News of Those Once Affiliated with the Global Church of God

Since the takeover of the old GCG by the board in the U.S., those once with GCG went to many places. Nearly 80% went with the Living Church of God (LCG), 8-15% went with the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship (CGCF) and smaller percentages went with David Pack's Restored Church of God (RCG), Harold Smith's Church of God Fellowship, Northwest (CGFnw), 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 still 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. One group that split from UCG (and never was part of GCG or LCG), then COGaic, called Church of God, Established in Modesto (COG-eim, Steve LeBlanc) has some former GCG members and maintains a relationship with the GCG Belgians (who had supported the original GCG takeover); in 2002, COG-eim split, and its leading minister (Don Billingsley) formed a new group called COG-Faithful Flock (COG-ff). In 2004, Raymond McNair, having been in GCG, CGCF, LCG, then went on his own and formed Church of God, 21st Century (COG21). Don Haney, once in GCG/LCG, formed the Church of God In Peace and Truth. In 2005, Ben Faulkner, who was in GCG and LCG formed the Church of the Sovereign God (CotSG).

11/24/06 a.m. This morning I listened to more of David Pack's 21st Century Apostle sermon, part two. Anyone who actually listens to what he says should easily be able to see some of the factual errors and contradictions in his false message.

Here is some of what I heard this morning as well as some comments:

Similar to PCG, RCG seems to think that a Laodicean warning message is what the Philadelphia portion of the COG should proclaim. Notice what David Pack claimed in his 21st Century Apostle sermon, part 2:

Mr. Armstrong was a messenger to the 6th era. And even revealed that there are such men, 7 of them. He trained me to do the same. Mr. Armstrong was a Apostle. Yes brethren I hold that office. I do...

If I am not an apostle...I was not sent as a messenger to Laodicea...

I will not take a lot of titles...I never worried about Mr. Armstrong's titles...

This office outranks your leaders...

Notice that David Pack took the title of apostle and the title as a messenger to Laodicea. The idea of being a messenger to Laodicea is clear proof that RCG does not have the same Philadelphia work that the WCG under HWA had.

A review of RCG's website and literature clearly shows that its emphasis, like that of PCG is not to proclaim the gospel message, but to focus on chastising those who are in other Church of God fellowships (repeatedly referred to by David Pack as those affiliated with the "splinters"). This should be one of the most obvious changes that those with a WCG background will note if they read much of RCG's materials.

David Pack admitted in his 21st Century Apostle (part 2) sermon:

Sardis did not have an apostle...There had not been an apostle for 3/4 of a millennium...Only an apostle can approve ordinations.

The above admission contradicts David Pack's basic contention that there has to be an apostle now. If only an apostle can approve ordinations and there was not an apostle for 3/4 of a millennium, and David Pack claims that others have been properly ordained, this then is clear proof that David Pack is teaching error.

Furthermore, David Pack fails to teach in his 21st Century Apostle sermons that Herbert Armstrong intentionally did not appoint anyone as an apostle. The fact that HWA did not proves that neither HWA nor God required that the Church be led by an apostle. HWA expected that the gospel and the warning message would be preached by evangelists to the world after he died. HWA did not require that they would work under a living apostle--this is another error in David Pack's sermon.

David Pack also seems to fail to understand what happened when Joshua died. Notice:

So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel (Judges 2:7).

This is precisely what happened in COG groups such as LCG. Yet David Pack, who claims to stand for "precision of doctrine" simply misunderstands this and other biblical teachings.

The above was added this morning to the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?

11/23/06 a.m. It has been 8 years since the takeover of the GCG by legal maneuvers from its board. Those that took it over spent all the cash they started with, kicked out David Pack, essentially bankrupted GCG, then took fall holy day money to begin CGCF. That too, was a failure, and CGCF also dissolved. Perhaps a third of those associated with CGCF ended up in UCG. None of the small groups that were part of the GCG has had much of a media presence (though RCG has a popular internet ministry), and none has had much impact on publicly proclaiming the gospel to the world as a witness (which, in my opinion, is what the REAL issue always was--although egos were also involved).

In the meantime, LCG has continued to grow and get its message out. According to the listings in its November-December 2006 edition, LCG's Tomorrow's World is now on approximately 198 television stations and 18 radio stations originating in 21 countries. LCG also has churches and small groups in over 40 countries. LCG has the largest television presence of any COG, and approximately the third largest radio presence.

The question is, is this effective in meeting the criteria that Jesus set for the true church?

Yes.

Why?

Because according to Jesus, the criteria was fruits. Notice what Jesus stated:

You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them (Matthew 7:16-20 NKJV).

And what are the fruits?

In September 2006, LCG's Wayne Pyle reported:

Television has brought in more than 400 in the United States and Canada, whose first contact was the Tomorrow’s World telecast and then they were subsequently baptized over the past seven years. In addition, another 400 individuals, who were previously baptized, came with Living as a result of the telecast. At present, approximately one out of every 600 TV viewers added to our mailing list are coming to baptism; and for TV viewers on our subscription list for seven years, we are seeing an average of one out of 200 being baptized. Back in Mr. Armstrong’s time, only one out of each thousand TV viewers on the mailing list were baptized.

Since January 1999, a total of 1,550 individuals have been baptized in the Living Church of God, from all sources. 

LCG probably has the highest percentage of people baptized in the past 7 years of any COG. And the highest number of people baptized who did not have a prior COG background.

Also notice these November 2006 reports from Wayne Pyle:

This week we received our 12,000th phone call from our satellite coverage over the United Kingdom, Europe, Scandinavia, northern Africa and the Middle East. We started airing via satellite in April 2006. Now, we are airing on three satellites: Eurobird, Hotbird-6 and Thor (World Ahead Weekly Update. 11/22/06).

In the last three weeks, since we started airing brand new programs for the new 2006-2007 season, the responses have been well above 3,000 for each program. And we are averaging about 2,000 brand new, first-time callers each week, which clearly shows our Tomorrow’s World TV audience is growing (World Ahead Weekly Update. 11/09/06).

The Revelation booklet had been offered in 14 TV airings previously and in the most recent airing last month, this booklet broke our all-tome record for a single telecast with 4,880 TV requests, and the exact same telecast back in April drew 4,762 TV responses. Overall, the Revelation booklet is our third highest-pulling booklet among our TV viewers...Thanks to this week’s TV replies, the total cumulative North American response since January 1999 is now up to 705,341, bringing the total response from all TV stations around the world to 875,874 responses. In the nearly seven years since our first year in 1999, the telecast around the world grew at an average of 57 percent per year. (World Ahead Weekly Update. 11/02/06). 

LCG's tv responses continue to improve. On a per member basis, LCG's responses are now much higher than those generally attained by the old WCG. Other than perhaps the one weekend immediately following HWA's death, never in the days of WCG under HWA did WCG get this high of a response on a per member basis. Thus, LCG is truly the only COG that has the type of work and fruits that the Philadelphia era under HWA had.

Speaking of HWA and the work, here are some quotes from him which prove what that work is and that the work of the Great Commission is still not over:

Next, when our Great Commission is in God's sight completed, we are to be taken--symbolically flown on the two wings of a great eagle--we shall be taken to a place of protection from the Great Tribulation (Armstrong HW. Looking...PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT - VOL.3, NO.4 January 23, 1981).

The PURPOSE for which Christ built the Church exemplifies its WORK...1) To ANNOUNCE to the world for its witness the coming Kingdom of God...2) To prepare the people to whom God adds to the Church...God has always worked with humans. He has worked with O N E  M A N at a time...The WORK consists of proclaiming the Gospel, by radio, by television, in print (Armstrong HW. JUST WHAT IS THE WORK? PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT - VOL.3, NO.6 February 6, 1981).

LCG is the only COG with "one man" leadership that has been shown to have the most effective Work utilizing television and other media.

He who has an ear to hear, let him hear. An article of possible interest may be There are Many COGS: Why the Living Church of God?

11/17/06 a.m. In an ad in The Journal, CG-ff's Don Billingsley published:

Mr. Armstrong wrote of what should be the eagerly continued need to visualize this soon-coming wonderful world that Jesus Christ will establish upon His return to this earth in his book, TOMORROW’SWORLD . . . What It Will Be Like, pages 1, 102: “YOU DON’T HAVE TO BELIEVE IT! IT WILL happen, regardless. It is sure—the world’s only sure hope. This advance good news of tomorrow is as certain as the rising of tomorrow’s sun . . . A world filled with happy radiating humans, guided, helped, protected, and ruled by former mortals made immortal—and all the humans realizing they, too, may inherit everlasting life in supreme happiness and thrilling joy. What a fabulous picture!”

This is correct. An article of possible interest may be The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church.

11/10/06 a.m. This morning, CEG sent out the following:

We are asking for your most urgent prayers for Edwin and Joan Pope.

Edwin has been having health problems for the last several days, which included flu-like symptoms and also some skin problems. He has been anointed for the same.

Yesterday afternoon, Joan called, informing us that Edwin was being taken by emergency transport to the hospital as he was suffering from seizures. Norbert and Johanna Link traveled to be with Joan at the hospital on Wednesday evening. Edwin is now in an induced coma, and tests are being conducted to determine what has taken place. Joan said all of Edwin's vital signs are stable and the doctors haven't found anything as to the specific cause. They want to do many more tests. Joan informed the Links that Edwin's heart had stopped but that the paramedics were able to revive him and transport him to the hospital. Norbert has anointed Edwin in the hospital. The doctors said that even though Edwin was sedated, he was able to hear them. Margaret Adair and Norbert visited Joan and Edwin in the hospital on Thursday. Norbert anointed Edwin again with the specific request that there would not be any brain or other permanent damage.

Edwin Pope is one of the top leaders of CEG and was part of the group that took over GCG.

Yesterday, a former CEG member (he stated he left do to doctrinal changes at CEG) that I have known for a long time sent the following:

Have you carefully read what CEG is teaching--how it differs from HWA concerning the warning from Ezekiel? Read their booklet “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America” and make your own observations.

Here are some interesting observations:

The booklet sways back and forth throughout on whether the message God gave Ezekiel was also delivered in person.

CEG on page 21 of their booklet “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America” changed the meaning of what HWA wrote—yet attributed it to him.

Mr. Herbert Armstrong wrote these words in the original November 19, 1976 co-worker letter:

“There is no reason to think his message was ever delivered to the House of Israel in Ezekiel's time. The message in fact is for today -- and contained a WARNING of things to happen to Britain, America and the Western European nations NOW in OUR DAY.”

Compare: “There is no reason to think his message was ever delivered to the House of Israel in Ezekiel's time. The message in fact is dual and is for us at this end-time -- and contained a WARNING of things to happen to Britain, America and…” (attributed to Herbert W. Armstrong, p. 21, The Rise and Fall of Britain and America).

Mr. Herbert Armstrong did not write the words “is dual and is for us at this end-time.” It actually contradicts the previous sentence: “Ezekiel’s
prophetic message was never delivered to the ancient house of Israel,” and makes HWA to appear to be of unsound mind:

The Introduction of this booklet with the subtitle “Ezekiel’s Warning” backs up this untruthful idea with the following three unfounded statements:

1.    God gave Ezekiel a powerful message regarding his responsibility in
warning the house of Israel in his time…. [false doctrine—it did not happen
then]
2.    According to comments made by the New Open Bible Study Edition
Commentary, Ezekiel’s principal Godly-ordained mission was to speak out to
the ancient Israelites…[false doctrine—it did not happen then]
3.    Why should we be concerned about something that happened in “Old
Testament times”? [false doctrine—it did not happen then]

FACT: Ezekiel prophesied that Israel’s cities would be laid waste, but Scripture records that the captured cities of ancient Israel were
repopulated with other peoples more than 100 years before Ezekiel’s prophecy. "In all your dwelling places the cities shall be laid waste”
Ezekiel 6:6. “So Israel was carried away from their own land to Assyria, [as it is] to this day. Then the king of Assyria brought [people] from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed [them] in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel; and they took possession of Samaria and dwelt in its cities” 2 Kings 17:23-24.

Excerpts from pages 20-21 of “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America” which clearly contradict this dual prophecy message of the introduction:

“In a Church of God member letter dated November 19, 1976, Herbert W Armstrong (1892–1986), former human leader of the Worldwide Church of God, explained how he came to the vital understanding of the meaning of the prophecies of Ezekiel in the early years of his conversion and ministry:…

“Nowhere in the book does Ezekiel record his journey from where he was in Babylon to those of the House of Israel who were then in Britain and Western Europe. Nowhere does he record his giving of the message to them. He merely RECEIVED the message. He merely RECORDED IT IN WRITING. There is no reason to think his message was ever delivered to the House of Israel in Ezekiel’s time….” [Herbert W. Armstrong]….

“The fifth year brings us to about 592 B.C—over 125 years AFTER the removal and captivity of the house of Israel in 721–718 B.C.! Ezekiel, then, was given a future prophetic message for the modern house of ISRAEL, including a message about their future punishment and slavery. This message had been given AFTER the removal and captivity of the ancient house of ISRAEL. The ancient house of Israel had already been punished and gone into captivity. Ezekiel’s prophetic message was never delivered to the ancient house of Israel.”

No one seems to have discerned the inconsistencies.

Very few actually read CEG's info, so that may be a reason. CEG specifically has a different position on the subject of the King of the South than HWA's WCG did.

I am taking the sender's word (which I consider good) for the above. I feel that other groups (PCG and RCG come to mind), and even WCG when it claimed it was not making changes, have changed either the words or intent of various HWA teachings, and that is what came to mind when I read the above.

11/04/06 a.m. Yesterday, CG-ff's Don Billingsley reported:

Not only is it important to obey all of the restored doctrines Christ used Mr. Armstrong to RESTORE WITHIN HIS CHURCH, but also among those doctrinal teachings the Church is to have in place and obey is the Government of God by a ministry that can be proved to be faithful to Jesus Christ and be caring for the people of God under their charge. A ministry that is also humble not glorifying itself.

Ministers who have not been guilty of conspiracy against the true leaders to form their own groups; and also who have not been disfellowshipped,
The elect should prove them to be the true leaders of God just as the members of the Ephesian Church Era did in their time (Revelation 2:2).

An article that may be of interest here is Did You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made?

11/03/06 a.m. Yesterday, CEG reported:

We received the following note from Raymond and Eve McNair:

"Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Your card of Feast greetings was very encouraging to us. Our time at home during this Feast was enjoyable as we shared it with visitors and enjoyed the many thoughtful gifts of love sent to us. We look forward to the time when none of us will be alone and we will be with Christ serving Him and teaching those what God has taught us. During this time we must stay focused and stay the course. May God continue to be with you all. In Christian love."

It is my understanding that Raymond McNair (who runs his own CG21 group and is officially not part of CEG) is doing a little better healthwise than he was several months ago, but is still weak.

CEG also reported:

The German Grand Coalition is in deep trouble. As can be observed in the United States with many of the projects of the Bush Administration which seem to backfire and end up in defeat, much of what the German Grand Coalition is doing is also met with disaster. In addition, events outside the German government's control add to the bleak picture of Germany in the world. When will the German people wake up to do something about these incredible developments? Quite different from Biblical prophecies showing that the United States of America is DOOMED to failure just prior to Christ's return--regardless of what government or administration might be "ruling" it--the Bible is also very clear that Germany is predestined to achieve TEMPORARY "greatness" in these end times--with disastrous events to follow.

LCG also mentioned Germany yesterday--for details please see the News of the Living Church of God page.

10/29/06 a.m. The latest update from Dr. Winnail mentions:

It was sad to see the Hulls depart after working with the Church for so many years.  Mr. Rod King traveled to South Africa to keep the Feast with 85 people.  Regrettably, the Hulls had to be disfellowshiped and marked because they have been attempting to pull people out of LCG.  A younger minister and his family and a few others have also decided to depart.  However, the majority of the brethren in South Africa have seen through this attempt to disrupt the Church in that country.   

On my earlier trip to Africa, I also visited our members in Tanzania and went over Feast plans with our host, Mr. Chembe, and then flew on to Nairobi, Kenya to visit our host Mr. Muthama and brethren there.  Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cooper (an elder from Ireland) were able to spend the Feast in Kenya with about 165 brethren, and Mr. Rick Stafford (an elder from the USA) was able to spend the Feast with some 30 brethren in Tanzania.  

It is also sad that Syd Hull's letter of 9/27/06 had the following inaccurate information about attendance in Kenya:

I can attest that Mr. Winnail lost virtually all Living Church of God brethren in Kenya and Tanzania when Mr. Ernest Owino joined the Restored Church of God. As the first pastor in East Africa, I am aware that only about 15 of those with us at that time stayed with LCG, with hundreds going to RCG. Yet, Mr. Winnail deceived Charlotte and the entire church, stating that most members remained with LCG. RCG headquarters presented Charlotte with the facts and witnesses regarding their numbers. But Charlotte held to the story that Living kept most of the members in East Africa. Why continue the deception to their members?

Comments that I consider to be inaccurate about LCG in Kenya have been repeatedly reported by several in RCG. Perhaps they should have sent someone to LCG's FOT site to count our attendance there for themselves this year. It perhaps should be mentioned that LCG only claimed about 160 in Kenya when Ernest Owino left, and that is about how many LCG still has. RCG appears to have many of the ones that LCG did not recognize as with us when Ernest Owino was with LCG.

Now let's deal with what is probably the most siginficant claim that RCG (including those that left LCG for RCG has made against LCG). This morning I added the following to the article Why Not the Restored Church of God:

RCG's Charge that LCG Changed the Gospel

Many in RCG claim that LCG changed the gospel. In my opinion, that charge is their most serious charge against LCG. Not only is it not accurate, this charge proves that RCG does not fully understand the whole gospel or what HWA and the Bible teach about it.

Here is one claim from RCG's Syd Hull against LCG on the gospel:

The facts: (1) LCG plainly teaches a false gospel, (2) RCG is the only organization that preaches the true gospel to the world (Hull Syd. Sydney J. Hull’s Letter to Brethren. September 27, 2006. http://www.sydneyjhull.net/ 09/27/06).

Here is one another such claim from RCG's Chris Lomas:

Page 2 of the statements of beliefs of the LCG under the heading Gospel states; The Gospel of Christ is the “Good News” of the forgiveness of our sins through Christ’s sacrifice’ and then goes on with, secondly, the soon coming Kingdom of God. This is contrary to what God restored to His Church through Mr. Armstrong...The LCG has begun to twist the Gospel priorities very subtly (since March 2004) (Lomas Chris. Why I left the LCG. October 23, 2006).

The version of LCG's official statement of beliefs on the Gospel he is objecting to is the same one that was in the November 2002 version of LCG's Official Statement of Beliefs--hence it is NOT TRUE that LCG began to twist and subtly change the gospel beginning in March 2004 as he is now claiming. A copy of LCG's Statement of Beliefs is in the November 2002 edition of The Journal: News of The Churches of God if he or others wish to verify his error here.

It should be pointed out that Chris Lomas added the term "secondly", which is not in the Official Statement of Beliefs.

Furthermore, the true Gospel message is not just about Christ (as many Protestant's suggest), but does INCLUDE Christ as HWA and various New Testament writers acknowledge--what LCG teaches is clearly not contrary to what HWA taught.

In his letter, Chris Lomas failed to cite biblical proof for his position, but if he truly believes the Bible he may wish to meditate on the following:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Romans 1:16).

But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized (Acts 8:12).

...he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection (Acts 17:18).

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-- in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ (Romans 15:15-19).

that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power (Ephesians 3:6-7).

Now while we in LCG teach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, we acknowledge that Christ is part of that Gospel (the Bible uses the term "gospel of Christ" at least ten times).

But is this a change?

According to the improper charge in RCG's official literature it is:

Now mirroring UCG, LCG’s gospel has become a hybrid of truth and Protestantism, combining Christ the Messenger with His message, the kingdom of God. Unlike UCG, LCG goes further and actually lists Christ as the first element of the gospel. Notice this from their Statement of Beliefs: “The Gospel of Christ is the ‘Good News’ of the forgiveness of our sins through Christ’s sacrifice, and of the soon-coming Kingdom and government of God,” with their commission then to “Preach, to all the nations of the world, the Gospel of the Kingdom and the true name of Jesus Christ” (Mission Statement). This “gospel” is very different from what Mr. Armstrong taught in his booklet What is the True Gospel? (How LCG's Teachings Differ From Those of Mr. Armstrong and RCG. Copyright © 2005 The Restored Church of God. Wadsworth, (OH) http://www.thercg.org/coverletters/lcg-changes.html 10/28/06).

Since RCG is objecting to LCG's Statement of Beliefs on this point, let's quote it in its entirety:

THE GOSPEL

The Gospel of Christ is the "Good News" of the forgiveness of our sins through Christ’s sacrifice, and of the soon-coming Kingdom and government of God. Christ’s Gospel of the Kingdom of God reveals the means by which we are to be qualified by God to be ruling members of His Kingdom (Acts 2:38-39; Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 24:14; Acts 8:12; 17:7; 28:30-31; Revelation 2:26-27). (Living Church of God. Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs. November 2002--also the same as the current version).

Is this very different from what HWA taught as RCG claims?

Let's actually look at the booklet that RCG cited to see if LCG or RCG really understands the gospel as HWA did (non-heading bolding mine):

Which Gospel Did Jesus Preach?...

Notice, Jesus said, "Believe THE GOSPEL!"

WHAT Gospel? the one He was proclaiming—"the Gospel of the Kingdom of God."

But, one may ask, don't we need to believe on Jesus? Of course. Other scriptures teach that. but at this particular time Jesus said we must believe Him --believe what He said—believe the Gospel of the Kingdom of God!

Some believed on Jesus, but not not believe Jesus --did not believe what He SAID (John 7:31; 8:30, 31, 46).

What About the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

But if the one and only TRUE Gospel is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, what about the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Is that a false gospel?

Not at all. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Gospel He brought as God's Messenger—the Gospel He proclaimed is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ IS NOT man's gospel ABOUT THE PERSON of Christ. It is CHRIST'S Gospel—the Gospel Jesus PREACHED—the Gospel GOD SENT by Him, and therefore it is also called, in Scripture, the Gospel of God. The Gospel of God is God's GOSPEL—His Message—His Good News which He sent by Jesus.

Also the Gospel of Jesus Christ is Christ's Gospel—the Gospel Christ brought from God—the Gospel He proclaimed.

We hear a great deal today of the gospel of MEN about the PERSON of Jesus Christ—confining the message solely to the things ABOUT Jesus. As a result, millions believe on Christ, who do not BELIEVE CHRIST! But Jesus' Gospel IS HIS MESSAGE!...

Conditions of Entering

Now, HOW do we enter into that glorious KINGDOM? Jesus came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, "REPENT," and "BELIEVE THE GOSPEL."

Just TWO things we do—REPENT, and BELIEVE. We must BELIEVE the Gospel, and that means also believing on JESUS CHRIST, the KING of the Kingdom of God, and coming KING of kings over all the families of the earth. It means believing in Him as personal SAVIOUR, as High Priest now, and as coming KING.

But to repent is to completely CHANGE THE MIND in respect to SIN, and "sin is the transgression of the LAW" (I John 3:4)—the law of God by which God RULES the Kingdom.

It means a total, complete CHANGE OF MIND AND OF LIFE. It means we REPENT of transgressing the rule, the will, the laws, of GOD. What did Jesus say to the young man who asked Him HOW to inherit eternal life? He said, "IF thou wilt enter into life, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS" (Matthew 19:17) (Armstrong HW. What is the True Gospel? WCG booklet, 1972, p.6).

HWA clearly taught that Jesus was part of the message in the booklet that RCG cites. Furthermore, LCG does teach that Christians do need to do what Christ taught--LCG clearly teaches the ten commandments--hence to suggest that LCG is somehow Protestant is in clear error.

Notice that what HWA taught in 1972 is the same as what LCG teaches.

In many writings HWA explained the gospel had various parts of Jesus' involvement. Notice:

Jesus constantly preached the good news about the coming Kingdom of God (Matthew 4:23; 6:10; 7:21; Mark 1:15; 4:11; 14:25; Luke 4:43; 8:10; 9:2, 11, 62, etc.). He pictured Himself as the young nobleman going away (to heaven) to be coronated, and to return to earth (Luke 19:12-27). Repeatedly Jesus said He would return to earth (Matthew 24:27, 30-31, 42; 25:13; Mark 13:26; Luke 12:42-43; 17:24; 18:8; 19:12; 21:27; John 14:3, etc.). "If I go and prepare a place [position, office, habitation] for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:3). He will then be on the earth -- Zechariah 14:3-4 with I Thessalonians 4:16. The living Christ is coming in all the power and glory of Almighty God, as "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:11-21), to put down the rebellion of warring nations (Revelation 17:14), and establish God's world-ruling Government over all nations (Daniel 2:44; 7:9,13-14, 18, 22, 27; Isaiah 9:7) (Armstrong HW. The Wonderful World Tomorrow What it Will be Like. Everest House, New York, 1979 p. 100).

And it involved our personal conversion and keeping Jesus' works:

The Purpose of the Christian Life

WHY do people not understand the very Gospel Jesus Christ taught? He taught the Kingdom of God. So did the apostles, including Paul. Jesus spoke mostly in parables. Take a quick look at one or two. Notice what Jesus revealed. Notice the awe-inspiring TREMENDOUS potential that is ours.

Take the parable of the nobleman going to a far country, later to return. It is in Luke 19:11-27. Jesus is the Nobleman. He was going to a far country -- to the heaven of God's throne, seat of the government of the entire universe...

Back to Luke 19. On his return, his servants, to whom he had given the money -- that is, the beginning unit of GOD'S SPIRIT at conversion -- are to be called to an accounting, "that he might know how much each man had GAINED" while he was gone. This means each Christian is expected to GROW spiritually -- in spiritual KNOWLEDGE and grace (see II Peter 3:18). The Christian life is a life of spiritual GOING TO SCHOOL -- of training for a POSITION IN GOD'S KINGDOM, when and after we shall be changed from mortal to immortal -- when we shall be no longer flesh-and-blood humans, but composed of SPIRIT, with eternal life inherent...

The nobleman (Christ) said to him, "Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in very little, have thou AUTHORITY over TEN CITIES.

He had qualified to RULE. He had been obedient to God's commands -- God's government. We have to BE RULED before we can learn to RULE.

The second servant had increased his spiritual stock of goods five times. He had qualified, in this life, for HALF as much as the first servant. He was given HALF the REWARD.

The Kingdom of God...

Jesus said: "And he that overcometh, and keepeth MY WORKS unto the end, to him will I give POWER over the nations: and he shall RULE THEM with a rod of iron (Revelation 2:26-27) (Armstrong HW. Just What Do You Mean...Conversion? WCG Booklet, 1972, pp.8-11).

In addition, in various writings, HWA made it clear that the gospel of the kingdom of God included more than simply proclaiming that God's governing kingdom would be established upon the earth. Notice what HWA wrote:

I say Christ's gospel - the message He brought from God - was the advance good news of the establishment of the Kingdom of God. But just what does that include?...

Actually, Christ's message of God's coming Kingdom is directly concerned with world conditions as they are - with human nature - its source and origin - with world evils, suffering, unhappiness - with world peace. It's concerned with government - with the reason present human governments fail to be the benefactors of their peoples they are supposed to be. His message hits directly at the very roots of individual personal happiness and at the awesome transcendent potential of each human life. It is concerned with the CAUSES of present conditions that affect every human and with the WAY that will solve all problems.

But it is concerned with far, far more. It is concerned with God's tremendous, overwhelming, over-all purpose as Creator of the entire universe. It's concerned with the entire vast universe, filled with its uncountable galaxies, nebulae, suns, stars, planets, and with God's purpose for them...

God's message is concerned with overall truth. What has been covered so far should be considered as merely the introduction to the entire story of Christ's gospel message (Armstrong HW. Incredible Human Potential. Everest House, New York, 1978, pp.20-21).

Sadly, it is RCG who has subtly changed the gospel to attempt to remove Jesus more from it. HWA clearly did not teach that.

LCG teaches what the Bible teaches and what HWA actually taught. The fact that HWA specifically taught that the gospel includes belief in Jesus and His role in our salvation as well as His role as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

So what is the false gospel that Syd Hull and others in RCG claim? Well according to HWA, it was ONLY teaching about the person of Christ, without teaching about the Kingdom of God, while also doing away with the ten commandments. Notice what HWA really considered to be the false gospel:

For 1,900 years traditional Christianity has failed to preach about Jesus as coming KING and world ruler in the coming kingdom of God to replace Satan on the throne of the whole earth (Armstrong HW. Are We Living in the Last Days?).

Jesus' true gospel had been suppressed and supplanted with a false gospel--not the gospel of Christ (the kingdom of God) but man's false gospel about a Christ who did away with his Father's commandments (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages, Chapter 7, 1985).

The plain truth is that LCG does teach about the Kingdom of God, understands that Jesus is part of the Gospel message, and that the ten commandments need to be kept. Here is LCG's official position on the ten commandments, lest there be any doubt on that point:

THE LAW OF GOD

God’s basic spiritual law is summed up in the "Ten Commandments" (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 4:13; 10:4). In the "Sermon on the Mount" and elsewhere, Jesus magnified God’s law (Matthew chapters 5-7; Isaiah 42:21), showing His followers that they must obey both the letter and the "spirit." "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good" (Romans 7:12). It is practicing this way of life—through Christ living in us (Galatians 2:20)—that makes one a true "saint" (Revelation 14:12) (Living Church of God. Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs).

LCG clearly has not done away with the ten commandments.

The claims against LCG on this gospel point are just another example of how those associated with RCG do not really understand what HWA and the Bible actually teach, hence RCG really does not stand for precision of doctrine.

It is precisely true that what LCG teaches is NOT a departure towards Protestantism, but simply a clear version of what HWA and the Bible actually teaches. It is RCG that actually has subtly twisted the gospel message.

10/27/06 a.m. CEG reported:

The Church of the Eternal God, for the past three years, has been blessed with the beautiful surroundings along the central coast of California, in the area of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay for the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles. Set in the natural beauty of ocean, mountains, and rich rolling hills, with a beautiful harbor and with the magnificent Morro Rock rising out of the waters of Morro Bay, this wonderful area was again named as the site for the Feast of Tabernacles, 2006....The official meeting site once again was on the premises of the Sea Pines Golf Resort located on Morro Bay in the small community of Los Osos – Baywood Park.

This is probably the closest FOT to where we live (we live in the county of San Luis Obispo). The report left out the number of attendees. When the sun is out, the weather in Los Osos and Morro Bay is very nice.

10/26/06 a.m. Within the past 30 days, two LCG leaders in South Africa left and decided to support RCG. Both of them posted letters on the internet and attacked both me personally, as well as LCG's Dr. Winnail.

Have they not read Matthew 18?

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector (Matthew 18:15-17).

Neither of them bothered to do that with either me nor Dr. Winnail. Actually, the only communications that I ever had from Syd Hull were always encouraging as he was (to me at least) supportive what I do, yet he never contacted me prior to launching an unprovoked attack against me. As far as Chris Lomas is concerned, he never contacted before for any reason to the best of my knowledge, yet he makes public accusations against me without contacting me.

It seems that there seems to be a trend that some who leave LCG for RCG do so after deciding to ignore various passages of the Bible in order to support an organization that I could best characterize as Pharisaical.

In my opinion, it is the lack of scriptural respect, combined with excess respect for David Pack, that sets those in RCG apart from Philadelphian Christians (also its work and other doctrines, but this improper hermeneutic of listening to David Pack above the Bible is probably RCG's biggest error).

I recently read the following:

Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.' (Matthew 10:34-37).

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).

This has a new relevance to me, in that, while my physical family is not acting as an enemy would, those who claimed to be in the same spiritual household as me have declared themselves enemies. Not exactly a prophecy I was looking forward to seeing fulfilled in this way.

Those interested in more information about what has been happening may wish to read the updated article Why Not the Restored Church of God?

10/25/06 a.m. Another South African, Chris Lomas, went with RCG. Here is one of his reasons for leaving:

Dress code of the church has slumped into worldly attire.

The dress code at this recent Feast of Tabernacles, as well as at all the LCG services I have attended, are consistent with that of the old WCG. The fact that RC Meredith has repeatedly stated that we should not bother relatively new people about dress as to not unnecessarily offend them (as he correctly always states that they will normally figure out proper attire for services after a few visits) is not the same as promoting worldly attire. RCG continues to focus on trivial matters. Jesus taught, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you...have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! (Matthew 23:23-24).

Probably the biggest complaint that is in Lomas' letter concerns the fact that he seems to have trouble reading, though he seems to accuse me of that:

Here is just part of a list that I managed to uncover.

1. Page 2 of the statements of beliefs of the LCG under the heading Gospel states; The Gospel of Christ is the “Good News” of the forgiveness of our sins through Christ’s sacrifice’ and then goes on with, secondly, the soon coming Kingdom of God. This is contrary to what God restored to His Church through Mr. Armstrong. Mr. Bob Thiel accuses the Restored Church of God that they do not keep to this. Well I suggest that he as a “Church of God writer,” as he claims, should take the time and read the RCG book WHY THE RESTORED CHURCH OF GOD, page 20, “What are RCG’s priorities.” There the mission of the true Church is outlined as first of all to preach the gospel of the coming kingdom of God in all the nations of the world. So! Mr. Thiel is incorrect in his accusations. The LCG has begun to twist the Gospel priorities very subtly (since March 2004). One must carefully read what Mr. Thiel has said and one will find that he has favoritism according to his liking, and not that of the Eternal God. This is only one instance I want to mention regarding the findings of Mr. Thiel. There are many other lies that I do not feel necessary to mention where he assumes and accuses RCG. Anyone can slander.

First of all, there is not one lie that I have ever written. This is why those in RCG and others who criticize me like this do not feel necessary to mention where. This type of false accusations from RCG are sad and certainly not Christian.

Second, the fact that RCG changed its priorities later does not change what David Pack RCG declared it stood for (my article, Why Not the Restored Church of God? mentions that RCG changes things like that--perhaps he should re-read it). In the case of RCG's priorities, my article quoted RCG's originally and posted position. Notice the following:

When RCG formed, David Pack stated that RCG stood for "precision of doctrine". Later he wrote,

What are the priorities of Restored?
1. To gather and feed the flock of God and to teach them to hold fast to the exact precision of doctrines as handed down by Jesus Christ, through the apostles and prophets, including our own end-time apostle, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong...
3. To be found doing the Work of preaching the gospel, as led by Jesus Christ, and as He gives us funds and time to do so in this age (Pack, David. Why the Restored Church of God. Booklet. 2000. pp.18-19).

Thus RCG believes preaching the Gospel should be its third priority as funds allow. And is now mainly an internet ministry when it comes to proclaiming the Gospel. Similar to PCG, RCG seems to think that a Laodicean warning message is what the Philadelphia portion of the COG should proclaim.

Yet, Herbert Armstrong wrote,

In Matthew 28:19-20, God's order is 1) go and preach the Gospel (compare with Mark's version, same words of Jesus, Mark 16:15); 2) baptize those who repent and believe; then after that, 3) teach them to observe the commandments" (Armstrong, Herbert. Autobiography, p. 523).

But the commission to 'feed the flock' is second to that Great Commission (Armstrong, Herbert. Here's Good News. Good News, April 1951).

Is RCG or LCG the one most faithful to the priorities that Jesus and Herbert Armstrong established for the Church?

Yet, RCG's Syd Hull claimed that the above was not true, that faulty logic was used. Notice that he wrote:

Some will have to work through the ridiculous statements and poor logic on an unofficial LCG website hosted by Robert Thiel (COGwriter). Among other attacks, this site lists a host of invented reasons why one should not go with RCG. The shallow reader will be taken in, but those with common sense will see the utter falsehood of this man’s misinformed confusion. God’s Spirit always cuts through the faulty logic of the unconverted.

For instance, one of his articles states that Mr. Pack puts the second commission of feeding the flock ahead of the first commission of doing the Work, with the intent to demonstrate his “priorities are wrong.” Some facts: First, recognize the Bible does not actually use the terms “first” and “second commission.” Second, Mr. Armstrong coined these terms, but did not do so to establish one as more important than the other. (Hull Syd. Sydney J. Hull’s Letter to Brethren. September 27, 2006. http://www.sydneyjhull.net/ 09/27/06).

How could Syd Hull read those statements from HWA and then write that I was somehow violating common sense to state that HWA did declare that feeding the flock was secondary to the Great Commission? This defies logic. (Note that Syd Hull wrote his letter years after I had those HWA quotes in this article. Is it I or those in RCG who are using faulty logic?)

Furthermore, a review of RCG's website and literature clearly shows that its emphasis, like that of PCG is not to proclaim the gospel message, but to focus on chastising those who are in other Church of God fellowships (repeatedly referred to by David Pack as those affiliated with the "splinters"). This should be one of the most obvious changes that those with a WCG background will note if they read much of RCG's materials...

David Pack wrote,

Since Mr. Armstrong was not sure whether or not the open door was placed in front of Philadelphia or himself as its messenger, I have no intentions of acting presumptuously declaring it to be one way or the other. I sincerely do not know. I suspect that door is either closed or closing and have felt that this has probably been happening for some number of years (Pack, David C. Is the Work Finished? Booklet. 2000. p. 55).

Yet, Chris Lomas claims that I am incorrect of my accusations. I was not making accusations, I was quoting what David Pack wrote and explaining how that differed from HWA's position. Amazingly, Syd Hull claimed that HWA really did not have the priorities in the order I quoted from HWA's writings, and now Chris Lomas is trying to state that RCG does have HWA's original priorities. Since those in RCG's leadership do read these letters before they are posted (though Chris Lomas claims that they only helped correct the grammar in it), can they not see the contradictions between the Syd Hull and Chris Lomas letters on these points?

The fact that RCG decided to later change its list and is acting like it has not, only shows that it is becoming more desparate in trying to hide what David Pack stated were the actual and original priorities of RCG.

Furthermore, while he mentions LCG's official statement of beliefs on the Gospel, he (Chris Lomas) added the term "secondly", which is not in there. The Gospel message is not just about Christ (as many Protestant's suggest), but does INCLUDE Christ as HWA (and various New Testament writers) acknowlege. Chris Lomas failed to cite biblical proof for his position, but if he truly believes the Bible he may wish to meditate on the following:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Romans 1:16).

But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized (Acts 8:12).

...he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection (Acts 17:18).

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-- in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ (Romans 15:15-19).

that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power (Ephesians 3:6-7).

Now while we in LCG teach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, we acknowledge that Christ is part of that Gospel (the Bible uses the term "gospel of Christ" at least ten times).

Two articles of related RCG interest may be:

Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees?
Why Not the Restored Church of God?

10/21/06 a.m. The Journal contained the following article:

This and other articles can be seen from the following link to the first and last pages of the latest edition of the Journal: www.thejournal.org/issues/issue113/jf083106.pdf

10/20/06 a.m. In today's newsletter, CEG's Simon Akl (17) wrote:

This past summer there have been, and still are, on-going conflicts in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Being at an age where I might soon have to be confronted with the pressure of serving in the military, should there be a mandatory draft, I have been thinking a lot about war and if God’s people should be fighting and participating willingly or unwillingly in it.

As we look at and analyze the many existing conflicts, we see that they always lead to more division, destruction and even death. Most wars are only fought because of political interests and benefits, and as a result, many innocent lives are being wasted purposelessly on both sides. God’s people have been commanded not to kill other human beings. We have also been admonished, however unpopular and rejected by humans in general, to love, respect, and pray for our enemies. God has equipped our hearts, minds, and souls with a creativity and imagination to communicate, negotiate and resolve issues diplomatically and in a Godly manner, based on love, respect and charity. 

In this world, people rush to war first before even resorting to any sincere peaceful dialogue to resolve their interests in a respectful way. Hence, we can see that God’s way of life is not being implemented and followed, but it is neglected and rejected by the rulers of this age. God’s people know that their citizenship is in heaven and that God's Kingdom is not of this world. Therefore, we must not give in to what this world is erroneously asking or commanding us to do, whatever the consequences are or might be. We are not to take part in these corrupted wars which are being fought and should refrain from any participation in them--while looking forward to such time when Jesus Christ returns to this earth to bring peace and restore all things, according to the decree of the Father since the beginning of this world.

An article of related interest may be Military Service and the COGs.

10/05/06 a.m. While I almost never post comments from anti-COG authors on the GCG news page, the following that I read this morning from Gary Scott of xCG was of interest (Gary's comments are less indented, the RCG Ambassador Youth quotes are more indented):

Pack has a new Ambassador Youth out—that filthy little rag for his teen cult members. It has an article by Kevin D. Denee called “Blogs—and God’s Youth.” The lead-in reads

The “blogosphere” enables people to share daily journals, photographs and audio—instantly. But should teenagers and others in the Church “express themselves” to the world through blogs?...

Indeed, why do you care? Who reads these blogs? The authors’ friends! Imagine that! They’re not trying to create art. They’re not trying to be deep and insightful. They’re kids for God’s sake! Who cares who cares? In the end, blogging for personal expression is a waste of time.

People naturally want to make a mark in this world; they want to make a difference, and many believe blogs will allow them to do this. However, most blogs, especially by teenagers, serve as nothing more than public diaries. (Of course, there is nothing inherently wrong with a personal diary, as long as it is kept private.) Although certain professional weblogs can make a positive difference within some elements of society, teen blogging does not.

I could have written this much more succinctly: “You will never make a difference in this world, so shut up.”

Stop and consider. The biggest mark you will ever make is to build God’s character and be born into the God Family. Blogging will not help you achieve this...

Right near the end, though, we get the real gem (emphasis added): no one—including adults—should have a blog or personal website

Should teenagers and others in the Church express themselves to the world through blogs? Because of the obvious dangers; the clear biblical principles that apply; the fact that it gives one a voice; that it is almost always idle words; that teens often do not think before they do; that it is acting out of boredom; and it is filled with appearances of evil—blogging is simply not to be done in the Church. It should be clear that it is unnecessary and in fact dangerous on many levels.

Let me emphasize that no one—including adults—should have a blog or personal website (unless it is for legitimate business purposes).

When this policy, now being instituted, was discussed with Mr. Pack and other Headquarters ministers, there was not a shadow of doubt in anyone’s mind that blogs are something youth should not be doing in any way.

As has been said before, Jesus Christ and His Church have standards. Those who desire fewer standards should go to the splinters or to the world.

It’s all about Thiel!

The Ambassador Youth article is fairly long (and I reduced GS's comments for brevity), but Gary gets the point. The point is that RCG is against me and will tell their people whatever they can to discourage them from reading the truth about RCG.

Those still interested can read the updated article Why Not the Restored Church of God? whose popularity grows every time RCG takes a public stance against me.

10/02/06 p.m. A reader passed on some of his observations of the Hull letter:

Mr. Hull is outside the bounds of his job description according to his new boss. He is an evangelist and according to what you have quoted Mr. Pack as saying in his 21st Century Apostle sermon, evangelists lack authority to give warnings. Yet, two of the distinct responsibilities that Mr. Hull feels are his is to warn (paragraph 2 of his letter). This is a clear violation of his authority according to his boss whom he must feel is an apostle - yet his boss seems to sanction this. This is contradictory.

What he is referring to is that in his sermon titled 21st Century Apostle, RCG's David Pack stated,

Evangelists...They lack authority to warn...Taking bad news doesn't fit their job description...or then Christ is right back to being inconsistent. They're not permitted to go that far. And by the way, that's also what Mr. Armstrong said...So I can't possibly be an evangelist. If I could go back and use a military term, a warning is above an evangelist's pay grade. It's just that simple. They don't do it (part 2).

Yet in Syd Hull's letter, he plainly stated:

As a senior member of the Council of Elders, I must warn the greater Living Church of God flock. (3) As one holding the high office of Evangelist, it is also my duty to warn the even greater flock who could hear in every group and organization!

Apparently Syd Hull does not understand the inaccurate teachings of David Pack on this point--if warning is above the pay grade of an evangelist, either Syd (some spell it Sid) Hull is an apostle (something that I do not believe Dave Pack will stand for) or he is flagrantly contradicting David Pack's position on the role of an evangelist. This again is one of the many contradictions within the logic used by RCG.

Furthermore, since he claims that he was a senior member of LCG's Council of Elders, by condemning LCG's teachings, he is condemning himself. For he was among those that approved several of the teachings that he now is railing against.

10/02/06 a.m. RCG's website states that Sydney Hull has a personal website:

"For those interested, you may read his truly incredible account posted on his personal website. [Español]"

How "personal" of a website is it? I would like to point out that this so-called personal website did not exist until RCG had it set up. This particular "personal website" is actually on the same server as RCG's official sites are, as this really is an RCG official site that RCG prefers to call a personal site.

For those interested, the named servers at Syd Hull's personal website are:

Name Servers:
ns1.rcgdns.org
ns2.rcgdns.org

And the named servers at RCG's website are:

Name Servers:
ns1.rcgdns.org
ns2.rcgdns.org

Since they are the same, why did RCG try to pretend otherwise? Why Not the RCG?, because they are not the true remnants of the Philadelphia era of the COG.

BTW, if RCG thought that by using a surrogate to launch an unprovoked and inaccurate attack against me that this was going to keep people from reading my article about them, then they miscalculated. More people have read my article Why Not the Restored Church of God? in the past few days than usually read it in a month--thus making it more popular when people search for information on the Restored Church of God. Plus this ridiculous attack against me provided an opportunity to even better explain the lack of interest in accuracy and "precision of doctrine" (which is what RCG claims to have) that truly seems to prevail within RCG.

Hopefully, Sydney Hull will pray and meditate on what he has done--he is trying to cause division and no longer standing up for what he claimed he supported the past ten years or so since he began to support GCG/LCG.

09/30/06 a.m. At risk of redundancy, I would like to repeat something that Syd Hull stated in his letter:

Some will have to work through the ridiculous statements and poor logic on an unofficial LCG website hosted by Robert Thiel (COGwriter). Among other attacks, this site lists a host of invented reasons why one should not go with RCG. The shallow reader will be taken in, but those with common sense will see the utter falsehood of this man’s misinformed confusion. God’s Spirit always cuts through the faulty logic of the unconverted.

For instance, one of his articles states that Mr. Pack puts the second commission of feeding the flock ahead of the first commission of doing the Work, with the intent to demonstrate his “priorities are wrong.” Some facts: First, recognize the Bible does not actually use the terms “first” and “second commission.” Second, Mr. Armstrong coined these terms, but did not do so to establish one as more important than the other. (Hull Syd. Sydney J. Hull’s Letter to Brethren. September 27, 2006. http://www.sydneyjhull.net/ 09/27/06).

Interestingly, my article on Why Not RCG had this quote from Herbert Armstrong's writing:

In Matthew 28:19-20, God's order is 1) go and preach the Gospel (compare with Mark's version, same words of Jesus, Mark 16:15); 2) baptize those who repent and believe; then after that, 3) teach them to observe the commandments" (Armstrong, Herbert. Autobiography, p. 523).

But the commission to 'feed the flock' is second to that Great Commission (Armstrong, Herbert. Here's Good News. Good News, April 1951).

Is RCG or LCG the one most faithful to the priorities that Jesus and Herbert Armstrong established for the Church?

Furthermore, a review of RCG's website and literature clearly shows that its emphasis, like that of PCG is not to proclaim the gospel message, but to focus on chastising those who are in other Church of God fellowships (repeatedly referred to by David Pack as those affiliated with the "splinters"). This should be one of the most obvious changes that those with a WCG background will note if they read much of RCG's materials.

How could Syd Hull read those statements from HWA and then write that I was somehow violating common sense to state that HWA did declare that feeding the flock was secondary to the Great Commission? This defies logic. It is so sad.

My wife and I have been to South Africa and I pray that those in Southern Africa will be able to have a positive and meaningful Feast of Tabernacles irrespective of the many embarrassing public statements posted by Syd Hull.

09/29/06 a.m. This morning I made several additions to the Why Not the Restored Church of God? in order to include some of the events of this week.

09/28/06 p.m. Today, I received additional information on LCG's fruits that I thought I would share here:

Television has brought in more than 400 in the United States and Canada, whose first contact was the Tomorrow’s World telecast and then they were subsequently baptized over the past seven years.  In addition, another 400 individuals, who were previously baptized, came with Living as a result of the telecast.  At present, approximately one out of every 600 TV viewers added to our mailing list are coming to baptism; and for TV viewers on our subscription list for seven years, we are seeing an average of one out of 200 being baptized.  Back in Mr. Armstrong’s time, only one out of each thousand TV viewers on the mailing list were baptized.

 Since January 1999, a total of 1,550 individuals have been baptized in the Living Church of God, from all sources. 

Jesus taught, "You will know them by their fruits".

09/27/06 a.m. This morning, RCG posted that South African-based Syd Hull left LCG and is now in RCG. A letter from Syd Hull stated this about one of my articles:

Some will have to work through the ridiculous statements and poor logic on an unofficial LCG website hosted by Robert Thiel (COGwriter). Among other attacks, this site lists a host of invented reasons why one should not go with RCG. The shallow reader will be taken in, but those with common sense will see the utter falsehood of this man’s misinformed confusion. God’s Spirit always cuts through the faulty logic of the unconverted.

For instance, one of his articles states that Mr. Pack puts the second commission of feeding the flock ahead of the first commission of doing the Work, with the intent to demonstrate his “priorities are wrong.” Some facts: First, recognize the Bible does not actually use the terms “first” and “second commission.” Second, Mr. Armstrong coined these terms, but did not do so to establish one as more important than the other. Third, unlike Mr. Armstrong who began with just his family and 13 others, Mr. Pack faced the responsibility to feed an “instant flock” of hundreds. Any true shepherd would know their needs had to be met before anything else could be done. This happened, and the Great Commission has long since received the same priority and attention that Mr. Armstrong gave it. Robert Thiel misrepresents these facts to paint Mr. Pack as teaching contrary to Mr. Armstrong and the Bible, when even cursory investigation proves otherwise. Given such circumstances, only a calloused self-promoter would say it’s more important to concentrate on people in the world, for whom eternal life is not yet at stake, than on those who have the Holy Spirit and who don’t just face physical death in the tribulation, but eternal death in the lake of fire! Mr. Pack should be credited and the LCG leader faulted, not the other way around! I have been a shepherd for over three decades and I know. In any event, the Work of RCG now dwarfs that of The Living Church of God, and has reached this point in much less time.

The article he referred to is Why Not the Restored Church of God? The truth is that RCG did have different priorities than HWA or LCG had--it is RCG who claims "precision of doctrine" in following HWA--but the above statements show that RCG does not truly stand for that type of precision. Later in that letter it says that I have been "marked". This is a first as I have never been disfellowshiped or marked by any group before.

However, the truth is that I am telling the truth. RCG's work does not dwarf LCG's. The simple truth is that LCG has a larger work than RCG (although RCG's Alexa rankings at this time are higher than LCG's)--but more importantly LCG has the Philadelphia work--something that not only does RCG not have, and this seems to be something Syd Hull somewhat admitted in the above.

As far as "ridiculous statements", my RCG article is mainly quotes from or about RCG--let RCG distance itself from its statements if they are ridiculous.

Although I recall having no communincations with him in over a year, I have always felt that I have gotten along with Syd Hull and am saddened that he apparently turned his back on the truth and instead has chosen to support a non-Philadelphian leader.

If Syd Hull had any problems with me, he should have followed the scriptural admonition and contacted me privately first. Instead, I learn in a public forum that I have been marked by him without any contact. If this letter really is from Syd Hull, then he, like others in RCG, simply are not interested in following the Bible or the teachings of the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God.

Of course, I have never accepted that RCG has God's authority, so I will not lose any sleep over this false marking. The only bad side effect is that this will discourage (probably prohibit) RCG members from reading what I write, the truth of which they need. The fact is that I have written the truth about RCG. My Why Not the Restored Church of God? article is highly documented and the facts are easy for those interested in the truth to check out.

Other articles of interest may include:

Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and HWA expect from evangelists?
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D.
The Laodicean Church Era was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present

09/23/06 a.m. Not surprisingly, I noticed that Ben Faulkner's CotSG is having its FOT in Florida. CotSG has a Tampa, FL P.O. box, which presumably represents if main office. Its FOT site is Cocoa Beach. On a sort of related note, Don Haney's Church of God In Peace and Truth is having its FOT in Victoria, British Columbia.

Both groups are quite small.

09/22/06 a.m. CEG reported:

Canada Free Press published the following frightening article:

"Urgent news [has been received] from Abu Dawood, one of the newly appointed commanders of the al Qaeda forces in Afghanistan: Final preparations have been made for the American Hiroshima, a major attack on the U.S. Muslims living in the United States should leave the country without further warning. The attack will be commandeered by Adnan el Shukrijumah ('Jaffer Tayyer' or 'Jafer the Pilot'), a naturalized American citizen, who was raised in Brooklyn and educated in southern Florida. The al Qaeda operatives who will launch this attack are awaiting final orders. They remain in place in cities throughout the country. Many are masquerading as Christians and have adopted Christian names... The announcements from Abu Dawood were obtained by Hamid Mir, the only journalist to interview Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and Taliban leader Mullah Omar in the wake of 9/11."

This information was collaborated in an article by WorldNetDaily, dated September 17.

I do not know if the above threat is true, but if there is truth to it, it suggests that certain major terrorist-caused damage will occur in the USA (the latter statement is LCG's understanding--though LCG has no position on the specifics that I am aware of).

09/15/06 a.m. In his latest ad in The Journal, COG-ff's Don Billingsley states:

A real sign of the closure of the endtime can be seen by the radical Islamic terrorists who are so fully devoted to perpetrating their religion on the Middle East, Europe, and the world, that they willingly continue to sacrifice their lives in killing and murdering others to further their objective, and there is no real letup! One can well realize that the Pope and leaders of Germany will not let the Islamic terrorists continue with their effort to take over Europe. Before much longer we will see where Satan will give the power of miracles to the Pope, and this will be the beginning of the end for these terrorists.

Eventually, the Bible shows that the King of the North (Europe) will invade the King of the South (an Arab-Islamic confederation).

09/12/06 a.m. Last night I learned that Mark Mendiola left LCG and is now part of RCG. This morning, I read an announcement at RCG's site which states:

The Restored Church of God is pleased to announce the arrival of a senior elder and writer from the Living Church of God, Mr. Mark Mendiola.

While I have not ever heard anyone call Mark Mendiola a "senior elder" before, I am saddened by his departure. I am always saddened when people no longer wish to support the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God.

The message I have always understood from RCG is one that David Pack is right, other groups are wrong because he says so, and if RCG gets some of the gospel message out, that is fine too from RCG's perspective. The focus of RCG has never been to truly proclaim the true gospel to the world as a witness as far as I have ever been able to tell. RCG is similar to PCG and SCG in terms of the focus of their "work"--the gospel really is not their message now, their current message is primarily to blast those they consider to be Laodiceans.

A few possible articles of interest at this time might be:

Why Not the Restored Church of God? This group claims to be the most faithful. The information in this article suggests otherwise.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and HWA expect from evangelists?
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D.
The Laodicean Church Era was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present

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

COGwriter, 2006