Church of God News

COGwriter

The biblical Fall Holy Day season is just about upon us. At sunset Wednesday, September 4th, 2013 is the first day of Tishri in the biblical calendar. That will be begin what most in the Church of God refer to as the Feast of Trumpets and what the Jews tend to call Rosh Hashanah.

Was this, and other Holy Days, kept by early Christians?

Yes, and like a lot of evidence about the most faithful Christians, some of the proof of this is related to someone who did not care for them.

Over 1600 years ago, God’s Holy Days were condemned by a racist, John Chrysostom, who is now considered to be a Catholic and Orthodox saint and “doctor of the church”.  Several years ago, the Protestant Christianity Today named John Chrysostom the person of the week and Benedict XVI praised (see Christianity Todays’ “Person of the Week”).

Here is what their John Chrysostom publicly preached in 387 A.D.:

The festivals of the pitiful and miserable Jews are soon to march upon us one after the other and in quick succession: the feast of Trumpets, the feast of Tabernacles, the fasts. There are many in our ranks who say they think as we do. Yet some of these are going to watch the festivals and others will join the Jews in keeping their feasts and observing their fasts. I wish to drive this perverse custom from the Church right now…If the Jewish ceremonies are venerable and great, ours are lies…Does God hate their festivals and do you share in them? He did not say this or that festival, but all of them together. (John Chrysostom. Homily I Against the Jews I:5;VI:5;VII:2. Preached at Antioch, Syria in the Fall of 387 AD. Medieval Sourcebook: Saint John Chrysostom (c.347-407) : Eight Homilies Against the Jews. Fordham University. http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/chrysostom-jews6.html 12/10/05).

The wicked and unclean fast of the Jews is now at our doors. Thought it is a fast, do not wonder that I have called it unclean…But now that the devil summons your wives to the feast of the Trumpets and they turn a ready ear to this call, you do not restrain them. You let them entangle themselves in accusations of ungodliness, you let them be dragged off into licentious ways. (John Chrysostom. Homily II Against the Jews I:1; III:4. Preached at Antioch, Syria on Sunday, September 5, 387 A.D.).

So also the Law fixed the feast of Tabernacles (John Chrysostom. Homily IV Against the Jews IV:3. Catholic Christians of Antioch Turning to Sabbath and The New Moon Day and Other Holy Days. 387 A.D.).

John Chrysostom preached against the Fall holy days, because some who professed Christ were observing them. Specifically he mentioned the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement (Fasts above), and the Feast of Tabernacles. It is interesting to note that John Chrysostom must have realized that the second century church kept Passover the same time as the Jews did (this was even true in the early second century in Rome). And that the Catholic Church still kept Pentecost. Thus by preaching what he did, John Chrysostom is preaching against his own church as the Roman and Orthodox Catholics claim to keep both Passover (though on a different date, and with a different name) and Pentecost–as both of those festivals would be part of “all of them together.”

It should be noted that the basic reason that John Chrysostom preached against the holy days was due to antisemitism. In demonstrates this in his Homily Against the Jews (of which there are at least eight of) as he calls the Jews by a variety of names. Here are a few of his statements:

But do not be surprised that I called the Jews pitiable. They really are pitiable and miserable (I:II:1).

So the godlessness of the Jews and the pagans is on a par. But the Jews practice a deceit which is more dangerous (I:VI:4).

Do you see that demons dwell in their souls and that these demons are more dangerous than the ones of old? (I:VI:7).

Since it is against the Jews that I wish to draw up my battle line, let me extend my instruction further. Let me show that, by fasting now, the Jews dishonor the law and trample underfoot God’s commands because they are always doing everything contrary to his decrees. When God wished them to fast, they got fat and flabby (VI:IV:2).

Indeed, the fasting of the Jews, which is more disgraceful than any drunkenness, is over and gone (VIII:I:5).

But the facts are that the Holy Days were kept by Jesus, the New Testament Church, and those faithful to their teachings. And the other fact is that no where in the Bible do we see hatred against the Jews. Jesus taught we were to love our neighbor (and most the of “neighbors” He was then talking to were Jewish).

Furthermore, the New Testament calls one of the so-called “Jewish” holy days “great.” Notice the following from both a Protestant and a Catholic translation:

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out (John 7:37, NKJV)

And in the last, the great day of the festivity JESUS stood, and cried (John 7:37, Rheims New Testament).

So who is right?

Those who follow Jesus’ practices or those who condemn them?

Recall that John Chrysostum, in this case, somewhat correctly stated,

“If the Jewish ceremonies are venerable and great, ours are lies.“

So which days should be observed? Which have a “great day” according to the Bible? Which days are lies? (John Chrysostom supported days with pagan ties such as Christmas and Easter.)

Perhaps it might be helpful to realize that Catholics do admit that early Christians did observe the Feast of Tabernacles:

St. Jerome (PL 25, 1529 & 1536-7) speaking of how the Judaeo-Christians celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles…tells us that they gave the feast a millenarian significance (Bagatti, Bellarmino. Translated by Eugene Hoade. The Church from the Circumcision. Nihil obstat: Marcus Adinolfi. Imprimi potest: Herminius Roncari. Imprimatur: +Albertus Gori, die 26 Junii 1970. Franciscan Printing Press, Jerusalem, p.202).

Those of us faithful in the Continuing Church of God who are able, keep the Feast of Tabernacles and believe that it foreshadows the coming millennium.

Notice also that the Catholic, Orthodox, and Church of God Saint Polycarp of Smyrna kept the Fall Holy Days:

I will give the narration in order, thus coming down to the history of the blessed Polycarp…

So also he pursued the reading of the Scriptures from childhood to old age, himself reading in church; and he recommended it to others, saying that the reading of the law and the prophets was the forerunner of grace, preparing and making straight the ways of the Lord, that is the hearts, which are like tablets whereon certain harsh beliefs and conceptions that were written before perfect knowledge came, are through the inculcation of the Old Testament, and the correct interpretation following thereupon, first smoothed and levelled, that, when the Holy Spirit comes as a pen, the grace and joy of the voice of the Gospel and of the doctrine of the immortal and heavenly Christ may be inscribed on them. And he said that they could not otherwise receive the impression of the seal which is given by baptism and engrave and exhibit the form conveyed in it, unless the wax were first softened and filled the deep parts. So also he thought that the hearts of the hearers ought to be softened and yield to the impress of the Word. For he said that it unfolded and opened, like closed doors, the minds of recent comers; and accordingly the prophet was bidden by God, Cry out mightily and spare not, Raise thy voice as a trumpet. What must one say, when even He that was gentler than all men so appeals and cries out at the feast of Tabernacles? For it is written; And on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried saying, If any man thirsteth, let him come to Me and drink. (Pionius, Life of Polycarp (1889) from J. B. Lightfoot, The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 3.2, pp.488-506.)

Polycarp, according to the above, seems to have endorsed the Fall Holy Day season which begins with the Feast of Trumpets, includes the Feast of Tabernacles, and ends on The Last Great Day. And while the Day of Atonement was not specifically mentioned above, it was mentioned in the Book of Acts, where it is referred to as the Fast (Acts 27:9).

During the Middle Ages the fall holidays were observed, though records are limited.

Notice the following report:

Under the name of Passagini, we have the clearest sort of statement that these people, about 1200, observed the whole Old Testament law, including the Sabbath and FESTIVALS! People called Cathars at Cologne, Germany, kept a fall festival, called “Malilosa”, even before Waldo began to preach. Compare this unexplained name with Hebrew “melilah” (a harvested ear of grain — Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance) and the Biblical title “Feast of Ingathering” (Ex. 23:16). How much more we might have known about these Middle Ages’ Feasts of Tabernacles had not the Inquisitors so zealously burned the records! The three-part division of tithes paid the Waldensian Church is significant. Even in the 1500’s the same division continued. “The money given us by the people is carried to the aforesaid general council, and is delivered in the presence of all, and there it is received by the most ancients (the elders), and part thereof is given to those that are wayfaring men, according to their necessities, and part unto the poor” (George Morel, Waldensian elder, quoted by Lennard, “History of the Waldenses”). 1. Compare this practice with Num. 18:21 and Deut. 14:22-25, 28-29. Isn’t it exactly what the Bible commands?… Most authors have ASSUMED the “wayfaring men” were the traveling “barbel.” But THEIR expenses would have been paid from the money given the elders, at EVERY time of year, for the direct conduct of the Work — “first” tithe and offerings. Notice that in Numbers 18:21. What Morel then mentions is a “second” tithe, for those traveling to and from the festivals — wayfaring men; and following it, the “third” to the poor. See the explanation in Deut. 14. Feast goers who had more “second tithe” than they needed shared their excess with those who had need, even as they do today! (LESSON 51 (1968) AMBASSADOR COLLEGE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place …” Rev. 12:6).

Furthermore, Sabbath-keepers in Transylvania in the 1500s and probably later kept the Fall Holy Days such as the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Trumpets (called Day of Remembrance below):

The Sabbatarians viewed themselves as converted Gentiles..They held to the biblical holidays…The Day of Atonement was a day of fasting, although they emphasized that pentinence is more easily acheived by a peaceful and quiet meditation on the law and one’s life than by fasting. The Day of Remembrance (New Year, which they celebrated in the Fall of the year) was the day on which they thanked God especially for the creation of the universe. There is no mention of circumcision, so it is unlikely that they practiced circumcision (Liechty D. Sabbatarianism in the Sixteenth Century. Andrews University Press, Berrien Springs (MI), 1993, pp. 61-62).

And the Fall Holidays are still observed into the 21sth century by many Sabbath-keeping Church of God groups, such as the Continuing Church of God.

The biblical Holy Days (both Spring and Fall) were kept by early, faithful Christians, and this is clear from both scripture and early church records. And there is a scattering of later records showing that they have been kept by some professors of Christ throughout history.

The first Holy Day this Fall season is the Feast of Trumpets (called Rosh Hashanah by the Jews) which begins September 4th, 2013 at sunset until sunset September 5th.

The second Holy Day this Fall season is the Day of Atonement (called Yom Kippur by the Jews) which begin September 13th, 2013 at sunset until sunset September 14th.

The seven day Feast of Tabernacles begins at sunset September 18th, continues until sunset September 25th, and is immediately followed by the Last Great Day, which ends September 26th, 2013 at sunset. Most people travel to attend the Feast of Tabernacles (here is a link to CCOG’s Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2013). This has limited information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this Fall feast.)

Then, other than the weekly Sabbaths, after the Last Great Day there are no Holy Days until Passover in the Spring.

The early, faithful, Christians kept what many now refer to as “Jewish” holidays. Jesus, Paul, and the apostles did. They were part of “the faith once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude 4).

Perhaps you should look into them more?

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days?  The ‘Fall’ Holy Days come every year in September and/or October on the Roman calendar. Some call them Jewish holidays, but they were kept by Jesus, the apostles, and their early faithful followers. Should you keep them? What does the Bible teach? What do records of church history teach? What does the Bible teach about the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Here is a link to a related sermon: Should you keep the Fall Holy Days?
Is Second Tithe and Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Should you save and use second tithe? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
Offertory: Blow the Trumpet  This is an offertory video for the Holy Days, and specifically was made for the Feast of Trumpets. It goes through various scriptures in Jeremiah Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, and Isaiah related to blowing trumpets. It also contains an audio clip of the blowing of a shofar. It discusses who is blowing the trumpet now. And provides statistics to back up that conclusion.
The Trumpet Release This is a sermon focused on the Feast of Trumpets for 2013.  What is the Feast of Trumpets?  How can this be part of God’s plan of salvation?  Why do the Jews refer to it as Rosh Hashanah?  What is the seventh year of release?  Should it be restored and proclaimed?  Did early Christians keep the Feast of Trumpets?  Why should any one keep it now?  What will happen with the seven trumpets of Revelation?  Why do many not understand aspects of it?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law The Bible teaches that every seven years that the law should be read at the Feast of Tabernacles. This is what I did at the first Feast site were I gave an actual sermon (as opposed to a sermonette) in 2006.
Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2013 This is information on the expected Feast of Tabernacles’ sites for the Continuing Church of God for 2013. The Feast in 2013 begins the evening of September 18.
Last Great Day study paper Was Jesus speaking about the 7th or 8th day of the Feast in John 7:37? UCG says the 7th, but what does the Bible teach? This extensive paper reviews UCG’s LGD study paper and includes comments as to where it erred.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2024, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2017, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Michael’s Day of Atonement Quiz Another free on-line Bible quiz by my son Michael.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

John Kerry, Official Portrait

COGwriter

The US Secretary of State made statements related to chemical weapons’ use in Syria:

September 1, 2013

(CNN) — Evidence shows the Syrian regime used sarin gas in an attack on its people, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

“Blood and hair samples that have come to us through an appropriate chain of custody from east Damascus from first responders — it has tested positive for signatures of sarin,” Kerry said.

The evidence — which was gathered independently of the United Nations — strengthens President Barack Obama’s call for military action, he said.

“Each day that goes by, this case is even stronger,” Kerry said, calling it “an overwhelming case.”  http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/01/world/meast/syria-civil-war/

Kerry…His comments come a day after U.S. President Barack Obama announced that he will seek congressional approval before launching a military strike against the Syrian government in retaliation for its alleged use of chemical weapons.

Kerry said he is confident that members of the U.S. Congress “will do what is right”, but added that the president has the power to act no matter what Congress decides.

Syria’s state new agency quoted President Bashar al-Assad saying Sunday that Syria was capable of confronting any “external aggression”.

Syria’s opposition says it is disappointed with Obama’s decision to hold off on taking quick action against Damascus.

Opposition officials say any delay in a strike allows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad an opportunity to harm more civilians…

In another development, French Interior Minister Manuel Valls is reported ((by Reuters)) to have said Sunday that France will not take action alone against Syria, and will wait for a decision by U.S. Congress as Paris needs to be part of a coalition.  http://www.voanews.com/content/syrian-opposition-disappointed-by-obamas-decision/1741099.html

The USA appears to want to take some action, but the Obama Administration wants others to support it doing so.  While the USA hopes to get off unscathed by this, that may be a false hope.

As far as Sarin goes, here is some information about it:

Sarin, or GB, is an organophosphorus compound with the formula [(CH3)2CHO]CH3P(O)F. It is a colorless, odorless liquid, used as a chemical weapon owing to its extreme potency as a nerve agent. It has been classified as a weapon of mass destruction in UN Resolution 687. Production and stockpiling of sarin was outlawed by the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993 where it is classified as a Schedule 1 substance…

Biological Effects

Like other nerve agents, sarin attacks the nervous system. It stops nerves in muscles from switching off. Death will usually occur as a result of asphyxia due to the inability of the muscles involved in breathing to function. Specifically, sarin is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, a protein that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine after it is released into the synaptic cleft. In vertebrates, acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter used at the neuromuscular junction, where signals are transmitted between neurons from the central nervous systems to muscle fibres. Normally, acetylcholine is released from the neuron to stimulate the muscle, after which it is degraded by acetylcholinesterase, allowing the muscle to relax. A build-up of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, due to the inhibition of cholinesterase, means the neurotransmitter continues to act on the muscle fibre, so that any nerve impulses are effectively continually transmitted. Sarin acts on cholinesterase by forming a covalent bond with the particular serine residue at the active site. Fluoride is the leaving group, and the resulting phosphoester is robust and biologically inactive.

Its mechanism of action resembles that of some commonly used insecticides, such as malathion. In terms of biological activity, it resembles carbamate insecticides such as Sevin and medicines pyridostigmine, neostigmine, and physostigmine.

Even at very low concentrations, sarin can be fatal. Death may follow in one minute after direct ingestion of a lethal dose unless antidotes, typically atropine and pralidoxime, are quickly administered. Atropine, an antagonist to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, is given to treat the physiological symptoms of poisoning. Since muscular response to acetylcholine is mediated through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, atropine does not counteract the muscular symptoms. Pralidoxime can regenerate cholinesterases if administered within approximately five hours. Biperiden, a synthetic acetylcholine antagonist, has been suggested as an alternative to atropine due to its better blood–brain barrier penetration and higher efficacy.

Sarin is estimated to be over 500 times more toxic than cyanide. The LD50 of subcutaneously injected sarin in mice is 172 μg/kg. Treatment measures have been described.

Initial symptoms following exposure to sarin are a runny nose, tightness in the chest and constriction of the pupils. Soon after, the victim has difficulty breathing and experiences nausea and drooling. As the victim continues to lose control of bodily functions, the victim vomits, defecates and urinates. This phase is followed by twitching and jerking. Ultimately, the victim becomes comatose and suffocates in a series of convulsive spasms. Moreover, common mnemonics for the symptomatology of organophosphate poisoning, including sarin gas, are the “killer B’s” of bronchorrhea and bronchospasm because they are the leading cause of death, and SLUDGE – Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal distress, and Emesis. Sarin, Wikipedia, viewed 09/01/13)

Essentially, sarin is a “human insecticide.”

No matter who released the chemical weapons in Syria or what the chemicals were, the reality is that the Bible shows that the situation will change in Syria.  The Assad regime will either leave or be changed, Damascus will at some point be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1), and Syria will end up supporting a power that will rise up that the Bible refers to as the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).

Some items of related interest may include:

Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say?
The Future King of the South is Rising Does the Bible teach that there will be a future King of the South in Daniel 11? Is this kingdom rising up now? Did the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) teach that there would be another one? And who is the King of the South? How will this involve Egypt? Is the final King of the South some type of Arab-Muslim confederation? Can Iran be involved? Is there a group that seems to be supporting the goals of the King of the South? Has the Obama Administration supported the rise of this power? This is a YouTube video.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

Handwriting on the Wall (Rembrandt)

COGwriter

August 2013 is now history.  The massive reunification that that David Pack, leader of the improperly named Restored Church of God (RCG) claimed should have happened did not.

This is no surprise.  Notice what I posted a just over a week ago at the News of Those Once Affiliated with GCG page:

08/24/13 a.m. Earlier this year, David Pack of his improperly named Restored Church of God (RCG), started a series of posts about “reunification.” Basically these posts are based upon a false hope that David Pack has that once he built at least part of his hoped for headquarters buildings, that those in the various COG groups would flock to him. He decided that portions of the Book of Haggai pointed to the fulfillment of his dreams on August 30, 2013. Here are some statements from David Pack’s posts related to his fantasy (bolding his):

All of God’s people wish they were back together. This is heard everywhere. But these many thousands have come to believe it is “just not time” to be in one organization. If you feel this way, you are about to see why this is wrong. God not only wants His people together again, but is planning to bring it about…If you are in the United Church of God (UCG), Living Church of God (LCG), Philadelphia Church of God (PCG), Church of God, a Worldwide Association (COGwa), or any other splinter or sliver that came out of the WCG, this will be the single most important article you will ever read…the Work of The Restored Church of God is mushrooming and exploding—think of just our media efforts going up like a rocket all over the world! Thousands of letters are arriving each week at our Headquarters, and we now project it cannot be long before this number will be over 10,000…

All Will Come Here! …

A towering question faces YOU—and you must confront it: Must every person with God’s Spirit—regardless of where they now attend—come to The Restored Church of God or lose the Holy Spirit? Yes, absolutely! If not, the Scripture would be broken (John 10:35)—and in many places!…You have been duly warned. (Pack D. Back Together Soon, http://rcg.org/sep/gods-people-back-together-soon.html)

Haggai Fulfilled—When Reunification Occurs

Most are by now probably wondering: When will the events described in Haggai take place? Before which Feast of Tabernacles (remember, Haggai means “My Feast”) will brethren be reunified? The answer is found by returning to Haggai 1. Verses 14 and 15 state that “all the remnant of the people…came and did work in the House of the Lord of Hosts, their God, in the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.” We saw in an earlier announcement that this is the 24th day of the sixth month (Elul) in God’s sacred calendar.

For now, I will merely state that the prophecy applies to THIS SUMMER—August 30, 2013. (Who Is the Modern Joshua of Haggai and Zechariah? June 29, 2013, http://rcg.org/sep/who-is-the-modern-joshua-of-haggai-and-zechariah)

There are certain immediate implications to Haggai 1:14-15…

First Sabbath Together

Next is the Sabbath of August 31. You may at this time of course believe or disbelieve what follows. You will later be glad it was written and can be readily referenced. Obviously, when the size of the remnant joining us becomes clearer, as well as at least generally where most of these brethren live—countries and cities—more detail can follow…and very quickly. This will include seeing how many ministers are faithful and also where they live—countries and cities.

In six short weeks, the “Church of God landscape” will forever change. Saturday, August 31 will be a Sabbath unlike any other in history. It will be the first time in decades that all of God’s people around the world will be meeting together in the same locations for services. Words cannot describe the excitement and happiness that will be everywhere soon after this reunification. In many areas, much of or possibly even entire congregations might “roll over” into The Restored Church of God. Brethren will have had weeks to prepare for this and to “consider their ways” before God. Those who come will have been led to return to the Body of Christ the day before this Sabbath. Reread this last sentence.

Realize that a host of logistical details must be worked out for this to occur. God has been planning this event for thousands of years—at least 3,000—and His Church has been preparing for it for almost a year. Headquarters and our ministers will be ready to receive potentially a great many phone calls from splinter ministers and members even in the days and weeks before August 31.

The Feast of Tabernacles

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)

Last Friday’s announcement closed with when the Haggai prophecy will occur—that all brethren will be reunited this summer, in time to attend the Feast of Tabernacles together in 2013. (Recall that Haggai means “My Feast.”) This announcement presents 24 reasons for this timing. There is much proof!…The dates revealed in Haggai have nothing whatsoever to do with any decision that I made. God decided that this prophecy would be fulfilled after planning it over 3,000 years ago (it is referenced in several Psalms). I am not so arrogant as to decide what God must do and when. I repeat again, these events in NO WAY parallel the Return of Jesus Christ. This prophecy is directly tied to a date…The men leading PCG, LCG, UCG and COGwa are God’s ENEMIES!…

Now comes a series of reasons Haggai’s prophecy will be fulfilled this year. They are summarized, with only a very little detail added. More could be said of each, but the descriptions given will suffice to those willing to think just a little about them. Realize there are over 30 more reasons—many of them very powerful—that I have left off the list because some will be covered later or because they would only be recognized as proofs by our Headquarters ministry (involving various miracles, some big). Readers would be largely unable to appreciate them as proofs:…

3) Also related, if God waited 2,500 years to reveal the prophecy’s meaning (3,000 years when various related much older Psalms are considered), is not His waiting done? Does His revealing it not signal that He has reached the time to fulfill it rather than having reached a point one, two or three years out?

4) Next, why would God wait longer? What would He wait for? The remnant is absolutely ripe for deliverance.

5) Internally, and this is no small thing, God’s Church is truly ready to expand the Work in a BIG WAY. The prophecy features this as the MAIN PURPOSE of the remnant returning! Without the prophecy’s fulfillment, this expansion would be delayed one year—or more! Why would God notify His Church of the prophecy’s existence at the very same time our staff is ready, our websites are ready, our literature is ready and even God’s college is ready for more students if the prophecy were not imminent? Why would God notify His Church if HE were not ready?

6) Related to this, the buildings on our campus can very soon handle significantly more staff than we have now. This is already true without the other two buildings scheduled for completion in the late fall. However, this extra size works perfectly if the prophecy occurs this year.

7) Also related, but separate, our infrastructure is ready to receive and serve a much larger flock this fall! This includes field ministry being ready, but also other things…

I repeat: There are many more reasons for a 2013 fulfillment, with a few of a personal nature—and others involving God moving miraculously to reveal crucial things at certain times within an extraordinarily complex prophecy that involves hundreds of verses. (Why Reunification THIS YEAR!, posted July 5, 2013 http://rcg.org/sep/why-reunification-this-year)

Complete Destruction!

We learned that God is bringing “desolation” on the splinters…the objective person concludes that God foretells complete desolation of the splinters and slivers…

Some Final Points

Next consider that God has never dealt with people or done with leaders exactly as He plans with the three shepherds. In fact, there may be other miraculous events immediately surrounding this one…

Of course, many are eager to learn “Who are the three shepherds?” We will know soon enough. But we might ask: 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)

There is NO PROOF whatsoever that RCG could be right about this. People will not lose God’s Spirit if they do not support RCG. God was not “moving miraculously to reveal” this August 30th lie date to David Pack, though Satan might (cf. Ephesians 2:1-2). RCG will not have more than 13,000 Philadelphia-era Christians by August 30, 2013 (which is about the number it would need to be larger than the largest COG ‘splinter’). How much has RCG been preparing for something that will not really come? If they truly listen to David Pack, it would be a lot. A lot of wasted time and effort. An “objective person” should realize that this is basically a delusion.

I have absolute confidence that David Pack is wrong about a lot of this and there is no possible way that any significant amount of Philadelphian remnant Christians will go to him and become part of his church by August 30, etc. I will be correct. It is likely that David Pack will make excuses and otherwise backpedal. He will probably say something to the effect that he told everyone that he was not a prophet, what he wrote was not prophetic, and thus he was just being enthusiastic like some of the New Testament apostles, not one of which ever specified a false date like David Pack has been doing.

On July 26, 2013, David Pack posted:

Before continuing we must also grasp something repeated from before. I am neither a prophet nor have I any self-prescribed authority to bring any prophecies. What will be shown is entirely GOD’S prophecy—from HIS WORD—explained and conveyed through the only office He ever uses to bring biblical truth to His Church (Acts 2:42; Eph. 2:20). The Bible warns that “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (II Pet. 1:20). But God does work through His chosen servants. In fact, He never reveals His Plan through anyone else…

Most are aware of Amos 3:7 and God’s promise there: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He reveals His secret unto His servants the prophets.” (This means one or more prophets must record every future action that God intends to carry out.) But few ever think through that someone has to teach the MEANING of what the prophets recorded. Otherwise, the secret remains a secret. False prophets and false teachers never get these secrets right because God is not using them. He works through the servant that He IS using, and the explanation is both correct and makes sense against ALL related verses. The bigger the prophecy—and this one is GIANT—the greater the importance for God to “reveal His secret.” Recall that Haggai himself is called “the Lord’s messenger” who brings “the Lord’s message” to His people. Haggai contains BIG secrets. Thus, at God’s selected time, someone—think about this—SOMEONE, from somewhere—has to explain this “Lord’s message” to God’s people or Haggai cannot be a messenger—to anyone. It is that simple. This is MY role.

Notice that David Pack also posted that he was NOT a prophet, so how can he claim that being a prophetic messenger is his role? Yet, he does and people in RCG accept this blatant falsehood (to learn more about prophets, please see How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God).

A while back, a reader told me that David Pack had made some outrageous claims in one or more of his sermons that he did not have in his weekly posts. Some notes from someone who listened to David Pack’s sermon were sent to me and details are in the post: RCG’s David Pack declares that ‘three shepherds’ will die on August 30, 2013. Is Bob Thiel one of them? Here are some of statements that a reader sent me that he said he heard David Pack make:

All Brethren United Soon Part 12

How could so many things happen in 24 hours?

Minute 26. Three men die- Elul 24, then everyone makes a decision that day.

Minute 29. Certain things about this prophesy is very complex, others are very simple.

Minute 30. No way everything could happen in one day.

Minute 32. Do you care most how the 3 Shephard’s die?  In their sleep, by fire?

Do you care who they are?

If God tells us then I want to know otherwise it doesn’t matter.

You are going to find out how they die and who they are.

Minute 33. I know their names 100% sure. Don’t want the names out yet. Now I’m certain I know.

Do you care where it happens? I don’t know where it will happen.

I know how they die and who they are. I’m certain.

Minute 34. How about when they die?  They die sooner then we thought.

Do they die together or separately. I know they die together.

Two culminating events. The death of these men is the first. The central point is God is going to bring his people back together/unify his people.

The ’24 hours’ is supposed to be August 30, 2013. This is not what will happen (and if I am one of the three shepherds that is supposed to die, that won’t happen either). David Pack’s speculations will be proven to be wrong. We will see how long he will live and how long his new ’empire’ will last (cf. 2 Peter 2:1-3).

By this time next week, hopefully many in RCG will realize that David Pack was truly wrong about his understanding of Haggai and various other prophetic passages. David Pack will likely dismiss this and claim that he really was not being specific. Yet the reality is that what he did was quite specific, and will be soon proven to be wrong.

Sadly many in RCG will likely still stay with him. In RCG, as well as many of the other groups once part of GCG and/or WCG, people confuse loyalty to an organization with loyalty to God. The reality is that many simply confuse what they perceive as faith with their own perceived self-interest.

In RCG, and some other places, many confuse their own covetousness with faith. I have long believed that RCG has one of the biggest covetous issues of groups claiming to be COG (cf. 2 Peter 2:1-3). Those there really do need to anoint their eyes (Revelation 3:18) and see the truth.

This would be an excellent time for them to consider what will happen when David Pack’s predictions simply do not happen as he indicated. RCG is not now, nor has it ever been a Philadelphian organization (Revelation 3:7-13). Even if it is even part of the COG, RCG would seem to have ones not part of the COG, have many who would be Pharisaical Laodiceans (see also Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees?), as well perhaps having some relatively few confused Philadelphian Christians.

Those in RCG also might wish to spiritually consider the following prophecies:

1 Woe to the rebellious children,” says the Lord,
“Who take counsel, but not of Me,
And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit,
That they may add sin to sin; (Isaiah 30:1)

10 Who say to the seers, “Do not see,”
And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us right things;
Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits. (Isaiah 30:10)

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel: “Because you despise this word, And trust in oppression and perversity, And rely on them, 13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you Like a breach ready to fall, A bulge in a high wall, Whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant. 14 And He shall break it like the breaking of the potter’s vessel, Which is broken in pieces; He shall not spare. So there shall not be found among its fragments A shard to take fire from the hearth, Or to take water from the cistern.” (Isaiah 30:12-14)

People in RCG have been hearing a lot of David Pack counsel that does not come from the God of the Bible. His predictions are not based upon God’s Spirit, but he has been prophesying deceits that those in RCG seem to want to hear. David Pack, in my view, has long been a spiritual oppressor. I, and not David Pack, will again be proven right before September 2013. It would seem that the Bible helps demonstrate that it would be sinful for any to remain part of RCG.

Notice also:

27 But Micaiah said, “If you ever return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Take heed, all you people!” (2 Chronicles 18:27)

Either David Pack is right about that effectively all of God’s people will come to him on August 30, 2013 or I am right that they will not. Just because David Pack is not God’s apostle, does not mean that someone such as I do not have a prophetic role from God. Those in RCG, and elsewhere, need to consider how they should act and what they should do (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God). “Take heed, all you people!” (2 Chronicles 18:27).

Of course, I was right.

Thousands of years ago, the Prophet Daniel was asked to interpret some handwriting that was written on a wall by only a hand that the king of the area personally witnessed (which is why he ultimately called Daniel to see it). The moral trend in that kingdom was not good according to Daniel (Daniel 5:22-23).

The king could not understand it, even though he saw it.  Will David Pack now admit that he does not properly teach prophecy?  Or will he indicate that God is testing followers, has revealed ‘new truth,’ or has mercifully allowed more time?  CGPFKG’s Ronald Weinland did all of that.

Hopefully, more in RCG will understand the real truth about all of this.

David Pack had long wanted to build a facility so fine that all the “splinters” would see it and marvel–and he has built something that he has marveled about, yet Philadelphia-remnant Christians are not impressed by it.

David Pack, he seemed to believe that if he had a new headquarters’ building that this would be enough to get people to come to him and that this was God’s plan. But it was never God’s plan, but the imagination and vanity of David Pack and many of his followers. Can they see the real truth now or how many more false interpretations from David Pack will it take?

Notice also the following:

20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ 21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’ — 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22)

Sadly, many are afraid of David Pack.  Many do not understand how his bullying tactics affect them.

While David Pack tries to claim he is not a prophet (and certainly he is not a prophet of God), he does claim to speak as God’s apostle (though he is a false one).  Another fact is that he claimed that God told him things such as him supposedly being ‘Joshua.’ But God did not, and the fruits of his false interpretations should make that clear for those who will accept the facts.

Will you personally admit the truth? If any of you in RCG have actual facts that disprove or prove what I am writing here, please contact me. My email remains cogwriter@aol.com. Note: So far, despite my appeal for that a couple of days ago, no such facts from people in RCG to disprove what I have posted have been sent.

Will you accept the REAL TRUTH that RCG does not have it?

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?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them. Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué estar preocupado acerca de falsos y heréticos líderes?.
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?
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 now that Jesus will 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 is not part of the Church of God.?
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this. Who is leading the final phase of the work? What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets? Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set? What is the proof? What has the Continuing Church of God been doing?
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 basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like the beliefs held of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.