GCI/WCG Feast Substitutes
The July-August 2009 edition of GCI’s (formerly WCG) Together just came out. WCG used to observe the biblical Feast of Tabernacles in the Fall, but now offers a variety of humanly devised substitutes instead. Here is what is expected in 2009 thus far:
“From Exclusion to Inclusion” –
Wisconsin Dells, Sept. 17-20
Everyone is invited to the annual Dells Celebration at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI, from September 17-20, 2009…
Fall Conference – Myrtle Beach, SC, Oct. 8-11
The Harvest Church is again sponsoring a conference in Myrtle Beach…
Women’s retreat in Alabama – Oct. 16-18
Last year’s retreat was so much fun that we’re having another one! Grace Covenant Fellowship is hosting a fall women’s retreat at the St. Bernard Abbey Retreat & Conference Center in Cullman, AL, about one hour north of Birmingham.
WCG used to meet for the FOT in Wisconsin Dells (the Living Church of God still does, see LCG 2009 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information). One of the differences between early Christianity and paganism was the the pagans were more inclined toward inclusivism, while the true Christians were considered to be more exclusive. Hence, in certain respects, GCI’s theme is consistent with what pagans did in the past.
I believe that GCI hopes that having substitutes will work for them, like they did for Jeroboam:
26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David: 27 If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!” 29 And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30 Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. 31 He made shrines on the high places, and made priests from every class of people, who were not of the sons of Levi. 32 Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did at Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he had made. And at Bethel he installed the priests of the high places which he had made. 33 So he made offerings on the altar which he had made at Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had devised in his own heart. And he ordained a feast for the children of Israel, and offered sacrifices on the altar and burned incense (1 Kings 12:26-33).
Notice that Jeroboam wanted a Feast like the one in Judah. The one in Judah was the biblical Feast of Tabernacles.
Some articles of possibly related interest may include:
The 18 Restored Truths: Do You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made? Some have said healing, others other subjects, but probably the first change had to do with eliminating being part of the Philadelphia era. This article documents what those changes were and compares the Tkach list of restored truths to Herbert W. Armstrong’s list of restored truths. It contains many quotes from Herbert W. Armstrong.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG/GCI 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.
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?
LCG 2009 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂
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