News of Those Once Affiliated with the Global Church of God

Since the November 1998 takeover of the old GCG by the board in the U.S., those once with GCG went to many places. Most of the members and ministers ultimately went with the Living Church of God (LCG), 8-15% went with the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship (CGCF) and smaller percentages ended up with David Pack's Restored Church of God (RCG), Harold Smith's Church of God Fellowship, Northwest (CGFnw), the Continuing Church of God (CCOG), and other groups (at least one which is outside the U.S. uses the term Global Church of God). On July 1, 2001, eight ministers resigned from CGCF and formed the Church of the Eternal God (CEG), similar in name, but not related, to the Eternal Church of God (ECG--founded by a minister removed from the original GCG ministry for impropriety). About a month later CGCF (USA) dissolved and most then with it ended up in the United Church of God (UCG). One former GCG minister (Ronald Laughland) became pastor of the Wholeworld Church of God. In 2004, Raymond McNair, having been in GCG, CGCF, LCG, then went on his own and formed Church of God, 21st Century (COG21); later he died and that group disbanded. Don Haney, once in GCG/LCG, formed the Church of God In Peace and Truth. In 2005, Ben Faulkner, who was in GCG/LCG, formed the Church of the Sovereign God (CotSG). In 2006, Charles Bryce who was in GCG/LCG left, and formed the Enduring Church of God (En COG). In 2010, several of the main leaders who went to UCG from CGCF left it and went to a group called COGWA. A couple of people, like Norman Edwards (Servants' News/Shepherd's Voice), left GCG well before the 1998 takeover (he has Port Austin Bible Campus). In 2013, Rod Reynolds left LCG and formed COG Messenger. On 12/15/11, a minister in good-standing with LCG anointed Bob Thiel with oil and prayed that God would grant him a double-portion of His Spirit (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God): and things have not been the same since (Bob Thiel still, of course, supports the goals and biblical beliefs of Philadelphia era of the Church of God). Website links for most of those who were once part of GCG and that have websites can be found at the COGlinks page. In 2012, certain heresies were officially introduced, accepted, and/or promoted by LCG. After concluding that insufficient value was placed on the truth (and keeing their word) by certain leaders of LCG and that they no longer held to biblical church governance and could not as is be used to lead the final phase of the work (see also Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God), on 12/28/12 Bob Thiel was led to form, and then announced, the beginning of the Continuing Church of God (CCOG). CCOG seems to be the second or third largest group, in terms of members, of those groups whose leaders were once part of GCG (LCG is largest). This page reports on those groups that somehow once had ties to the old GCG.

12/29/15 a.m. Linda Holeman-Logan, one of Rose Brown's daughters, sent me a link related to funding funeral costs: Mama Rose Fund.

12/27/15 a.m. I am saddened to announce the death of Rose Brown who hosted the CCOG congregation in Wichita, Kansas. She had been ill for some time and died yesterday afternoon. While her death was not a shock, it is a major loss. She was with CCOG for about two years. We sometimes spoke over the telephone. I actually telephoned her on Thursday, but she was not able to take the telephone call, so I spoke with one of her children. Earlier this year, I was able to meet her and some of her family at the Feast of Tabernacles in Denver, Colorado. She was a brave and courageous woman who was willing to stand up for the Philadelphian-era truth during this predominantly Laodicean time.

12/18/15 p.m. Last week, I reported that CEG is insisting that a Jewish temple in Jerusalem must be built. Today, I learned that also last week, RCG is insisting on the same heresy.

Here is a partial announcement from RCG on its WCG news page:

Third Temple Foretold—Bible Prophecy! (Part 1)

presented by David C. Pack

Jerusalem’s Temple Mount is the most coveted archeological, religious, historical and cultural plot of ground in the world. It will soon become the epicenter of conflict in the Mideast—and ultimately the world. Bible prophecy reveals a third Temple will be built on this site. When and how will this happen? This broadcast reveals the shocking truth!

In this video, David Pack calls all other people ignorant and says they have no idea about this subject. He said that the temple reference in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 is the from same word that means the physical Jewish temple in the gospels and Paul.

David Pack explictly stated that Jesus would:

return to an existing temple of God.

He also said:

It will be an enclosed structure, not merely an altar. ... Our focus here is the temple in Jerusalem... This can only be a third physical temple... The context is obviously just before Christ returns. ... Zechariah 1:16... God will soon return to Jerusalem with mercies and build His House. ... It is God's Temple, He protects it through powerful, unprecedented miracles, on a potentially massive scale. ... in our time... Psalm 83:12... Jesus Christ will return to an existing temple. It will be located on Mt. Zion, thus requiring Israel to come back into possession of it. This is the very temple from which Christ and the saints will rule and bring peace to all nations after His return and glory. I have walked this mount more than one time... Prophecy watchers...they are so ignorant... Things things will happen! ... How this temple drives world events is staggering.

He says the construction of this third temple will get the world against Judah. He says this will trigger the 'rupture' between Israel and basically all others. His ego is staggering and comes out in this erroneous presentation.

David Pack's third temple insistence is both biblically wrong and in contradiction of the position that the late Herbert W. Armstrong taught. Herbert Armstrong taught:

God made a prophecy in the third chapter of Malachy...Continuing, "...shall suddenly come to His temple..." What kind of temple is He coming to? Are the Jews going to tear down the Dome of the Rock and build a new temple? Oh, no!... A holy temple! Christ is coming to His church! Christ is coming to His temple! Do we see that? The church is the temple. "...in whom ye are also builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Armstrong, Herbert W. Congress of Leading Ministers Hears Defined and Reemphasized Spiritual Organization of Church. Worldwide News, March 6, 1981, p. 10)

"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles [New Testament] and prophets [Old Testament], Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy TEMPLE in the Lord" (verses 20-21). So God reveals here that the Church is: 1) the HOUSEHOLD or begotten FAMILY of God; 2) a building—a HOLY TEMPLE—fitly joined together—that is, well organized (and, of course, on GOD'S pattern). As a building—the HOLY TEMPLE to which Christ will come—it is built on a FIRM FOUNDATION: the apostles, chosen by Christ, and the prophets. ...

There has been much perplexity and discussion as to when the temple will be built to which Christ shall come. Malachi's prophecy speaks of Christ's second coming to His temple (Malachi 3:1-6). In Haggai's prophecy it is referred to prophetically. Zerubbabel has been sent as governor of a colony to build the second temple 70 years after the destruction of Solomon's temple. He built the temple to which Jesus came, though it had been enlarged and embellished by the Roman Herod. But speaking of this temple, as a type and forerunner of the temple to which Christ shall come at His second coming , it is written, "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the ' Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts" (Haggai 2:9).

It is inconceivable that the Israelis, in the present international turmoil over their possession of old Jerusalem, could ever demolish the Arab Moslem Dome of the Rock - now on the site of Solomon's temple-and build a new one there of greater splendor and glory than Solomon's! However, as the second temple Zerubbabel was building was a typical forerunner of the temple to which Christ shall come, even so Zerubbabel was the typical forerunner of one Christ would use in building the far more glorious temple to, which Christ shall come in His GLORY!

Zechariah 4:9 : "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it . . .. " And as Zerubbabel's hands did finish that second temple, so shall the one Christ uses in building the temple to which He shall come in His GLORY!

And the Church of God of the present day shall be a "building fitly framed together [and growing] unto an holy temple in the Lord" (Ephesians 2:21). (Armstrong HW. 7 Proofs of God's True Church, Part 6. Plain Truth. August, 1979, p. 38)

Many of us are being tried and tested as NEVER BEFORE--and for our own good! But, verse 11, "from the time the daily sacrifice shall be taken away ....Consider this a moment. This does NOT imply a material temple to be built in our time in Jerusalem. It does seem to imply the Israelis may restore the daily (twice daily) sacrifice--possibly at the wailing wall. (Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General's Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2)

The reason to mention Herbert W. Armstrong is that David Pack originally said that RCG stood for "precision of doctrine" and that he would hold to the teachings that Herbert W. Armstrong espoused when he started RCG. This is another deviation.

But the question all need to consider is what does the Bible actually teach?

David Pack's assertion about the Greek word used in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 is the physical temple in Jerusalem in the rest of the New Testament is misleading. There are two Greek words generally translated as 'temple' in English: they are hieron (ίερόν) and naos (ναος or ναον). 

While the Greek term hieron always seems to refer to a physical temple in the New Testament (usually a Jewish one, but sometimes a pagan one, e.g. Acts 19:27), the term naos does not always do so.  And it is a version of naos that is used in 2 Thessalonians 2:4. The New Testament uses the term naos to refer to humans and Christ Himself. Its use in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 IS NOT PROOF OF A PHYSICAL TEMPLE. David Pack, who repeatedly blasts people for their ignorance in this message about the third temple is demonstrating deceit and/or ignorance when he attempts to insist that naos proves that a third physical temple will be built.

Furthermore, when referring to Psalm 83:12, David Pack seemed to imply that this was related to the third temple, yet that verse says HOUSES of God, plural and thus is not a reference to a third temple. And the actual Hebrew term is only translated once as 'houses' in the NKJV--it is translated as 'habitations' 5 times, as 'pastures' (5 times, like in Psalm 23:2), and as 'pleasant places' once. David Pack seems to overlook that the Bible was not originally written in English and he does not understand what it taught about temples and habitations.

Because those in RCG are now insisting on a third temple in Jerusalem, to be built and controlled by the Israelis, before various prophetic events can take place, they (like the Laodiceans COGs and other non-Philadelphians) will not possibly know when the Great Tribulation will begin until it is too late.

David Pack's claim that the Jews could build God's actual temple at this time reminds me of something that the Vatican put out in December 2015 basically saying that the Jews were fine with God and essentially do not need to convert (see Vatican pushing climate change and interfaith agendas: It still does NOT realize that the Old Covenant was replaced and Jesus must be confessed to be saved). Even if Jews do build themselves a temple, God is not having Jews build His temple prior to Jesus return.

Anyway, David Pack also made other errors in his message. But as far as this third temple message is concerned, more details on only an altar is required for prophesies related to sacrifices and what the temple of God now is are in the article Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?

12/13/15 a.m. LCG had the following announcement read in services yesterday from its Dr. Douglas Winnail:

Some of the strongest condemnations delivered by the Hebrew prophets were against the leaders of Israel who “cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness” and “who try to make My people forget My name by their dreams” (Jeremiah 23:13, 26-27, 32; see also Isaiah 3:12; 9:16).

Normally, I would have not mentioned something like this, but coming relatively close after the recommended CCOG sermon Dreams, COGs, and One Man Rule, perhaps it should be commented upon.

Why? Other than the late Martin Luther King, Jr., there have not been famous political leaders speaking much publicly about actual dreams. Thus, the announcement seemed directed to get people to discount dreams.

Now, of course, unlike various ones in LCG, I have not lied about what happened. Nor have I attempted to get people to forget God's name because of my dreams. To the contrary, one of the dreams mentioned God and quoted scripture.

The Bible teaches the following:

17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18)

Is the Bible true?

Of course it is.

Why ask that?

Because that verse says that in the latter days, old men would have dreams--this means dreams for God. And that some with God's Spirit would prophesy.

No leader currently in the Living Church of God has claimed that prophetic dreams happened to them. The same is true for all the leaders in groups once part of the old GCG, except the Continuing Church of God.

I had two dreams. I was about 50 at the time of the first one, which essentially makes me an ‘old man’ per Numbers 8:25; cf. John 8:57. And about 52 at the time of the second one.

Some people want to discount dreams, but notice what God taught:

6 “Hear now My words:
If there is a prophet among you,
I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision;
I speak to him in a dream. (Numbers 12:6)

While it seemed to me that from my dreams God was calling me to be a prophet, I was not sure at first that the message was from God. Lest that seem unusual, Jeremiah the prophet sometimes wondered as well--he, like I, realized the message was from God when the message was confirmed (see Jeremiah 32:6-8). Also the Apostle Peter at least once had a vision that he did not understand (Acts 10:9-17) until later as well (Acts 11:5-17). 

On October 3, 2008, Dr. Meredith (Presiding Evangelist of the Living Church of God) called me and said to me, “God may consider you to be a prophet.” Notice that this came from a long-time evangelist and did not first come out from me. It was Dr. Meredith who first brought up the topic about Bob Thiel being a prophet. In January 2009, Dr. Meredith told me over the telephone that if he (Dr. Meredith) was raised to the office of apostle, he was considering ordaining me (Bob Thiel) as a prophet. On February 4, 2009, Dr. Meredith told me over the telephone, “You have an in-depth understanding {of prophetic matters}—you could be a prophet.” In the Summer of 2009, Dibar Apartian told me, in quite a positive tone, that Dr. Meredith had been stating in top level meetings that Bob Thiel may be a prophet. Because of Dibar Apartian's statements, later that Summer or perhaps early Fall, I asked Dr. Douglas Winnail, if he was part of top LCG level discussions stating that Bob Thiel may be a prophet. He said yes.

Now I (somewhat like Gideon, Judges 6:17-22, 36-40) wanted further confirmation. Two LCG ministers (Gary Ehman and Dr. Jeff Fall) told me in November 2012 that I did NOT need special anointing to be a prophet. I told them that based on what the New Testament teaches on the doctrine of the laying on of hands, that I did believe that something like that was required.

I prayed in November/December 2012 that on my next trip to Charlotte, NC, that God would, one way or the other, make the prophet matter clear to me. On the morning of December 15, 2011, upon arriving at the Charlotte HQ of LCG, I asked to meet with Gary Ehman as I wanted to get anointed for some non-debilitating matters as well as to ask him to pray that I be granted wisdom for my meetings with the HQ evangelists. But Gary Ehman was not in.  So instead, I asked to meet with Gaylyn Bonjour (with whom I never had any discussions prior about me possibly being some type of prophet). I asked Gaylyn Bonjour if he would do the anointing and pray that God would grant me wisdom for the meetings. He agreed. But while laying hands upon me, Gaylyn Bonjour also happened (it was not planned nor did I say anything to encourage this) to ask God to grant me a “double-portion” of His Holy Spirit and anointed me with oil. I asked him if he had ever prayed for a a double-portion anointing before, he said he had not, and that the only 'double-portion' he knew of was when Elisha received the double-portion and the mantle in 2 Kings 2. I then attended a meeting with the evangelists and did not then have time to discuss more of what this might mean with Gaylyn Bonjour. On Sunday 12/18/11 night at a family wedding reception, without discussing the matter, I stared at Gaylyn Bonjour for a few moments, without saying anything and then asked, “Do you have any idea of what you may have accidently done?”  Gaylyn Bonjour said, “Yes, I think so.”

The following Monday morning was my first opportunity to speak with Gaylyn Bonjour privately for more details about the anointing.  I asked him if it was his practice to pray that God grant a double-portion of His Spirit to people that he anoints, he said, no he had never done that for an individual before.  I asked him if he had any idea of what he may have been inadvertently led by God to do, and he said yes.  Gaylyn Bonjour also said that the only “double-portion” he recalled from the Bible was when Elisha became the replacement prophet and ecclesiastical leader for Elijah (2 Kings 2:9)—I told then him that this was my recollection as well.  Notice it was Gaylyn Bonjour, and not me, who first stated this connection. He also was the first to bring up the subject of “the passing of the mantle.” On March 23, 2012, Gaylyn Bonjour told me he felt that in the Bible the “double-portion of the Spirit” anointing was related to “the passing of the mantle” and that it mattered not what certain other leaders would say because it is God, and not an organization of men, that truly appoints prophets, etc. 

I believe that God answered my prayer. Many do not really seem to believe that God answers prayers or uses dreams, but His word says otherwise.

Of course, some have objected that Gayyln Bonjour was only a minister and not a top ecclesiastical authority, but God has used less than the 'top level' leaders to actually anoint in the past (2 Kings 9:1-3). Some have objected that he had not intended to do this--and while that is true, consider that Isaac never intended to bless Jacob (Genesis 27:35), yet after he did, he would not take the blessing back (Genesis 27:37). Gaylyn Bonjour also told me that what he did, he did, and the double-portion anointing cannot be taken back. When I told Dr. Meredith about all of this, the only concern he mentioned to me was he felt that anointings like this possibly should be done by an evangelist, yet there is no verse in the Bible that supports that.

Many do not want to believe what the Bible actually teaches.

Like the Sadducees of Jesus' day, modern Sadducees also overlook scriptures. Some deny scriptures such as Matthew 18 (see Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God) and Matthew 28:19 (see Is Matthew 28:19 in the Bible?). Many who claim to belive in biblical church governance instead have decided to rely a bit more on their organization than they have the word of God.

Notice what Jesus told the Sadducees.

29 Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." (Matthew 22:23-32 )

Many in the COGs do not know the scriptures as they should nor the power of God (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God and Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God and The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government).

It probably should also be noted that the Bible teaches to "walk by faith and not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Yet, many seem to feel that it is better to walk by sight.

Within two weeks of my leaving LCG, on January 7, 2013, Dr. Douglas Winnail sent me an email, which included the statement, "we made comments to you  that 'you may be a prophet.'"

As far as I am aware, I the only COG leader who met the criteria of being an 'old man' who had a dream that was confirmed as well as a prayer answered about being given an anointing reminscient of being a prophet.

These are biblically-proper criteria.

Since the time of my departure from LCG, it has promoted more and more doctrinal and prophetic errors as it refuses to believe the Bible and the power of God (see also What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God?).

Too many modern COG people think like Sadducees. Interestingly, years ago, LCG's editorial department contacted me about the possibility of publishing my article Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Although I discouraged it at the time, and LCG did not run it, the reality is that most in the COGs are Laodicean and most of the Laodiceans seem to be like the ancient Sadducees.

Few will believe:

1. Dr, Meredith on more than one occasion stated that God may consider me to be a prophet.
2. That God speaks to His prophets in dreams (Number 12:6).
3. I had two dreams that were confirmed by subsequent events, thus confirming they were from God (Jeremiah 32:6-8; Acts 10:9-17, 11:5-17).
4. Dreams and prophets are required in the last days (Acts 2:17-18).
5. God answered my prayer (cf. Psalm 65:2)
6. God does not always get anointings done the way people think they should be (Genesis 27:25-37; 2 Kings 9:1-3).
7. Therefore my anointing was a real answer to prayer and God's intervention.

Most seem to wish to be like the Sadducees who "are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God." They do not really believe nor understand how God works and governs, despite what His word really teaches.

12/11/15 p.m. CEG reported the following today:

However, the Bible shows that a Third Temple will be built and that sacrifices will be given by the Jews on the Temple Mount prior to Christ’s return. This suggests that the Al-Aqsa mosque WILL BE destroyed.

CEG is in bibically and historically shaky ground on this. The Bible simply does NOT teach that a Third Temple will be built in Jerusalem prior to Christ's return. It is also not historically certain that the Temple Mount was the location of the prior two temples. While the Bible teaches that the Jews will sacrifice, neither the Bible nor the current Sanhedrin teach that a Third Temple is necessary to conduct animal sacrifices. An altar is all that is necessary per Ezra 3:6, and the Jews have one ready. Details on all of this are in the article Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?

Sadly, this, like its position on the King of the South is another prophetic error that CEG has. All the Laodicean groups have prophetic errors, and many are listed in the article The Laodicean Church Era.

12/11/15 p.m. Received an email and information from two other sources about the possibility of Gerald Weston being the designee to takeover LCG. While this is consistent with some of what I know, I have not seen reliable later documents--LCG may make an announcement.

Gerald Weston used to live in Lompoc, California, not too far from where I now am. I, too, also used to live in Lompoc, but years after he did. Gerald Weston is somewhat intense and determined. There have been doctrinal issues he was involved with that I told LCG he was in error about years ago. That being said, we met once or twice, and our encounters were fine.

12/09/15 p.m. Got a couple of emails from a Seventh-day Adventist minister who is based in Garissa, Kenya, recently, and another today.   Here is the first he sent me:

Dear in Christ Bob,

Praise the lord? Am pastor Peter Makendo from Garissa Kenya,  Am  Adventist i have a church and the orphanage, the church has 137 members and the orphanage it has 89 orphanage, all of the are 226 people. we have the church at the same compound with the orphanage, the church it has  two years old and the orphanage it has 1 year and 2 months old. i visited your website and i was happy and interested with what your are doing and i decided to write to you and request if i can partner with your ministry so that we can spread the gospel of the lord to those who are in darkness to come to the light.

I do support my Adventist ministry and the orphans thru the salary of my wife, my wife she is a teacher so we do depend on her salary to buy food and other things that are needed at the orphanage and the church. We are blessed with three children, Joshua, Mary and Samuel. we will talk deeply about my ministry when i will hear from you. I will love to hear from you, may the heavenly father bless you.....Pastor  Peter

Anyway, I responded, told him to check out more of our teachings, and in particular with what we teach about the gospel.  Plus, I told to him to contact CCOG Pastor Evans Ochieng, who was once part of the old Global Church of God. Pastor Ochieng sent him an email that said:

Dear Peter,
Thank you very much for being interested in truth. I was a pastor of
seventh Day Adventist for a long time. I was also selling books of
Adventist. I loved that work of selling books because it gave me
enough time to read all Adventist books.  books like Early writings,
the great controversy, revelation of things to come by wieland, time
running out, bed stories etc. what  I want to tell you is that most of
the things we were reading from these books were just imaginations.
there was no truth in them. if you read Revelation of things to come
by wieland, he was saying that the 24 elders in heaven are David,
Ibrahim Enoch etc. This is not true. So many things which are written
in those books are not true. Now if you decided to join God's church,
that is good because you are being called by God. Jesus says that:--No
one can com to me unless the father who sent me draws him.; and I will
raise him up at the last day. So Know that if you are called to come
out of SDA then that is God's call. we have only one church. And this
church is built on the foundation of apostles and prophets. Jesus
Christ  himself being chief cornerstone.(Ephesians 2:20). CONTINUING
CHURCH OF GOD is where there is a total truth. it is the pillar and
the ground of the truth. (1Timothy 3:14-15). I may urge you peter to
study all things though CCOG website and many truths will be revealed
to you which were not in SDA. You can send me your phone number so
that we can meet and give you more books that can help you and the
magazines. Or you can call me from this number-----0728216321. That is
my number. may God bless you Peter.
waiting to hear from you
Evans

Pastor Peter then responded with:

Dear brother Bob and Evans,

How are you doing in the name of the lord? Am really happy to hear from you about the teachings that you have. I have been a pastor for almost 15 good years but i have never came across the teaching that you have  sent me, am really happy about it with the truth the teachings has. I took all the teachings from both of you that you Bob and Evans sent me and i called all my staff member and we discussed about our church if we can change from SDA  to partner up with your ministry but many were against, but when i gave them all the teachings that you both sent, in fact they were happy to read it and they learn a lot of things that we have never known since we started worshiping in the SDA.

Surely there is NO truth in SDA's teachings i was shocked to learn many things that brother Evans wrote to me to be the truth with another more from what brother Bob sent me. As leaders in our church we decided to change the day and all of them agreed that we get more books to teach our members more about it and of course it will be hard to change the minds of this members about the SDA but i hope God will help us and giude us in all the teachings that we will teach them and understand.

I trust and hope that if i myself i was very hard to be confused about the SDA and nobody was not to try to change me because i was strongly believed in SDA and there teachings but it was easy for and my staffs to change with the prove of the teachings of the books, now i hope that they will believe and follow the teachings and trust that its from God, if i was changed by the teachings then them also will be changed by it too.

I have seen that the SDA has lost many people of God into darkness but i hope and trust that many will come to understand it and get the truth the same way i have got it. i talked with one of my friend who is a pastor at Wajir but i never a greed with me but i sent him the teachings and am waiting to hear from him after he has completed reading the teachings. My wife was very happy to read those teachings even my children, my elder son who is the secretary in our ministry was happy too and he advised us that we should get more books to change other people who are in darkness to bring them to the light and the truth.

Am very happy and i will try my best with the God's help to change many and give them the teachings. The problem we have here in Garissa is that many people are Muslims and the Muslims are against the christianity some days ago people died here because they were christians but i hope in the will of God, He will protect us and guide us. i will love to hear from you again.......shalom......pastor Peter

I responded to the above today and asked about the preferred language for written materials, and Pastor Peter said Kiswahili. I sent him an email and said that if Pastor Ochieng had any printed materials left in Kiswahili that he would try to get them to Pastor Peter. I also sent him a list of materials we have had translated into Kiswahili:

Here is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Kiswahili: KATIKA LUGHA YA KISWAHILI.

 

Here are links to our magazine in Kiswahili:

 

Okt-Des 2014  UNABII WA BIBLIA: MwanaFiladelfia wa Karne ya 21 ni nani?

 

Jul-Sept 2014  UNABII WA BIBLIA: Umoja wa Eurasia Ujao.

 

Aprili – Juni 2014 HABARI ZA UNABII WA BIBLIA

 

BNP Januari-Machi 2015 HABARI ZA UNABII WA BIBLIA

 

 Here is a link to a Study the Bible lesson:

Somo la 1: Kwanini Tujifunze Biblia

 

Hope this helps.

 

Whenever we get a translation of a few more pages, we plan to have a songbook in Kiswahili as well.

Pastor Evans Ochieng has NOT yet been able to visit him, so we will see how this goes. Garissa is in eastern Kenya, and Pastor Ochieng lives in the western portion of that country.

We have a similar situation with a Seventh-day Adventist pastor in Nigeria who contacted us months ago.  He also runs an orphanage.  Pastor Ochieng has been in contact with him (and others in Nigeria) and wants to visit once we have available funds. 

While we do NOT accept all who claim that they are interested in the Continuing Church of God, we also take steps to try to familiarize contacts with our teachings and fulfill 1 Peter 3:15. And this is what we have been doing with Nigeria and are now doing related to this SDA pastor in eastern Kenya.

12/04/15 a.m. In its TW News & Prophecy today, LCG has the following in an article titled EU Will Collapse Like the Roman Empire!:

Although many of the 28 member-nations of the European Union may retreat to their original boundaries, it appears that a smaller core of European nations will emerge from the current turmoil. Bible prophecy has long foretold that at the end of the age, a group of ten European kings (or nations) will “give their power and authority” to a Beast. This short-lived political union will cooperate with and be influenced by a great world-church (see Revelation 17). Events in Europe are fitting into ancient Bible prophecies. (EU Will Collapse Like the Roman Empire! TW News & Prophecy, December 4, 2015)

LCG has been pushing this "core Europe" idea for some time. LCG has certain difficulties understanding Revelation 17 as it tends to hope that the European Beast power will whittle down to ten currently existing nations. Details about that and what the Bible actually teaches can be found in the article Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation. Also, the EU will NOT collapse like the old Roman Empire--the Bible simply does not teach that. The Bible teaches reorganization in Europe, followed by its rise, then destruction from forces to its north and east (Daniel 11:44; Jeremiah 50:41-46; see also Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation).

Sadly, LCG continues to push more prophetic teachings that are not sound scripturally.

11/19/15 p.m. I am saddened to announce that I was just informed of the death of George Lemi of Tanzania (the communication received did not have his date of death). He once was part of the Living Church of God, but he told me he left because LCG was not interested in reaching people in languages like Kiswahili. He always referred to himself, in person and in emails, as 'Lemi,' and not George nor George Lemi.

Starting in early 2013, Lemi became part of the Continuing Church of God. While he was with CCOG, he was a volunteer translator and translated our Bible News Prophecy magazine, as well as Statement of Beliefs, into Kiswahili. He was pleased that CCOG was so willing to go through whatever doors God would open for us in places like Africa.

He was an educated man and a very good translator. He attempted to come to the first CCOG Feast of Tabernacles in 2013 and spoke at an alternative location in Kenya, on our behalf, in Ndhiwa, during that Feast.

Lemi and I met in 2014 at a CCOG leadership conference in Nairobi, Kenya. There, privately, we discussed reaching people in Africa with the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 24:14) and teaching whatsoever Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).

For a doctrinal position he decided on later in 2014, he left CCOG, though on mutually good terms. He left because he wanted me to insist that everyone had to keep the Feast of Tabernacles in palm-branch booths per his understanding of Leviticus 23:40. But I would not do so.

I informed him he was welcome to do that, but CCOG would not teach that this needed to be done.

Why are tents and motel rooms acceptable 'tabernacles' as opposed to only dwelling in palm-branch huts? Here are some items to consider:

• The New Testament shows that Christians have a different tabernacle (cf. Hebrews 8:2; 9:11-15; 13:10).
• It was not possible historically to use palm-branch booths for many regions throughout the Christian church era.
• I have been unable to find that early Christians in Asia Minor/Europe lived in such booths, hence it is not clear that the booth practice was part of the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
• Since Jesus changed symbols and practices associated with Passover (Matthew 26:26-30), and that is why we do not follow the instruction to put blood on our doorposts per Exodus 12:7, that as Christians there were allowable changes to aspects of keeping the Holy Days.
• The children of Israel dwelt mainly in tents per Exodus 33:8 (and sometimes apparently temporary houses per Deuteronomy 4:46) while they were in the wilderness for forty years and God considered those as tabernacles per Leviticus 23:43.
• Living in tents or motel rooms was a similar type of temporary dwelling/tabernacle today.
• We do not do the type of animal sacrifices and offerings (Hebrews 9:9) like the burnt offerings which they used to have to provide during the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:36-37), as instead we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1).
  
• The New Testament gives the church authority to clarify how to keep the Holy Days (Colossians 2:16-17, when properly translated).

Since CCOG was doing the type of proclamation work Lemi felt that God's church should do, in addition to giving him reasons to consider about tabernacles, I said that perhaps he consider at least being involved in that as it was not likely to happen if he was on his own.

Yet, Lemi was unwilling to change his position, nor was he able to reach people like his work did while he was part of CCOG. Despite this, we kept in contact (my last emails to and from him were last month).

I had hoped and prayed that he might come back to us. But, he died.

I am saddened by the loss.

Speaking of Africa, there is a lot of information on that in today's Letter to the Brethren which came out before I learned of Lemi's death.

11/15/15 a.m. Received an unsolicited email yesterday by a CCOG member in the eastern USA, after he watched last week's recommended sermon Dreams, COGs, and One Man Rule (I wrote him back and asked for permission to post it, and told him I would 'X' out the name of one person in the email):

Dr. Thiel,

   Thank you for a needed sermon to inform those who have doubts about the use of dreams by God and to make it clear who God is using now to finish the final phase of His work. I know many are skeptical of one who claims they are the one God is using to lead His Work/Church. This is understandable since there are those who make such claims and are in it for themselves. Clearly you are doing what God has commissioned/called you to do. I can see no reason why you would dedicate so much time and energy in starting and leading the CCof G (what material benefit do you receive?). Materially you would be better off putting that time and energy into your business. However, the only wise option you really have is to allow God to use you as He wants since ones reward is in heaven. Therefore one should store up treasure in heaven.  I do not believe you sought/seek power and prestige as some do in other so called Church of God groups.

   I believe God has lead me to CCofG. He heard and answered my prayer. I finally became so disgusted with GCI and where it had lead God's people. I had so many issues with their doctrine, and tearing down of everything God built through HWA. But I did not know where to go. I believed God called and chose me and that His church would never die out. For many years I thought the mantel passed from HWA to Mr. Tkach senior, since Mr. HWA chose him as his successor, and then Joe Jr. Of course I was wrong. I looked to the example of unfaithful kings in Israel and Judah and waited for God to appoint a faithful leader. The example of David waiting for God to remove Saul was misunderstood by me.

   The last straw was a message DXX RXXXXX gave on church history about 4 years ago. He traced church history through the Catholic Church and he marginalized Mr. Armstrong's work. I finally woke up. I asked God to lead me where His most faithful leader and body of believers was.  In time and after much study of church history and those who were most faithful to the faith once delivered God lead me your website. He answered my prayer. Interestingly it was not until I had re-studied early church leaders such as Polycarp and Polycrates plus the Passover/Easter issue on other web sites, etc. that I discover Cogwriter by "accident".

  I recalled what HWA taught about church history and realized there still must be a Church of God group still faithful to biblical teachings and contending for the faith once delivered. But where and who?

  The main reason I never considered a break off group from WCG in the 1990's was because I first came in contact with Jerry Flurry's group. I reject his teaching on the man of sin and other doctrines and his leadership style. Also, when Global started and other break off groups there was such confusion and governance issue it seemed to me it was better to stay where I was in WCG. Of course being in Connecticut we were far from Pasadena and had little first hand information.

   However, I knew from scripture God did not want Christians to go it alone. He formed His church and it was ones duty to support His work as well as develop a personal  relationship with God. Many of my friends just left WCG or became members in churches of this world. Some stayed with WCG. But I believed God raised up HWA to start the 6th church era and to proclaim the second coming of Jesus Christ. Therefore, how could I just be content to go it alone, (outside of His Church)? Thankfully in time God answered my prayer and I believe has led me to CCofG.

  Hopefully others will wake up. Thank you for your faithful service.

This particular member graduated from Ambassador College in the late 1960s. It is good he found the sermon helpful.  As far as his observation that I was not seeking power and prestige, I would add that he has met with me and seen me both in the USA and Canada, and realizes that my profession, etc. could give me more of that.  And yes, I would concur with his position that I would be better off financially (as well as the related stresses of 'the burden' associated with the work, cf. Malachi 1:1; Numbers 11:11) if I did not lead the CCOG, as I do not take a salary from the Continuing Church of God (CCOG).  While the Bible says that ministers are entitled to be compensated per the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 5:17-18), it also warns against worthless shepherds:

1 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. 4 The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. 6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them." (Ezekiel 34:1-6)

While there is nothing wrong with wearing wool clothing, many in the ministry ended up with better clothes than perhaps they otherwise would have.  Often their focus has been wrong.

Why do I not take a salary?

Two basic reasons.

1) The work would be affected too much negatively--the Apostle Paul, himself, worked in his profession at times (Acts 18:3). We must feed the flock spiritually, and that does take funds to reach people. Costs are incurred for literature, the internet, video production, graphics, printing, postage, and travel--including sending Pastor Evans, Pastor Owak, myself, and/or others to differing locations to minister.

2) If I took a salary a lot more people would go hungry, especially in Africa (cf. Galatians 2:10). The salary amount that would be appropriate for me by historic Worldwide Church of God standards would be more than all the money we currently send to Africa each yea. That being said, while I wish we had more money to send to Africa (and sometimes Asia), as we cannot satisfy all the hungry and other needs there, we are sending what we can.  We do try to feed the flock physically where we can (yet, even the Apostle Peter could not always give to the needy per Acts 3:6), and that takes funds.

This does not mean I would never consider taking a salary, but with the 'present distress' (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:26) I have chosen not to do it and God has blessed our business enough that our family has our needs, etc. met.

The work (Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20; Galatians 2:10) is being done, and CCOG is a work that God has blessed with at least 3 dreams prior to its start and at least once since.But sadly, many do not believe that God will work using dreams in the 21st century, despite the reality that most once part of the old WCG supposedly believed that God did in the 20th century (see also Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).

Here is a link to the sermon that the writer mentioned: Dreams, COGs, and One Man Rule.

11/13/15 a.m. LCG sent out the following today in its Tomorrow's World News & Prophecy e-zine:

The migration crisis, according to the Foreign Minister of Luxemburg, Jean Asselborn, “could lead to the collapse of the European Union and even to war” (EU Observer, November 9, 2015). His concern is that Europe may have “only several months time left” before a collapse of the European Union which he believes “can break apart” (ibid.). Since Luxembourg currently holds the “six-month rotating presidency of EU” and counts itself “among the bloc’s six founding states, its words carry extra weight” (ibid.). France, which used to be the leading nation in Europe on foreign affairs and diplomacy, has little to no answers, and struggles to cope with the lack of influence it now holds as it is sidelined by a resurgent Germany (The Economist, November 7, 2015).

The confusion in Europe should be no surprise to individuals following Tomorrow’s World. Bible prophecies foretold these developments thousands of years ago. Explaining the final empire of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the prophet Daniel said, “Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided... And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile” (Daniel 2:41-42). This end-time European power will have links to the ancient Roman Empire. If a EU break-up does occur soon, watch for a smaller group of nations to emerge (possibly 10) that will form a close alliance with the Catholic Church (see Revelation 17).

Actually, because of its twists and changes in teachings, those who are following Tomorrow’s World will be confused about this. Unless LCG changes in several ways, I do not believe that LCG will know when Revelation 17:12-13 is being fulfilled or when the Great Tribulation will start, until it is too late.

LCG, via Tomorrow's World, has taught that the EU would break up and that a 'core Europe' of 10 nations (or 11 depending on the LCG statement) would be the only ones supporting the final Beast power. While that is again reflected in the above, at least now LCG only says that it is "possibly 10" nations instead of insisting like it has in the past.

Notice, for example, the following from 2014:

In recent years, as the EU grew to 27 members, skeptics criticized the biblical idea that ten nations would form the nucleus of a final Beast power in Europe (Daniel 2:41-43). However, the Bible clearly states that at the time of the end, “ten kings… will give their power and authority to the beast” (Revelation 17:12-13). If this Beast is led by a particular nation (e.g., Germany), then the total number involved could well be 11! While it is not yet clear which nations will make up the final Beast power prophesied by Daniel and the Apostle John, world events indicate that a group of 10 or 11 nations coalescing to form the final Beast power is not far-fetched, fictional, or even a far-off idea-it is a soon-coming reality! (TW News & Prophecy, May 16, 2014)

Bible prophecy reveals that the final leader of the end-time European Beast power will be an influential person who is both self-confident and arrogant (Daniel 11:36-39). This charismatic leader will lead ten nations who give their "power and authority" over to him (Revelation 17:12-13). (A Young Face Among Old European Leaders. TW News & Prophecy, July 11, 2014)

Despite its confusing/contradictory messages, it is good that LCG is no longer publicly insisting on 10 or 11 nations like it did before. Yet, the fact that LCG is still apparently focused on the 10 nation possibility, in my view, shows that unless certain matters change there, it will not known when the Great Tribulation will start until it is too late.

More information on Revelation 17:12-13 (including other LCG and other COG writings) can be found in the article Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?

11/07/15 p.m. Visited the WholeWorld COG site today. It has been redesigned and now seems to mainly have links to old WCG literature. While there is value in a lot of the old literature, some of it is in error, and much needs to be updated. A greater work than that needs to be done, and that is what we in CCOG are doing in order to fulfil Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20.

10/30/15 a.m. In its newletter today, CEG had the following:

Will Britain Stay in the EU as an “Associate”?

The Daily Mail wrote on October 23 about a new report and developments within the “Yes”-Camp which proposes the establishment of an “associate status” for Britain within the EU. However, it is doubtful that Britain will ultimately obtain or maintain such a status, short of leaving the EU.

“Jean-Claude Juncker, European Commission President, will by [the time of the referendum] have set in motion a series of treaty changes for the next stage of integration as the EU develops into a superstate…

“The report [of the “Yes” Camp] envisages yet further integration among 19 countries in the single currency eurozone, binding them so tightly (financially, socially and politically) that, in effect, the eurozone will become a single country. Not being signed up to the euro, Britain will not be part of this group and will be given a so-called ‘escape clause’, freeing us from any further moves towards closer union…

“It means that David Cameron will be armed with powerful weapons to argue for Britain’s continued membership of the EU, even if he fails to win the concessions for Britain that he has said he aims to achieve. He will be able to argue, very plausibly, that EU membership gives the UK the best of both worlds: that is, we remain part of the wider European trading area, while escaping the onerous burdens of membership of a new European superstate. What’s more, the Europhiles will be helped by Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is expected to give her blessing to Britain having ‘associate status’.

“The Yes camp — with Osborne and Mandelson plotting behind the scenes — are convinced that all this will convince the majority of the British people to vote to remain in the EU. Also, they expect the No campaign to be destabilised by these apparent concessions to the British people…”

Eventually, the UK will be taken over by the power in Europe (see Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel). Whether the UK will pull out of the EU or be in 'associate member' when that happens is not stated.

The Bible also tells of at least three reorganization of Europe in Revelation 17:12-17 (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?). The UK will be eliminated after the one referred to in Revelation 17:13 (see also Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

10/24/15 a.m. Yesterday, LCG had the following announcement given at its services:

Legal Affairs and Risk Management

Immunizations: California

Since June 30, 2015, when Governor Brown signed SB 277 into law, striking down personal and religious belief exemptions to immunization in California effective July 1, 2016, our office has received a number of inquiries on this topic. 

Compared to the rest of the U.S., California now stands in the extreme minority. Of 11 states that had bills filed to remove either the personal belief/conscientious/philosophical or religious exemptions during the 2015 legislative session (CA, MD, ME, NC, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, VT and WA), California was the only state where legislation was passed leaving only the medical exemption. Vermont retained a broad religious exemption, but the legislature removed the philosophical exemption. The other nine states rejected the removal of any non-medical exemption.  West Virginia’s status quo of only permitting medical exemptions remains unchanged.

It is our understanding that if parents of children enrolled in elementary, middle and high school at public and private schools, child care centers, day nurseries, or nursery schools in California file a letter or affidavit stating beliefs opposed to immunization prior to January 1, 2016 (i.e. no later than December 31, 2015), that exemption will apply until the next “grade span.” (The three “grade spans” are defined as birth to preschool, kindergarten to sixth grade, and grades 7 through 12.)  Parents attending with LCG in California who object to immunization may wish to consider availing themselves of this temporary opportunity. 

Importantly, California’s SB 277 does not require homeschooled students or students who do not receive classroom-based instruction to be vaccinated—and also does not appear to prohibit a student who qualifies for an Individualized Educational Program from accessing any special education and related services required by his/her IEP.

It is helpful for parents in California who currently want to exercise a “personal belief” vaccine exemption so their children can attend school to understand that under the new law’s “grandfather” clause, children can continue to attend daycare or school (all grades) with the “personal belief” vaccine exemption IF their parents have filed that exemption by December 31, 2015. If your child’s personal belief vaccine exemption is not filed before that date, your child will not be able to attend day care or school (all grades) with the personal belief exemption after July 1, 2016.  The current California State Exemption Form is available at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/immunize/Documents/CDPH-8262.pdf.

Since LCG does not have a formal teaching or “doctrine” on immunizations, it is our understanding that an LCG parent wishing to avoid such for their child would need to have an “Authorized Health Care Practitioner” complete Section A of the California State Exemption Form. Then the parent would need, under Section B, subsection I, to check “Receipt of Information,” sign and date that section, and in subsection II put a check mark next to all immunizations the parent wishes to avoid. Then sign, date, and deliver to the child’s school—keeping a photocopy for the parent’s records.  Note: Considering the prejudice of many in the school system, and the dishonesty of many in this society, it would make sense to send the completed exemption form to the school via certified mail, return receipt requested (make sure to photocopy the form, and the fully prepared certified mail envelope with the certified mail tracking number clearly displayed).  Once the signed green receipt card arrives back through the Post Office, putting the signed return receipt card proving delivery with the copies of what was sent also seems a reasonable and prudent step to help prove the exemption form was delivered to the school.

The Continuing Church of God (CCOG) does have a letter that it provides to its members that want to show religious objections to immunizations to governmental authorities. However, as far as the State of California goes, that may not be considered enough for government officials because of the changes in the law after December 31, 2015.

10/23/15 a.m. Steve Dupuie of the CCOG asked people to send him photographs from the Feast of Tabernacles this year and from them he put together a slide show, with some headings that should be considered as humor.  Bill Wedekind provided some technical assistance. Here is a link: CCOG Feast of Tabernacles 2015 Slide Show.

10/19/15 p.m. Received the following question from someone once in GCG today:

The Autobiography of HWA, Vol. 1 from 1986, & Vol. 2 from 1987, are these copies true and accurate or were they changed or altered? It's the copies in hardback on my bookshelf.

I told the person that the 1986 edition of the Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong was altered by the Tkach WCG. WCG edited out things that Herbert W. Armstrong wrote as they were making and planning changes that far back.

As far as the second volume, Herbert W. Armstrong did not write volume 2 of his autobiography. What WCG put together for that was a collection of his co-worker letters and other materials.

As far as changes that the Tkach WCG made in its edition of the Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong, notice the following that I reported about years ago:

While in most places the two editions are identical, here are some prominent quotes from the 1973 edition that have been edited out of the 1986 edition:

"This is a photographic reproduction of Elder A. N. Dugger's letter of July 28, 1929, endorsing truth of the United States and Britain identity as 20th Century Manasseh and Ephraim, Birthright tribes of 'Lost' Ten Tribes of Kingdom of Israel. Underscoring words 'You surely are right' is ours." (1973 ed., page 372; missing from page 377, 1986 ed.)

Note: The entire letter is also missing. Here are some other edits/alterations:

"Events of the 38 years since that time have revealed that this was the transition from the 'Sardis era' (Rev. 3:1-5) into the beginning of the 'Philadelphia era.'" (1973 ed., page 448; missing from page 526, 1986 ed.)

"Now the living Christ began opening DOORS! Later research into church history identified where we stood, at the moment, in the prophecy concerning the seven stages, or eras of God's Church from the time of the original apostles, up to Christ's return to earth and establishment of the Kingdom of God. I had been fellowshipping with, working with, the latter part of the Sardis era, as described in Christ's own words in Revelation 3:1-5. The time had come for the Philadelphia era to begin. It did begin a week later, with the ending of the Firbutte meetings, and establishment of a new local Church of God starting out with 19 members! It is to the Philadelphia era that Christ said He would OPEN DOORS that His Gospel might be worldwide, into all nations, in power. This could not have started as long as I was being employed by MEN, ruled by MEN, not free to serve God FULLY, His way!" (1973 ed., page 450; missing from page 528, 1986 ed.)

"Actually, although we did not know it then, Christ Himself had started the 'Philadelphia' era or phase of His Church with the organization of that little Church of God now meeting at Jeans school, following the meetings in the Firbutte school, and following the rejection of the salary and authority of men resulting from the 'All-Day Wrangle.'" (1973 ed., page 473; missing from page 561, 1986 ed.)

[after the word 'ministers'] "in the two branches of the 'Sardis' phase of the Church." (1973 ed., page 474; missing from page 562, 1986 ed.)

Partially because of these changes, most once part of the old Worldwide Church of God lost site of Church Eras and the ramifications of being part of the remnant of Philadelphian portion of the true Church of God.

Much of the above was originally published in The Journal: News of the Churches of God in its July 31, 2002 edition. That information and more is in the article The 18 Restored Truths: Do You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made? Many do not realize the changes nor the ramifications that have affected many in the COGs to this day.

The only COG that I am aware of that cites all of the list of 18 truths that HWA claimed God had him restore to the Philadelphia era of the COG is the Continuing Church of God. And it has it in multiple languages:

Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God, in English "Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3, NKJV),  "Let brotherly love (Philadelphia) continue" (Hebrews 13:1) "…continuing stedfastly in the teaching of the apostles" (Acts 2:42 YLT). So, what does that really mean in terms of specific beliefs? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Declaración de las Doctrinas de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. Here is a related link in Tagalog: Paglalahad ng Mga Paniniwala ng Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. Here is a related link in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明. Here is a related link in Kiswahili: KATIKA LUGHA YA KISWAHILI. Here is a related link in Dutch: Verklaring van geloofspunten van de Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Deutsche (German): Glaubenserklärung der Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Italiano: Dichiarazione del Credo della Continuing Church of God. Here is related link in the French language: Déclaration des croyances de L’Église Continue de Dieu.

10/11/15 a.m. The 2015 Feast of Tabernacles had the largest number of people attending than any in past for the Continuing Church of God. We had major increases in North America, Kenya, and the Philippines over last year.  We also had sites in New Zealand and Tanzania. And this was the first time we had any associated with CCOG meet in Nigeria and Ghana.  There were also some with claimed distant CCOG association who met in India, Ethiopia, and Myanmar.

10/08/15 a.m. Just got back to the office from the Feast of Tabernacles this morning. We went to two of the CCOG sites. Information on them can be found in the Letter to the Brethren: October 8, 2015.

09/26/15 a.m. Visited the EnCOG website this morning. I noticed that in all of its approximately nine years of existence, it only has five articles posted online under Prophecy. The articles are all fairly short and three of the five had no scriptures cited. Prophecy and prophetic understanding is apparently not something EnCOG spends much time on.

As we get closer to the end, and more prophetic matters are coming together, the admonitions from Jesus need to be followed:

33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming — in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning — 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:33-37)

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36)

Of course, EnCOG is not the only group to not emphasize much prophecy. But I would also add that several of the largest groups once part of GCG have significant errors in their prophetic teachings. Enough so, that unless they change those teachings, they will not know when the Great Tribulation will begin until it is too late (see also The Laodicean Church Era). We just put together a video that discusses many--here is a link: 17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy. Also 18 COG errors in prophecy are also discussed in the booklet Where is the True Christian Church Today?

09/19/15 a.m. Thought it should be mentioned here that I (Bob Thiel) expect to be at two Feast of Tabernacles' sites this year. The plan is to be in Denver, Colorado from opening night September 27, 2015 through September 30, 2015. On October 1, to then travel to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Then speak in Niagara Falls, Ontario from October 2 through the Last Great Day on October 5.

The Continuing Church of God has ten Feast of Tabernacles' sites for 2015, and this does NOT count groups Ghana, Ethiopia, and in continental Asia which currently have a distant connection to us. For more details, check out: Feast of Tabernacles' Sites for 2015.

09/11/15 p.m. Today, CEG had the following in its newsletter:

The Independent wrote on September 8:

“Minority Christian groups have predicted the world will end later this month – when they say a ‘blood moon’ will bring about an apocalyptic meteor strike. Scientists say a ‘blood moon’ will occur on September 28, when the moon passes into the shadow of the earth cast by the Sun (a lunar eclipse) and appears dim and reddish.

“Some religious leaders believe that because this is the fourth consecutive lunar eclipse since April 2014, it is part of a ‘tetrad’ – which foretells a meteorite destroying earth and the end of time.

“Experts at Nasa remain unconvinced…

“The Blood Moon theory has its roots in a passage in the Bible in Joel 2:31 which reads: ‘And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.

“Similarly, in Acts 2:20: ‘The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.’ And again in Revelation 6:12: ‘[…] and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood’.

“That a ‘tetrad’ of lunar eclipses, with six full moons in between them, will coincide with an asteroid hitting earth was popularised by US pastors Mark Biltz and John Hagee. They each noted that previous tetrads in history had coincided with noteworthy, tragic and triumphant events in Jewish history… Present day biblical theorists who follow the teachings have been worried that in a period somewhere between September 22 to 28 2015, the world will end.”

We can DOGMATICALLY say that the world will NOT end in September of 2015. Hagee is wrong on this, and he has also popularized the false concept of a secret rapture in his “Left Behind” series… which is totally contradicted in Scripture. The biblical passages, quoted above, speak of a time AFTER the great tribulation has begun… which it has NOT.  ...

Also, we want to remind our readers in this same context of the following “failed prophecy”: 

IWB had reported on March 20, 2015:

“Jonathan Cahn was given a revelation from Almighty God and wrote a book by the name of ‘The Harbinger’. A harbinger is a warning, and in this case it is a pattern of warnings from Almighty God to the American people… I can tell you now that if Almighty God continues His pattern of judgment on the USA, the financial collapse of the US dollar, will happen on Sunday, the 13th of September 2015. This date is the 29th of ELUL 5775 on the Hebrew calendar and the next Shemitah in the Septennial Sabbatical Cycle…”

Of course, the US dollar will not collapse this Sunday. All of these deceiving “prophecies” are just mere human reasoning or demon-inspired… God has NOTHING to do with them. Sadly, some gullible and ignorant Christians and Jews fall for them.

CEG is correct that the world will not end this month, nor will the US dollar collapse this Sunday. Protestant prophecy theories often get a lot of attention, despite not being truly biblical. Some, like Mark Biltz, have indicated that the tribulation will begin this Sunday--but it will not.

To learn more of what the BIBLE teaches about some of this, check out When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? and Blood Moons and Prophecy.

09/04/15 p.m. In today's TW News & Prophecy, LCG had the following:

Jesus Christ is coming back to turn the hearts of parents to their children, instead of being focused solely on themselves (Malachi 4:6), and no one will be afraid (Ezekiel 34:23-28). (British Girls Suffer Emotional Trauma. TW News & Prophecy - Friday, September 04, 2015)

Malachi 4:6 is a reference to the work of the final Elijah turning the hearts, not Jesus:

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet
Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
6 And he will turn
The hearts of the fathers to the children,
And the hearts of the children to their fathers,
Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse. (Malachi 4:5-6)

LCG is seemingly referring to 'he' in Malachi 4:6 as Jesus, whereas the context of Malachi 4:5-6 shows this is clearly a reference to Elijah, not Jesus, turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and the children to the fathers. LCG has made this type of incorrect application of scripture in some of its other writings as well.

The timing of this from LCG is of interest to me as I just finished a two-part sermon series on Elijah and The Elijah Heresies. The sermons are titled Elijah: Prophecies and Heresies and Elijah, Herbert W. Armstrong, and CCOG. The second one specifically covers another of the 'Elijah Heresies' that LCG seems to have.

08/30/15 a.m. Today marks the two-year anniversary of the day that David Pack, leader of the improperly named Restored Church of God (RCG), falsely claimed that all in the COGs would come to him. As I repeatedly pointed out in that 2013 Spring and Summer, this was not going to happen.

Why?

Because David Pack simply did not trust Bible prophecy, but instead twisted it in ways it was not intended to be interpreted.

Here is some of what David Pack said and/or wrote about it in 2013:

Details may begin (and only begin) to come into view on the first of the month of Elul (in God’s calendar—August 7 in the Roman Calendar). A more complete picture will emerge by Elul 24 (August 30). Right now, all are urged to have in their thinking that they will be reassigned to a new nearby Feast site, and those who choose to return to the Body of Christ will attend with what becomes a much bigger organization—probably significantly bigger than the largest splinter! (Crucial Questions—Important Answers! July 19, 2013, http://rcg.org/sep/crucial-questions-important-answers)

Which three leaders are the greatest obstructionists to God’s stated purpose in Haggai—returning HIS people to doing HIS Work? (The Final Announcement. August 2, 2013, http://rcg.org/sep/the-final-announcement)

Next, the 2013 Feast of Tabernacles: This will also be among the most special and inspiring times in Church history. It will be a Feast of unity and harmony among all of God’s people. Everyone will keep this joyous occasion as members of The Restored Church of God in scores of sites across the world. At this time, we have 21 sites, but we anticipate adding many more. In some areas, former splinter brethren will attend our current sites. In other locations, we will have to quickly add new ones. In still other areas, splinter sites will simply become Restored sites. The total number of Feast sites, and where they are, will depend entirely on how many brethren answer the “stirring” of Jesus Christ to return to His Church, and in what areas they live. Details may begin (and only begin) to come into view on the first of the month of Elul (in God’s calendar—August 7 in the Roman Calendar). A more complete picture will emerge by Elul 24 (August 30). Right now, all are urged to have in their thinking that they will be reassigned to a new nearby Feast site, and those who choose to return to the Body of Christ will attend with what becomes a much bigger organization—probably significantly bigger than the largest splinter! (Crucial Questions—Important Answers! July 19, 2013, http://rcg.org/sep/crucial-questions-important-answers)

Despite being wrong, David Pack then tried to change the date to 2014, which of course was wrong. So, in 2015, he claimed a massive sign would be seen to trigger this reunification. Details are on this page with the 07/27/15 a.m. update. Those who have believed him about this have been deceived.

David Pack's prior prophesies related to reunification have been shown to be false in the past and will be so in the future. He does NOT properly understand church eras nor God's plan for the 21st century. There is NO WAY that thousands of Philadelphian Christians will come part of RCG. See also the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?

08/25/15 a.m. The main office for the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) has been relocated to Grover Beach, California. It was the most cost-effective building we could find.

The new address is:

Continuing Church of God
1036 W. Grand Avenue
Grover Beach, CA 93433

Grover Beach is one of the “five cities” of the Five Cities region of California.  It is next to Arroyo Grande (where the office used to be) and Pismo Beach.  Grover Beach is roughly half-way between Los Angeles and San Jose, California, at the coast.

For more information, including picture of the building, click on the following: Relocation to Grover Beach, California.

08/21/15 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG reported the following:

Ben Carson Tries to Justify His Research on Aborted Fetuses

Newsmax reported on August 13:

“Ben Carson is defending research he did in 1992 on aborted fetal tissue… The research, which was co-authored by Carson, was revealed by Dr. Jen Gunter, an OB-GYN and pain medicine doctor, who said that while Carson was ‘opining on the uselessness of fetal tissue research to Megyn Kelly, Dr. Carson neglected to mention his own paper… published … in 1992.’

“The section cited by Gunter says that ‘Human choroid plexus, ependyma, and nasal mucosa were obtained from two fetuses aborted at the ninth and 17th week of gestation.’…

“Carson said that research on fetal tissue should not be banned and that it is not immoral… He added that he finds no contradiction between his pro-life views and the research he did…”

What I was surprised about related to the above was the CEG did not add its own comment after this item, as it did about items it has about another presidential candidate. That being said, I will essentially conclude that CEG is opposed to Ben Carson's attempts to justify fetal tissue research.

Dr. Carson is a Seventh-day Adventist who is running for the Republican nomination to become the next president of the USA. Let me state that unless the only tissues used were from miscarriages, as opposed to aborted babies, what Dr. Carson did was immoral and should never have been done. As a researcher myself, let me state that there are many ways to do human health research and it is not right, nor necessary, to kill babies and then do research with those tissues. The pro-abortion forces have long wanted to claim that they are helping humanity through providing fetal tissue for research, without admitting that there are legitimate ways to do related research that DOES NOT involve ever using aborted babies. Sadly, Dr Carson has helped the pro-abortion cause.

08/18/15 p.m. CCOG held its first Sabbath service in the State of Michigan last Sabbath that went well. Discussions about having more services there took place.

Also in CCOG related news, CCOG had a meeting in Malawi last Sabbath and today CCOG announced its first booklet out in the language of Ekegusii (see Reaching Africa). CCOG also got another booklet out in French today (see La Foi pour ceux que Dieu a Appelés et Choisis).

08/10/15 a.m. This coming Sabbath, the Continuing Church of God plans to have a special service in the State of Michigan. The most cost-effective option we found for this was at the Wixom Public Library at 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, Michigan.  This is located north of the 96 expressway.

Wixom is basically between Novi and Brighton.  Google maps says it is about 30 miles northeast of Ann Arbor and 33 miles northwest of Detroit.  I have family members in the area and plan to be staying with my father in South Lyon.

Services would probably start around 1:30 pm.  We have the room reserved from 1:00 pm until about 5:00 pm.

If you live in or near Michigan and possibly would like to attend, please email me cogwriter@aol.com if you would like more details.

I have not been to Michigan for many years, and this will be the first time I plan to give a sermon in Michigan.

08/08/15 p.m. At its services today, LCG announced the following:

Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery flew in from Australia and arrived at the camp yesterday.  A memorial service will be held this Sunday, August 9, at the camp ... LYC Teen Camp. The session this year was marred by the death of Morgan Montgomery, an assistant counselor from Australia. ...

Memorial Service for Morgan Montgomery

The Memorial Service for Morgan Montgomery is scheduled to take place at the Lodge on Sunday, August 9, 2015 at 7:00 AM.  Due to space and privacy concerns, we request that attendance be limited to family members, family friends, campers, camp staff and members of the Church of God community.  The camp staff and the Montgomery family are very appreciative of the consideration and care that responders and media in the Ohio area have shown.--Dexter Wakefield

My prayers continue to go out for Morgan Montgomery's family and friends.

08/04/15 a.m. Last night, Fox28 reported the following related to Morgan Montgomery:

ALUM CREEK BEACH (Rob Wells) -- After more than 24 hours of searching, dive teams believe they found the body of a 19-year-old church camp counselor killed Sunday afternoon at Alum Creek.

Andrew Hollenback, with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, says three divers made the discovery around 7PM Monday at the South end of Alum Creek. http://www.myfox28columbus.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/Inclement-Weather-Could-Delay-Search-For-Missing-Woman-in-Alum-Creek-179535.shtml#.VcC3nfnw-s4

08/03/15 a.m. Today, the Columbus Dispatch reported:

Several boats using sonar, others with cadaver dogs and at least one camera-equipped boat were at Alum Creek Reservoir this morning as the search continues for the body of Morgan Montgomery.

The 19-year-old resident of Adelaide, Australia has been as assistant counselor this summer as part of a Living Church of God youth camp.

A group of counselors, at least two others from Australia, and campers were skiing at the lake Sunday afternoon.

Montgomery fell from her skis and was quickly hit by a passing power boat.

The impact reportedly ripped her life-jacket off and, despite efforts from others on the lake, her body never surfaced.

“She was very dedicated to her faith and the church, as her parents are,” said Dexter Wakefield, minister and director of operations at the Charlotte, N.C. church headquarters.

“There are a lot of people grieving for her, but mostly there are a lot of kids close to Morgan. Our concern is for them now,” Wakefield said. “The focus of the ministry there is the campers and the staff. The ministry went around to each cabin to talk to all the young people.”

The campers had been staying at the Boy Scouts’ Camp Lazarus on Rt. 23, midway between Lewis Center and Delaware.

The search will continue until nightfall, said Andrew Hollenback, Ohio Department of Natural Resources region manager. Additional staff and dogs will be brought in.

The boater who hit Montgomery is not being named, but has been cooperative.

A small amount of debris, including skis and the broken life jacket were recovered. The water depth being searched is about 44 feet. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/08/02/skier-drowned.html

My prayers go out for her family and friends.

07/27/15 a.m. RCG's David Pack just released a pompous false and arrogant video titled The Coming Signal to God's People. In this seven-minute diatribe, David Pack claims that thousands in the Churches of God will be led by God's Spirit to unite with him. He says it took over three years to see this (actually, he has been teaching versions of this since at least 2007, but since he was proven wrong about 2013 and 2014, he apparently has decided that those years were to help teach him his current wrong position).

David Pack says that there will be a single event that will be impossible for those in the COGs to miss. He then gives three signals supposedly which prove this is about to happen:

1. Based on Zechariah 11:14, David Pack claims that there will be 'a full rupture' between the USA and Israel and this is something to watch for.
2. That because of its (often false) literature, websites, staff, and headquarters, that RCG is ready for the coming influx of thousands that will lead to an unbelievable work. Well, I certainly do not believe that David Pack is leading God's end time work, so in that sense it is unbelievable. David Pack claims that Wadsworth will soon be 'everybody's headquarters.' That is not true. David Pack wants people to 'walk by sight' related to his campus that he claims is so magnificent that it 'staggers the imagination.' Yet, the Bible says Christians are to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)--which is the opposite of what David Pack is essentially teaching.
3. David Pack claims that it is so obvious that world events have sped up, that God must do something with RCG soon. He claims that the time when no man can work, John 9:4, is getting close. While it is relatively close, RCG is not doing that work (see also Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word).

Let me add here that David Pack has misunderstood God's work for a long time and falsely acts like the main RCG work is to draw COG members from other groups to RCG.

In the video, David Pack said that all (presumably other COG) leaders will call his message false. Well, his message is false. Yet, David Pack claims that all will realize that it is true.

David Pack then boldly stated that all COG members all say that they all want to get together, to reunify. That is NOT the case. I, for one, do NOT believe that the COGs should all reunify. The Book of Revelation is clear that there will be multiple COG groups around at the time of the end. Here are links to articles about four types of groups that Jesus indicated would be around at the end:

4. The Thyatira Church Era was predominant circa 1050 A.D. to circa 1600 A.D. The Church during the Inquisition.
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots.  They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.

David Pack ignores what the Bible teaches about unity. Just like Pope Francis, David Pack does not realize that unity of the faith will not happen until after Jesus returns. He and his followers need to properly study and understand Zechariah 2:6-12 and other scriptures.

Anyway, in the video, David Pack also misinterprets Habakkuk 1:5. He then claims when God intervenes with RCG, you will see this as it will be 'impossible to miss.' He closed his video with the following statement:

Do not worry about missing the signal--you won't.

Yet, the main signal to notice about David Pack is the following:

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. (2 Peter 2:1-3)

David Pack has long used 'covetous words' and is a false teacher. He is NOT God's apostle nor the Elijah to come as he also claims. David Pack's prior prophesies related to reunification have been shown to be false in the past and will be so in the future. There is NO WAY that thousands of Philadelphian Christians will come part of RCG. See also the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?

07/23/15 p.m. The latest edition of Shepherd's Voice (related to PABC) arrived today. Here is information from an article by Tommy Willis:

Concerning the end time Jesus said to: “ Watch therefore, and pray always ...” (Luke 21:36). It is through much contact with God that we will be prepared for His coming. Over the years when this Scripture was brought up we have often focused on the “watch” part so much more than the pray part that we got out of balance with it. We often took this to mean watching world events to the point of wanting to be aware of all the details as much as possible. And we have often let the “pray always” part slip into the background.

Even the “watch” part I believe has to do with watching our spiritual state, to be careful and watchful about our spiritual condition. I’m not trying to suggest that we should not be watching world events, because I do believe that applies also, and that God wants us to be aware of what is going on around us; and we should watch world events. And from all I see going on, I feel the end of the age is drawing near. But we can be watching world events diligently, and yet still be drifting from God. Plus, we won’t really see the things we need to see if we are not staying close to God as we should be; we will only think we are.

Human nature simply wants to know about the future, and what is going to happen. And this often leads Christians to want to put everything into a neat little box concerning how future events will unfold.

If we are drawing closer to God in our personal contact with Him in our prayers and meditations, then He will have us see what we need to see concerning the times we are living in.

I remember a conversation I had about eight years ago with a brother in Christ. We both agreed that time was short, and that the end of the age was drawing near, because we felt all the signs were there. About a year and a half after that conversation, he found out he had cancer, and he only lived a few months more before passing on. Time is short for us all. We look to what will happen concerning the end time; and we should be aware of that. But our personal “end time” could happen soon. We may get cancer like my friend did. Or we could get in a car accident. God does not promise us tomorrow. So I believe that it is also the brevity of this life that God wants us to look at: “ So teach us to number our days, that we might apply our hearts to wisdom .” (Psalm 90:12).

We are like a flower that is here today and gone tomorrow. And God wants us to use the time wisely to seek Him out, so that we will get to know Him. And watching our spiritual state is of more importance than trying to Shepherd’s Voice Magazine • Spring 2015 23 watch every detail of world events. The word watch in the Greek relates to: “to be sleepless, to keep awake—watch.” It made me think of Matthew 25 with the wise and foolish virgins, and how we should be careful not to slumber or be asleep spiritually; but should heed the admonishment to keep awake.

But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with the carousing , drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:34-36).

Some parts of those verses in different translations say, “ And take heed to yourselves.. lest at any time your mind should be dulled... your faculties numbed... or your mind clouded ...” This Scripture relates to the distractions of this life that can take us away from God if we let it, and that day can come upon you unaware.

Years ago I asked myself how could a Christian be caught unaware with all that the Bible says will happen during the end time? Right after I had asked myself this question, I had allowed a lot of distractions to come in my life, because I had slacked up on my prayers; it was a week of chaos. Then God helped me see—have a week like I just had, and you could easily be caught unaware. It was a good lesson. That’s why we need to stay with Him in prayer. It is so important to stay close to our Father and Jesus Christ.

Certainly we should be aware of world events; but let us not leave the most important matter undone— that of watching our spiritual state

While Tommy Willis is correct that many do not pray as they should and get their emphasis off, just praying without watching will not make God have you watch the right things. Jesus said to WATCH AND PRAY and the watching did have to do with world events. Jesus most specifically was referring to world events as well as how we conduct our lives in Luke 21. A large amount of Jesus' words in the New Testament (the Gospels and the Book of Revelation) have to do with future events--if they were not important, Jesus would not have spent as much time on such matters.

As far as prayer goes, those who would like to learn more about should check out the free booklet Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This free booklet contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf.

A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?

Watching is important. And many news items to watch are shown at the Church of God Bible-News-Prophecy page.

07/17/15 a.m. The Continuing Church of God had the following in its latest Letter to the Brethren:

I {Bob Thiel} am planning to be in Michigan around the middle of August.  My plan is to get a hotel room so we can have services in either Brighton or Ann Arbor Or South Lyon or ?  The expected date for services is August 15, 2015.

If you live in or near Michigan and possibly would like to attend, please email me cogwriter@aol.com.  Once we have a better idea of the number who plan to attend, we will try to nail down the precise location.

I posted this here in case there are readers of this GCG news page that may wish to attend.

07/03/15 a.m. Ben Faulkner has the following in an article at his Church of the Sovereign God website:

Today, that distinctive and unique Temple that God is constructing is a very special spiritual Temple. There are Bible passages that show that the Temple God is building is also holy. The construction of that Temple apparently began with the giving of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost following the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

The Apostle Paul grasped the spectacular meaning in what God was doing toward this spiritual Temple, which is now referred to commonly as the Church of God.  Realizing God’s purpose, Paul fervently warned the believers in Corinth about defiling that Temple.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (16) Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (17) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Yes, the Temple of God is special.  It is holy.  Notice the last few words of 1 Corinthians 3:17.  Those words tell us that we (true believers) are now the Temple of God that God is building.

As true believers, do we consider ourselves to be holy as God’s Word describes?  We are holy!  Do we actually realize that we are now growing into the Temple of God?  Do we realize that God is building a Temple where He will abide forevermore?

It is true that the New Testament refers to Christians, and not a Jewish building, as what God now considers to be His temple. More information on that can be found in the article Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?.

06/24/15 p.m. The USA has greatly offended France (see Wikileaks: USA spied on last three French presidents; President Hollande calls for emergency meeting).  Presuming that the allegations from Wikileaks are true, this will seriously damage relations between the USA and France during this age.  The New York Times reported that French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the U.S. must do everything it can, and quickly, to “repair the damage” to U.S.-French relations from the revelations, which he called “a very serious violation of the spirit of trust” between the allies.  What this is likely to mean is that the USA will try to appease the French.  The USA will likely share more intelligence, defer to France and the European Union on matters that it may not have otherwise, and also supply the Europeans more military technology than it may have thought was prudent.

One item that concerned me about the Living Church of God when I was part of it was that it did not clearly hold to certain prophetic positions about the final European Beast power and France. The late Dibar Apartian had his own concerns about LCG and said that some items about why LCG had problems would be clearer after he died (see Remembering evangelist Dibar Apartian). One change that LCG came out more publicly with, after Dibar Apartian died, was the view that France may not be one of the nations that would support the initial rise of the European Beast power. Here are some LCG statements from 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2011:

French Influence in Europe Waning

Bible prophecy reveals the Israelite-descended nations will go into captivity under the European “beast” power at the time of the end. But, will France be inside or outside the “beast” power? The increasing EU frustration with France will be interesting to watch. (French Influence in Europe Waning. TW News & Prophecy, March 27, 2015).

France’s Tumble from the Top

France has been a major player in the development of the EU. However, France is an Israelite-descended nation. (France’s Tumble from the Top. TW News & Prophecy, June 30, 2014).

Whom Will France Support?

As core nations in the EU seek to form a European military, Britain and France are formulating other plans. ...

For decades the Church of God has taught that a European Beast power composed of 10 nations or kings will emerge at the end of the age and play a dominant role in the world (Revelation 17 and 18). Bible prophecies indicate that most Israelite nations will not be a part of this empire (Ezekiel 23:9, 22-27; Hosea 11:5-7; Amos 5:3). The question is, will France support Europe or join with “brother” England? Time will tell. (Whom Will France Support? TW News & Prophecy, November 11, 2013).

Will France Exit the EU? ...

While France may not leave the EU in the immediate future, the Front National’s win highlights changing political winds in France and the growing unrest with the Brussels-centered EU. Some experts suggest this recent local election win is just the “tip of the iceberg”...

For decades the Church of God has understood that the end-time European Beast power will be ten kings or nations who give their power to that Beast (see Revelation 17). Bible prophecies indicate that most Israelite-descended nations will be overcome by that Beast and not be part of it (Ezekiel 23:9, 22-27; Hosea 11:5-7; Amos 5:3). It will be interesting to see what France will do. (Will France Exit the EU? TW News & Prophecy, October 21, 2013)

A coming "world political authority"? ...

The Bible predicts that, at the time of the end, ten kings will temporarily give their authority in an uneasy alliance to the “King of the North” (Daniel 2:41-43; Revelation 17:12-13)! The result will be a German-dominated European economic, military and religious superpower. It will reign for a short time, and it will not be friendly to the United States, England or France. A coming "world political authority"? TW News & Prophecy, November 3, 2011)

The published LCG views differ from what the late evangelist Dibar Apartian wrote:

This soon-coming union of ten nations or governments prophetically represents the last "head" of the resurrected "beast"-the revival of the "Holy Roman Empire" (Rev. 17 :9- 1 2). But contrary to what you may think, it wiIl NOT consist only of Gentile nations. It will INCLUDE a group of ISRAELITISH nations. "Come out of her , my people," says God in Revelation 18:4. "My people" means Israelites in Bible prophecy. Yes, once again, Joseph' s own brothers will sell him to the Gentiles!

Once again REUBEN (the first-born of Jacob who anciently conspired with his brothers, will "act" in terms of saving him, but end · up by compromising with his brothers to send him into CAPTIVITY. (Apartian D. De Gaulle and the Next World War. Plain Truth, September 1964, p. 11)

This Union of 10 Kingdoms is already in formation in Europe. In fact, France is at present one of its key members. As this prophecy reveals, this union will receive authority "for one hour" only-that is, a short time-because it is like "iron mixed with miry clay" (Dan. 2:43) ...

During the last two WORLD WARS France was at the side of her natural allies, the Anglo-Saxons. They are, indeed, her natural allies because the French people, in turn, are the modern DESCENDANTS of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, namely REUBEN! The situation, however, will be quite different during the next WORLD WAR, France will no longer fight at the side of her former allies; she will turn AGAINST them. The descendants of Reuben will play their part in selling into slavery their brother Joseph - just as Reuben did some 3700 years ago. You are now beginning to see why the relations between the United States of America and France are gradually deteriorating. (Apartian D. France: The Enigma of our Time. Plain Truth, August 1966, pp. 11-12)

I have publicly agreed with Dibar Apartian on this and have also disagreed with LCG on that and another somewhat related change (see Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).

Scripturally, I believe LCG's position is leading to error--perhaps pointing it out will encourage change to the correct position there.

Since there seems to be some truth related to this Wikileaks matter, this helps shows that France will have certain sympathies, for a time at least, with the coming Beast power. This subject should provide additional proof that in the Continuing Church of God "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed" (2 Peter 1:19, KJV). Those who believe LCG does more so are standing on shakier ground than they believe.

06/19/15 p.m. Visited the website of the Church of God at Northeast Ohio, which is a group which originally had (and still may) members once affiliated with GCG. The website was promoting various sermons made by the late Herbert W. Armstrong. And while there can be value is such sermons, not all of them are timely, and none have developments which happened in the past 29 plus years. For example, the one I just did last week titled What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?, dealt with issues that Herbert Armstrong probably did not believe would be going 'mainstream' in many of the Protestant denominations (my sermon not only addresses scriptures, it also explains why pro-LGBT arguments by certain Protestant ministers are false).

As far as sermons, etc. go, I do not believe that Herbert Armstrong would have wanted the church to stop making new ones once he died. Herbert Armstrong expected people to proclaim the gospel to the world after his death, and I specifically discussed this with the late evangelist Dibar Apartian, who died over two decades after Herbert Armstrong did. Dibar told me personally that Herbert Armstrong did want he and others to continue the work. Some may also wish to watch the video sermon titled: The Short Work.

06/12/15 a.m. A 'sermon summary' by CGFNW's Harold Smith concludes with the following:

LUK 18:1-8 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (NIV)

Will He Find Faith?

Will Christ find faith—unwavering trust in God—on the earth when He comes? The question is posed because God knows the amount is very little!
We each need to ask ourselves that question—will God find faith in us when He comes? The answer lies in how we are presently living our lives. Are we diligently seeking God by obeying Him unconditionally? Are we watching for Christ's return, or have we adopted the attitude "my Lord delays His coming"? Do we truly believe that God has provided a place of refuge for His people? Or, do we scoff at the idea and condemn those who do believe by accusing them of only wanting to save their skins, rather than remaining behind to assist those who must experience the Tribulation? Any who deliberately remain behind will disobey God (ZEP 2:1-3; MAT 24:15). They will assist no one through the Tribulation since they themselves will be put to death.
If we do believe, if we do have the faith, we will be doing what God commands and warns us to do in:

LUK 21:34-36 But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Many ignore prophecy. Others misinterpret it. But the question of faith is important to bring up.

To learn more about faith, check out the free online booklet Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen. A booklet that some might find of related interest would be Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?

06/02/15 p.m. After coming to RCG from UCG, Dale Schurter reported that Herbert W. Armstrong stated the following in 1984/1985 (shortly before he died in January 1986). Here are two accounts of this:

“A few months before Mr. Armstrong’s death, my wife and I had the opportunity to spend several hours with Mr. Armstrong in his home in Pasadena. He spoke freely of the mighty work God had commissioned him to accomplish, and related certain heartfelt comments: ‘I can say that I have finished the work God has given me to do, and am at peace about it. I have preached and taken the Gospel of the Kingdom of God into all the world as a witness to all nations.’

“Mr. Armstrong went on to say, ‘I have come to realize there will be an even greater work to follow—to go again, to “prophesy again” to all nations tongues and peoples (Rev. 10:11) before the work of the two witnesses—but with more power and with a stronger warning message. But that will be for others to do.’ He continued, ‘It will be a short work (Rom. 9:27-29), compared with the longer time to complete the work I was given, and it will be cut short. That’s when the Great Tribulation will begin, as will the work of the two witnesses. These will last for three and one-half years, at the end of which Christ will return in glory.’” (“The Greatest Work Lies JUST Ahead…” as stated in RCG letter of May 31, 2013)

When Mr. Armstrong was age 91 --- about 1984 --- Mona and I had opportunity to spend several hours with him in his home in Pasadena to visit and further report on work he had commissioned us to do. We were to report directly back to him. He talked freely of the mighty work God had given him to accomplish. He went on to tell us there was yet a bigger work still to be done, to go again and repeat what has been done, but with more power and with a stronger warning, just before the work of the two witnesses would begin. He said it would be a “short work” (Rom. 9:27-29) compared with the longer time to complete the work he had been given, and that it would be “cut short.” That’s when the great tribulation would begin, as would the work of the two witnesses. These would last for three and one-half years. (January 7, 2012 Dale Schurter Speaks Out: UCG Resignation Letter http://www.rcgtruth.com/2012/01/dale-l-schurter-resignation-letter_06.html)

Herbert Armstrong's part of the work lasted over 50 years, and he seemingly felt that the "short work" would be much shorter than his work. And that is correct. But, I would add that RCG does not understand what the short work is (for details about the 'short work' see the article Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word).

Notice something that Herbert Armstrong wrote in 1985:

In these last days, according to biblical prophecy, knowledge, spiritual as well as material, was to be increased. The true Church of God was to be set back on the track, restoring the glorious knowledge of the faith once delivered to the saints in the days of the original apostles. (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages, 1985)

The above is precisely what the Continuing Church of God has done. Furthermore, we are unique in that not only have we restored more information about the history of the true Christian church and other doctrines, we are unique in our emphasis of how Satan plans to use signs and lying wonders and private Catholic prophecies to deceive (see Satan's Plan and Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies?). This last point was once well known in the old Radio Church of God (see Will You Be Deceived by Antichrist?), but seems to have been lost or de-emphasized by other groups.

Here is some of what I wrote years ago (I am posting it here to show that I did NOT get the idea from RCG as I had written about it years before the Dale Schurter letters):

I strongly believe that God will more powerfully use the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the Church of God to proclaim the good news of the The Gospel of the Kingdom of God and that the “short work” of Romans 9:28 will still happen–(Thiel B. The Great Tribulation Cannot Begin in 2009. December 27, 2008)

In the next decade, the small Nazarene “secret sect” will rise up more and more in effectiveness to fulfill the prophecy Jesus gave, as recorded in Matthew 24:14. Ultimately, the world will hear the message of the good news of the coming Kingdom of God on earth, under the rule of Jesus Christ and His saints (which is the ultimate rising up of “the secret sect”). (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, pp. 254-255)

By this time {Daniel 11:28}, the short work Paul mentioned in Romans 9:28 probably will have begun or be almost finished, as will the gospel preaching of Matthew 24:14 that Jesus spoke of.  This is the rising up of the “secret sect” that various prophets have foretold and hence seems to be consistent with various end-time prophetic scriptures. (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 291; also cited in a post on August 19, 2012 titled Who is the Secret Sect and What is its Rise?)

And notice something that was posted within weeks of the formation of Continuing Church of God.

Warning the world that the King of the North is fulfilling Bible prophecy when he does this is likely to be part of the “short work” of Romans 9:28 that God will accomplish through His most faithful. (Thiel B. The King of the North will arise. January 12, 2013).

We in the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) are preparing for the 'short work' by establishing multiple websites in multiple languages, while researching and making available information on church history, doctrine, and prophecy, while also proclaiming Christ's Gospel of the Kingdom to the world as a witness.

We have put our beliefs online in many languages. Here is a link to the Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God in the English language. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Declaración de las Doctrinas de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. Here is a related link in Tagalog: Paglalahad ng Mga Paniniwala ng Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. Here is a related link in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明. Here is a related link in Kiswahili: KATIKA LUGHA YA KISWAHILI. Here is a related link in Dutch: Verklaring van geloofspunten van de Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Deutsche (German): Glaubenserklärung der Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Italiano: Dichiarazione del Credo della Continuing Church of God.

The 'short work' will be accomplished (Romans 9:28).

Foe more information, here is a link to our latest sermon titled: The Short Work.

06/01/15 a.m. In response to my post LCG and PCG teach ten (or eleven) nations in Revelation 17:12-13–what if they are wrong?, someone affiliated with LCG sent the following:

LCG is now teaching 10 groups of nations.

My response was:

Do you have a quote?

That was responded by the sender with:

I've heard it said a few times but they still have printed material in error.

Then I responded with:

I know many believe the groups of nations position, but the written one where LCG explained why 10 or 11 currently existing nations has never been rescinded in writing as far as I can tell.  This is not good for LCG.

Here is a written position from LCG which I believe is a dangerous error:

In recent years, as the EU grew to 27 members, skeptics criticized the biblical idea that ten nations would form the nucleus of a final Beast power in Europe (Daniel 2:41-43). However, the Bible clearly states that at the time of the end, “ten kings… will give their power and authority to the beast” (Revelation 17:12-13). If this Beast is led by a particular nation (e.g., Germany), then the total number involved could well be 11! While it is not yet clear which nations will make up the final Beast power prophesied by Daniel and the Apostle John, world events indicate that a group of 10 or 11 nations coalescing to form the final Beast power is not far-fetched, fictional, or even a far-off idea-it is a soon-coming reality! (TW News & Prophecy, May 16, 2014)

Anyway, I am glad that some in LCG realize that its written position on the number of nations in Revelation 17:12-13 are in error--I have encouraged LCG while part of it, and after having to leave it, to consider changing to a more biblically-supportable position.

An article with more information on this subject is available: Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?

05/22/15 p.m. In today's TW News & Prophecy, LCG has the following:

“Luxembourg prime minister Xavier Bettel put himself in the history books on Friday (15 May) by becoming the first EU government leader to marry someone of the same sex The marriage…symbolises how legal rights for gay citizens of the EU have advanced in the past years” (EU Observer, May 18, 2015). “‘Luxembourg can set an example,’ Bettel noted on his wedding day, which was attended by Belgian prime minister Charles Michel…In 2010, Johanna Sigurðardottir, then prime minister of Iceland, married her gay partner. The next country to take a position on the matter will be Ireland which is due to decide by referendum on Friday (22 May) whether it will legalise same-sex marriages” (ibid.). Luxembourg’s Prime Minister has set an example of biblical proportions that will bring consequences.

Long ago, the prophet Jeremiah up-braided the “leaders of Israel” causing their people to sin by the godless example and reckless behavior (Jeremiah 23:1, 13, 32). The prophet warned that God “will bring disaster on them” because they have brought “wickedness” among God’s people, and “they strengthen the hands of evil doers, so that no one turns back from his wickedness. All of them are like Sodom…and …like Gomorrah” (Jeremiah 23:11-12, 14). Sadly, the Israelite-descended nations, including Luxembourg, have set a sinful example for the world by accepting and promoting perverted behaviors under the guise of diversity.

While the Bible does condemn homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13) as well as those that endorse it (Romans 1:18-32), Jeremiah was not referring to political leaders in the verses that LCG cited.

Notice what Jeremiah actually wrote in the verses LCG referred to:

1 "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!" says the Lord. ...

11 "For both prophet and priest are profane; Yes, in My house I have found their wickedness," says the Lord. 12 "Therefore their way shall be to them Like slippery ways; In the darkness they shall be driven on And fall in them; For I will bring disaster on them, The year of their punishment," says the Lord. 13 "And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria: They prophesied by Baal And caused My people Israel to err. 14 Also I have seen a horrible thing in the prophets of Jerusalem: They commit adultery and walk in lies; They also strengthen the hands of evildoers, So that no one turns back from his wickedness. All of them are like Sodom to Me, And her inhabitants like Gomorrah. ...

32 Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams," says the Lord, "and tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all," says the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:1, 11-14, 32)

Shepherds, priests, and prophets are terms normally referring to religious leaders. Despite the statement by LCG, the expression 'leaders of Israel' is not ever specifically used in the Book of Jeremiah (KJV/NKJV).

We are living in a time when religious leaders are improperly endorsing the homosexual agenda as Jeremiah warned. And while political leaders are doing this as well, the verses LCG seemingly cited as proof, do not support that position. But as generally few would look the verses up, since LCG somewhat quoted a part of them, most would not see the truth about this.

Consider also what Jesus said:

17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. (John 17:17)

The truth is not simply 'technical details' that the non-Christians and Laodiceans wish to ignore or discount.

Yet, in one of his recent letters, LCG's RC Meredith wrote:

Sometimes different ones come along with more technical knowledge or more of a “scintillating” personality. But God has been down that road before. For He had a magnificently beautiful cherub named “Lucifer” who had all kinds of ability and influence, but who “turned aside.” Lucifer was not loyal to His Creator. We must not be like that. (Meredith RC. Personal - The "Fruits" of the True Church. Living Church News. May/June 2015)

Lucifer did NOT come forth with more true technical knowledge--Jesus said he was a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44-45). Moses was NOT a great speaker, but spoke the truth. God expects His people to believe and act on the truth, not accept inaccurate information as truth--those who believe that they are to often accept error are misapplying the idea of church governance (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government). Dr. Meredith often used to refer to LCG literature errors I brought to his attention as 'technical details,' which he said would be fixed, though almost none were. LCG is not leading the final phase of the work (see The Final Phase of the Work) nor truly preparing for the 'short work' (Romans 9:28, see also Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word).

LCG should be more careful about misapplying scriptures and other items from the Bible--though relatively few within it seem to consider this an issue--but this has been something it has done in various matters.

Anyway, for more information about the Bible and homosexuality, check out the article: The Bible Condemns Homosexuality.

For more about LCG, check out the article: What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God? .

05/17/15 p.m. Pentecost is coming this weekend. An article of possibly related interest would be: Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2?

Speaking of Holy Days, here is a list of Feast of Tabernacles' sites for the Continuing Church of God:

Denver, Colorado, USA, contact Dr. Bob Thiel, email cogwriter@aol.com

 

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, contact Herb Haddon email hwhaddon@gmail.com

 

Tawa/Taupo, New Zealand, contact John Hickey, email john.h@vodafone.net.nz

 

Silay City, Philippines, contact Oscar Mediavilla, email hansmeidavilla@rocketmail.com

 

Gambella, Ethiopia, contact Koang Deng, email koangdeng5@gmail.com

 

Ndhiwa, Kenya, contact Evans Ochieng, email evochieng74@gmail.com

 

Bomet, Kenya, contact Evans Ochieng, email evochieng74@gmail.com

 

Transmara, Kenya, contact Evans Ochieng, email evochieng74@gmail.com

 

Utegi, Tanzania. Continuing Church of God, contact Evans Ochieng, email evochieng74@gmail.com

The Ethiopians are new to us and a visit is planned there for July 2015, but currently it appears that they will be with us. We also hope to have a site in Nigeria (probably near Abuja). There are also two groups in Asia (Kachinland and India) that have a distant affiliation with CCOG that are expected to have their own sites.

More information on the sites is in the article Feast of Tabernacles' Sites for 2015.

05/09/15 p.m. Visited RCG's website today. There has been nothing posted under 'News' there for some time. But here is some information it claims about itself:

The Restored Church of God is committed to freely offering—through the most extensive biblically based website in the world, rcg.org—thorough and comprehensive PLAIN UNDERSTANDING on virtually every teaching of the Bible, small and great.

I would not agree with that as RCG has a lot of doctrinal errors that are not biblical, but are based on improper traditions of men (see Why Not the Restored Church of God?). RCG also really does not understand much about early Church history as well (for details on history, check out Continuing History of the Church of God). I would also add that the article at the RCG website called "Who is David C. Pack?" does not mention that he has taken titles such as 'apostle' and 'Elijah' (see also The Elijah Heresies).

04/29/15 p.m. Noticed the following this afternoon at the website of the Eternal Church of God:

Question
Who are your leaders?

Answer
The Director of Administrative Services is Terry Moore who has served the Eternal Church of God since the year 2000: First as a deacon, then as an elder overseeing publishing, web design, video production, correspondence, music, and a presenter on the World to Come telecast. Mr. Moore is also the Director of Pastoral Services. He replaced Art Braidic who, after 35 years of serving God’s Church, retired March 21, 2015.

I had not realized that Art Braidic retired until just now (I have been traveling and have not visited the ECG site for many weeks). Art Braidic was my first pastor when I was in GCG.

04/16/15 a.m. In its weekly announcements today, CEG has the following:

Q&A

Is It Really That Important to Understand that We Must Not Vote in Governmental Elections?

To be blunt, voting in governmental, national and presidential elections violates God’s plan for true Christians and constitutes a grave sin. It manifests the absence of faith in God; reveals a complete lack of understanding as to what the role of a true Christian is today; and shows utter ignorance as to who is ruling this world. We will not mince words in this Q&A, because FAR TOO MANY Christians are deceived and are deceiving others on this topic, foolishly thinking that they are serving God and their country by voting in governmental elections. ...

WHY do we take such a strong stance against voting in national elections, while other Christians do not seem to see any problems with this? WHY do we claim that it is part of the Christian DUTY NOT to vote in governmental elections?

The simple answer is: We will NOT water down the truth of God, even though many others do. We will NOT swim with the stream of national pride, patriotism and nationalism, if it involves violating God’s Law. We WILL obey God rather than man, not being afraid of men and their antagonistic reactions and hateful persecution, but being FEARFUL of becoming luke-warm and compromising with God’s Will, even though many Christians do.

Here is a something from the Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God:

NOT OF THIS WORLD

Jesus taught, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). John the Baptist taught, “Do violence to no man” (Luke 3:14, KJV). Historically, those of the Church of God have considered military service as wrong for its members. From Revolutionary War times to the Civil War and to present, countries like the United States have tended to have had provisions to exempt Church of God members and congregants from military participation because of conscientious objections. Early Christians did not participate in military warfare nor watch violent sports.

The Apostle Paul taught “we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20). The Apostle Peter taught that God's people were “a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out” (1 Peter 2:9). The Bible also teaches that this world has been deceived by Satan the devil (Revelation 12:9) and that God's people need to be separate from the world (John 15:19; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; Revelation 18:4). Since a Christian is God's ambassador and  this responsibility is our duty above any arising from human relationships (Acts 4:18-20; 5:26-31), it is our normal religious practice to not participate in voting for national elections nor participate in jury duty, nor do we voluntarily join the military. Historically, the faithful Church of God has long taught that its members should not participate in secular juries and secular politics.

However, Christians are expected to listen to (and pray for, 1 Timothy 2:1-3) governmental authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17) and pay their taxes (Matthew 22:17-21), yet if there is a conflict between the laws of men and the laws of God, “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29, NLT).

While we have differences with CEG, CCOG takes a similar stand to CEG in regards to voting, jury duty, and military service.

04/16/15 a.m. Noticed today that at least three more LCG-supporting sites no longer post LCG's World Ahead Weekly Update. The late Carl McNair had encouraged members and local congregations to post this in the past, but this does not seem to be the current policy (or at least less in LCG are motivated to post it). LCG's Weekly Update is still available at its official cogl.org website.

04/08/15 a.m. Found out why a particular LCG-supporting site no longer exists. Let me politely just say that it is related to bureaucratic issues that I told LCG would likely lead to this many years ago.

03/28/15 p.m. In its announcements for services today, LCG had the following 'world news & prophecy' item:

Bible prophecy reveals the Israelite-descended nations will go into captivity under the European “beast” power at the time of the end. But, will France be inside or outside the “beast” power? The increasing EU frustration with France will be interesting to watch.

The idea that France will be outside the beast power is a change that LCG has been dabbling with for several years. This is a position that differed from that of the late evangelist Dibar Apartian (see The 'Lost Tribe' of Reuben: France in Prophecy?) as well as the old Radio and Worldwide Church of God (see Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).

Here are a couple of quotes from Dibar Apartian on this:

This soon-coming union of ten nations or governments prophetically represents the last "head" of the resurrected "beast"-the revival of the "Holy Roman Empire" (Rev. 17 :9- 1 2). But contrary to what you may think, it will NOT consist only of Gentile nations. It will INCLUDE a group of ISRAELITISH nations. "Come out of her , my people," says God in Revelation 18:4. "My people" means Israelites in Bible prophecy. Yes, once again, Joseph' s own brothers will sell him to the Gentiles!

Once again REUBEN (the first-born of Jacob who anciently conspired with his brothers, will "act" in terms of saving him, but end · up by compromising with his brothers to send him into CAPTIVITY. (Apartian D. De Gaulle and the Next World War. Plain Truth, September 1964, p. 11)

This Union of 10 Kingdoms is already in formation in Europe. In fact, France is at present one of its key members. As this prophecy reveals, this union will receive authority "for one hour" only-that is, a short time-because it is like "iron mixed with miry clay" (Dan. 2:43) ...

During the last two WORLD WARS France was at the side of her natural allies, the Anglo-Saxons. They are, indeed, her natural allies because the French people, in turn, are the modern DESCENDANTS of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, namely REUBEN! The situation, however, will be quite different during the next WORLD WAR, France will no longer fight at the side of her former allies; she will turn AGAINST them. The descendants of Reuben will play their part in selling into slavery their brother Joseph - just as Reuben did some 3700 years ago. You are now beginning to see why the relations between the United States of America and France are gradually deteriorating. (Apartian D. France: The Enigma of our Time. Plain Truth, August 1966, pp. 11-12)

There were several doctrinal and other concerns that Dibar Apartian had about LCG before he died, and this was one of them.

Dibar Apartian's writings are in sharp contrast to LCG's somewhat waffling position. LCG may wish to consider that some of France was often part of the old Holy Roman Empire as well.

In other matters related to LCG, I noticed today that an affiliated site, lcgkc.org, is still no longer active. I first noticed this a couple of weeks ago, and am not sure why it is no longer active.

03/28/15 a.m. A reader asked me for some information about RCG's David Pack because a relative was being influenced by him. In addition to referring to the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?, some specifics I said to consider included bringing up some of David Pack's words.

03/13/15 a.m. Visited EnCOG's website today. Little seemed to be going on, so I tried to check out its internet reach via Alexa.com. When I did, the following message came up:

We don't have enough data to rank this website.

Alexa tends to rank the top 20,000,000 websites in the world. The lack of enough data to rank normally means that almost no one is visiting the related website. EnCOG has not been effective with using the internet to reach the world as a witness.

As far as doing the work, the following items may be of interest:

Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from lower level leaders? A related sermon is available titled Priority of the Philadelphia Work.

Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word What is the 'short work' of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it?

The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.

03/10/15 p.m. Received the following in an email from Continuing Church of God Pastor Evans Ochieng:

Now these are the true congregations of CCOG in Kenya:

NYANZA PROVINCE
> NDHIWA-27 ADULTS, 12 CHILDREN----------------TOTAL 39  MEMBERS
> MBANI-18 ADULTS, 22CHILDREN ------------------TOTAL 40  MEMBERS
> ORIANG-20 ADULTS, 19 CHILDREN----------------TOTAL 39  MEMBERS
> KISEKE-15 ADULTS, 21 CHILDREN-----------------TOTAL36  MEMBERS
> RONGO 7 ADULTS, 8 CHILDREN--------------------TOTAL 15  MEMBERS
> OYUGIS 6 ADULTS, 10 CHILDREN------------------TOTAL 16  MEMBERS
> LOWER NYAKACH 3 ADULTS, 7 CHILDREN----TOTAL 10 MEMBERS
> UPPER  NYAKACH 13 ADULTS, 23 CHILDREN--TOTAL 36 MEMBERS
> ACHUTH 9 ADULTS, 12  CHILDREN-------------------TOTAL 21 MEMBERS
> KIHANCHA 6 ADULTS 2  CHILDREN------------------TOTAL 8 MEMBERS
> MBITA 10 ADULTS 4  CHILDREN-----------------------TOTAL 14 MEMBERS
> SINDO 9 ADULTS, 5  CHILDREN-----------------------TOTAL 14 MEMBERS
> AHERO 6 ADULTS, 10  CHILDREN--------------------TOTAL 16 MEMBERS
>
KISII
> EBEREGE 63 ADULTS, 72CHILDREN--------------TOTAL 135.  The number has
> increased
> KEORE 29 ADULTS, 15  CHILDREN------------------TOTAL 44
> NYAMARUMA  I don't have the exact  number I will send it later
>
RIFT  VALLEY
> BOMET 35 ADULTS, 16 CHILDREN----------------------TOTAL 51  MEMBERS
> CILANI  35 ADULTS, 18 CHILDREN----------------------TOTAL 53  MEMBERS
> MOSONIK 20 ADULTS, 10 CHILDREN------------------TOTAL 30  MEMBERS
> INGURO 25 ADULTS, 20 CHILDREN----------------------TOTAL 45  MEMBERS
> MAU 20 ADULTS 30 CHILDREN-----------------------------TOTAL 50  MEMBERS
>
NAIROBI
> NAIROBI 6 ADULTS  children I don't have the number---TOTAL 6 MEMBERS

>
KITUI
> KITUI 20 ADULTS. children I don't  have the number-----TOTAL 20
>
TOTAL 724

The Continuing Church of God has had some supporters in Kenya since 2013. But the number grew substantially in 2014 and has been growing in 2015.

The Continuing Church of God has sent songbooks, Bible News Prophecy magazines, other books, history booklets, literature, laptop computers, and other support to those in Africa. In addition to English, the Continuing Church of God has had literature, such as the Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God (see KATIKA LUGHA YA KISWAHILI) and our Study the Bible Course (see Somo 1 Katika Kiswahili), translated into Kiswahili which is the 'linga-Franca' in many nations in Africa. Our Bible News Prophecy magazine have been translated into Kiswahili (e.g. Okt-Des 2014 UNABII WA BIBLIA: MwanaFiladelfia wa Karne ya 21 ni nani?) and Dholuo (e.g. Dwe Mar Achiel - Dwe Mar Adek 2015: Wheche Manyien Mokor E Muma). We are currently looking at translating literature into at least two other African languages (including Zulu and Ekegusii).

Reaching Africa is part of Matthew 24:14;28:19-20 and thus is part of the final phase of the work.

03/05/15 a.m. A former RCG supporter sent me the following quotes that the supporter says was in the 2008 edition of the I Will Send Elijah To Restore All Things booklet written by David Pack:

I Will Send Elijah To Restore All Things

Written by David C. Pack

Implications and Walls of Defense  pg.83

"The first five chapters conclusively proved Mr. Armstrong was the final Elijah."

Summary and Grave Warning  pg. 95

"A future "Elijah counterfeit" will almost certainly soon deceive many unsuspecting brethren. "

False Christs  pg. 97

"A false prophet or a false messiah is already a deceiver.  He is not slowly becoming one.  He is already a proven, cunning, dangerous deceiver!"

Dangerous Heresy pg. 98

"Therefore, Satan must send his agents to counter this book and its contents."

"Through the false doctrines they teach, your leaders are clearly, directly shouting a warning to you to leave them!  They are "announcing" to you that you are in danger if you remain in their presence!  They are as much telling them to get away from them!"

The Coming "Strong Delusion," and its Connection to a "Mighty Man"  pg. 101

"Let's now examine the thinking of many in the splinters.  ....they are awaiting one man to come and "unite" the Churches of God."   While the concept is pure fiction,...."

"A great man of God - Elijah! - must "rise up, unite the Churches and solve all of our problems."

"Like the Jews, they are waiting for something to happen that has already happened."

"Will the devil's agents dupe you?"

So Few Survive   pg. 103

"Be careful if you are looking or praying for miracles -- or told that you should. You are being set up to fall into a disastrous trap."

pg. 104    "Beware of any who, like Simon Magus (Acts 8:17-24), covet the power to use God's Spirit to do miracles.  ...suggesting that their organization will do a "mightier Work than ever before."

The Final Decision  pg. 107

"No one can follow a false prophet or a false Christ and remain even a lukewarm christian!  Similarly, no one can ignore Mr. Armstrong's role and be or remain Philadelphian!"

Notice that the first quote David Pack is writing that the first five chapters in that booklet "conclusively proved Mr. Armstrong was the final Elijah." If that was conclusively proved, then that cannot be changed. Yet, David Pack has changed his position as he now claims that he personally is the final Elijah. David Pack's so-called proofs on many matters are often not proof.

Furthermore, David Pack is specifically doing something that he warned that an apostate leader would do. In sermons and elsewhere, David Pack is now claiming that he is 'Elijah' and that he will unite all the COG brethren.

David Pack has warned people against following him.

Cannot his followers see this? More information is in the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?

03/01/15 a.m. RCG's latest post towards 'the splinters' states the following:

Elijah is now revealed. So is the absolutely STUNNING message he is to bring! Easy to grasp, thousands have already found this detailed, eye-opening prophecy fascinating.

While David Pack has given many stunningly disturbing messages, many that he has referred to prove that he is NOT the Elijah to come. Nearly all the so-called truths that he claims to have restored are improper heresies.

He is not going to have the type of massive healings he has promised, he will not be used to lead God's Philadelphians to a place of safety (Revelation 12:14-16), and he is exploiting people and the finances.

His bullying and covetous practices are working for his followers for a time, but the reality is that his punishment will come:

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Although David Pack should have repented about his false interpretations of prophetic scriptures in 2013, he refused. Instead he tried to blame the Bible and pointed out that he got others to agree with him--presumably so he would not accept the full blame for his outrageously false predictions. In certain respects, David Pack reminds me of Ronald Weinland--FWIW, I also said that 2 Peter 2:1-3 applied to Ronald Weinland years before he was arrested (and he is currently in prison--I posted that 2 Peter 2:1-3 applied to him on January 28, 2008). I am not saying that David Pack must also end up in prison, but that the Bible is true and that I believe that since 2 Peter 2:1-3 applies to him, his judgment and destruction will come.

Some articles of related interest could include the following:

Why Not the Restored Church of God? This group, led by David Pack, claims to be the most faithful. The information in this article suggests otherwise. Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Por qué no la Iglesia de Dios Restaurada?

The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah?

There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical 'place of safety' and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject--thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety?  Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?

Concerns About Ronald Weinland's Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claimed to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, Jesus would return late September 2011, that Jesus would return on May 27, 2012, and later that Jesus would return on May 19, 2013. Why else does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He has other views which show he may not be part of the Church of God.

02/27/15 p.m. There is a new booklet by COGFF'a Alton Billingsley on makeup and his take on HWA's beliefs on that. Those who would like to see a more scriptural analysis (as well as HWA quotes) may find the article Makeup and the Philadelphia Era of the COG much more helpful.

02/18/15 p.m. The Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God has just been translated into Deutsche (German).  It now available online at: Glaubenserklärung der Continuing Church of God.

The Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God has also just been translated into Italian. It now is available online at: Dichiarazione del Credo della Continuing Church of God.

In addition to English, we also have the Statement of Beliefs in other languages such as Spanish/español: Declaración de las Doctrinas de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios;  Tagalog: Paglalahad ng Mga Paniniwala ng Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos;  Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明; Kiswahili: KATIKA LUGHA YA KISWAHILI; and Dutch: Verklaring van geloofspunten van de Continuing Church of God.

Building up and improving our online materials in multiple languages is part of how we in the Continuing Church of God are now preparing for the final phase of the work.

02/13/15 p.m. If you may have wondered how RCG's David Pack could get worse, notice that he posted the following:

I am posting a new message, “The MASS HEALING of God’s People—Just Ahead!” A spectacular, divine promise has been hidden in God’s Word, lost until it was God’s time to reveal it with 29 PLAIN PROOFS. This message explains—and conclusively PROVES!—that part of God’s “restoration of all things” (Matt. 17:11) involves completely healing ALL brethren who choose to return to His Church when He reunifies it. ...

His Plan is MUCH BIGGER and begins MUCH SOONER!

God makes plain in His Word that—as in the first-Century Church—He will soon heal “all manner of sickness and all manner of disease” (Matt. 4:23; 10:1) suffered by His people. This involves thousands who battle health conditions, but can now look forward to something no one ever dreamed that God intended! ...

Thousands in The Restored Church of God have heard this exhilirating truth, and know its connection to the series “First a MOSES, Now ELIJAH—130 Proofs!”, which electrified the Church around the world—and now many more outside it.

David Pack now seems to be teaching that a massive physical healing will happen to those who become part of his improperly named Restored Church of God (I consider that the initial R.C.G. would better be rendered as 'Ravished Church of God' because of David Pack's covetous doctrines such as 'common').

As far as his so-called 'PLAIN PROOFS,' many of the 130 'proofs' in his Moses and Elijah sermon series would best be categorized as opinions, and at worst in contradiction with the Bible. They were not electrifying, but revolting. All need to realize that even Satan can quote and misapply scriptures (e.g. Matthew 4), and the Bible warns that his ministers pretend to be 'ministers of righteousness' (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

David Pack is misleading suffering people by putting forth a false hope. The “restoration of all things” happens AFTER Jesus returns. David Pack used to claim that he followed Herbert W. Armstrong and his teachings quite well. Yet, notice what Herbert Armstrong wrote about the “restoration of all things”:

 Now notice where Jesus is NOW! He (God) "shall send Jesus Christ..." back to earth, "whom the heaven must receive UNTIL the times of restitution [restoration] of all things..." (Acts 3:20-21).

   Jesus shall come, SOON NOW, to RESTORE ALL THINGS! He did NOT restore all things when he first came. John the Baptist did not "restore all things." But the one who was to "restore all things" just before the "day of the Lord" and preparing the way for Christ's second coming, was YET to come, in the future, as Jesus said.

   Now what are the "all things" to be RESTORED? "Restitution" means restore to a former state or condition. It DOES NOT and CAN NOT mean restoring things to a condition as they were in the days of Adam and Eve. It was Adam who was given the opportunity to "restore all things" as they were before Lucifer and the angels SINNED — before Lucifer became Satan and his angels became demons. Before that, THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD ruled the earth. Lucifer sat on the throne of the earth, administering the GOVERNMENT OF GOD by the LAW OF GOD! Sin is the transgression of the spiritual Law. It is the GOVERNMENT OF GOD that needs to be restored. Adam failed. (Armstrong HW. Co-Worker Letter, August 24, 1982)

The “restoration of all things” does not happen before the Great Tribulation, which is part of what David Pack is now teaching. The “restoration of all things” is not part of David Pack's false belief that thousands of real Christians will flock to him in unison. Hopefully, more will not be misled by this horrible twisting of scriptures.

As far as certain things being MUCH SOONER, it was David Pack who expected that the 'thousands' would come with him in August 2013. Can't his followers see that?

As far as healings in the first century church, the Apostle Paul sought three times for healing of an affliction God would not heal him of (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Paul also refers to Timothy’s recurring stomach problems in 1 Timothy 5:23, and wrote that, “Trophimus have I left in Miletum sick” (2 Timothy 4:20). The Christian woman Dorcus is recorded to have became sick and died (Acts 9:36-37).

God did NOT heal all physically in the first century, nor is it His intent to heal all who might go to and/or stay in RCG. RCG is not following the Bible on this and many other teachings.

For various doctrinal issues, check out the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?

02/12/15 a.m. The Bible News Prophecy magazine is now available for the first time ever in the German language. Here is a link: Bibel Nachrichten Prophezeiung magazin, Januar – März 2015.

02/05/15 a.m. Received the following in an email today from someone expressing his opinions related to RCG and CCOG matters:

Subject: Your Article on the RCG ---- Is right on!

As a former member of the RCG, I can agree that you are right-on-the-money when it comes to the RCG in your recent article. You also might be interested in a recent article from a hate group that points out that groups like the RCG are indeed bringing shame to the COG. ...

I still know of some in the RCG who are blindly following this cult, thinking in the process that they are following God, and who are instead headed for the great tribulation! May God help them to see the truth and come here to the CCOG. ...

RCG says that we have to be punished for not agreeing with Mr. Pack. Mr. Pack says that we have to sell our homes and give the money to the RCG and that we have no right to tell them how they can spend the money once we do. Interestingly, I’ve seen a government site that lists Mr. Pack’s home as being 100% paid for and one that he tells us that he has no real equity in, a complete and blatant lie.

What RCG has been doing has been disturbing to me since its formation. While many did hold items in common in Jerusalem during a time of persecution, RCG's twisted covetous 'common' doctrine is just one of many falsehoods it teaches. Various details are in the article Why Not the Restored Church of God? I have long opposed David Pack's excessive financial requests (see RCG’s David Pack claims, ‘You’re not allowed to hold on to your own assets.’)--and of course, still do.

02/04/15 p.m. Decided to finish listening to the first part of David Pack's First a MOSES, Now ELIJAH--130 Proofs! Anyway, I wanted to hear what he was now teaching on his covetous 'common' doctrine. Quotes and comments on that are in the news post RCG’s David Pack claims, ‘You’re not allowed to hold on to your own assets.’

Hopefully those in RCG will believe the Bible over David Pack's 'great swelling words.'

02/03/15 p.m. RCG's David Pack wrote the following:

I have given a three-part sermon series unlike anything The Restored Church of God has posted. Titled “First a MOSES, Now ELIJAH—130 Proofs!”, it explains monumental prophecies with crystal clarity. It carries far-reaching implications for former members of the Worldwide Church of God and others in its offshoots. ...

Among the most important prophecies in Scripture, Malachi 4:5-6 states that without the end-time Elijah’s arrival, God would “smite the earth with utter destruction”! Thousands with a Church background are waiting for Elijah (Matt. 17:11), believing this man to be one of the Two Witnesses (Rev. 11:3). Scripture makes clear this theory is ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE. ...

These are the most important messages I have ever given. Hundreds in The Restored Church of God have commented in just the last two days like this: “electrifying,” “exhilarating,” “amazing,” “gripping,” “game-changing,” “awesome,” “captivating,” “overwhelming,” “tremendously inspiring,” “profound,” “mind-blowing” and “emphatically irrefutable.”

These messages will eventually divide the splinters and slivers down the middle.

It is not absolutely impossible that the final Elijah would be one of the two witnesses. David Pack's messages will not "divide the splinters and slivers down the middle." David Pack is wrong.

I tried to listen to much of the first of the three sermons. It was not “electrifying,” “exhilarating,” “amazing,” etc.

David Pack said these sermons would 'probably cause a firestorm,' etc. Actually, from what I listened to was just more of the same of David Pack pushing his ego.

He also stated:

Elijah...one of the two witnesses. Thousands will come in {to RCG} believing I am both... No, I'm not Elisha...

We have reached the point where many millions want to hear my voice...they shall know a prophet has been among them...Two men came as watchmen, therefore this verse must apply twice...{Ezekiel 33} verse 33...

Herbert Armstrong...We do a greater work.

David Pack claimed his arguments are "air-tight," etc. He claimed to work on this series of sermons more than any in his life (he has made statements like that before). And David Pack is correct that he is not 'Elisha.' He basically said he and Herbert Armstrong were prophets, even though Herbert Armstrong denied that about himself.

David Pack then basically indicates that he is the restorer--the Elijah.

His explanation basically is that because HWA did not understand all things including the 144,000 doctrine that David Pack claimed to restore (and other David Pack positions like the 1135 days and his covetous interpretation of 'common'). David Pack said:

Did Mr. Armstrong actually restore all things? How about the doctrine of being taken by eagles?...

He didn't understand it...The King of the South, Mr. Armstrong never understood that...or Haggai and the three shepherdstied to the spiritual remnant...or how you anoint your eyes...

He never talked about the falling away. He never did! Nobody was ready for it because he never said a word about it...

You saw me restore one thing after the other...

Herbert Armstrong was not the Elijah. He was something bigger.

David Pack is correct that HWA did not restore all things. But he is in error on many points, including his false teachings about Haggai--David Pack's understanding on that was proven false in 2013 (see Why Not the Restored Church of God?).

Herbert W. Armstrong did discuss and teach about the falling away--yet David Pack completely denies it. Details for proof about which of us are right on this are in the article The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings.

David Pack later, in that sermon, taught that Herbert W. Armstrong was a Moses figure and a Zerubbabel figure, and that he himself (David Pack) is also a 'Joshua' figure--which he taught earlier (more on Zerubbabel and Joshua can be found in the article Who Are The Two Witnesses?).

David Pack erred on many points, but his followers seem unwilling to admit it. All should believe the truth and not listen to positions that are opposed to it.

01/31/15 p.m. LCG reported that Doug Winnail and Peter Nathan went to Kenya. According to another report I received, LCG has been able to greatly increase the number of people they have there as a group once part of COGaIC (which Peter Nathan had been part of) is now with them.

01/30/15 p.m. A week ago, RCG hyped the announcement it was going to make late today. Essentially, RCG's David Pack pointed to several statistics and healings and claimed that was proof that they were THE true church. Notice one statement:

This letter has brought much proof that God is only working in one organization. But the burden of proof that we are the only true Church and sole Body of Christ rests with neither The Restored Church of God nor me.

As far as healings as proof go, let me state that other COGs, including the Continuing Church of God, could publicly list healings. RCG's claims are not unique in that way.

RCG is NOT leading the final phase of the work. I question whether or not David Pack is truly a converted Christian.

Towards the end of the post was the following directed towards people in Church of God groups other than RCG:

We expect to see thousands of you soon in The Restored Church of God. God has long planned to reunify what would become His scattered people at the end of the age.

The above shows that 1) RCG does not understand the message to the churches in Revelation 2 & 3 and 2) that RCG is still clinging to the same nonsense it claimed would happen in 2013, and when it did not happen, possibly for 2014. For some of those details, please check out the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?

The reality is that David Pack misunderstands prophecy and he and his followers remain delusional if they really believe this. I denounced this, correctly, in 2013, as well as 2014. I will now denounce this for 2015. There is no possible way that thousands of Philadelphian Christians will go to RCG.

01/29/15 a.m. Just got the following in an email related to biblical requirements that the old Radio Church of God had, which presumably carried into the old Worldwide Church of God:

BIBLE REQUIREMENTS FOR MINISTERS

(Ambassador College handout)

A. Appellations of Ministers

1. Minister. The word used most in Greek is Strong's #1249, diakonos (the same word is translated "deacon" elsewhere). It means an attendant, a waiter at table or in other menial duties. The root word means to run errands.

2. Ambassador for Christ (II Cor. 5:20).

3. Fishers for men (Matt. 4:19; Mark 1:17).

4. Shepherd (Matt. 9:36; Matt. 10:6).

5. Laborer (I Thess. 3:2; Phil. 2:25; I Cor. 3:9).

6. Overseer (Acts 20:28; the same word is elsewhere translated "bishop").

7. Soldier of Christ (Phil. 2:25; II Tim. 2:3).

8. Teacher (I Cor. 4:17; Acts 5:42; I Tim. 4:11; I Tim. 6:2; II Tim. 2:2, 24, 25).

9. Preacher.

a. Strong's #2097--announce good news. (Acts 16:10)

b. Strong's #2783--herald, as a public crier. (Acts 10:42)

10. Watchman (Ezek. 33; Jer. 6:17).

11. Witness (Acts 1:8; Acts 5:32).

12. Messenger (Mal. 2:7).

 

B. Qualifications for Ministers

1. Blameless (II Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6,7).

2. Husband of one wife (I Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6).

3. Vigilant (II Tim. 3:2).

4. Sober (I Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8).

5. Of good behavior (I Tim. 3:2).

6. Given to hospitality (I Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8).

7. Apt to teach (I Tim. 3:2; II Tim. 2:24).

8. Not given to wine (I Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7).

9. No striker (I Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7).

10. Not greedy of filthy lucre (I Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7).

11. Patient (I Tim. 3:3; II Tim. 2:24).

12. Not a brawler (I Tim. 3:3).

13. Not covetous (I Tim. 3: 3)

14. Rules well his own house (I Tim. 3:4).

15. Has his children in subjection with all gravity (I Tim. 3: 4; Titus 1: 6).

16. Not a novice (I Tim. 3:6).

17. Of good report among unconverted (I Tim. 3:7).

18. Not self-willed (Titus 1:7).

19. Not soon angry (Titus 1:7).

20. Lover of good men (Titus 1:8).

21. Just (Titus 1:8).

22. Holy (Titus 1:8).

23. Temperate (Titus 1: 8).

24. Hold fast the faithful word (Titus 1:9).

25. Gentle (II Tim. 2:24; Titus 3:2).

26. Must not strive (II Tim. 2:24).

27. Meek (II Tim. 2:25).

 

C. How Ministers Receive Office

1. Chosen by God, ordained, sent to bring forth fruit (John 15:16).

2. God gives pastors to feed people with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:15).

3. God gives various offices, some apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers (Eph. 4:11).

4. Holy Spirit reveals who is to be ordained after fasting, prayer, laying on of hands (Acts 13:2, 3).

5. Appointed, sent two by two as lambs among wolves (Luke 10: 1-3).

6. Ordain elders in every city (Titus 1:5).

 

D. Conduct and Attitude of Ministers

1. Be you clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord (Isa. 52:11).

2. Prepare your heart to seek the law, to do it, and to teach it (Ezra 7:10).

3. Don't drink wine or strong drink when working (Lev. 10:9).

4. Be wise as serpents, harmless as doves (Matt. 10:16).

5. Serve one another (Matt. 20:26-28).

6. Be willing to give your life for the sheep (John 10:11).

7. Be completely impartial (I Tim. 5:21).

8. Speak the things which become sound doctrine (Titus 2: 1)

9. Be gentle as a nurse cherishing children (I Thess. 2:7-12; II Tim. 2:24; Titus 3:2).

10. Give no offense in anything (II Cor. 6:3-10).

11. Be a good example (Titus 2:7, 8; I Tim. 4:12-16).

12. Preach willingly (I Cor. 9:16-17).

13. Gladly spend and be spent for the Work (II Cor. 12:15).

 

E. Responsibilities and Duties

1. Take heed to the ministry, fulfill it (Col. 4:17).

2. Study, meditate upon God's Word (Josh. 1:7-9; II Tim. 2:15).

3. Give self continually to prayer and ministry Acts 6:4).

4. Go, preach, teach, heal, cast out demons, baptize (Matt. 10:5-8; Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 3:14, 15; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6; Luke 10:1-9).

5. Persuade men (Gal. 1:10).

6. Feed the sheep (John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28; I pet. 5:2,3)

7. Preach the word, reprove, exhort (II Tim. 4:2).

8. Teach the difference between holy and profane (Ezek. 44: 23).

9. Speak whether they will hear or not (Ezek. 2:7; Ezek. 3:27).

10. Establish and comfort the brethren (I Thess. 3:2).

11. Perfecting of the saints (Eph. 4:11, 12; Col. 1:28).

12. Charge people to trust the living God and do good works (I Tim. 6: 14-19).

13. Set things in order, ordain elders (Titus 1:5; II Tim. 2:2).

14. Bind and release as revealed by God (Matt. 18:18; John 20:23).

15. Rule over the brethren (Heb. 13:7, 17).

 

F. Instructions to Ministers

1. Study to show yourself approved to God (II Tim. 2:15).

2. Stir up the gift of God (II Tim. 1:6-14); I Tim. 4:14).

3. Endure hardness as good soldier of Christ (II Tim. 2: 3).

4. Be servant to one another (Matt. 20:26-28).

5. Preach the word (II Tim. 4:2).

6. Go, preach, heal, etc. (Matt. 10:7, 8).

7. Go two by two (Luke 10:1).

8. Go not house to house (Luke 10:7).

9. Be wise as serpents, harmless as doves (Matt. 10:16).

10. Observe these things, keep yourself pure (I Tim. 5:21, 22).

11. Put brethren in remembrance of these things (I Tim. 4:6).

12. Treat all respectfully (I Tim. 5:1-3).

13. Watch in all things (II Tim. 4:5).

14. Take stumbling block out of way of people (Isa. 57:14).

15. Cry aloud, spare not, show my people their sins (Isa. 58:1).

16. Keep not silent, give God no rest (Isa. 62:6, 7).

17. Be a good example (Titus 2:7, 8; I Tim. 4:12-16).

18. Continue in these things, be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (II Tim. 3:14-17).

Because of issues with several of the above in LCG (e.g. B.1,3,5,14,20,21,24,27; D.7,8,11; E.5,7,8,11; F.1,10,13,15,17,18), it was necessary to heed God's ordination and instructions (C.1,2,3,4; A.10,12) and officially form the Continuing Church of God. Some details are in the article Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God.

01/24/15 p.m. The website at Don Haney's describes its church as follows:

We are a small branch rooted in the original Jerusalem Messianic Church of God.

While all Church of God groups have believed in the Messiah, typically none use the term 'Messianic' in their descriptions as the 'Messianic' movement is NOT part of the Church of God. The original Church of God did NOT have many of the trappings that the Messianic movement has. Don Haney also has photos of himself dressed more like the leader of a Messianic congregation than a Church of God congregation.

Anyway for more information on the Messianics, as well as the history of the true Church of God, consult the following:

Messianic Judaism Beliefs Differ from the Continuing Church of God Both groups keep the seventh-day Sabbath, but have important differences in doctrines and practices. Here is a link to a related sermon: Messianic Jewish Beliefs.

Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy?

Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. Two related sermon links would include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries. In Spanish: Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.

01/10/15 p.m. Received an email from CCOG Pastor Evans Ochieng today on doing the work and some specifics relalated to Africa. Here is a link to his letter: Pastor Evans Ochieng: CCOG growing daily in Africa.

01/08/15/ p.m. Received the following email:

January 8, 2015

Email to:  Living Church of God Ministry

Hello everyone,

I wanted to let you know that Mr. Bob League died this morning at 8:30 am. His heart was unable to function and multiple organs were failing. Bob was 82 years old and served in the ministry for decades in a number of areas. Please keep Mrs. League and their family in your prayers. Mr. League’s funeral is being planned for this coming Sunday afternoon, January 11, here in Charlotte, North Carolina. More details will follow.

Warm Regards,
Douglas Winnail

I had some contact with LCG's Bob League in the past but did not know him well.

01/03/15 p.m. Some may wonder why it has been a while since anything was posted here about David Pack's RCG. Well, basically RCG has stopped posting 'news' about David Pack's assertions that those in the COGs would have to soon come and support him. It is not that he no longer believes it, but after being proven wrong in 2013 and 2014, he may hope that by not going out on a limb and being wrong like he had been is in his best interest. Tomorrow, RCG plans to broadcast a telecast related to the Ten Commandments. And while true Christians should keep the Ten Commandments, the way many in RCG tend to view the law reminds me a lot of the Pharisees that Jesus condemned.

Anyway, RCG still exists but it has not had the type of growth that David Pack was trumpeting in the Spring and Summer of 2013, etc.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Why Not the Restored Church of God? This group, led by David Pack, claims to be the most faithful. The information in this article suggests otherwise. Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Por qué no la Iglesia de Dios Restaurada?
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
Were the Ten Commandments 'Nailed to the Cross'? Some have said so. This article provides some biblical quotes to answer this important question.
What Did Paul Actually Teach About the Ten Commandments? Many say Paul taught against the ten commandments. Is this true? This article quotes Paul with his words in green.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common "traditions of men" regarding them as well. Here is a version in the Spanish language:.¿Están vigentes todavía los diez mandamientos?
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught? For a more detailed discussion of the first four commandments, please see the video The Ten Commandments: Loving God. For a more detailed discussion of the last six commandments, please see: The Ten Commandments: Loving Your Neighbor. Here is a link to a related article in Mandarin Chinese 十条诫命显示爱，违反诫命的就是邪恶的
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John's writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.

Click here for the previous news of those once affiliated with GCG

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