Anti-Chickens, Clucking Their Way to Destruction”.
And Herbert's Group of Cluckers believed him. They became afraid. They looked at the other Chicken restaurants, scared to go in there for fear they'd get sick. They treated them as inferiors, because they really believed they had the better chicken. They marched into their restaurants, smug as could be, ordered their chickens, and praised Herbert to no end for being the recipient of the Chicken Once Delivered. Surely, within just three to five years, they'd see the healing power of the Chickens in their lives! They'd see that their way works. And all would understand this, once Herbert took over all the other Chicken Restaurants with his techniques, to rule the Empire of Chickendom forever.
Of course, the other Chicken restaurants around thrived. They knew that Herbert's Chicken restaurant was a little strange, and off the wall – but they simply went on with their lives. Of course, there really was nothing wrong with their chicken. They knew Herbert only knew “what he was doing” based on the techniques and principles of others he copied and learned from. In short, Herbert's Chicken Clucking Empire was a complete fraud. His empire grew on deceiving those whom he brought into his Chicken Club into believing he had the Only Real Chickens, and every other chicken restaurant would cause them great harm.
And so, for several years, his chicken empire grew. But in time, Herbert would pass on to the great land of Chicken Entrepreneurs. And those who ran the Chicken Cluckers decided that the best way to see if their chicken was really the best chicken – and if the others really were as bad as they were taught, was to take a taste test of the other Chicken Restaurants.
So they went over to their competitors, and were shocked at what they found out.
The other Chickens were different, yes, but tastier. They were seasoned differently, but tasty! Some were barbecue. Some were honey-roasted. Who would have thought of these variants? Some of them were nuggets. Others were fingers. Still, others were broasted. Variety! Herbert never taught variety with HIS Chicken! They'd been eating the same chicken for decades! Could it possibly be that there's more than one way to eat a chicken? Could it possibly be that they were not just wrong, but incredibly short-sighted and trapped in the box?
So the executives that took over the Chicken Cluckers realized their mistake. They then told the Chicken Cluckers that the other chicken places never actually harmed anyone. They didn't cause food poisoning, they didn't cause indigestion – none of these things were true. But if the Cluckers knew that, Herbert would lose their business, at his empire's financial expense.
As the Cluckers were angry at the deception, the empire fell, and separated into several different chains. Many were amazed at the variety of chickens out there. Others were scared, and stayed with Herbert's Cluckers. No one could understand the deception. But in spite of all the evidence, there was still a small core group that believed all the other chicken restaurants were death traps, full of evil and toxicity. And no one could convince them otherwise.
The world is full of entrepreneurs and business types who do anything to get a niche in their market. The moral of the story?
There's always more to the story than an ad-man will tell you to sell his product. Coke may say things about Pepsi. Pepsi may say things about Coke. But in the end? They're both tasty, carbonated beverages. No matter what one might say about the other. And if you're really, really thirsty – you'll take either one, and recognize the truth within the story.
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Australian Government Comes to Bat For GCI After Greens Party Falsely Accused It
It was reported a while back here and in various Australian news services that Grace Communion was actively promoting gay conversion therapy in its chaplaincy program. Apparently a member of the Greens party in Australia did not get her facts straight and falsely accused the GCI.
This is sure to set off our delicate and very bitter persecuted prophet of Arroyo Grande. This is a claim that Bob Thiel has been vomiting out for many years now that he will be persecuted for promoting anti-gay stances. This will be a bitter disappointment to delicate Bob. It will add more fuel to his fire of hate filled grievances with GCI, LCG and other COG's.
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Greens condemned on gay conversion claims
The Greens have been criticised for linking school chaplains with the widely condemned practice of gay conversion, after Victorian education officials dismissed suggestions that one of the state’s providers had been the subject of complaints.
The Victorian Department of Education has confirmed that it has received no complaints about Christian ministry Grace Communion International, which is a National School Chaplaincy Program provider, since the scheme began in 2015.
In its response to questions from Greens education spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young during a Senate estimates hearing in May, the department stressed there were stringent guidelines governing chaplains in Victorian schools, including adherence with anti-discrimination and human rights legislation.
Senator Hanson-Young had singled out Grace Communion during the hearing, saying it was an “organisation that believes in gay conversion therapy”. “I’m quite concerned that some of the organisations providing these chaplain services are a dangerous risk to our kids,” she said.
Ms Hanson-Young later issued a press release saying “questionable religious organisations using their fringe ideals to … push gay conversion therapy methods are being invited into schools under the government’s $247 million school chaplaincy program”.
Federal Education Minster Dan Tehan, whose government recently extended the program to include an anti-bullying focus, said the senator “should get her facts right before she makes unsubstantiated allegations”.
Grace Communion national co-ordinator John McLean said he was relieved he record had been set straight.
“The reality is that we have one chaplain operating in Australia, in Victoria, and that actually grew organically out of an existing relationship between that individual’s congregation and the local school,” he said.
“Certainly no one in our Australian organisation supports any attempts to convert LGBTI people.
“And nothing like that has ever come up in our chaplaincy.”
See story here.
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Church Ministry Makes Fun of Effeminate Men, but Also Says They Knew of Abuse : Sept 1967 GN
clipping submitted by SHT
The Worldwide Church of God was actually no better than the Catholic church when it came to abuse of the youth in the church. While the physical abuse was more physical with beating children than it was sexual abuse, the physical abuse from spanking has had a lasting effect on those who grew up in the church as small children.
We had a minister in Cincinnati as I was growing up, who said from the pulpit, that children should be paddled with 20 swats. 20 swats laid on so hard on the child's bottom that it could be heard as the preacher was preaching. He actually said that he wanted to hear the swats and the child cry. One little boy was so traumatized from previous beatings that as his daddy was carrying him out to be spanked kept saying, "No Daddy! No!" Church members thought this was so cute and totally acceptable!
The local Spokesman Club used to sell paddles for church members that were 1 inch thick with holes drilled in them to cut down wind resistance. Scriptures were also engraved on them just so that parents could not forget the Bible approved of what they were doing.
Who can forget the spanking tents at the Feast sites? The church knew of the abuse that went on inside them so much so that in the Pocono's they actually told members to not be so abusive in case the public saw and heard what was happening in them.
When it came to pedophiles, the church covered up for them just as the Catholics have. Many COG's even employed them at the direction of the presiding leader.
Is it no wonder why the vast majority of youth who grew up in the church are no longer members?
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Festival Jane Wonders About the Sabbath
"Festival Jane"*, a devout, dedicated, and extremely zealous
new convert, had some questions about keeping the Sabbath properly.
She turned to an article in the Good News for answers.
This is "her" fictional, yet realistic diary entry concerning
William Dankenbring's reasoning sent to the members of the Church.
Dear Diary,
I Guess I'm kind of new to keeping this Sabbath thing. But I'm a little confused!
I just got this Good News magazine, and the guy who wrote the article tried to tell me how it is that I should keep the Sabbath. I ended up more confused than ever!
I guess the good news is that I can sleep in a little – the services start at 10:30 in the morning. The article said I can have some personal prayer and study – that'll be nice to do, kind of relaxing after the hectic week I had. I can make a nice appetizing breakfast because I'm going to need the energy for church. My husband is the only one who can lead the Bible Study, I guess – and we're supposed to read The Bible Story – but to be honest, I'm just not into letting my kids see those awful, horrid pictures! But if I say anything about it to my minister, I think he'll tell me I have an attitude problem. I think we'll just talk together.
I was wondering what my children can and cannot do, and to be honest, I am more confused now than ever! They're allowed to read to keep busy – but only educational or profitable books. What's educational exactly? They aren't going to want to read their textbooks – they've been in school all week. And they say that encyclopedias are just boring! I really don't want them reading encyclopedias anyway. I know where they will be turning to, and they're too young for that. So what books are okay, and what books aren't?
The kids love to play games. But they are only allowed to play quiet games. What's a quiet game? When kids play games, they play games. Maybe tic tac toe? Are they not supposed to laugh? And another educational game? They've been in school all week! They just want to take a break and have a little time to unwind. But I don't want them to inadvertently break the Sabbath because I'm responsible if they do. So where do I draw the line? Where does okay and not okay meet? I'm trying to take this seriously, but it seems so vague!
We could just forget the games, and I could take the whole family on this amazing picnic. But even here, I could get this all wrong. We're not supposed to seek our own pleasures – or think our own thoughts. What am I expected to do at this picnic then? Just eat my food, listen to the birds – or music?
Oh yes, music. I could bring the radio with us to listen to music! But even here – it has to be the right music. Inspiring music. I guess country's out. Rock's always out anyway. Oh well, guess I'll pop in those Young Ambassadors singing zip-a-dee-doo-dah, because my kids just cannot stand classical operatic music, and they get enough choir at church. My, oh, my, what a wonderful day!
I could listen to the news, they said that's okay – but not too much news. If I have the news on constantly, that breaks the Sabbath. But how much news is too much news? Where's the line drawn? When have I offended God by breaking the Sabbath and when have I not? Are there any real answers here? Is this really just a guessing game of try your best and you're okay? After all, they said that how I keep the Sabbath could be vital to my salvation! So why is it that it seems so crazy relaxed, but with such serious consequences?
At least they told me I don't have to worry about using gas or electricity. That's the good news.
I can drive, too! Well, kind of. I asked them about that, about how the Jews could only drive less than a mile on the Sabbath, and they said that's true, but that was a Jewish custom, not from the Lord – so go ahead and drive to Church, you haven't broken the Sabbath.
I also thought I shouldn't buy anything on the Sabbath – but I guess I can. I can get gasoline, or I can pay to park my car – depending on the circumstances. How do I know what are the right circumstances? I really don't want to break the Sabbath, but do I really need to call my minister every time I have a doubt about it? Is it really all in my own judgement? They said if it's an emergency and I have to do it, it's alright. But I should have done it on Friday night before sunset. So I still feel guilty!
But they told me to come to church because it's more important to fellowship on the Sabbath than to stay home. But what if I did break the Sabbath – and they don't tell me I did, and I don't know I did? They said something about binding and loosing and the minister's authority and power – but it just does not sit right with me.
I wondered about the whole graduation thing down the road, and that got even more vague. It all depends on how long, how much work, being brief... I feel like I'm walking on pins and needles! The same with funerals, weddings.... as long as I don't miss church. If anything happens during church time, they say I have to go to church as the first priority. I can always go to church, but these things only happen once in a while. But if I don't go to church, they could kick me out and I could face the third resurrection. Again – why so vague? And if I DO get to go to a wedding or funeral, I'm not supposed to engage in worldly conversation or idle chatter. What am I supposed to do, sit in the corner and read a Bible while everyone else is enjoying the occasion?
And when it comes to chores. They said I can wash the dishes, but it should be done the night before. If I do wash the dishes, only when I have to – like a cleanliness or bug issue. Same thing with making the bed. I shouldn't go all out in making the bed, but I can pull the covers up a bit and I should “be okay”.
I wondered about when my neighbors come over to borrow something. I can't lend them tools, because I'd be enabling them to work, but I can give them sugar or bread – even though they might be using that to cook with. Why does everything have to be so complicated?
I guess I'm left with more answers than I started with. They told me don't be on either extreme of these questions. I can always go to the minister to decide on these issues if I have doubts about it. Maybe that's what they want me to do. To always rely on them for the right answers and the proper judgment. I guess that's what I have to do. Because they want me to believe the Sabbath is a delight and a feast day. But all I end up doing is wondering if what I am doing is right, or wrong, and end up disciplining the children, or okaying something that's not okay, or not okaying something that is okay.
I think after reading this letter, that they aren't taking the Sabbath as seriously as I do, because I read in the Bible how serious it was in those days. Oh well, if they aren't too worried about it, maybe I shouldn't be. But I do need to make sure I never miss a church service, or send in a tithe, or disobey a minister. That seems to be what they always take seriously! Maybe I'm just not converted enough to understand this. Yeah, that's it. I'm definitely not ready for baptism.
Until next entry - Forward to the Kingdom.....
-Festival Jane
Reference to Article: The Joyful Blessings of God's Holy Sabbath
Author: William F. Dankenbring
Date: September 9, 1964
Publication: Good News Magazine
submitted by SHT
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In About 10 Years You Will Be......
submitted by SHT
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The Ultimate Conspiracy Theory
THE ULTIMATE CONSPIRACY THEORY
By
Lonnie C Hendrix aka Miller Jones
A friend (who is also part of the Armstrong Church of God culture) recently forwarded me a couple of articles on the mechanics of conspiracy theories. Although his email did not contain any commentary, it was obvious that he felt these articles had a high degree of relevance to our shared experience in Armstrongism.
The first article appeared in the BBC’s Focus Magazine (online edition) and was titled, “What makes a conspiracy theory?” The article was posted 5 September 2018 by Moya Sarner and makes some very interesting points that I think most ACOG folks would find interesting.
Sarner states: “Conspiracy theorists tend to believe that everyone else is being deceived, apart from themselves. The methods of deception, they believe, are elaborate, complex, ongoing and executed almost perfectly – pulling the wool over the eyes of those who haven’t yet ‘seen the light’.” Armstrong taught his followers that they alone had the TRUTH, and that the rest of the world (including Christianity at large) were deceived. He taught that Satan and the Roman Catholic Church had plotted and executed an elaborate, complex and ongoing scheme to change God’s laws and pervert/distort doctrinal truth.
Sarner goes on to say that conspiracy theorists employ selective proofs and reject or ignore any evidence which contradicts their thesis. Continuing, we read: “Conspiracy theories are often based not on hard evidence, but on picking holes in the mainstream narrative, pointing out what does not fit or does not seem to have an explanation, and using this as evidence that the conspiracy theory must be true.” Armstrong loved to point out inconsistencies in the narrative of Traditional Christianity (e.g. the notion of playing a harp all day while lounging on a cloud, being tormented in the flames of hell, three days and three nights, the pagan origins of Christian holidays, etc.) In short, he described these things in such terms to his readers that their absurdity made his teachings seem like the epitome of reason and common sense.
In “The rise of the Flat Earthers” (same magazine and author), Sarner points out that these theories are often completely unsupported by scientific evidence; “But conspiracy theorists question the institutions that provide this evidence, and countering their beliefs with logical reasoning doesn’t seem to work.” That should also sound familiar to anyone who has read or heard Armstrong’s teachings. Herbie often ridiculed theologians, scientists and intellectuals.
Why are we susceptible to these theories? Referring to an expert in the field, Sarner writes: “‘Our brain has a bias towards seeing meaning rather than just chaos, so sometimes we may think we see a pattern when it doesn’t really exist.’ He explains that this has evolutionary benefits: if a noise in the bushes is believed to be caused by a tiger rather than the wind, the listener will take evasive action which could save his life. ‘So when it comes to conspiracy theories, it’s all about taking ambiguous information and weaving it all together, spotting the patterns and connecting the dots.’” In other words, there has to be an explanation for what’s going on in the world, AND THIS MAKES SENSE TO ME!
Likewise, Sarner informs us that there is this thing called “proportionality bias, where we assume that if something big happens, such as a terrorist attack or a president being assassinated, something big must have caused it.” Think about this in relation to Armstrongism. All of the violence, chaos and confusion in the world made sense to us when we viewed it through the lens of Herbie’s teachings. Yes, the devil had to be behind it all – it would take someone/something that powerful to generate this mess!
Finally, Sarner points out that there is evidence to suggest that the folks who are most likely to fall for these theories often experience some level of anxiety or paranoia over their surroundings. Moreover, Sarner concludes that “Recent studies have also found that people who are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories also tend to have a need for uniqueness – a desire to be in the small group of people who are ‘in the know’.” We were among the chosen few who were in the know.
Yes, when we consider the phenomenon of conspiracy theories, it becomes clear to us that we fell for one of the grandest conspiracy theories of all time. As a fellow traveler, I know that the path back to reality and sanity can be very painful. I also know that there was a certain kind of solace and comfort in knowing THE TRUTH, and in being part of the few who were not deceived; but facing reality has its own rewards. After all, we may not be part of a select few; but it can still be inspiring to understand that we share this planet and life with billions of brothers and sisters! What do you think?
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Gerald Weston: We Are Not Delusional! We Are Not Crazy!
Gerald Weston has sent out a letter to the faithful as they prepare for the fall holy days, which all lead up to The Last Great Day when faithful LCG members will become God and rule the universe. But in the meantime, life here on earth is a crap fest. The church is under constant attack by the "prince of the power of the air", disgruntled members, blogs and Bawana Bob.
No, but there will be a great "candy store in the universe" when LCG members become gods and are given rods to rule their worlds with a strong spanking hand!Dear brethren, it is important that we keep this vision in mind. The world may see us as delusional, but if the Bible is the word of God, which we know it is, then we are not so crazy. We are following in the footsteps of biblical figures who went before us. We are following the faith of Abraham, the courage of Daniel, and the steadfastness of Noah.We are not there yet, but this we can know for sure: We are all going to die, and either there is a resurrection or there is not. There is no middle ground. Either the Bible is true, or it is not. Again, no middle ground. We are here because we believe the Bible and we believe there is a resurrection—and we believe that the resurrection is to an eternal life of service and action. There is no great “candy store in the sky” to merely gratify our senses.
LCG should be careful about mocking those who believe in heaven when they themselves believe in something that is just as equally crazy or crazier! Remember now that the Kingdom of God will be ruled this way:
God
Jesus
Moses
Abraham
David
Herbert Armstrong
Rod Meredith
Gerald Weston
pee-on godlet's
Oh yes, life in the family of God involves joy and pleasure, for we read in Psalm 16:11, “In your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” But this is not separate from work, productivity, and service. “Jesus answered them [those who criticized Him for healing on the Sabbath], ‘My Father has been working until now, and I have been working’” (John 5:17). God the Father and Jesus Christ have never retired—and neither will we quit. How wonderful it will be to have bodies that do not break down with age and to live productively in a harmonious eternal family!We must keep these things in mind as we struggle through daily life, and we must recognize how short this physical life is! We must follow the example of those who paved the way for us:
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them" (Hebrews 11:13–16).
Yes, let's emulate the life of the great Rod Meredith who ripped apart long-standing marriages and destroyed families. Who defamed Leona McNair when he lied from the pulpit. The man who connived and plotted with Raymond McNair to set up Global Church of God so Meredith would have a job when he left WCG. Let's follow the same man who then stabbed Raymond McNair in the back and took Global Church of God's money and members to form living Church of God with the help of a known COG pedophile. Yes, let's follow a man who preached such depressing hate filled sermons that Terry Ratzman was led to kill LCG members during Sabbath services. Let's emulate the man who spawned off from his church two of the biggest liars the COG has ever seen, Dave Pack and his ever-so-bitter Bob Thiel. And let's not forget to emulate the man so obsessed with sex that he could not carry on a normal conversation, write an article, or preach a sermon without discussing gay sex.
Nope, they are not crazy. They are not delusional. They are just the "living" Church of God.
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Living Church of God On How To Dress For The Feast
Apparently, the boys in Charlotte still think LCG members are too stupid to know how to dress appropriately. For over 80 years now the record is still skipping in the same spots.
What Is Appropriate Dress at the Feast?
General Guidelines: In most modern cultures, coats, collared shirts, ties and nice slacks are considered appropriate attire for men on special occasions. This may vary in tropical climates, yet, in all climates there is a distinction between what is appropriate and what is not. 1 Timothy 2:9–10 explains that ladies should dress “in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation.” This does not include the trendy and immodest apparel that is commonplace for many women in our society today: short, tight, form-fitting dresses, necklines displaying cleavage, bare shoulders, backless dresses, belly-baring tops, etc. Our challenge as Christian men and women is to come out of this world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and recapture true values so we can be lights to a world that has lost its way (Matthew 5:14–16). This is especially true as we gather to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles—picturing Christ’s glorious reign on earth!
BeachwearBeachwear at the Feast for ladies should be a modest one-piece or a modest tankini (covering the mid-section); and for the men, no Speedo-type swimsuits, except when pool facility rules require them. Fathers and husbands have a responsibility to be leaders in the family to teach and guide regarding what is appropriate and what is not (Ezekiel 22:26).
Special MusicIn most Western-culture settings, the appropriate clothing for men doing special music is coat and tie; for ladies, a dress or skirt and blouse that are modest and conservative. Because being on an elevated platform or stage at the Feast makes hemlines appear higher than they actually are, a good rule of thumb when performing special music is for a dress or skirt to at least reach the knees, including when seated. Avoid high slits in a dress or skirt. If dress attracts undue attention, it will draw the minds of those in the congregation away from their focus on the music and worship of God. For sake of example, those chosen to be on the special music list at the Feast should dress appropriately and modestly, based on these guidelines above, at all times, even when not performing.
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Pining For The New Moon
Leave it to James Malm to make life ridiculously legalistic as he searches for the faintest glimpse of the New Moon in order for him to officially declare the Feast of Trumpets is happening. Imagine parking your sore butt on some rock on the hillside with your binoculars out as you continually scan the horizon for the faintest glimpse of the new moon. This is what happens when you bastardize the law into something it was never meant to do. Just like he waits for people to crawl over the Judean hillsides looking for the first grains of barley he places all of his energy in prostituting himself to the letter of the law instead of understanding what Jesus did and accomplished. Just like Bawana Bob Thiel, James Malm has placed his faith in something he can never completely accomplish. They each search for the unattainable.
The New Moon was NOT seen from Jerusalem or anywhere in Israel this evening, therefore the first day of the Biblical Seventh Month will begin at sunset ending 11 September and the Feast of Trumpets will be all day until sunset Sep 12.
Early on Sep 11 there will be a post on the New Moon as it applies to the Feast of Trumpets. Tomorrow afternoon at 19:00 EDT there will be a post on events during the period between Pentecost and the Feast of Trumpets. There will also be a post on the Feast of Trumpets, during the actual Feast on 12 Sep.
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The Red Heifer Has Been Born, Prophecy Comes Alive, Armstrongites Flip Out
The WND, the official news source for many Churches of God is breathlessly reporting that the first red heifer in 2,000 years has been born in Israel. According to Numbers 19 the red heifer was to be without blemish and is to be sacrificed for the purity of Israel. This is also a harbinger of the Second Temple being built and their return of the Messiah.
“This is the ritual law that Hashem has commanded: Instruct B’nei Yisrael to bring you a red cow without blemish, in which there is no defect and on which no yoke has been laid.This is sure to soon send the two resident self-appointed prophets of idiocy in the Church of God (James Malm and Bob Thiel) as they twist their self-righteous prophetic knickers all in a knot. The two resident Jesus deniers believe this is proof that prophecy is coming alive. The myths of Judaism are just as valid to these two guys as is the Mayan and Catholic myths are.
From James Malm making wild and speculative prophecies over middle East situations and Bob Thiel's self-declaration of prophetic importance as the one an only true prophet to the COG today, the idiocy of their views on world events have no boundaries for rational thinking.
From believing rampaging Muslims will bring about the end times to Fatima and popish predictions as harbingers of the end times, these two guys will manipulate scriptures in order to make themselves look "right." From obscene demands to force people to prostitute themselves to the law to believing there is only one true church active on earth today. Jesus is always cast to the side. Grace and mercy are unknown qualities for men who have turned their backs on the god they claim to follow.
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Philadelphia Church of God's Gerald Flurry Now Claims To Be "Shiloh" And Cannot Be Overturned
Can the idiots that run the various Churches of God get any dumber?
Exit and Support has this:
September 1, 2018
So Flurry is claiming to be Jewish of the tribe of Judah. Because of Judah in Genesis chapter 49, it was prophesied that the "sceptre shall not depart from Judah." Flurry must also believe he is Shiloh. Shiloh means "whose right it is." The throne of David was to be "overturned, overturned, overturned, and shall be no more (overturned), until he comes (Shiloh) whose right it is." From Ezekiel 21:27. That means from King David's Jerusalem, overturned to Northern Ireland, overturned to Scotland, overturned to London England, and will be no more overturned until Shiloh overturns it to Jerusalem again. But something is wrong because if Flurry hallucinates that he is Shiloh, he has instead overturned it to Edmond, USA.
So he must hallucinate he is Jesus "the anointed" aka Shiloh, whose right it is, forever and ever. And Jerusalem must now be Edmond, USA. But that is the wrong place. And he did not ride a cherub through the clouds, in his majesty, through the heavens, to our rescue either.
Time for Philadelphians to get back to the reality of their bibles to program their minds as to the knowledge of God, instead of allowing Flurry to program their minds with his hallucinations to enrich himself thereby. Time all COG mentally deceived realized that a burnt offering would be a crisp $100 note burnt round the edges including portions of the serial number, before offering it. My wife has been burnt monetary wise by Flurry's PCG who promised in writing (we kept the letter) to provide a receipt for honest auditing purposes for monies contributed, but did not, which was poor stewardship on their part. Highly questionable we think. Two years went by, we complained, and they tried to foist the blame on us for not complaining earlier. We thought the loot vanished into the ether. We then realized it had effectively disappeared into the ether. No more of our loot materialized into Flurry's PCG "ether."
Whenever we paid tithes to COG churches [offshoots], God did not rebuke the devourer in our fruit trees as promised in Malachi 3:11. This is the test for whether or not tithing is being placed in the wrong hands and/or the "ether." So none of them preach that taboo, obviously. Our cups didn't overflow either. Flurry's did! --Peter Holt.
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LCG 2018 Dress Code vs COG 1960 (The Good Old Days)
Above is a picture from 1960 of the Feast of Tabernacles in Big Sandy.
How dare those men be seen in short sleeve shirts or not wearing a tie!
Open neck collars, GHASTLY DAYS!
Women with exposed arms! Lord have mercy!
Yet, the legalistic lords and masters of Living Church of God are demanding that men and women dress according to THEIR expectations.
photo: SHT
General Guidelines: In most modern cultures, coats, collared shirts, ties and nice slacks are considered appropriate attire for men on special occasions. This may vary in tropical climates, yet, in all climates there is a distinction between what is appropriate and what is not. 1 Timothy 2:9–10explains that ladies should dress “in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation.” This does not include the trendy and immodest apparel that is commonplace for many women in our society today: short, tight, form-fitting dresses, necklines displaying cleavage, bare shoulders, backless dresses, belly-baring tops, etc. Our challenge as Christian men and women is to come out of this world (2 Corinthians 6:17
) and recapture true values so we can be lights to a world that has lost its way (Matthew 5:14–16
). This is especially true as we gather to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles—picturing Christ’s glorious reign on earth!
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COG Hurricane Shield Collapses As Satan Attacks East Coast Feast Sites With Hurricane
The Time-Worn, Hurricane-Reversing, Feast-Saving Hurricane Shield that in decades past was rumored to turn hurricanes around and back to sea, saving a few thousand dedicated Church of God Feast-goers from certain destruction, appears to be losing steam!
The latest Hurricane to encounter the Shield, Hurricane Florence (which, of course, in all concern and seriousness, we hope people in danger and in harm's way actually DO take seriously and evacuate from NOW - this one's a biggie!!!), which could be one of the most damaging and destructive Hurricanes in many decades, threatening hundreds of thousands of people along the North Carolina And South Carolina coastline - timed of course to coincide with the Fall Holy Day Season, is buffing against the shield, which appears to be struggling to deflect this Hurricane. What then, has weakened the infamous Church of God Hurricane Shield?
It has been rumored that the state of one of the Churches of God are to blame.
The Church of God which activated their Famed Hurricane Shield of Fasting and Prayer seems to have become "lukewarm" and "stale" - and the presiding Evangelist's ho-hum call for the fast seems to have weakened the Hurricane Shield.
The Chief Engineer of the Shield yelled to the Home Office "Captain! We're giving her all we've got! She can't take much more of this!"
The Presiding evangelist responded "Well, you're doing the best you can, nothing much more we can do."
The other Churches of God clearly mocked the failing Shield, stating it proves they were never the Church of God anyway.
None of the Churches of God seemed to show any concern or pledge any help, to the best of our knowledge, to the many hundreds of thousands of people on the coast. When asked why, one pompous COG said "They're under the devil's punishment, we can't interfere with God's Judgement."
The Hurricane Shield in past times was claimed to have caused reversals, loops, stalls, dissipation, and other weakening phenomena in decades past. Another shield, the Tornado Fizzler, has been rumored to do the same, causing tornadoes to split, dip, rise, dissipate, hop, and jump over Church member's homes - while smashing and crushing non-church members' homes just doors down.
*****
Instead of showing concern and helping those who are suffering from the effects of Natural Disaster, the Churches of God have historically used such events to boost their own bias that they are the only bearers of Protection from the wrath of the weather. Perhaps, some will act and think differently with Florence - and embrace the opportunity to help those in need, doing the right thing, by assisting, helping, giving, and rebuilding those who need a loving hand.
submitted by SHT
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HWA: Disobedient Women Blaspheming The Church
Good News 1969
Have you ever noticed how women in the church were always the ones being picked on and maligned? Never mind the fact the ministry in Pasadena was corrupt to the core, it was still the women's fault.
Graphic:SHT
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The MARK of the Cult
For it was, in the days of the Great Worldwide Church, that those who were of the called and the chosen shall be deemed to be separate, and shall establish unto themselves therein thy chosen designation.
For lo! They come forth, to and fro, from all directions, from the north, and the south, even from the east, and as far from the west, to the furthest reaches of the habitations.
Look! For thy growth has established itself. And those who are not called, who have not been set apart, who have not understood the truth from the mouth of the anointed one, shall, without wisdom, without understanding, and without forbearance, shall attempt to join you, and your household, and your sons, and your daughters, in your times of joy and festivity. They shall attempt to enter among you, and shall see what you see, and shall hear what you hear, and be what you have become. This shall not be!
For what shall happen if this is allowed? They may hear the message, and the speech thereof, they may listen to the strange teachings – and they may breed confusion, and division, and ill advice – and shall frustrate the teachers of the anointed one. It shall spread as a cancer – deep, and long, and thorough. They may introduce doubt, and intelligent reasoning, and shred the faith of the sheep as a sharp sword. This cannot be permitted!
These must not be allowed into the presence of the called and the chosen! They must be guarded and secured from our presence! Therefore, those of the called and the chosen shall be MARKED with the Great Seal of the Great Worldwide Church. Every member shall affix this MARK to their method of transportation to and from the Chosen Place where the Name Has been Placed. Those who have not been MARKED shall not be admitted to the Chosen Place where the Name Has been Placed.
Yes, you shalt turn them away! They may be attracted by the throngs of people – dressed in their best, children of great behavior – yes, turn them away! They are of trespass, those who hear the words without understanding! For they shall hear the words of the anointed one and spread them to the north, and the south, and the east, and the west, and shall twist, shall distort, shall mock, and jest at the words of the anointed one! Yes, they shall not participate in the blessings of the called and the chosen! They are not the superior, the called, the chosen, the elect!
For those who do not have the MARK of the Great Worldwide Church are not called. They are cut off, separated, unconverted, and worldly! They are drunkards! They are foul mouthed. They are selfish, they are greedy, they are lovers of money. They may not be allowed within thy walls!
The purity of thy Church must be maintained! The sanctuary of the called and the chosen must be graced with unity and all doubt shall be purged! The storehouses, then, shall give of thy bounty unto the Great Worldwide Church – thirty fold! There shall be none whose mind shall waiver from thy calling!
MARK those, who are of the Great Worldwide Church, with thou colors of Green, and of Orange, and of Red, and park those marked into the presence of the anointed one, to partake of the words from the mouths of the anointed, so there may be unity, so that the storehouses may be full, and the mammon may be great! For THIS, the MARK of the Great Worldwide Church, shall identify them as the People of the anointed one whose jowels shall shake and tremble, and whose fist shall clench, and whose voice shall raise in a spell of authority, to maintain the authority of the chosen one among those who fill the storehouses!
Yes! MARK them!
submitted by SHT
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Pat Robertson, The Church of God and Hurricanes
A reader here commented on another thread:
Yesterday Pat Robinson said that his prayers had diverted the hurricane away from Virginia Beach southward to the heathens in the Carolinas. (He may not have used the word "heathens" but his lack of concern for anyone but himself is no different than that of the COGs.) It is the nature of those who think they alone have religious truth to despise others.Pat Robertson is just like the Churches of God who pray every year that "satan" be restrained from sending hurricanes and bad weather to Feast sites.
I remember sitting in the large green tent in Jekyll Island when the preacher got up and asked everyone present to pray that a hurricane that was headed towards the Island be turned around. The wind was roaring, the tent was flapping, rain was pouring in as light bulbs were popping. Deacons and men were hanging on to tent poles as they bounced in the wind. Not one minister ever apologized for bring out thousands of members to sit through the storm. God was testing our faith.
Eventually the hurricane turned and devastated Cuba causing massive destruction and countless deaths. Church members clapped with glee when told the hurricane had turned and hit Cuba. After all, this was an island filled with god-forsaken socialists; so any loss of life there was just a fact of life for being part of Satan's world.
The magical god of Armstrongism has always been on the side of the church and answered every prayer, turning hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes and other disasters around so that OTHER people suffered instead of COG members. That vengeful god always destroyed other peoples lives so that COG members knew they were special and set apart.
Pat Robertson's god does the same thing. It is always listening to every prayer Robertson utters, all at the expense of the rest of humanity. Robertson's god loves destroying other lives.
We must never forget that that same god is going to take delight in destroying most of humanity when the end time hits. That is where Robertson and the COG meet. Both groups need a vengeful god at their beckon call.
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More Pages to Explore .....
