Why Not the Restored Church of God?

Facts and Opinions By COGwriter of the Continuing Church of God (CCOG)

Over the years, several have asked me about the the Restored Church of God (RCG) and various ones affiliated with RCG asked me to write more about what RCG teaches.

To start with some history, on May 3, 1999, less than six months after he supported the takeover of the Global Church of God (GCG) by the modified board, this new board disfellowshipped David C. Pack. He then started RCG.

I should state at the beginning of this article, that RCG members (or prospective members) may not like the truth that this article contains--but if they truly have a love of the truth, I believe that they will greatly benefit from it. Perhaps it should noted towards the beginning of this article that David Pack made a variety statements in 2013 that were proven false, and hopefully that will show all that he is not God's apostle. Despite that, he claimed his group had the most fruits of any in 2013.

Perhaps it should be mentioned that although the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) has proper prophetic fruits, there are some doctrinal similarities between the CCOG and RCG. The leaders of both groups were once in the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) and then in the original GCG. Both groups keep the Sabbath, Holy Days, avoid unclean meats, etc. Both CCOG and RCG claim to teach the 18 truths that Herbert W. Armstrong claimed to restore to the church.

Both CCOG and RCG claim to, "Contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered for the saints" (Jude 3). Both groups agree on many doctrinal issues as well.

Yet, RCG has wrong priorities, wrong doctrines, and has repeatedly been wrong on prophetic matters.

Perhaps the one of the most obvious differences between the groups is what they taught to be their top priority upon formation.

Bob Thiel of the CCOG claimed that CCOG stood for love and the truth and would reach more people with COG message in its first 30 days than any non-GTA group that came out of the old Worldwide Church of God or Global Church of God. He claimed it would do this through various internet websites, radio interviews, and personal contact. And in its first thirty days it accomplished that (see CCOG met COG proclamation goal), and his first CCOG sermon was titled "It's all about love."

When RCG formed in 1999, David Pack stated that RCG stood for "precision of doctrine," which essentially seemed to mean he was not going to change what the old WCG under Hebert W. Armstrong taught.

In 2000, 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 started off teaching that preaching the Gospel should be its third priority as funds allow and that it would hold fast to doctrine.

Now, it has been brought to my attention that David Pack later changed that booklet and changed the listed order of RCG's priorities. However, as time has gone on, the first listed priority has truly been the focus of RCG. Notice what David Pack told everyone his focus has been from 1999 to 2013 (14 years):

For over 14 years, The Restored Church of God has focused on leading those of like mind back to one group. (Pack D. “BACK TOGETHER”—What This Means! : June 7, 2013)

Yet, Herbert Armstrong, who RCG claims to follow, had a different focus as he taught:

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).

Unlike CCOG, RCG did not even attempt to start out by being faithful to the priorities that Jesus and Herbert Armstrong established for the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God when RCG was formed. And a top priority that David Pack has had for years was the construction of fancy buildings which he did succeed, to a degree, in getting in 2013.

Similar to PCG, RCG often 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 should be clear proof that RCG does not have the same Philadelphia work that the WCG under HWA had. And the fact is that David Pack has taken titles he is not entitled to--no one laid hands upon him to anoint him in that role (HWA did have hands laid upon him to be the title of apostle according to his ordination certificate which can be viewed as part of the article Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today?).

David Pack also took another title:

God revealed to me during ELUL four years ago my role as the modern Joshua. (Pack D. Letter posted July 5, 2013)

Notice some additional detail about something else he posted in 2013:

We also learned God has a Plan to bring His people back to His House to do His Work. After false leaders captured the Worldwide Church of God (the WCG), brethren scattered in many directions. Since the apostasy, they have remained divided, while yearning to be together.

For over 14 years, The Restored Church of God has focused on leading those of like mind back to one group. (Pack D. “BACK TOGETHER” ”What This Means! : June 7, 2013)

By David Pack's own admission, fulfilling Matthew 24:14 is not, and has not been, the focus of RCG. It also shows that fulfilling Matthew 28:19-20 is not its focus. Hence, David Pack is telling any who think about it that he and his group has not and will not lead what I have called "The Final Phase of the Work" (here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work; the written article has also been translated into Spanish: La Fase Final de la Obra). The fact that his focus is on other groups closing down should explain to all with eyes to see and ears to hear that his focus remains wrong.

A review of RCG's website and literature clearly shows that its emphasis, like that of PCG, is not to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom message, but to focus on the personality of David Pack as well as 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.

A lot of the focus of RCG is on the ego of David Pack, the related building projects, a Pharisaical attitude towards money while deriding others (cf. Luke 16:14), and ignoring the weightier matters of the law (Matthew 23:23-24), and the work (Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20). RCG has major problems with its prophetic misunderstandings as well.

While many in RCG improperly believe that David Pack is humble, the fact that he indicates that he is lower that Moses, but above apparently all other people mentioned in the Bible should be a clue that he takes delight in 'humility' without truly being humble. This type of behaviour was warned against in the Bible:

18 let no one beguile you of your prize, delighting in humble-mindedness (Colossians 2:18, Young's Literal Translation)

David Pack is beguiling people while seemingly delighting in humility.

Its Internet Reach was Proof it is the Church?

Although it is unclear how RCG now spends its funds, for the past several years it has believed that its internet presence is proof that it has preached the gospel adequately:

Major Milestone—All 193 Nations Reached!: Through the Internet (used by well over 1 billion people) and other means, The Restored Church of God has now officially reached every country on earth! The last three were Comoros, Nauru and, finally, on Saturday, June 17, Equatorial Guinea.

This is a milestone within an end-time prophecy to be fulfilled by the one undivided Church through which Jesus Christ works. He foretold that just before the age ends the true gospel of the kingdom of God—the coming world-ruling supergovernment He would lead with the saints—would be announced to every nation: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14)...

Reaching all 193 nations (most are reached every week) is another undeniable proof that the all-powerful, living Jesus Christ heads and directs but one Church and Work—The Restored Church of God! (Pack D. Major Milestone—All 193 Nations Reached! 6/23/06 on the internet).

Huh?

COGwriter.com reached over 200 nations/territories and accomplished that years before RCG did. Thus, by that standard, RCG should have been supporting COGwriter. FWIW, in 2012 the COGwriter site reached over 215 nations/territories too (and people from countries representing most people on the planet are reached pretty much every month at COGwriter). The CCOG reached at least 210 nations/territories in its first four months of existence (see CCOG: The Final Phase of the Work) and 220 in less than eight months (see The Final Phase of the Work).

Anyway, having one or more hits/visits from each nation has been obtained by other COGs (I suspect that both UCG and Barnabas Ministries did this years before RCG did this too--as undoubtedly several of the other COG sites most likely have), hence RCG should have been a bit more careful on how it tried to spin this. RCG is not unique in this accomplishment and took about seven years to do what CCOG did in four months.

While the internet is a useful gospel proclaiming tool, it, of itself, does not prove that Jesus Christ is directing the Restored Church of God. Again, if that is the criteria, then the first to do that (which WAS NOT RCG) would seem to have accomplished this better (as well as those COGs who have reached even more nations and territories than 193).

Instead, it seems to me at least, that once RCG noticed it got close to reaching 193 nations and territories, that it decided that this should be the new standard, but the fact that others had done this before should be ignored.

Is this not obvious to RCG supporters as well?

Furthermore, while David Pack indicated how much better RCG's internet impact would be in 2008, independent statistics showed that RCG's impact dropped dramatically in 2008. For details, please look at the news item Decline of the False Apostle. Furthermore, the Alexa rankings on September 9, 2008 showed that thercg.org (RCG's best ranking site) was simply not having the impact of the COGwriter website--cogwriter.com was more popular (214,605 vs. 256.417). And one thing that I have noticed is that when COGwriter gets more popular via Alexa rankings than RCG, RCG spends advertising money to get more to come to its site (this had not yet been done in any significant way yet for COGwriter.com or CCOG.org).

But a point of interest is that while RCG in 2010 was bragging once again about its internet growth and impact, it failed to do that around the first quarter of 2009 when it dropped--this was not in any RCG post I recall seeing.

Furthermore, on January 27, 2011, RCG's thercg.org website had an Alexa internet ranking of 185,503. This means that 185,502 websites are more popular than RCG's. And while 185,503 is not a bad ranking, the COGwriter website had an Alexa internet ranking of 154,255 about the same time. This means that the COGwriter website, which had never spent any money on advertising itself as of then, was again significantly more popular than RCG's, despite the fact that RCG does spend a signficant amount of advertising money to promote its website.

RCG's Alexa ranking passed COGwriter again. On April 23, 2011 its ranking was 152,635 vs. 158,678 for COGwriter. As of February 21, 2014, RCG's Alexa ranking was 38,722 compared to 98,799 for COGwriter--but simply "buying" popularity through internet ads does not prove RCG is Philadelphian. The Continuing Church of God has a major reach and spends a very small fraction of the money that RCG does on the internet (probably 98% less). I would also add that according to the data at Alexa, visitors spend MORE THAN TWICE AS MUCH TIME AT THE COGWRITER.COM WEBSITE THAN THEY DO AT RCG.ORG. While RCG can spend a lot of money to get people to look, they do not have the content that gets people to stay around very long. RCG's reach does not seem focused on truly fulfilling Matthew 28:19-20.

Noticed on 3/16/19 that RCG.org's website ranking on Alexa dropped from around 38,000 last year to 59,640. While 59,640 was still a very good ranking, since RCG props up its Alexa ranking with much spending on internet ads, this seems to suggest that perhaps it is spending less on them--perhaps it is having some financial issues. Particularly because on June 4, 2021, its Alexa ranking plummeted to 719,015.

David Pack's prophetic errors seem to be having a major impact on his internet reach. On Noember 19, 2021, thet Alexa-ranking for his rcg.org website was 1,200,216. According to Alexa the same day, the ranking was 821,475 90 days before that. Because of changes with Alexa and shadow-banning, a worsening was expected for religious websites, but this is a major drop in the last 90 days

Also, perhaps it should be mentioned that the internet reach of the Continuing Church of God in languages such as Spanish likely greatly exceeds that of RCG (CCOG has more materials in additional languages as well).

Fifth Seal NOT the Great Tribulation?

Herbert W. Armstrong repeatedly taught:

SEALS
1) False Prophets
2) War
3) Famine
4) Pestilence
5) Tribulation ...

the Great Tribulation of the fifth seal. ...

This is also speaking individually of truly Spirit-begotten CHRISTIANS who have become so lukewarm, so out of prayerful contact with God, that they will not be accounted worthy to escape all these things. And that phase of this Great Tribulation is very clearly brought out in the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation 6: "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled" (Rev. 6:9-11). NOTICE that! Here is the GREAT TRIBULATION! And this fifth seal pictures it as a time of martyrdom of saints — of truly converted, begotten children of GOD! (The Book of Revelation Unveiled at Last, booklet, 1972)

And also the other great numberless MULTITUDE of all nations. They have all come through (this numberless multitude) the GREAT TRIBULATION, which was symbolized by the fifth seal. (Coworker letter, November 19, 1976)

The fifth seal of Revelation 6 shows another time of martyrdom—this time the GREAT TRIBULATION. In Matthew 24, coming next to verses 21-22, Jesus shows the GREAT TRIBULATION—a time of trouble greater than any before, or any to come later. This is also shown in Daniel 12, as occurring just prior to the resurrection of the saints. Also in Jeremiah 30 as a trouble coming chiefly on Americans and British. Then what next? The Great Tribulation is shown as the fifth seal. (We are near the end of this evil world. Coming soon - the wonderful world tomorrow! Plain Truth, August 1980)

Yet in the Fall of 2016, RCG put out a 'prophetic' chart with the following:

“Time of Jacob’s Trouble” (Jer. 30:7), also called “the Great Tribulation of those days” (Mt. 24:21, 29)—not the same one as the 5th Seal of Revelation (Prophetic Timeline, chart. RCG, 2016)

It should be clear that RCG does not hold to many teachings that HWA had, and this is one of several examples in this paper.

No Baptisms During the Great Tribulation?

At the Question and Answers' section of its website was the following:

Can people still be saved during the coming Great Tribulation?

This world’s churches universally teach a false concept of what it means to be saved. ...

Concerning the Great Tribulation, Christ stated, “Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass…” (Luke 21:36). World conditions will be so horrible (Matt. 24:22) that no one would want to stay behind.

Before the time known as the Great Tribulation, God’s true Church will have fled to a place of safety (Rev. 12:14; 3:10). ... Only those who come out of the Tribulation will have the chance for salvation in this lifetime. Those who die in the Tribulation (without ever having known God’s Way) will receive their opportunity for salvation during the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-12).

The Laodiceans (Rev. 3:14-22) will have to lose their lives in order to be in the First Resurrection, and will be in captivity before that time. They will not likely be in a position to baptize anyone. The Bible plainly shows that true conversion must be preceded by repentance, baptism (by immersion) and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. ...

The only true servants of God ministering to the world during the Tribulation will be the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-12). There is no indication that they will baptize anyone. https://rcg.org/questions/p100.a.html accessed 09/07/18

Apparently RCG believes that the angels' messages, that of the two witnesses, the witness of martyrs and other actions from the Laodiceans and Philadelphians during the Great Tribulation will not result in any conversions and baptisms.

There is NO scriptural reason to teach that.

Herbert W. Armstrong took a different position than RCG has. Here is what he taught in a sermon:

The Great Tribulation is really caused by Satan's wrath, but the Day of the Lord will come upon us as a result of God's wrath on Satan and the people that are following his way. Now, I'd like to go on just to mention a little bit about the seventh chapter of Revelation here, while I'm on it.

Revelation 7:1 ...After these things there were four angels holding up the four winds of the earth that they should not blow [on the earth and the seas and the trees and so on] ...

Then appeared the hundred and forty four thousand and another great innumerable multitude of all nations. Now when they ask, "Who are they?" They are people that come to Christ out of the Great Tribulation. A great...not revival; but a great conversion of people is going to happen as a result or during the Great Tribulation. (Armstrong HW. Revelation 12. Sermon given April 18, 1981)

Would God plan so many witnesses knowing that no one would respond and be baptized as RCG teaches?

Well, the Bible does not teach that.

Instead, consider the following that it does teach:

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen." 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" 14 And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:9-17)

While many are called and few chosen (Matthew 20:16), some will respond to God during the Great Tribulation.

Furthermore, the New Testament does not say that the two witnesses will not baptize anyone.

RCG does NOT understand The Final Phase of the Work.

Statistical Hypocrisy

RCG's April 2011 newsletter claimed:

Last month, 661 households asked to attend services at a local congregation, the second-highest total we have seen, after January’s 674. Even more important, the Church grew in membership by an absolutely incredible full 6.0 percent in March alone...On our websites, the March total download count was 1,180,565. This number is a record...(Pack D. April Brethren/Co-Worker Letter, posted April 21, 2011)

It is disappointing, to me at least, that more people are now seemingly being taken in by David Pack. He is a powerful speaker who sometimes convinces people of things that are truly not so. Hopefully, those supporting him will awaken before it is too late.

RCG tends to temporarily brag about certain statistics for a while, then switch to others when the previous ones are not as impressive. It has done this repeatedly over its history, yet his followers seem not to have caught on to this game.

Yet, RCG simply does not do the Philadelphia-era work, David Pack's words notwithstanding. And while it is planning on going on television in September 2012, since it has trouble with understanding what the gospel is, it will not truly be proclaiming the true gospel when it does.

Notice something that David Pack has in his booklet Why The Restored Church of God? Should You Join?:

“How Big Do You Expect RCG to Get?”

Many have asked how “big” we are—what is our attendance. I have no plan to answer this! Though I have a general idea, I do not know for certain and do not really care to know. The Restored Church of God is not concerned with “numbers.”

... I am determined that RCG will never “number Israel.” During Mr. Armstrong’s ministry, counting attendance was natural—and right. But the next stage of prophecy changed that completely! Philadelphians are now vastly outnumbered. Size—numbers!—mean nothing to God, and we do not emphasize or talk about how big RCG is!

RCG has always been concerned about numbers. So much so, that it almost always had various statistics that it has selectively bragged about for years (it just tends to change which one it brags about once it does not appear as positive).

Furthermore, RCG's David Pack, after writing the previously mentioned booklet, posted a letter dated 1-13-12 titled An Open Letter to All WCG Splinters RCG Fruits—Obvious Fingerprints of God! where he brags about and emphasizes many RCG statistics--there are pages of statistics and numbers he tries to brag about. Additionally, is not mentioning that attendance was up 6.0% in March 2011 indicative that David Pack and RCG are concerned about numbers? The hypocrisy and contradictions in RCG should be obvious, yet its members overlook them (though some finally do end up opening their eyes and leaving).

As as size, David Pack has been writing weekly posts for much of 2013 about size and his size goals. Here is something that he posted on June 7, 2013:

...the size of God’s Church will soon be much larger than the largest splinter probably many thousands more. (Pack D. “BACK TOGETHER” ”What This Means!: June 7, 2013)

Remember, this is the same David Pack who wrote, "Size—numbers!—mean nothing to God, and we do not emphasize or talk about how big RCG is!" The hypocrisy should be obvious.

On May 7, 2022, I saw an interview of a Marc Cebrian. He was a member of the United Church of God, then heard David Pack and became a member of the Restored Church of God. Eventually he became an employee involved in the television department in Wadswoth, Ohio, for RCG. Marc Cebrian mentioned that he and others had considered RCG's prophetic failures as a test. Yet, after multiple failures, he realized that David Pack's messages contained too many errors. He said the RCG ministers could not explain many of David Pack's prophetic positions, and that they changed a lot. Marc Cebrian said felt he should no longer promote error through his television editing role. Because of that and David Pack 's wrong declaration of being Elijah then left. In it he mentions that it was his recollection that RCG had 3500 members at its peak, but he last heard it had 1500 around the world.

The Work

In his last letter, Herbert Armstrong rebutted all arguments about the work being over as he specifically wrote,

It may be that the Work that God has given me to do is complete, but not the Work of God's Church, which will be faithfully doing God's Work till Christ, the True Head of this Church, returns...Remember brethren, this is not the work of Herbert W. Armstrong...The greatest work lies ahead...Never before in the history of the Church has it been possible to reap so great a harvest. It has only been made possible through modern technology, beginning with the printing press, radio, television...Each of you must commit yourself to support God's Work...God's work must push ahead as never before. God is opening up new doors in television" (Armstrong, Herbert. Letter, 1/10/86).

Furthermore, under Herbert Armstrong's leadership, it was taught:

The great door that God has opened to this work is the facility to go into all the world and preach the gospel; the door of radio, the door of the printing press, plus many other such doors. God has set before us an open door that no man can shut it, and He will when the work is finished and the Philadelphia Church goes to a place of safety (What is the "Laodicean Church"? Plain Truth. August 1959, p.10).

Yet, 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).

It appears that David Pack answers the questions What is a True Philadelphian? and Should the Church Still Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert Armstrong Change that Priority? differently than those of Philadelphia remnant of the COG do (as best represented by the Continuing Church of God) and differently than HWA and Jesus did.

Look at what Jesus revealed to John:

"See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name" (Revelation 3:8).

No one can (or would) shut the door to the Philadelphia era! (until going to a place of safety--that is precisely what Herbert Armstrong's church did teach). I suspect that David Pack did not understand this completely when he started out.

However, now that RCG has a significant internet presence (though his ratings declined in 2008--please see Declines of the False Apostle and False Prophet), David Pack seems to be saying that without prioritizing the gospel proclamation, that RCG alone has accomplished the gospel proclamation that now needs to be done. Notice that in a later online version of essentially the same booklet, that David Pack has changed his position:

Misunderstanding scriptures such as this, many have come to believe that the Work as the Church and Mr. Armstrong did it for many decades is now finished, with all such responsibility to continue completed (Pack, David C. Is God's Work Finished? Booklet. version online 12/19/06).

It appears to me that David Pack was not Philadelphian when he began RCG and that he had no intention to have anything like a Philadelphia work. However, after his internet presence grew, he publicly decided that the work was not finished and that others misinterpretted the open door scriptures (but of course, that originally included him).

Perhaps I should emphasize that RCG has a tendency to use statistics in ways that suggest that it twists them. And while it seems to be claiming all types of growth in 2010, 2011,2012, and 2013, it does not seem to post certain real statistics such as actual revenues, financial statements, actual number of attendees, total baptized members in good standing, or other such real statistics. Historically, RCG has liked boast of relative statistics and how future numbers would look if the result of some months are projected out to the future.

Heresies

While David Pack and I have documented that the United Church of God (UCG) and Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) teach/tolerate heresies, David Pack takes it a step further by inaccurately stating that RCG is the only group that does not tolerate heresy (Pack, David. Why the Restored Church of God? Booklet. 2000).

And he also wrote,

Mr. Armstrong utilized the technological innovation of radio (coupled with the printed word) at the optimum time to carry the gospel to the world. To a lesser extent, certain early Sardis ministers utilized the printing press to spread the gospel. Add to this equation, the new technological innovation of computers coupled with the internet. This opens the potential for The Restored Church of God, as sole custodians of the full truth, to do a significant Work, as we rapidly approach the most crucial juncture in history. While Mr. Pack is not an apostle or a prophet, he is a pastor leading God’s people back into the full truth. The Philadelphian Work and remnant, being gathered together at this time, just before this age ends, is still alive and well! (Pack, D. The History of God's TRUE CHURCH, RCG Booklet, 2001, p. 74).

RCG seems to forget that Herbert Armstrong stated that the mission of the Philadelphia era of the Church was to proclaim the Gospel (Sermon. Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era, December 17, 1983), it was also a fundamental belief of the Philadelphia Era of the Church (Armstrong, Herbert. Fundamentals of Belief, Radio Church of God as quoted in Early Writings of Herbert W. Armstrong. R. Nickels, editor. Giving & Sharing, Neck City (MO), 1996, p. 31). Yet it is a lessor issue to David Pack as his previous comments above have shown.

In order to attempt to demonstrate why it is right, RCG announced a list of heresies in its 12/15/00 update (the list was originally online, but no longer is) which it believes demonstrates that all the 'splinter groups' are committing apostasy (I presume some of this list is in his 'splinter group' booklet and other later reports from RCG). Although David Pack does not specifically identify the groups by name (except accidentally once), a review of the 12/15/00 list shows that towards the beginning many of the heresies involve UCG and independents and that towards the end most involve PCG.

A few listed are odd beliefs from some fairly small groups. Some mentioned (e.g. #40-makeup,#45-tithing on net,#52-church attendance) apply to some degree to to certain COG groups, but by David Pack's own definitions, they are not heresies (Herbert Armstrong allowed them all at one time or the other). Several others which David Pack may have directed towards some are incorrect, incomplete, or pulled out-of-context. There are also a few that David Pack's point is not clear.

It is true that most of the 176 items in the David Pack wrote in his heresy list are heresies. And although the Bible is supposed to be the standard for doctrine and the determination of heresy, David Pack wrote,

Therefore, the standard for what appears on this list will be the teachings of Mr. Armstrong.

Yet, the following claimed 'heresies' by David Pack were to some degree taught/tolerated by Herbert Armstrong (my comments follow each in parentheses):

38. Interracial marriage may be unwise but it is neither wrong nor sin. (HWA did not disfellowship members in his Pasadena congregation for this. God apparently allowed at least two interracial couples on the ark, Genesis 6.)
40. Wearing makeup is permitted because it is falsely described as "just an administrative matter" or explained away by saying that "Mr. Armstrong went back and forth on it." (HWA did change his position on this matter several times--I have lived close enough to Pasadena for the past 34 years years to know this--also there are scriptural reasons supporting its permission; click here for an article on makeup.)
45. Most brethren now tithe on net income instead of gross. (HWA allowed nearly all non-US brethren to do this.)
52. An open-door policy now governs church attendance. (HWA initially had an 'open door' policy, then made it a nearly closed door policy, then opened it up again. Most of the COGs allow people with a WCG/COG background to attend without a loyalty declaration before attendance, but these are not normally open-door policies in the Protestant sense.)
69. Before being baptized, people no longer need to leave worldly clubs and organizations (i.e. Moose Lodge, etc.). (Although I never joined the Moose or anything similar, WCG encouraged this on at least two occasions while HWA was alive. Furthermore HWA also spoke before the Catholic 'Knights of Columbus' order and accepted an honorary doctorate from Angeles University, a Catholic institution per Good News magazine, August 1974, p. 20; he also was made a Knight/Commander in a Thailand governmental order--see AMBASSADOR FOUNDATION Presents Herbert W. Armstrong - Ambassador for World Peace. 1983, p. 29-31. Thus, there were times HWA felt that associations with other organizations had value.)
76. Seeking accreditation for Ambassador College was not wrong, contrary to what Mr. Armstrong said. (HWA wrote, "As you probably know, we are now in process of pursuing accreditation. Already two visits have been made to our campus by accreditation committees." Letter 1/21/71--Herbert Armstrong's original intent was for AC to be accredited per its 1947 catalog. Although in some writings HWA wrote against accreditation, in others he acknowledged that it could have been fine, but that some misled him in certain areas. Herbert W. Armstrong had no problem with regional accreditation for Imperial Schools: in the period 1965-1968 it became regionally accredited by WASC (the Western Association of Schools and Colleges). And after that occurred, HWA wanted WASC to accredit Ambassador College. But it did not occur. HWA objected to accreditation in 1968. Then in 1971, he changed his mind and wanted AC to apply again. And that time, AC did attain candidacy status for accreditation. He was pleased with that. But due to delays on AC's part and internal issues, it was not obtained. He was not pleased with that).

One Organization Position Differs From What Herbert Armstrong Taught

David Pack in his The True Church – One Organization, Or Many? booklet wrote:

In the past, God’s people all accepted the simplicity in Christ’s Matthew 16:18 statement—“I will build My Church”—and that it was solely fulfilled in the Worldwide Church of God, under Mr. Herbert Armstrong’s leadership. (You will see those who claim Mr. Armstrong taught otherwise are confused.) We knew the Church was a single, unified organization—and that it was the only place Jesus Christ is Head. We knew it could be traced through 2,000 years of history. We also understood without the slightest ambiguity that the true Church was also the undivided Body of Christ. In addition, we knew that some people in the WCG did not have the Holy Spirit, and were thus not part of Christ’s Body. Conversely, we recognized that there were occasionally people who received God’s Spirit outside the WCG (Mr. Armstrong explained this) but that they would always be led to the one place Jesus Christ was working and is the Head (he also explained this)!

And I tried to tell his followers that this was not the view of the late Herbert W. Armstrong. It is David Pack that is confused.

Interestingly, today, I ran accross something from the RCG booklet Herbert W. Armstrong His Life in Proper Perspective BY DAVID C. PACK WITH BRUCE A. RITTER, where it was written:

In the June 24, 1985 special edition of the Worldwide News, Mr. Armstrong wrote, “I continued to work with and fellowship with West Coast members of the Sardis era until 1942, when the rapidly growing work of the fledgling Philadelphia era required my full time. The present era was officially begun in October, 1933.”

So, Herbert Armstrong wrote that there were two eras and two COG organizations at the same time. He also never wrote as far as I can tell that Sardis ended (he even had early Ambassador College students attend CG7 services in the 1950s in areas that there were no Philadelphia era congregations).

Perhaps David Pack should have read his own booklet before writing what he did as there seems to be a contradiction here. In my view, RCG has long had difficulty truly understanding the writings and teachings of the late Herbert Armstrong. He, despite how he may wish to explain this away, needs to be careful about what he seems to insist upon in his writings.

Another doctrinal deviation: The Third Temple

RCG is insisting on another heresy.

Here is an announcement dated 12/10/2015 from RCG on its WCG news page:

Third Temple Foretold—Bible Prophecy! (Part 1)

presented by David C. Pack

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

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

David Pack explictly stated that Jesus would:

return to an existing temple of God.

He also said:

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

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

David Pack also wrote:

Mark 13 removes all doubt about the abomination “standing in the holy place”—and whether it is supposed to be there: “But when you shall see the abomination of desolation …standing where it ought not [meaning, in the “holy place”]…” (vs. 14). Clearly, the abomination is something that does not belong in the holy place.

But what exactly is this “holy place”? The context in which the term is used makes plain that it is not figurative, but refers to a literal place—a religious site. Recognize, however, that this place cannot be a pagan religious site. It must be a location God considers or once considered holy, with something foreign and blasphemous placed there. History and other scriptures outside the gospels reveal that this must be an at least partially rebuilt Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. (Pack, David C. What Is the “Abomination of Desolation”? https://rcg.org/articles/witaod.html viewed 07/16/16)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is some emails I received from others with their comments about David Pack's temple and other odd doctrines:

I just watched a seven part series by DCP (yes, it was hard....  I tried to start with part 5, but that was so wild I thought I better go back to part 1 to see how he could possibly get there.  He is teaching that Matthew 24:15 proves there will be a third physical temple before the tribulation, Romans 2:9 shows the Jews are saved first and uses prophetic scriptures that mention Judah to conclude that God will give control of the temple mount to the Church and the Jews.   Elijah who is also that Prophet will restore all things and rebuild the temple and Church members will be judges who rule Judah and eventually the world, with healings and animal natures changed BEFORE the tribulation and the return of Christ at the 7th Trump but in the "presence" of Christ.  This will be preceded by the short work of Revelation 10:11, (the greatest Work ever!) which he claims is referred to as the times of refreshing of Acts 3:19.  This rule by perhaps 50,000 human judges residing in Jerusalem and riding on angels he calls the first dominion based on Micah 4:8.  After this millennial bliss (and he applies most of the millennial scriptures to this time) there will be the falling away of 2 Th 2 when many will be deluded because they liked the benefits but not the law of God.  Satan and the demons have been held captive in heaven during this "first dominion" and when they come back to earth the deception and tribulation begin.

I think he had to find something amazing to justify claiming to be the Joshua/Elijah/Prophet so  he has twisted and misapplied huge numbers of scriptures to come up with this fantastic scenario Mr. Armstrong had no knowledge of - thus restoring all things including the government of God over the whole earth BEFORE the 7th trump return of Christ and resurrection of saints!

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Greetings Dr. Thiel.

In this series of sermons and videos, David Pack states the building of the third temple In Jerusalem will be started by four angels called four carpenters, Zechariah 1:20 – 2:2. He says in the sermon, they will literally smash the Dome of the Rock, and lay the foundation and the inner room for Christ to come, Zechariah 2:1 – Revelation 11:1, and dwell in this “first dominion”, Micah 4:8. This will cause the rupture, or the breaking of “bands” stated in Zechariah 11:7, 14, because the world will be so angry with the Jews, especially the United Sates, because they will think they did this. He says when Christ comes to this temple laid down by the angels, he will come in great darkness, Isaiah 60:2. This he says, means a literal darkness. The whole world will go black and Christ will descend to this new temple as a shining light, Isaiah 60:1. He stresses the term, “in the last days” in Micah 4:1 and Isaiah 2:2, as proof this is before Christ’s second coming. In other words there is a “third” coming when Christ comes to the Mount of Olives in full glory. The second coming will be to this new temple in Mount Zion, Jerusalem. He also states many people (mainly the rich Jews of the world) will come to finish the temple in its full glory. Zechariah 6:12-15. In this first dominion, Christ will establish peace and harmony on earth. He will re-do the earth and make it like the Garden of Eden, using Isaiah 60:2-4, the scripture used to describe the actual millennium. In other words, God will give people a taste of the millennium first, a kind of preview, where He will give everyone on earth a chance to live God’s way, before bringing the great tribulation. He also sites Isaiah 11:6-9, and Isaiah 35:1, 2, as this first dominion, more millennial scriptures. He uses many of these.

Also the saints (The members and those that have returned to the Restored Church of God from the “splinters”) will join Christ in a semi-spiritual state. In splendor or “resplendent” Matthew 13:43 (still flesh yet in a spiritual state of glorification) and assist Christ in converting the Jews first, Micah 4:5, saying the lower case g in the word god, means judge, yet in Hebrew means “Elohim” or God. So they will be Godlike, Exodus 18:19, 20, 21. Isaiah 1:26, 27. God will supercharge them with gifts, 1 Corinthians 12:8, 9, 10. The saints will have to go through judgement before this. Psalm 50:3, 4, 5, - 1 Corinthians 3:13, 14, 15, and 1 Peter 1:7 -4:12 -4:17. David Pack is saying this is not Christ returning in glory to reign for a thousand years. This is before that. Christ will be in this first dominion for an unspecified number of years. David Pack also says in his sermon, events and situations in the world are not really near the full time of the end, and this first dominion will give the world more time, before the tribulation starts. One important detail should be mentioned here. We could say there is the scripture that says, flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Corinthians 15:50, the scriptures he uses when referring to the first dominion, say “the kingdom” only, not the Kingdom of God yet. That is Christ’s millennial rule. However, he does make a revealing error when he uses Matthew 13:43 in describing the saints flesh/spirit condition. In this it says, Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the” kingdom of their Father”, which would be the same as saying the kingdom of God. He says the saints will all live in Mt. Zion with Christ, John 14:2.

 Dr. Thiel, in addition to this information, I have found out through research with other brethren, the "first dominion" is not in the future, it is in the past.

Thirty three bible translations confirm this! There are more. This is mind blowing. David C. pack has based this insane prophecy on a complete misunderstanding of these three words. I'm sending you proof. See attachment.

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

Daniel and the King of the South

David Pack, who claims to stand for "precision of doctrine," essentially re-wrote HWA's Middle East in Prophecy booklet. But there was one editorial change that stood out for me.

Here is HWA's version,

Verse 43 says the Libyans and Ethiopians (observe that after its conquest by Mussolini, Ethiopia is not again referred to as the king of the south) shall be at his steps (Armstrong, HW. Middle East in Prophecy (1948, 1954, 1972 version).

RCG's David Pack seemed to have eliminated that insert from his earlier version of his re-write,

Then, verse 43 says, “the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.” shall be at his steps.” (Pack, David. The Mid-East in Prophecy. Copyright © 2001, 2002, 2004 by David C. Pack).

RCG's position seems to have been that Ethiopia would be the final King of the South, as years ago David Pack specifically wrote:

The King of the South is Ethiopia Once again, only Ethiopia continued and remained independent in East Africa from the time of the Roman Empire. Therefore, no other country or government could fit as the king of the south—i.e., by having been a part of the ancient land controlled by the “king of the south.” Remember, verse 40 explains that the setting is the time of the end. Once again, only Ethiopia continued and remained independent in East Africa from the time of the Roman Empire. Therefore, no other country or government could fit as the king of the south—i.e., by having been a part of the ancient land controlled by the “king of the south.”

And although HWA once felt that Ethiopia was a king of the South, HWA changed his position on the future king of the South. The following is from an article that was produced under HWA's leadership:

Bible prophecy reveals the coming emergence of an Arab-Moslem confederation in the Middle East. It is referred to in prophecy as "the king of the south" (Dan. 11:40). This confederation will play a crucial role in end-time events. (Seeing the World Through Islamic Eyes. Plain Truth, June 1983).

In 2011, I received the following in an email from RCG's Communications Director Jeffrey R. Ambrose:

The Restored Church of God has never taught that the final king of the south, yet ahead of us in time, will be Ethiopia...

Therefore, any attempt to portray the following as a “doctrinal change by RCG” would be misleading.

Here is our position on the future king of the south, as explained in detail in Mr. David Pack’s 2007 sermon on the subject:

·         The final king of the south is a conglomerate of radical Arab nations. These will separate from more moderate ones that ally with the king of the north, as described in Psalm 83.

Our position is very close to the one reflected in the 1983 Plain Truth article “Seeing the World Through Islamic Eyes.” (Ambrose J. King of the South. Email to COGwriter, 02/24/2011)

So, while I consider this to be a change (RCG has shown a tendency to be into revisionist 'history'), RCG apparently does not. But at least RCG currently seems to have this correct now.

In his World to Come Daily Audio, David Pack stated:

Daniel 11...verse 40 plainly speaks of the time of the end...All the verses proceeding, and through, verse 40 have been fulfilled. (Pack D. The Middle East in Prophecy (Part 6). August 2013, http://worldtocome.org/audio/the-middle-east-in-prophecy-part-6. Viewed 08/29/13)

But that is not really what the late Herbert W. Armstrong taught. He clearly taught that there would be a future fulfillment of verses 21 on in Daniel 11--for details, see the article Who is the King of the North? And while David Pack seems to understand some of that, he really is confused about various end time events.

1335 Day Errors

Back in 2016, David Pack took a stand against a teaching of Herbert W. Armstrong with his sermon on the 1335 days of Daniel. Notice what RCG's website stated:

While many understand what happens 1,260 days before Christ returns, as well as what happens 30 days earlier (the 1,290 date), no one understands what happens at the 1,335 days, referenced in Daniel 12:12 (NEWS AND UPDATES. Date: 2007-11-16 New Sermon. http://www.thercg.org/news.html viewed 11/21/07).

...one elder commented here at headquarters, if people can't be motivated by a clarion call to finish the work such as this, why will those same people somehow believe the internal signal given to the church of the 1335? Why would they believe it? (Pack DC. Clarion Call -- The Time is NOW! Sermon of 11/03/07).

Apparently David Pack has not read what Herbert W. Armstrong taught about this as Herbert W. Armstrong basically did understand it--and it is not an internal signal. This is just another example of RCG deviating from proper prophetic knowledge. More information on what Herbert W. Armstrong taught is in the article Who is the King of the North?

Despite all of this, notice another claim from David Pack:

You have come in contact with the only Church on the face of the earth that truly understands prophecy. On The World to Come program, we teach the meaning of today’s events, and what lies ahead for the world—and do so in detail. (Pack D. Did God Send Nostradamus? Real Truth, January 12, 2010).

Those who believed that statement from David Pack are being severely misled as he and his church clearly misunderstand various aspects of prophecy (as well as other biblical matters). Notice something that David Pack posted on June 7, 2013:

Brethren will again be unified under one leader....Like so many other elements explained in this series, these governments will be miraculously CLOSED DOWN and SOON!...

In two weeks after one more important set up announcement I will announce the year and very day that this reunification will happen. But I am not a prophet! Understand. I have NO AUTHORITY to make my own proclamations about anything regarding prophecy. (Pack D. “BACK TOGETHER” What This Means! : June 7, 2013)

David Pack is correct that he is not a prophet and that he has "NO AUTHORITY to make" his "own proclamations about anything regarding prophecy." Furthermore, the other COGs did not get closed down soon from 2013.

David Pack has made many wrong prophetic announcements, misunderstands prophecy, and has been misleading people prophetically.

To learn more about the role and requirements to be a prophet please check out the article How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God (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?).

Speaking of prophecy, I once recall hearing David Pack in a sermon c. 2007 blast Dr. Meredith of LCG when he said that the end was more than seven years away. Dr. Meredith, of course, was right on that, but David Pack has not seemed to issue an apology.

As far as the King of the South goes, those who want more information should check out the article Is the Future King of the South Rising Up?; a YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.

RCG now falsely claims that it is certain that the 1335 days were to begin on October 25, 2022:

Prophecy Update – October 24, 2022

Good evening brethren!

By every account, the mysteries revealed in parts 400 and 401 have electrified the Church.

Everything we learned – including the arrival of the 1335 tomorrow morning – remains certain. However, additional STUNNING mysteries have come clear! We may wait a bit into the month of Cheshvan – at least long enough for a part 402 explaining these things that everyone must hear. Our wait is not long.

You will want to hear this message about an hour as soon as it is posted, likely tomorrow evening!

Church Administration

No, the 1335 days did not start on October 25, 2022 as the above is teaching. RCG has so many obvious prophetic failures and doctrinal errors that it is astounding any are still with it. Regarding the 1335 and being "certain," RCG is certainly wrong.

As far as the 1335 days go, back in 2008, I denounced Ronald Weinland for declaring that the 1335 days had began (see CGPKG: Concerns About Ronald Weinland's Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God). In 2009, I denounced the now late James Malm for his false claim about the start of the 1335 days of Danial 12 (see also Shining Light: Error-Ridden James Malm Not Doing an Elijah Work).

More on the 1335 days can be found in articles such as Who is the King of the North? and The 'Peace Deal' of Daniel 9:27.

Misunderstands Prophecy About the Man of Sin

David Pack claims:

I have taught prophecy ­extensively—­and ­correctly!—the truth of established understanding—­for over 40 years, probably much, much more than ANY other pastor during this same period. I wanted people to know what lies ahead. (Pack DC. HAGGAI--A Prophecy for OUR TIME! (Part 1). May 3, 2013)

Yet, he misunderstands various prophecies. I bolded the above as he has been proven wrong about a lot of what he predicted/interpreted Haggai, etc. to mean in August 2013.

For a specific one, notice that David Pack taught:

This two-horned beast gives “power” to the first beast...So this beast, then, appears to be religious...Remember also, this two-horned beast possesses such awesome power that it inspires the world to worship the beast...

The second beast is able to perform miracles. He does this “in the sight of” the first beast—the Holy Roman Empire. These miracles are so extraordinary--so mesmerizing--that they allow him to deceive the whole earth! Finally, the beast is worshipped as a result. This future religious leader will lead the final resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire alongside a great civil leader.

In II Thessalonians 2:3, this same religious leader is called the “man of sin.” Revelation 19:20 refers to him as a “false prophet.”

(Pack, David C. Who or What Is the Beast of Revelation? http://rcg.org/books/wowitbor.html viewed 05/05/13)

Yet, as the Bible teaches, the two-horned beast is NOT the man of sin in 2 Thessalonians 2. Even though David Pack realizes (and wrote above) that the two-horned beast "inspires the world to worship" the first "beast," he comes to the wrong conclusion about 2 Thessalonians 2. David Pack is relying on his preferred tradition over the Bible here.

The New Testament teaches that the man of sin "exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped" (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

The Old Testament teaches that the King of the North "shall exalt and magnify himself above every god" (Daniel 11:36).

The New Testament teaches that "All who dwell on the earth will worship" (Revelation 13:8) the first Beast, the ten-horned beast (Revelation 13:1).

This worship is not directed towards the false prophet, the two-horned beast of Revelation 13:11-17. And the Bible teaches that the false prophet, the second beast of Revelation 13 "causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast" (Revelation 13:12).

Read it for yourself in your own Bible.

Even though people will likely worship both beasts, the descriptions in the Bible that describe the ten-horned beast/King of the North are much closer to the man of sin discussed in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 than any about descriptions the false prophet.

Those who truly understand prophecy and who prayfully study the word of God for doctrine should realize this. David Pack also does not understand and accurately teach who the "man of sin" is, but we in the Continuing Church of God do.

In January 2017, I noticed that David Pack posted the following in what is called Sermon Transcript The Greatest Untold Story! Part 31:

II Thessalonians 3, verse 6: “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”

Those in the splinters…There are thousands of them, brethren, who are in the splinters, who have the Holy Spirit. They’re not going to follow this man, and they’re the ones that are going to come back to God’s Church. I’ll have a lot more to say about them, in a way that will simply stun you—stun you. They’re going to escape, but not until they go through fire.

I don’t know how long this man will last, but we ought to, at least, pause and say…The next thing we’re looking for is not Christ revealed from heaven. It’s this evil blasphemer…revealed out of the splinters—that is coming first, and God is going to vacuum away all the tares and those who lost His Spirit and who will not come—and they’re not going to come later—they’re out. You know Luke 14. There are those who are invited and they don’t come. God said they were not going to come…They will in no wise enter this supper……

Let’s be clear…(II Thessalonians 2) verse 12, those who follow him are damned. They are condemned. I didn’t say that. God does. Why? Because they “believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” You cannot be saved if you follow a Satan-possessed, blaspheming, false Christ. Who knows? Maybe he says he’s God the Father. There’s a guy in Rome that calls himself the Holy Father. It’s not shocking that a human being might say that.

Salvation is lost to the people who follow this man…It just was never clear how far they would go, and how God would vacuum them out of the Church. God said in Haggai—I called for the desolation. I raise up the Foolish Shepherd. It’s something He’s doing. He hardened pharaoh. He used Judas. He can do that. He can use man for a righteous purpose like Cyrus, and others. ...

I began to realize that, after the apostates under Joe Tkach, there would actually be worse leaders that followed. ..

God raised up Joseph W. Tkach and a group of people around him to cause the apostasy. We all know that. Mr. Armstrong was not so deceived or weak a leader that he picked an evil man to follow him. He didn’t know. ...

Do you think the devil would need to be coaxed to enter a man among God’s people, in a way no man has ever done in 2,000 years—that we could ever see? Do you think the devil would have to be coaxed to do that? He’d be like a dog on a chain with his front legs off the ground, straining to snap the leash to do it!

God could probably just snap His fingers, and the devil would enter this man and knock him over when he did, so to speak. This is easy for God to do. We serve the God who can change out the universe with a bang. It’s easy for God to do. He has a purpose in it. It also draws tremendous attention to His Church in a right way. He raised up Joe Tkach to cause the apostasy. Without that, this man can’t rise out of it. Surely, brethren, we believe that He can raise up a man out of it to carry out the last part of it.

This is interesting for at least four reasons:

1. This is a change from his earlier positions, which had been based upon improper tradition.
2. In my view, the Bible makes David Pack and his covetous out as a blasphemer (2 Peter 2:1-3).
3. David Pack originally claimed to stand for 'precision of doctrine' has totally flipped to a view closer to PCG on the man of sin (see also Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?).
4. David Pack is warning that thousands will follow someone in another COG group. Thousands have came to the Continuing Church of God over the past 4 years (see CCOG reports 1900 attended its festival sites and has a total membership of over 2200).

David Pack is now claiming that someone who was in the Church of God will have Satan enter him to become the man of sin. David Pack once claimed that COGwriter (me) was part of the 'synagogue of Satan' (see RCG’s David Pack Says COGwriter, Dr. Meredith, COGs, etc. ‘Part of Synagogue of Satan’). So, it should not come as a surprise that presuming thousands more will come into the Continuing Church of God that he could falsely also call me the 'man of sin.' Especially if some day I get over some illness.

But, David Pack now stated in his sermon "The Greatest Untold Story! Part 45" that the 'man of sin' would likely not be married--so that would tend to rule me out. Here is what he stated:

The Man of Sin comes with some unique problems, in a way, that I want to clear up. Think of what could be called the “effective counterfeit” principle. The more effective he is as a counterfeit, the more people can be sucked into following him. There’s no excuse to follow him, because what he teaches is against God’s Law. But claiming to be Christ, as a man, of and by itself, is not wrong. It’s what he says. He’s lawless and his power is Satanic, but think of the “effective counterfeit” principle for a moment.

When Christ walked the earth, he was 33-and-a-half years old--some old leader in the splinters isn’t going to fit the bill.

The older the man is, the more likel . . . I mean, God could use anybody to be the first two wizards that introduce him. They can be older men. The wizards can have one resume, if you will. The Man of Sin has to have another--younger, cleaner . . . Ready? Single. You probably can’t have him stand up as a married Christ. I’ll bet none of you ever thought about that--is the Man of Sin married? How could a married man, brethren, ever claim to be Jesus Christ--never mind if he had children who would thus be half-gods. You know, Hercules, and they’d be Mercury, whatever else. Do you see my point?

There seems to be no way this man can be married, or probably have ever been married, and claim to be Jesus Christ. Never mind have children who, forever after, would sort of be . . . you know, come from the messianic line when he was Christ. That would have been a problem in the first century. We’ve talked about that many a time. It was more than Christ didn’t want to just leave a widow. That would have been one problem. Or He would have left orphans. That would have been another, but they would have been born of God! Theoretically, we could say His kids would have been one-quarter God, half from Him and none from whoever had been His wife.

The fact that he is a single man, perhaps in his early 30s, introduces another possibility about why is he single. There is quite a powerful case behind that that would take longer to explain. I don’t want to get into it, but some of you may guess what it is. I’d like to do that in its own time and place, so we’ll just leave it at that. But he is going to have to be a single man, who got there into his thirties. Why he’s single is a different discussion, but that’s all we’re going to cover now. There’s probably more to the story, maybe much more to that story, but no time for it now.

So, the Man of Sin has to be a younger man. The older he is, the more he comes with a résumé that could be suspect—that’s subject to fact checking. You see my point? I’m trying to illustrate something here, because some more things have come clear. Young, single, clean…Does he have brothers and sisters? People can check up on him? Is this really Christ? This guy has to look like the real deal, and he does to such an extent that even the absolute perversions that come out of his mouth are not sufficient to keep some people, with God’s Spirit, from being fooled.

It may be that the idea that the 'man of sin' would be unmarried could be consistent with Daniel 11:37 (but even that is not proof the man of sin is not married, as he could be) and the King of the North, but David Pack did not cite that verse. His rationale is off. He keeps deviating more and more.

David Pack stated in his sermon "The Greatest Untold Story! Part 53" that the 'man of sin' would be responsible for killing Church of God brethren:

Brethren, you need to now…to understand what the less fortunate…That’s a bad word to use, but there are three categories of people under the Man of Sin. Those who get killed outright—butchered, but killed, because no authority on Earth has the power, or probably even the will, to block the death of people who have the Holy Spirit, which…They probably think “Good riddance.” It’s like getting rid of the Jews…Let’s get rid of them. That’s the best status. ...

I hate to have to say this. I hate to have to tell some of you, your friends are going to be butchered like hogs, but they’ll come back up soon…very soon. That’s the good news. And we haven’t talked about exactly how they fit into the resurrection of the dead and it’s very exciting. I would like to comfort you with those words. But they will not come up in the reckoning; but they do come up into a special status.

This video will be available, so I’ll just tell those in the splinters…I’ll name them. If you’re in the Living Church of God, PCG, UCG, COGwa, and others—take heed. You’re being warned. Brethren of God, now you know why Paul didn’t stop for three years—with tears, warned everyone day and night. You got a better picture of why? Be warned. This man you seek…Maybe you think I’m wrong or it’s a joke, or you don’t fear God or look at the Bible. If you’re in those groups or the little groups—he is coming for your throat! And unless you escape, he’s going to get there and he’s going to rip your carotid out as he tries to catch your jugular on the way out! That’s the way it’s going to be. If that makes me a cult leader, so be it. I believe God…I believe God.

There are other verses I’ve not had time to go to. You know, when Paul talked about grievous wolves who will not spare the flock, what do you think he meant? I thought “Well, they come in and…it’s terrible thing.” “Spare them”…not going to “pity” them. The Greek means pity…you read in Zechariah 11 “spare” and “pity” is the same word. Not going to spare them…not going to pity them. That’s what it says. Their own shepherds pity them not. They’re going to save themselves… They’re going to sell them out and “woe unto him” who leaves the flock and follows this guy. (Pack D. The Greatest Untold Story! Part 53. Sermon transcript. https://rcg.org/sep/the-greatest-untold-story-part-53)

In part 78 of his The Greatest Untold Story! sermon series, RCG's David Pack is claiming that he long held to a "man of sin" doctrine that differred substantially to what he would have backed (or at least would have been expected to have backed) while he was in GCG (as well as what he originally taught in RCG):

And in the three-and-a-half years, by the way, when He’s confirming the covenant, before He gets to Jerusalem, but after He’s come to Earth, there are going to be some priests who are offering sacrifices at the wrong house. We haven’t talked about them much, but Malachi talks about them. It isn’t all just ministers who…presenting vomit today. There will be priests in Jerusalem who are Levites, who will be offering, with the Prince of Tyre and the King of the North, in that house after the Man of Sin is gone. ...

Because I’ve long believed…Over the year since I introduced the Man of Sin, I’ve long believed, now, that the leader of the Worldwide Church of God was a type. But he stood up on December 31, 1994…Here’s what he did…in Atlanta and he gave a sermon…I got the tape, transcribed it—the whole thing…and he said, “The Law’s done away; the Sabbath’s done away; the Holy Days are done away; tithing, clean and unclean meats…it’s all gone. It’s all Old Testament.” Everything—gone.

And within about four months, 25,000…23,000, something like that, had gone with United. It dwindled down later. More thousands came with Global, where I was. I was very involved.

The King of the North IS the man of sin (for details see Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?), hence he will not be in Jerusalem when the man of sin is gone. It should also be mentioned that the Bible teaches that the falling away happens BEFORE the revealing of the 'man of sin' (see The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings), whereas David Pack seems to hint otherwise.

David Pack misunderstands much about the man of sin (see also Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?).

David Pack posted the following as part of his 2017 booklet "How God’s Kingdom Will Come The Untold Story!":

The prophet Habakkuk, whom Paul quoted in Hebrews 10 regarding the man of sin, adds to this man’s profile: “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. Yes also, because he transgresses by wine, he is a proud man, neither keeps at home, who enlarges his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathers unto him all nations, and heaps unto him all people” (Hab. 2:4-5). Here is a man who is of the devil, but who holds such awesome power that all nations of the world buckle to his will. No one is talking about this man because no one understands him or could believe the enormous reach and power that he will bring. A number of verses make plain that this counterfeit will be very short-lived. (Other helpful related verses to read include II Corinthians 11:4; all of Habakkuk 2; all of II Timothy 3; Zechariah 11:15-17; James 5:1-6; Matthew 7:15-23 and Luke 21:8, 35-36.)

Like many, David Pack does not understand the prophecy of Habakkuk 2 which has to do with the USA that will be destroyed for greed and indebtedness (David Pack should have realized what Habakkuk 2:6-8 states as he recommended that his readers would read the entire chapter--those that do will realize that David Pack misunderstands it.

So, let's look at Habakkuk 2:

2:1 I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.

2 Then the Lord answered me and said: "Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:1-3)

Notice that the prophecy that is being discussed is for the appointed time of the end. It is a prophecy for our time--and will affect the proud. What will happen is so bad "That he may run who reads it." So, David Pack is correct that it has an end time application (some groups, notably LCG, stopped teaching that).

David Pack quoted the passages of Habakkuk 2:4-5, so I will here, plus the three verses that follow those passages:

4 "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith. 

5 "Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man, And he does not stay at home. Because he enlarges his desire as hell, And he is like death, and cannot be satisfied, He gathers to himself all nations And heaps up for himself all peoples.

6 "Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, 'Woe to him who increases What is not his — how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges'? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you, Because of men's blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:5-8)

Notice that verse 6 is clearly the same man as mentioned in Habakkuk 2:4-5. David Pack did not try to explain this in what I have seen--and even if he tries, he again will get this wrong if he identifies the indebted as the man of sin.

David Pack has sorely misunderstood these passages in Habakkuk and improperly assigned them to HIS false version of the 'man of sin.'

The second chapter of Habakkuk is NOT a prophecy about the man of sin (see also Do you take seriously the warnings God had the prophet Habakkuk record?).

This is one more area that RCG has wrong. More on this topic can be found in the article Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?; there is also a brief YouTube video on this topic titled Who is the Man of Sin?

Abomination of Desolation to Include Statue in Vatican?

A rather bizarre teaching that RCG has is the identity of the 'abomination of desolation':

An Earlier Type

Now for another clue about the abomination. Recall the biblical principle of dual­ity—a former and latter fulfillment—in prophecy. God usually gives a former type to help us understand the latter fulfillment. The former is not the primary fulfillment of a prophecy. It only points to the latter fulfillment, which is the main focus and purpose of the prophecy itself.

This duality is seen with the “abomination of desolation” prophecy. And what it reveals is fascinating! Let’s examine the historical type of what has already occurred. First, recall the lengthy Daniel 11 prophecy. A crucial part of that prophecy comes up for review and expansion at this juncture.

In about 176 BC, Antiochus IV (king of the north, and type of the future final civil ruler who embodies the Beast system) acquired the kingdom from his older brother. After this, Antiochus Epiphanes removed the high priest in Jerusalem and installed some­one loyal to himself. Upon a triumphant return from Egypt, in 168 BC, Antiochus sacked the Temple at Jerusalem and took its golden vessels.

Recall that Antiochus also sent troops to Judea in 167 BC. They destroyed the Temple and its sanctuary. This act stopped the commanded twice daily sacrifices at the Temple (Ex. 29:39-42; Num. 28:4-6). This was an overt attempt to wipe out the Jewish religion with all of its doctrines.

This military leader also stationed a garrison atop the Jewish Temple Mount, desecrating it. Also recall that Daniel wrote, “Yes, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him [Antiochus] the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of [the] sanctuary was cast down” (8:11).

Daniel added this in chapter 11: “And arms shall stand on his [Antiochus’] part, and they shall pol­lute the sanctuary of strength [the Jewish Temple], and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate” (vs. 31).

Now then, what exactly is this coming “abomination” that will be “set up” again? The truth—born of history—is beyond eye-opening in regard to prophecy.

The first fulfillment was not just Antiochus’ armies coming into Jerusalem—an early “treading it down” for three years until 165 BC—but the fact that those armies set up an image—a specific idol—on the Temple’s altar, which defiled and made it desolate. Antiochus further polluted the Temple by offering swine’s blood upon the altar.

These historical events of Daniel 8 are an unmistakable fulfillment of the prophecy in Daniel 11:31, and a forerunner of the end-time fulfillment of the “abomination of desolation” spoken of by Christ in Matthew, Mark and Luke.

We are left to ask: What was this statue and where is it now?

Incredible History Unveiled

Now comes fascinating knowledge. You have almost certainly never heard it. History reveals that the idol Antiochus placed in the Temple—or “holy place”—was a statue of Zeus or Jupiter Olympus, the chief deity of pagan Hellenists of Greece and Macedonia.

Volume Four of A Dictionary of Christian Biography, Literature, Sects and Doctrines makes this clear. The context has to do with Simon (Magus) the sorcerer, described in Acts 8: “When Justin Martyr wrote [AD 152] his Apology [his book] the sect of the Simonians [from Simon Magus] appears to have been formidable, for he speaks four times of their founder, Simon [Magus]…and we need not doubt that he identified him with the Simon of the [book of] Acts. He states that he was a Samaritan [Acts 8 makes that clear], adding that his birthplace was a village called Gitta; he describes him as a formidable magician, and tells that he came to Rome in the days of Claudius Caesar [which is AD 45], and made such an impression by his magical powers, that he was honoured as a god, a statue being erected to him on the Tiber [River], between the two bridges, bearing the inscription ‘Simoni deo Sancto’” (p. 682). This inscription means “Holy God Simon.” Also note that Simon’s followers generally called him Jupiter.

We can ask: Is this the very same statue placed by Antiochus?

Following the journey of this statue is vital. Do not miss the flow of events. Remember, God expects they be understood!

Statue Reappears

It has been well reported that many centuries ago a statue of the pagan god Jupiter was found in Rome. The large bronze statue was altered and renamed St. Peter. One strong indication of this comes from John Parker: “By some writers, it is affirmed to be no other than the statue of Jupiter, with a new head and hands; others stating that this famous statue was melted down by order of Pope Leo I in the middle of the fifth century, and recast into this figure of S. Peter, holding the keys of heaven with one hand, whilst the other is raised in the act of benediction in the Roman manner, with the first and second and fingers extended” (The Archaeology of Rome, p. 38).

Ralph Woodrow, author of Babylon Mystery Religion, goes further: “This statue is looked upon with most profound veneration and its foot has been kissed so many times [by devotees] that the toes are nearly worn away!” (It is more than interesting to note that the Catholic religion has a long tradition of kissing idols—feet, rings and crosses—yet the pagan origin of this practice can clearly be found in I Kings 19:18 and Hosea 13:1-2.)

Incredible! Yet these are the facts from history. This same statue—directly related to the abomination of desolation—is now prominently displayed in Rome!

Remember, Jesus said His servants—those who understand God’s prophecies and know what to watch for—shall “see” the abomination of desolation. This must be referring to something that is physically set up and visible in the holy place.

Will this statue be brought back, full-circle, to Jerusalem to fulfill this end-time prophecy? God, through the initial fulfillment, has almost certainly provided the answer for those willing to believe His Word and plain accounts of history regarding the role of this image and its connection to the end-time civil ruler (Beast), and the religious leader (False Prophet) who will direct that it be placed—with himself—in Jerusalem. ... When the False Prophet directs the Beast to erect this statue at the site of the reconstituted daily sacrifices, the abomination will officially “stand in the holy place”! (Pack, David C. What Is the “Abomination of Desolation”? https://rcg.org/articles/witaod.html viewed 07/16/16)

What is incredible to me, at least, has been how often I have seen David Pack write items related to history that are false.

My wife and I have seen this particular statue many times.

Notice a couple of reports about it:

There's a bronze statue of St. Peter thought to have been made by Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century, although that's something that's often disputed by art historians and scholars who think it was cast as early as the fifth century. (Conradt S. 10 Facts About St. Peter's Basilica. Mental Floss, April 7, 2009. http://mentalfloss.com/article/21396/10-facts-about-st-peters-basilica accessed 07/16/16)

This ancient statue of St. Peter, portrayed as he gives a blessing and preaches, while holding the keys to the kingdom of heaven is famous throughout the world. Some scholars have attributed it to Arnolfo di Cambio (1245-1302), but others believe that it is a V century casting. ... The famous bronze statue of St. Peter is placed against the pillar of St. Longinus, above an alabaster base that was executed in 1757 by Carlo Marchionni. In this statue St. Peter is seated on a marble see from the early Renaissance, dressed with the philosophical stole, with his left hand holding the keys close to his chest and the right raised in the act of blessing. His right foot protrudes from the previously mentioned base, which is worn by the kisses of the devout. (Statue of St. Peter by Arnolfo di Cambio, c.1300. http://stpetersbasilica.info/Statues/StPeter/StPeter.htm)

Antonio Munoz and other scholars observing the seemingly Gothic rigidity of the draperies, attributed the figue, not to pagan derivation but to a Christian origin of the thirteenth century. It was in all probability, they asserted, the work of Arnolfo di Cambio. Schüller-Piroli on the other hand claims that the bronze of the seated figued is composed of the same alloy of lead and silver as that found in coinage of the second half of the seventh century; that the warm brown-gold patina is only shared by bronze of the late medieval centuries. He does not exclude the remote possibility that Arnolfo di Cambio may have recast an ancient statue, substituted a new head and added keys. (Lees-Milne J. Saint Peter's: The Story of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Little, Brown, 1967, p. 1967)

Anyway, it appears that either the Peter statue was completely produced by Arnolfo di Cambio around 1300, or more likley that he took something from the fifth-seventh century and recast a different head.

Is it absolutely impossible that the materials may not have been a melted down B.C. statue?

No, it is not absolutely impossible, but based upon analysis of the materials in it, to claim that it is the same statue that Antiocus Epiphanes had seems like a massive stretch since the materials found in this statue are more consistent with seventh century A.D., than second century B.C., materials.

RCG is pushing something here that in just an assertion--presuming that this is NOT the abomination that will be placed by the Beast power (which is more likely associated with the statue in Revelation 13:15), will mean that those in RCG will not understand when the abomination is set up. This is just one more reason to conclude that those in RCG will not know when the Great Tribulation will start until it is too late.

Sideburn Heresy

In a booklet by David Pack it states:

It was a ceremonial custom of the heathen to cut and trim beards and hair into special shapes that would honor a particular pagan deity—often the sun god... Conversely, a round bald spot may have been shaved on the head. (This is one reason that a male should not shave off his sideburns. Doing this also makes him appear feminine) (Pack. D. Did Jesus Have Long Hair? PROPER HAIR LENGTHS AND STYLES IN GOD’S CHURCH. http://www.thercg.org/articles/djhlh.html Viewed 12/20/07).

This sideburn teaching is not one I recall from Herbert W. Armstrong. Thus, I who do shave my limited (I am partially Chinook) sideburns cannot be in RCG, because of this heresy--nor perhaps can those of American Indian descent as their males normally do not have sideburns to even be able to shave them.

Furthermore, one time I examined a picture of David Pack, he seemed to have shaved his sideburns, so perhaps he might wish to reconsider what he wrote here. However, it is of interest to note that RCG often seems to be excessively focused on appearance--something that the Apostle Paul warned against (2 Corinthians 10:7).

144,000 Heresy?

As mentioned earlier, David Pack defined heresy as doctrines that differ from "the teachings of Mr. Armstrong". Yet he clearly does that himself.

Regarding the identity of the 144,000, Herbert Armstrong wrote:

WHO Are the 144,000?

You have probably heard many interpretations. They are all in error. Men are unable to interpret this prophecy. The first thing to notice is that the TIME of the sealing of this 144,000 is yet in the future--it is after the Great Tribulation and the heavenly SIGNS, and just before the plagues of God's Judgments! It has not happened yet!

Second, this prophecy is plain, and means just what it says-- 144,000 of the 12 tribes of Israel--12,000 of each tribe. Where are they today? Where are the lost ten tribes?

But these 144,000 are not all! "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands... And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 7:9, 13-14) (Armstrong HW. The Book of Revelation Unveiled at last!. WCG, 1972, p. 35).

But notice what RCG now claims that David Pack:

144,000 Explained: David C. Pack’s sermon series identifying the 144,000 and the Great Multitude has now been posted. An object of speculation for decades, this mysterious group has never been understood until now. You will learn why it could not be unlocked until God’s time came. The problem with the endless human theories is their authors simply could not recognize this subject to be like a 1,500-piece puzzle. This kept them from looking for and assembling every piece, without which they had no chance of reaching the correct conclusion—of seeing the full picture. Nor then was there any chance of comprehending the colossal implications of this incredible Bible doctrine! (NEWS OF THE WORK http://www.thercg.org/news.html Date: 2006-12-09).

Since HWA said he understood who it was in 1972, and RCG says no one knew until late 2006, RCG is not teaching what HWA taught about it.

I listened to some of part 3 of David Pack's 144,000 message. In it, he teaches:

The splinters...do not get it right because God would not reveal it to them...Gentiles can be part of the 144,000...You are all one in Christ...The twelve tribes are not talking about the twelve tribes of Israel (Pack David. The 144,000 and the Great Multitude. Part 3. Posted 12/09/06).

But Herbert W. Armstrong taught (bolding mine):

The 144,000 are 12,000 from each of the literal tribes of Israel. (Rev. 7:4) They are sealed by the Holy Spirit. IN their foreheads, and it is THE FATHER'S NAME that is sealed there. (Rev. 14:1) The TIME of this sealing, then, is yet future - after the Tribulation, after the heavenly signs, after the SIGN of Christ's coming appears in heaven (Armstrong HW. The key to the Book of Revelation. WCG, 1972, p. 10).

Sadly, David Pack, who has now directly contradicted Herbert Armstrong's teaching on this matter, is another man who was unable to interpret this prophecy. David Pack is NOT an apostle who is faithful to the teachings of Herbert Armstrong as he has claimed he is.

In the same message, David Pack claims that while knowledge of the 144,000 is important, he states that the knowledge of who the final Elijah is, is more important (David Pack had an erroneous understanding concerning Herbert Armstrong here, but now has another related to himself).

Since David Pack once claimed that believing that HWA is the only one who could be the end-time Elijah, and that knowledge is more important than who the 144,000 are, why would David Pack blatantly contradict HWA's teachings here?

The 144,000 is simply another prophetic area that RCG is not faithful to the teachings of either the Bible or Herbert W. Armstrong.

It appears that RCG intends to have various differencs in prophetic understanding than HWA had. And I suspect, more based upon the opinions of David Pack than upon the Bible.

December 2022 Predictions Wrong

Marc Cebrian, a former Restored Church of God (RCG) employee, listened to a recent sermon by RCG’s David Pack titled The Greatest Unending Story! (Part 406) and reported the following quotes from it over at the Banned by HWA site:

Part 406 – November 26, 2022

@ 42:33 And on God’s authority, I’m gonna tell you what [Luke12:39] means. And this is critical.

@ 43:50 We’re in the right month. So, if he [Dave, the good man of the house] had known the exact time the way God has revealed it, he would tell the church, and I’m doing that now. It’s about twelve days and some additional hours at 9:35 AM on Friday, December 9th, Jerusalem time, which is sundown at 4:35 PM. That’s when you will look like Christ. Period. Or the Bible means something different. God has countermanded His word…

@ 51:22 You’re blessed [salvation] exactly fifteen days before billions walk in white and the rest of the 144,000 are settled.

@ 53:50 Just like Zechariah 14:7 and other places, when God arrives in Jerusalem on the Day of the Lord at exactly sunset on December 24th with all saints who receive eternal life then. Call it Christmas Eve. On December 9th at the exact same moment, 9:35 AM our time, fifteen days earlier, the moment of sunset in Jerusalem that begins Kislev 16 and the exact mid-point of the month, certain others will receive salvation either first or second.

Mark Cebrian has also been part of a series on WCTV about RCG (see Marc Cebrian, former RCG employee, interviewed on WCTV).

That being said, David Pack has long pushed wrong dates.

No, RCG followers will not look like Christ on December 9th, 2022.

And no, the Day of the Lord will not begin on December 24th, 2022.

A New Command?

In David Pack's September 7, 2000 letter to the "Brethren, Co-Workers and Subscribers" he wrote:

...I have abided by that most difficult commandment to not answer accusers. And I'll ask you when deciding whether I am guilty of the accusations against me, to consider how well or poorly I have followed God's command to "not answer our accusers...Some months ago I wrote and we distributed a booklet entitled Should Accusers Be Answered? If you read that booklet, you know that God commands us to not answer our accusers.

It should be noted that there is no command in the Bible to not answer our accusers. There are several scriptures which suggest that wisdom should be employed in providing or not providing an answer, but to state that there is a biblical command when there is not, seems like heresy to me--it should be pointed out, however, that when David Pack was approached on this, he admitted his error.

Jesus Himself also warned that it was incorrect to "strain a gnat and swallow a camel" (Matthew 23:24), which is what RCG appears to do at times.

But He Endorses Others Who Violate His "most difficult commandment to not answer accusers"

While I have written this article and a few other things about RCG, I never have considered that honest theological reporting was being an accuser. But I have been told that David Pack's demeanor visibly (and negatively) changes when my name is mentioned (I was told this a couple of years ago by an RCG member) and so, he apparently considered/s me to be an accuser (or at least one of concern).

And while David Pack has taken several shots against me (most often without using my name as that may get people to better realize that he is an accuser of the brethren. Actually in RCG's first "strategic report," I was apparently the subject of nearly 1/4 of it and about 1/5 of RCG's second "strategic report"), he apparently seems to feel that using someone else to do that is fine.

The Elijah Question

One of the areas that David Pack was formerly known for was his insistence that Herbert W. Armstrong was the final Elijah. But is his position based on the Bible?

Here is some of what he wrote:

And John was also not "a prophet." Since he was a forerunner of Mr. Armstrong, this fact is important. Christ said that he (this one who was a type of Elijah) was actually "MORE THAN a prophet." This is a fascinating statement! The Bible says the Two Witnesses "are prophets" (Rev. 11:3, 10). Mr. Armstrong was an apostle. This means he also was "more than a prophet" (I Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11) and, at the same time, more like John the Baptist than either of the Two Witnesses...A related point needs examination. Mr. Armstrong has been accused of being a "false prophet" many times. Here is the point-and most never seemed to understand this: Mr. Armstrong was NEVER a prophet. He was always "more than" a prophet-he was an apostle! To those who apparently went out to "see a prophet," you missed the entire point of one of the greatest reasons why Mr. Armstrong was the final Elijah! It is also one of the reasons we can now see, in retrospect, his office was greater than that of the Two Witnesses (I, like the rest of the Church, once thought he would be one of them). He was an APOSTLE. They will be PROPHETS. To assert that the final Elijah will be one of the Witnesses is to, in fact, diminish-reduce-the office of Elijah (I WILL SEND ELIJAH TO RESTORE ALL THINGS. RCG Booklet, Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2004 by David C. Pack).

The Bible, in Malachi 4:5, states that "Elijah the prophet" is to be sent--I do not believe that God is diminishing the role of the future Elijah by calling him a prophet. David Pack is correct that the two witnesses are prophets and that HWA said he was not a prophet.

Unlike David Pack, Herbert W. Armstrong thought that at least one of the two witnesses were a type of Elijah:

Therefore it seems that the most logical identification of the Two Witnesses is the one generally accepted -- Moses and Elijah. They do the works of Moses and Elijah.

Malachi says (4:5) Elijah shall come BEFORE the "Day of the Lord," and they probably will BEGIN their ministry before the "Day of the Lord" commences. It was Moses and Elijah who appeared with Christ in the Transfiguration on the Mount. (Mat. 17:1-8).

In a sense, John the Baptist was Elijah fulfilling the prophecy of Mal. 4:5. John the Baptist was NOT Elijah, as he plainly said, yet he came in the power and spirit of Elijah, and in that sense he was Elijah. Compare John 1: 21, Mat. 11: 14, and the explanation in Luke 1:17. So it is likely the two witnesses will be two men who will come in the power and spirit of Elijah and Moses, or Enoch. (Armstrong HW. What is going to happen! Plain Truth, June-July 1934, p. 7)

"Verse 3: God will empower His two 'witnesses' to proclaim God's truth for this three-and-one-half years, from the same city of Jerusalem. These two have the same powers that God had given to Moses and Elijah. That is why this Führer and his armies can not stop them. So they will be two men coming 'in the power and spirit' of Moses and Elijah - just as John the Baptist came in the 'power and spirit' of Elijah, though he was not Elijah. (Armstrong HW. Personal from the Editor. Plain Truth, June 1967, p. 4).

These two witnesses are two human beings who are given extraordinary power for 3 1/2 years just prior to Christ's return (verse 3). If any man attempts to hurt them before their ministry is up, "... fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies" (verse 5). Note how similar this is to the power given to Elijah (II Kings 1:9-15). They also have power over the rainfall, to produce drought and famine as did Elijah (Luke 4:25; I Kings 17:1-7), and to smite the earth with plagues (Rev. 11:6). Their mission will be to give one final warning (Armstrong HW, editor. The Plain Truth Personal Correspondence Department response on the two witnesses to Mr. and Mrs. Thiel. September 13, 1984).

The Bible shows that Elijah (I Kings 18:36; II Chronicles 21:12), John the Baptist (Matthew 11:9; Luke 7:26) and the two witnesses are (Revelation 11:10) all specifically referred to as prophets. Jesus referred to John the Baptist as,

A prophet? Yes, I say to you and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it was written: Behold I send my Messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before you (Matthew 11:9-10)

So for David Pack to teach that John the Baptist was not a prophet is simply not biblically accurate.

Clearly since Jesus taught that the reason that John the Baptist was more than a prophet was because he had an important and specifically foretold job and this is also true of the two witnesses, as both of them could be considered 'a prophet and more than a prophet'. To learn more about prophets, see also the article How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God.

For much more biblical information, as well as analysis of quotes from Herbert Armstrong on this subject, please read the article The Elijah Heresies.

I would also point out that in sermons and in multiple revisions of his I WILL SEND ELIJAH TO RESTORE ALL THINGS booklet, David Pack repeatedly claimed that he proved the Herbert Armstrong was the final and last Elijah and that you basically could not trust anyone who would not assert that.

Yet, David Pack later stated (sermon January 2015) that he and Herbert W. Armstrong were prophets and that he (David Pack) was Elijah.

Elijah Changes January 2015

In a sermon given in January 2015 (First a MOSES, Now ELIJAH—130 Proofs! (Part 1), David Pack stated:

Elijah...one of the two witnesses. Thousands will come in {to RCG} believing I am both... No, I'm not Elisha... We have reached the point where many millions want to hear my voice...they shall know a prophet has been among them...Two men came as watchmen, therefore this verse must apply twice...{Ezekiel 33} verse 33... Herbert Armstrong...We do a greater work.

David Pack claimed his arguments are "air-tight," etc. He claimed to work on this series of sermons more than any in his life (he has made statements like that before). And David Pack is correct that he is not 'Elisha.' He basically said he and Herbert Armstrong were prophets, even though Herbert Armstrong denied that about himself. David Pack then basically indicates that he is the restorer--the Elijah. His explanation basically is that because HWA did not understand all things including the 144,000 doctrine and some other matters that David Pack claimed to restore (including other David Pack positions like the 1135 days).

In that same sermon, David Pack said:

Did Mr. Armstrong actually restore all things? How about the doctrine of being taken by eagles?... He didn't understand it...The King of the South, Mr. Armstrong never understood that...or Haggai and the three shepherds tied to the spiritual remnant...or how you anoint your eyes...

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

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

Herbert Armstrong was not the Elijah. He was something bigger...He did a 'Moses like' work.

David Pack is correct that HWA did not restore all things. But he is in error on many points, including his false teachings about Haggai--David Pack's understanding was proven false in 2013. Herbert W. Armstrong did discuss and teach about the falling away yet David Pack completely denies it. Details for proof which of us are right on this are in the article The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings. Here are a couple of quotes that disprove David Pack's assertion that HWA never talked about the falling away:

Men to turn away from the truth . . . Acts 20:29 and 30 . . . Paul . . . wanted to meet with the leaders of the church . . . What church? The Church of God! “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”

See what the prophecy was? Falling away. Departing from the truth!

And then go to second Corinthians eleventh chapter and the 13th, 14th, and 15th verses.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light . . . Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." Many false prophets will deceive many . . . Second Timothy fourth chapter third verse . . .

For the time will come when they will not endure -- THAT’S the PEOPLE the Western world—sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" the world will fall away after fables. (Armstrong HW. End Time Falling Away, HA103A.MP3)

I have mentioned how the early Church GREW and MULTIPLIED in those God added to the Church. But soon the persecution came. Soon the false preachers came, with the different gospel -- a different spirit. They came fomenting a spirit of criticism -- of DOUBT! They came saying Jesus' true apostles were preaching WRONG DOCTRINES.

They said to people: "Peter, and Paul, and those apostles won't admit they are teaching erroneous doctrines. Look how many are FALLING AWAY from them. Their credibility is at an all-time low. Don't follow them -- forsake them and the Gospel they are proclaiming, and COME OVER WITH US."

Yes, brethren, and THOUSANDS DID -- TO THEIR OWN ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION IN THE LAKE OF FIRE!

Look at the Fruits

But LOOK AT THE FRUITS! The work of the original apostles BORE THE TRUE FRUITS! The Worldwide Church of God has always produced the GOOD fruits -- ABUNDANT fruits...proclaimed the true Gospel of Christ -- the Gospel OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD to the world -- now GOING TO THE ENTIRE WORLD!

Prophecy says the END will not come until, also, there is a "falling away" first!

Jesus' parable (Luke 19:11-24) is for OUR TIME, now! It pertains to Christ going to heaven to receive the Kingdom officially and then returning. The "pounds" (English money) represent the SPIRITUAL GOODS Christ has entrusted to each of us now, while He is in heaven. When He returns, He will demand of each of us to show how we have used the GIFT of His Holy Spirit -- how much we have CONTRIBUTED to His Work -- the PURPOSE for which He put us in His Church NOW! He will demand of each of us to show how much we have grown spiritually in the way of GOD'S LAW – the way of CONTRIBUTING AND GIVING. Those who prove disloyal or drop out of the Work -- THE ONLY PURPOSE FOR WHICH YOU WERE CALLED NOW -- will find themselves in the position of the one described in verses 20 and 24. They will lose the very salvation they were trying to GET!

You are each admonished to "make your calling and election SURE!"

Today, as in the time of the first apostles, MANY DECEIVERS are gone out into the world. They will ACCUSE God's Church and His Work. It is Satan the devil who is the accuser of the true brethren (Rev. 12:10).

Christ's Warning

As it was in the first century -- the days of the original apostles, when the Church was MULTIPLYING itself in membership (Acts 6:1) -- so is it destined to be NOW!

Before Jesus answered His disciples as to WHEN the END of the age and His return would come, He warned them against FALSE MINISTERS, deceiving the many. If possible, He said, they would deceive the VERY ELECT -- YOU in God's Church.

As the Apostle Paul warned the elders at Ephesus, "For I know this, that...grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also OF YOUR OWN SELVES [the ministers in God's Church] shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw
away disciples after them. Therefore WATCH"! (Acts 20:29-31.)

Brethren, could this BE God's true Church, and such things not happen to us? This sort of thing DID HAPPEN to God's TRUE CHURCH in the very first century…

MUCH of the New Testament is WARNING God's people of these snares of Satan to hinder -- to attempt to DESTROY the very Work of GOD -- the very Work which is THE REASON God has called you NOW -- before He undertakes to SAVE THE WHOLE WORLD! (Armstrong HW. Coworker letter, February 21, 1974)

How could David Pack assert that Herbert Armstrong did not ever mention the falling away? That is nonsense. David Pack clearly proved in his 'Elijah' sermons that he is false. He clearly made false statements about Herbert Armstrong on the falling away that anyone can prove (more on the falling away can be found in the article The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings).

David Pack's teaching on Moses and Elijah also goes against the historical teaching of the Radio and Worldwide Church of God that is was the two witnesses who are to be a type of Moses and Elijah:

The Two Witnesses...

Who are, or will be, these witnesses? ...

1st, they "prophesy" or preach a final warning to the world during "1260 days." ...

2nd, at the END of their testimony...it is "the BEAST THAT ASCENDED OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT" which kills them. ...

3rd, after their testimony is ended, and they have been killed and resurrected, it says in verse 14 "the second woe is past." ...

They do the works of Moses and Elijah. ...

John the Baptist was NOT Elijah as he plainly said, yet he came in the power and spirit of Elijah, and in that sense he wau Elijah. Compare John 1:22, Mat. 11:14, and the explanation in Luke 1:17. So it is likely the two witnesses will be two men who come in the power and spirit of Elijah and Moses or Enoch. (Armstrong HW. What is going to happen! Plain Truth, June-July 1934, p. 7)

"Verse 3: God will empower His two 'witnesses' to proclaim God's truth for this three-and-one-half years, from the same city of Jerusalem. These two have the same powers that God had given to Moses and Elijah. That is why this Führer and his armies can not stop them. So they will be two men coming 'in the power and spirit' of Moses and Elijah - just as John the Baptist came in the 'power and spirit' of Elijah, though he was not Elijah.

"Now notice particularly verses 9 and 10: Evidently they shall not be merely speaking to a few people on a street corner - but broadcasting WORLDWIDE! (Armstrong HW. Personal from the Editor. Plain Truth, June 1967, p. 4).

These two witnesses are two human beings who are given extraordinary power for 3 1/2 years just prior to Christ's return (verse 3). If any man attempts to hurt them before their ministry is up, "...fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies" (verse 5). Note how similar this is to the power given to Elijah (II Kings 1:9-15). They also have power over the rainfall, to produce drought and famine as did Elijah (Luke 4:25; I Kings 17:1-7), and to smite the earth with plagues (Rev. 11:6). Their mission will be to give one final warning (Armstrong HW, editor. The Plain Truth Personal Correspondence Department response on the two witnesses to Mr. and Mrs. Thiel. September 13, 1984).

Notice that at the basically beginning, middle, and end of his ministry, Herbert W. Armstrong taught that Moses and Elijah were a type of the the two witnesses, not that he was Moses, like David Pack is now claiming.

David Pack also claimed that WCG's governance did not have prophets, because of himself, RCG does, and the office of prophet needed to be restored. He is correct that prophet can be an office in church governance (see The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government), but he and none currently part of RCG are functioning as a true prophet (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God).

In the same sermon, he again made his false claim that ALL OF GOD's people would be restored to unity of fellowship that never occured before and ON THE SAME DAY! True Philadelphian Christians will not be restored to RCG.

But, I should mention that David Pack seemed to claim in this sermon that he was leading Laodicea as he discussed him leading the wretched to follow Philadelphia--while many in RCG may well be Laodicean (see also The Laodicean Church Era), David Pack's one day restoration prophetic misunderstanding will not come to fact. David Pack improperly teaches, and did so also in this sermon, that all those in the 'splinters' will come to him. He simply does NOT understand the truth about church eras. Related to this he said that God intends to gather the splinters to one place, meaning, in his view, RCG.

As far as Elijah goes, see also the article The Elijah Heresies. David Pack then, in that sermon, taught that Herbert W. Armstrong was a 'Moses' figure and a Zerubbabel figure, and that he himself (David Pack) is also a 'Joshua' figure (more on Zerubbabel and Joshua can be found in the article Who Are The Two Witnesses?).

Although David Pack also pointed out in his sermon that Elijah had a relatively short work. While there is a a the 'short work.', David Pack fails to understand it.

I ended up hearing the entire sermon and will add that David Pack misunderstands the Bible and makes 'connections' that are improper. Yet, apparently people accept the false logic and the errors his messages contain. If any listen to this particular sermon, one will get a taste of many of the false items that David Pack has claimed to 'restore.'

David Pack Warned Against What He Did Related to 'Elijah'

In March 2015, a former RCG supporter sent me the following quotes that the supporter says was in the 2008 edition of the I Will Send Elijah To Restore All Things booklet written by David Pack:

I Will Send Elijah To Restore All Things

Written by David C. Pack

Implications and Walls of Defense  pg.83

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

Summary and Grave Warning  pg. 95

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

False Christs  pg. 97

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

Dangerous Heresy pg. 98

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Will the devil's agents dupe you?"

So Few Survive   pg. 103

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

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

The Final Decision  pg. 107

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

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

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

David Pack has warned people against following him. No true Christian should.

That Prophet - January 2016

In January 2016, David Pack, following in PCG's Gerald Flurry's footsteps (unique to the Philadelphia Church of God), has in his World To Come broadcast titled Elijah & That Prophet—The 1st Dominion Restoration (Part 4), claimed that he too is "that Prophet." David Pack specifically stated in that video, "Elijah is that Prophet." Thus, he is now claiming he is God's prophet." Since David Pack claimed a year earlier to be Elijah, so he has delusionally added another title to his list that he is not entitled to. In 2013, David Pack pointed out that he was NOT a prophet to excuse the errors in predictions he had publicly made. Apparently now, he feels that error is far enough behind him that he can claim the "that Prophet" role.

Here is something from the New Testament related to "that Prophet":

22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. 24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. 25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' 26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities." (Acts 3:22-26)

Notice the scriptures above do refer to Jesus. Yet, David Pack keeps wanting people to believe that if they do not accept him they will be utterly destroyed. He began that, at least publicly, when he started to first claim he was an apostle several years ago. Then last year, he added to that by claiming to be the prophesied Elijah.

In his World To Come broadcast titled Elijah & That Prophet—The 1st Dominion Restoration (Part 4), David Pack claimed that the scriptures he felt were related to "that Prophet" could not describe Jesus as he said that since God sometimes described "that Prophet," God would not describe God. Basically, seengly David Pack overlooked the fact that their are currently two God beings in the Godhead (see also Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning), and the Father sometimes does describe the Son (Jesus).

Former RCG (Restored Church of God) employee Marc Cebrian posted the following at the anti-COG Banned by HWA website related to statements made this month by David Pack:

Pre-Conference Part 447 – June 6, 2023

@ 2:02:42 Now, the fact that He’s revealing this to me, I have to be a prophet…I have to be Elijah now.

Part 450 Part 1 – June 13, 2023

@ 20:56 Nobody could ever convince me the Father doesn’t come on Av 1 [July 18 at sunset].

Part 450 Part 2 – June 13, 2023

@ 10:56 You could never ever ever move me from believing the Kingdom of God is not Av 1.

David Pack is a false prophet. There is no possible way that the Kingdom of God will be established in 2023.

Marc Cebrian also reported the following:

The only reliable thing about David C. Pack is that he is unreliable. Let the man speak for himself.

Part 512 – May 11, 2024
@ 00:11 Well, I didn’t keep my promise. I said I would be no more messages, but here we are.

The documented oath-breaker admits in his introductory words that nobody should believe anything he says. Iyar 1 failed to produce any of the hysteria he said would befall the world. His denial is so pure he did not mention Iyar 1 or the Kingdom no-show three days prior during Part 512.

So, we see David Pack is admitting that he broke his promise. He has been wrong about so much, hopefully all will see this.

Those truly interested in knowing what the Bible teaches about prophets in the New Testament should check out the article: How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God.

2012 Critique of Bob Thiel's Who are the Two Witnesses? and Related

On 5/25/12, David Pack decided to write about me as follows:

One blog writer...—introduces his article “Who Are the Two Witnesses” with the following. Note the ambiguous terms used throughout (emphasis mine): “The Book of Revelation describes two individuals who are called the ‘two witnesses.’ Who are the two witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God (COG) taught on this subject? Might Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?

“This article will briefly attempt to answer those questions. Also, please note that the terms may, might, seem, possibly, etc. are used throughout portions of this article—those type of terms are used intentionally to distinguish that certain statements are still unclear. Hence, speculative comments are normally identified, as they may change. But they do attempt to explain information.”

The only thing the writer forgot to say is that “I am ignorant and you should not read one more word.” He continues, “Interestingly, the Book of Revelation refers to the seven Churches as lampstands (Revelation 1:20) and the two witnesses as ‘two lampstands,’ hence the two witnesses are intended to represent the Church [we will later see this is wrong]…”

“Because the above scripture [Zechariah 4] is prophetic, I suspect that the ‘two olive trees...who stand besides the Lord of the whole earth’ are two men currently on earth who are supporting the work of God.”

Then quoting Haggai 2:3-5 about Zerubbabel (who Mr. Armstrong plainly stated he was a type of), the blog writer states (again, emphasis mine), “Of course, since Christ is the foundation, the chief cornerstone (Matthew 21:43) of the temple of Christians (1 Corinthians 3:16), ‘Zerubbabel’ may be a type of Christ—especially since Jesus is specifically prophesied to return (Revelation 17:14) and destroy the kingdom of the Gentiles (Revelation 11:15; Haggai 2:21-23).

“Yet, since ‘Zerubbabel’ saw the original temple and is not recorded as laying its foundation, then perhaps ‘Zerubbabel’ could be someone prophesied…If so, he would help finalize the work, and perhaps God would grant him the faith to flatten a mountain…”

“Because at least one is ‘chosen’ this may be that Zorobabel/Zerubbabel and ‘Jesus’/Joshua are a type of the two witnesses (Zechariah 3:8-10; 4:1-14; Haggai 2:3-5,23). Other scholars seem to have tied also Zerubbabel and Joshua as types of the two witnesses (Jamieson, et al. Commentary on Zechariah 4:11-12. Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary). Since the name Zerubbabel, son of Salathiel (Haggai 2:23, DRB; or Shalthiel 1 Chronicles 3:17, KJV), means descendant of, or born of, Babylon (OT:2216; Zerubbabel. Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary) or “stranger at Babylon,” he may have been born into a family that was part of the religion that will support the final Mystery Babylon of Revelation 17:5. Joshua, Yehowshu’a, seems to mean “Jehovah saves” (Ibid, OT: 3091). This Joshua’s father’s name was Josedech (Haggai 1:12), meaning “Jehovah-righted” (OT:3087). Perhaps the names Zerubbabel and Joshua indicate that one of the witnesses was born into a Roman Catholic family while the other was born into a Church of God family.”

This speculative carnal nonsense is so ludicrous to any with God’s Spirit that no comment here is necessary. The man goes on throughout the article to quote and reference Catholic sources!...

I state without apology and with God’s authority that both of the Two Witnesses will be members of The Restored Church of God! Of this there can be no doubt! (Pack, David C. Where Will the Two Witnesses Come From? posted 5/25/12. Viewed 05/27/12)

Astute readers will immediately pick up on the fact that David Pack provides no true documented facts to challenge my writings. He resorts to his exaggerated assertions combined with the repeated use of insult--he often uses tactics of bullies. This is yet another reason why the falsely-named Restored Church of God is not what it claims it is. Those who read and understand all of this Why Not the Restored Church of God? article should be able to see why the two witnesses will not be part of David Pack's RCG and that he does not have God's authority as he claims. His attempt at using "smooth words" is an attempt to cause problems (Romans 16:17)--he sadly does not understand the truth about many things.

David Pack, in his rush to try to condemn me, fails to realize that the old Radio Church of God and Worldwide Church of God also sometimes cited Catholic sources. Furthermore, Catholic prophecies were the main emphasis of at least two published articles under Herbert W. Armstrong's leadership. If David Pack and others have forgotten this, perhaps they should read my article Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? where I quote from those two articles. Do not David Pack's followers realize that he seems to not understand how the COG has historically used Catholic sources?

For those who do not want to read my articles showing this, perhaps you will read the articles I cited: Hill David Jon.  Christ or Antichrist.  Good News magazine, Radio Church of God, April 1961 and Hill, David Jon. Will you be deceived by Antichrist? Good News magazine of the Radio Church of God, October 1964. These articles clearly prove that the old COG used Catholic sources and prophecies like I have (plus there are numerous other Catholic sources quoted in a lot of the old literature).

David Pack has the foolishness to refer to me as ignorant, suggests people not read another word of my article, then quotes from more of my article, while making it clear to people who know COG history that it is David Pack who seems ignorant about related matters. This is the same David Pack who falsely declared me as part of the Synagogue of Satan earlier in 2012 (RCG’s David Pack Says COGwriter, Dr. Meredith, COG leaders, etc. ‘Part of Synagogue of Satan’), so it is strange that he wants to read more from me. The fact that he is actually reading my articles indicates that perhaps he can repent and become less ignorant, though his latest post suggests that he is overlooking the truth even when it is documented and presented to him.

David Pack seems to also be criticizing me, because I used words like "may" or "perhaps" to distinguish between those statements from the actual word of God vs. how I understand certain matters as until the actual two witnesses receive power per Revelation 11:3 or elsewise, certain aspects of their identity may remain unclear. This is not something he should have despised or criticized, it is something that he, if he truly is part of the COG (which I doubt), should have praised and encouraged (the Apostle Paul, for example, used the word "perceived" in Acts 27:10 and later it was shown that his perception was in error in Acts 27:22). His pride that he is absolutely right on certain matters that are not clear from scripture, his excessive love of himself, his false statements about me and others, his obsession with money, etc. speak volumes about who he really is.

People like David Pack seemed to be warned about in the following scriptures:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

Those who follow David Pack should realize that he fits the above quite well (not every point, but Paul was not saying every one must clearly have all of them--but that there would be people with several of those traits)

For additional proof about his pride and slander, in the same post, David Pack also wrote:

Roderick C. Meredith, leader of LCG, said this about the Two Witnesses: “Malachi 4 teaches...vs. 5, ‘Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD’...Elijah may be one of the two witnesses...They (the two witnesses) have power to shut up heaven, like the original Elijah did...These two men are a definite type of Elijah and Moses. And one of them may be the end-time Elijah” (“The Elijah Question,” sermon, May 19, 2001). Roderick Meredith’s position is utterly false and unbiblical, and contrary to what Mr. Armstrong taught.

David Pack is bearing false witness here. Not only was Dr. Meredith's position on this point biblical, it is in accordance with what Herbert Armstrong taught. L107 from the old Worldwide Church of God is on the two witnesses. Notice what WCG taught about the witnesses being similar to Elijah while Herbert Armstrong was alive:

These two witnesses are two human beings who are given extraordinary power for 3 1/2 years just prior to Christ's return (verse 3). If any man attempts to hurt them before their ministry is up, "...fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies" (verse 5). Note how similar this is to the power given to Elijah (II Kings 1:9-15). They also have power over the rainfall, to produce drought and famine as did Elijah (Luke 4:25; I Kings 17:1-7), and to smite the earth with plagues (Rev. 11:6). Their mission will be to give one final warning (Armstrong HW, editor. The Plain Truth Personal Correspondence Department response on the two witnesses to Mr. and Mrs. Thiel. September 13, 1984).

The above is something that David Pack should have known about as it was not just in a letter to me, but was the official letter from WCG on this. Furthermore, it has been in my Who Are The Two Witnesses? article for years--which presumably David Pack recently read as he critiqued the article.

Additionally, and it has also has been in my Who Are The Two Witnesses? article for years, notice what Herbert W. Armstrong himself wrote:

Therefore it seems that the most logical identification of the two witnesses is the one generally accepted--Moses and Elijah...John the Baptist was NOT Elijah, as he plainly said, yet he came in the power and spirit of Elijah. Compare John 1:21, Mat. 11:14, and the explanation in Luke 1:17. So it is likely the two witnesses will be two men who will come in the spirit and power of Elijah and Moses... (Armstrong HW. What is Going to Happen? The Plain Truth. June-July 1934, p. 7).

Thus, my position is consistent with what the late Herbert Armstrong taught, contrary to the inaccurate assertion of David Pack.

In that same post of 5/25/12, David Pack makes other assertions that his followers tend to accept, that are highly suspect, such as:

You are about to learn what almost no one understands! Ironically, much of it was understood by everyone in the Church when Mr. Armstrong was alive...Again, since prophets hold the second highest office in the Church, this re-introduces, “Where is the apostle with whom the Two Witnesses interact?”

This question never arose before 1986, because the entire Church had thought for many years that Mr. Armstrong would be alive when the Two Witnesses appeared. Since he is gone, and almost all have assumed there will be no other apostle to whom the Two Witnesses can report, this question arises: “How can these men carry out this duty?”

While the Two Witnesses have not appeared as yet, they must report to, and work under—at least until their commission begins—a human apostle.

But while some of that is true, the fact is that Herbert Armstrong never believed that the two witnesses would need to report to an apostle. If so, he would have had someone anointed to be an apostle, but never did--and that was INTENTIONAL on Herbert Armstrong's part according to what I was personally told by his long-time aide Aaron Dean.

David Pack's broad assertions are again, based on opinion, and opinion somewhat removed from the facts. Also the fact that the two witnesses are essentially sent by God, they are sent (apostle means "one sent"). To conclude with the logic that David Pack uses that the two witnesses must report to an apostle is going beyond what scripture teaches or that the late Herbert Armstrong taught.

In his Haggai letter dated May 3, 2013, David Pack wrote:

Mr. Armstrong in time came to realize that he would die, and without knowing Joshua’s identity. It is not the immediate purpose here to identify Joshua. That will come later. But it is important to realize that Mr. Armstrong knew he was Zerubbabel and that Joshua would follow Zerubbabel and be revealed in his time. As with learning that he was Zerubbabel, and then teaching this to the Church, Mr. Armstrong obviously realized that Joshua would similarly learn his own identity and also similarly teach it to the Church.

He followed up with the following statement in his July 5, 2013 letter:

Mr. Armstrong knew the ancient Zerubbabel having been born to a man named Shealtiel had nothing to do with his prophetic fulfillment of this role. The same would be true of the modern Joshua regarding the irrelevancy of the ancient figure Josedech...Of interest, God revealed to me during ELUL four years ago my role as the modern Joshua.

David Pack is teaching that he is that "Joshua" and claims that God revealed this to him four years ago. He is in error on that--whoever revealed that to him, we can be sure that it was NOT the God of the Bible. Some information about Zerubabbel and Joshua is included in the articles Who Are The Two Witnesses? as well as the one titled The Temple and the Work.

Sadly, David Pack is into his own ego and imaginations and does not understand enough of the truth about the two witnesses (for more information, please see Who Are The Two Witnesses?), nor the truth about the Elijah matter (The Elijah Heresies). Note: Herbert Armstrong's writings prove that he was not Zerubbabel, and that quote from him is in the article Who Are The Two Witnesses?

2012 Critique of Bob Thiel's TW: The Rise of Atheism Post

In a bizarre article dated 8/16/12, David Pack has the following title and description of it:

Mr. David Pack’s extensive new article, “Is the Falling Away (II Thes. 2:3) a Coming Worldwide Rebellion Led by the Man of Sin?,” addresses this false teaching head-on and peels away its many layers of carefully crafted deceit.

Every question an LCG member could possibly have about a subject much more important than many believe is covered in detail.

The last statement is false and misleading. The article does not cover in detail every "question an LCG member could possibly have." Having looked into this matter in detail and discussed the subject with various ones in LCG, David Pack's new article is incomplete, from at least my perspective (as well as various ones in LCG).

Furthermore, in that article David Pack falsely posted the following about me:

We could also include here a statement from Rod Meredith’s puppet used to attack others, Bob Thiel, to show how he has quickly fallen into line with the new error/thinking. But his words are better held for later when they can be shown in stark contrast to what he once believed, in his own words...

Mr. Armstrong occasionally cited II Thessalonians 2:3 to illustrate what happened to first century Christians turning away from Christ and the apostles’ original gospel message...

But first, we examine how LCG’s designated attack/spinmaster has quickly stepped in line with the new teaching.

Bob Thiel Reinforces New Belief

Bob Thiel, a widely read LCG “blogger” referenced earlier, has of course publicly weighed in on the new teaching, and also of course supports it by having reposted (adding his own article) LCG’s May 3, 2012 “News and Prophecy” report, under “Rise of Atheism.” You will momentarily read a second public statement from Thiel PROVING that his thinking has flipped...

What did I write? I, Bob Thiel, wrote against atheism and quoted scriptures against not believing in God. The full name of the post was TW: The Rise of Atheism. The fact that I perhaps quoted more of the TW than needed just for that (and which contained some statements that were consistent with a radio broadcast from HWA in the early 1980s on the subject) is no justification for David Pack's false claims about me (I also had no idea a change to LCG's position related to falling away was actually coming out--sometimes the TW News & Prophecy e-zine has contained matters that LCG indicated to me perhaps should have been better edited prior to distributution).

Furthermore, I was never a puppet for LCG. LCG did not review what I posted at COGwriter and rarely comments about it. David Pack is bearing false witness. And of course, when I concluded that LCG had insufficient love of the truth, I left to support the Continuing Church of God. Additionally, I wrote articles such as The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: La Apostasía: Enseñanzas de la Biblia y de la WCG. There are also two YouTube video sermons I did on the subject: The Falling Away Part 1: From the Bible and Church History and The Falling Away Part 2: Positions Presented by Others.

David Pack went further and actually quotes something I wrote in a different article. And while I stand by what I wrote in that article, David Pack goes on and states:

Like me during my GCG years, Thiel could not have posted, and for so long, his next public statement unless it was LCG’s official position for 14 years (and Rod Meredith’s for this and much longer). Thiel also becomes an additional proof that Rod Meredith (and LCG) until recently believed the Church’s long-held position. Originally posted in 2006, but actually updated in 2012, Thiel wrote the following in his article “The Philadelphia Church era,” interestingly, under the subhead “The Command to Persevere”

I, up until May 13, 2012, never asked what LCG's official position was, so saying that what I wrote is proof of what R.C. Meredith believed is irrelevant. David Pack has trouble with the truth here. David Pack may have felt he had to compromise to do what he did during GCG, but as COGwriter I was not under direct supervision of anyone in LCG (nor the old GCG when I was in it)--and left LCG when it was clear that certain compromise was expected.

And even though my position on the falling away matter has not changed, David Pack also falsely posted:

Bob Thiel has clearly changed—and you will soon see that what he fell into is a popular belief in the churches of a world that could not possibly understand the true meaning of II Thessalonians 2:3. Since you can understand, the question becomes: Will you see this deception for what it is? Or will you be just another “Bob Thiel” who goes along to get along because to do otherwise would be to jeopardize one’s standing? Thankfully, some people are not as easy to fool as Thiel.

Yet, if David Pack was interested in the truth, he would have been more careful than to post the above as the above conclusions are mainly lies from his own imagination. I WAS ALWAYS OPPOSED TO THE FALLING AWAY CHANGE--I HAVE PAPERS DATING BACK YEARS PROVING IT--DAVID PACK IS BEARING FALSE WITNESS ABOUT ME HERE--EVEN THOUGH I EXPLAINED THIS TO J. AMBROSE, DAVID PACK STILL (AS OF 7/19/13) HAS THIS FALSE WITNESS UP ABOUT ME. DAVID PACK IS BEARING FALSE WITNESS AND THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO FOLLOW HIM ARE ACCEPTING THE WORDS OF A COMMANDMENT BREAKER!

On May 13, 2012, when it looked to me that change in formal position may be taking place, I contacted the HQ evangelists and urged them to reconsider certain points. Dr. Winnail ended up contacting me late the next month and discussed his idea to come out to see me. Before I played his "Falling Away" sermon, I was told in July 2012 by two LCG ministers that I would probably not have issues with that sermon, so I played it and watched it. After watching it, I contacted LCG and produced several long documents stating my concerns which were sent in July and August 2012.

And if David Pack would have read my old LCG news page he should have been able to guess that I was not going along the way he suggested. May God forgive him of his false accusations here.

David Pack has implied at times because he thinks he is an apostle, that God will back him, even if he is wrong. David Pack's posted conclusions about me are clearly erroneous. God cannot bless falsehoods. I am trying to explain true things, God is the judge, while Satan is the false accuser of the brethren. I have not written false accusations against David Pack--he has done that, however, towards me (he and his staff know full well that if I have, by accident of course, made any factual errors about RCG that I am always willing to correct them--he has had his staff contact me several times in the past and I stand by what I have written; though I am not perfect, can make typos, etc.).

Readers, will you listen to the truth or will you be just another “David Pack” who goes along based on false accusations and assumptions that are not truthful? If you are being another “Bob Thiel” as he calls it, you will have stood for biblical beliefs even if others do not always see it your way. And that is what I have always striven to do.

September 12, 2012 update to this: Apparently on September 12, 2012, RCG updated its article on the falling away related to me. They changed it, which is their right and removed much of what I quoted from them above.

But what is bizarre is that the 9/12/12 update falsely claims/suggests that I changed my falling away position because of emails from other LCG members--that is totally false. It also claims that I tried to hide removing article changes. The following RCG statements, and there are others as well, are totally false:

This part was ellipsed out because Thiel now declares that he did not agree with Rod Meredith. Think. He originally further emphasized and featured the segment we have shown by separately REPEATING it in another place on his blog! Understand! He actually repeated FOR SPECIAL EMPHASIS what he now pointedly disavows having ever believed!...

Here is why Thiel disavowed his previous position and hid the facts. He saw the same thing we have seen since our posting—WIDESPREAD DISAGREEMENT IN LCG WITH ROD MEREDITH’S FALSE TEACHING ABOUT THE FALLING AWAY! He probably got the same avalanche of emails from LCG members that we did. He wanted to be in agreement with the large number in LCG who know this doctrine is WRONG!...How many wrote him? Enough to make him (1) flip-flop, (2) alter his posts to hide his first position, (3) attack us for reporting the truth—and (4) go public against LCG’s leadership.

For years I have had the same "falling away" position. I did not change my basic falling away position at anytime in 2012. To suggest that LCG members pressured me to do so is false--I contacted LCG-Charlotte on May 13, 2012 on my own and I had not ever received any LCG member emails about this prior to my contacting Charlotte (and fairly few since, the RCG claim here is false). If RCG actually read what I wrote in 2008, 2009, 2012, and perhaps other years about this, they could see how ridiculous their false assertions truly are. But at minimum since they apparently read my denial of 9/07/12 p.m., that gave them the dates if they were interested in the truth.

Furthermore, the fact that I removed from my TW: The Rise of Atheism post the portion that went into the falling away, is not an attempt to HIDE anything. As soon as I realized a problem with the article (and I NEVER EMPHASIZED the LCG changed "falling away" portion), I removed the falling away portion from my post--my post was about ATHEISM-- I had made no comment on the "falling away" portion of that TW news item. What I did is totally above-board and I am not trying to hide anything related to this. The fact that RCG is making up motivations about me that are false should hopefully serve as a warning to any looking at RCG that the organization is NOT the main remnant of the Philadlephia portion of the Church of God.

Hurricane Katrina

The RCG website announced September 9, 2005,

Open Letter to the Splinters: In Katrina’s aftermath, Mr. David Pack has written an open letter to God’s people. All of it is a must-read.

And it included this information from David Pack,

New Orleans, the Gulf Coast—and all of America!—are reeling from Hurricane Katrina. Authorities are just beginning to deal with the aftermath...

The unpardonable sin involves willful, deliberate, sinning by those with God's Spirit.

David Pack seems to have a different view. Charles Jahrsdorfer reports the following quote from David Pack's sermon on November 4, 2000:

So then you have to ask yourself the question, " what is it that God is doing?" that people had better not be against thereby blaspheming the Holy Spirit which is Disloyalty and unpardonable. Do you follow me? Let me say it again. We must not misunderstand this. So what is it that God is doing that people must not be against, thereby blaspheming the Holy Spirit which is disloyalty and Unpardonable. No one wants to be accused of disloyalty and if its disloyalty against God, then God says its unpardonable. Now it has to do we already know, its scattering where Christ is gathering. We already know that simply because Christ said so. Woe unto the person who seeks to scatter where Christ is gathering. All right now, how does God work today? ...God is working through people...God uses people to do His work...so clearly, if we are against any of the above...we are blaspheming the Holy Spirit. That's serious. The Church is the body of Christ. The Work that it does...the leaders that it has are all inseparable from the body of Christ. Criticizing it, is criticizing God and the work He is doing...

This is even more amazing as David Pack has written that he believed the door to proclaiming the Gospel was probably closed.

As all once associated with WCG are aware, Herbert Armstrong wrote the following in Just What Do You Mean, The Unpardonable Sin?,

WILLFUL Sinning WHEN one receives the Holy Spirit by God's grace, this Spirit dwelling in him is tentative and conditional SALVATION. But IF one again changes his mind -- changes his LIFE'S GOAL -- takes his eyes completely off the Goal of God's Kingdom, and fixes them PURPOSELY on going back to THE WAY of worldliness and sin -- IF he changes his WAY of life back to the CARNAL WAY of the world, leaving the ROAD he was traveling with CHRIST -- THEN he has set his mind on determined, premeditated, deliberate WILLFUL SIN! IF he decides he no longer WANTS to go GOD'S WAY, deliberately and intentionally changes his OVERALL ATTITUDE, and desires, and CHOOSES the world and its ways -- deliberately chooses a life of rebellion, comes to have contempt and disregard for God's Law, then that man either has done or is in danger of doing despite to God's Holy Spirit which a merciful and loving God had GIVEN by grace! SUCH A MAN is surely in grave DANGER of BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Furthermore, David Pack teaches that the unpardonable sin can be repented of. Charles Jahrsdorfer reports the following quote from David Pack's sermon on November 4, 2000:

So clearly, if we are against any of the above 3 points we are blaspheming the Holy Spirit. That's serious! Now people who may be doing that now, may repent of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

Herbert Armstrong taught:

No ordinary sin, even by a Christian, is unforgivable. Jesus said plainly that ALL sins, and blasphemies -- against even GOD -- even against Jesus Christ -- will be forgiven on repentance. It is ONLY premeditated, thought-out, planned, deliberate, intentional, willful indignity, insult, false accusation against God's HOLY SPIRIT that is unforgivable.

The Bible teaches:

Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come (Matthew 12:31-32)

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries (Hebrews 10:26-27).

David Pack is not teaching what Jesus or Herbert Armstrong taught on this matter. More on this subject can be found in the article What is the Unpardonable Sin?

Laodiceans Are Outside His Body?

David Pack wrote,

While Laodicea means “the people rule, judge, decide,” they are still God’s people, but in a weak and confused condition. However, they do not represent His true Church, and are outside His Body. (Pack D. Where is God's True Church? RCG Booklet. 2005 edition)

This is another change from HWA's church taught, which was "the Laodicean era...they are the Church of God...the "Church of Laodicea" (What is the Laodicean Church? Good News, August 1959). As well as a change from the Bible (Revelation 3:13-14).

While the Laodiceans are weak in certain ways, they are not truly "outside His Body."

What RCG should consider is that the difference between the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the COG and those in the Laodicean era is that the Laodiceans have a different work than the Philadelphians. It is for this different work that Christ condemns the Laodiceans,

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth (Revelation 3:15-16).

Christ approves of the work of the Philadelphians (vss. 7-8).

Probably the articles that are most relevant here are Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? and The Philadelphia Church Era.

David Pack's “Synagogue of Satan” Identified—and Marked!” Sermon of 4/23/12

There is a certain duplicity to David Pack (as his historically selective use of statistics has shown). David Pack's sermon of 4/23/12 titled "“Synagogue of Satan” Identified—and Marked!”" showed some of his duplicity to those who paid enough attention to the details of it.

In one place he states, "We are in the center of the splinter group’s attention" and then indicates that this is why the "splinters" persecute him so much. And yes, the emphasis is him, according to David Pack, not RCG, as he also stated in that sermon:

They are not doing it against you.  They are doing it against me…They are railing against me…There are a lot of attacks.

He, in that sermon, attempts to indicate that this helps prove that RCG is the Philadelphian portion of the COG. But the reality is that the leadership of the other COGs rarely pay much attention to David Pack or RCG and most certainly, none of the major groups consider him to be the focus of their attention.

However, in order to try to get more attention from the other groups, after declaring their groups to essentially be part of and/or led by the 'synagogue of Satan,' David Pack declared:

For spewing mass heresy..the following are formerly and officially marked:

First Roderick Meredith, Richard Ames, Douglas Winnail, Melvin Rhodes, Victor Kubik, Jimmie Franks, Clyde Kilough, Richard Pinelli, David Hulme, Gerald Flurry.  There are others.

Basically, the above are parts of the leadership of LCG, UCG, COGWA, COGAIC, and PCG, which he groups suggests are basically all part of Laodicea. He also decided to somewhat add me (Bob Thiel, AKA COGwriter) to the list when he said:

COGwriter {is} part of the synagogue of Satan.

David Pack himself had been marked by Dr. Meredith years ago.  Also, David Pack got a confused old man to “mark” me once, who then later turned against David Pack (so, perhaps that is why David Pack did not “mark” me personally this time, with other than the improper 'synagogue of Satan' title).

Part of the duplicity in the above is that David Pack seems to be trying to incite others against him so that he can claim that others are against him. But his followers do not seem to understand that or other duplicitous actions/words of David Pack.

Another part of his duplicity is that he commented that, "The counter-attack against this sermon will be ferocious–it has to be." So, he did what he did hoping that some would comment about it, and once it happens, he will claim he was correct that his sermon is being attacked. I would state that my writings about this sermon are not "ferocious," just trying to be accurate. But David Pack will take many comments from outsiders as ferocious or persecuting simply because they point out where he seems to be wrong or perhaps some of what he meant.

A major error that David Pack made in that sermon is not teaching the truth about the 'synagogue of Satan.' David Pack basically is teaching that these are leaders who believed some version of the trinity while in WCG (which is an overstatement at best, and totally false related to some and probably many of the others) and are the persecutors of RCG. He also again took shots against the gospel (he has long had a problem understanding the role of Jesus in that). He admitted that what he teaches about the 'synagogue of Satan' differs from that of the old WCG/Radio Church of God taught, but because he claims to be an apostle and that time has gone on, that he has the authority to change that doctrine.

Notice something that Herbert Armstrong's Personal Correspondence Department taught on this:

But the synagogue of Satan — the church that follows the teachings of antichrist...The "synagogue of Satan" is not referring to a race but to that great church and her daughter churches, who falsely profess to be "Christian" — Jews inwardly! (1956 and 1986 versions)

The old WCG/Radio Church of God taught that the 'synagogue of Satan' was composed of apostates who were not Christian (for details, see What is the Synagogue of Satan?) and those that follow the Antichrist--those who follow some compromised Church of Rome faith, while David Pack falsely is teaching that the COG leaders outside of RCG basically are the synagogue of Satan. He is in error not knowing the scriptures (cf. Matthew 22:29). He also voiced concern that some in the COGs will have some miracle related powers in the future and warned against that; of course since I do not believe that God will grant RCG such powers, but that some of us currently (4/28/12 is when this section was finished) in the true COG will end up with them, perhaps that is why David Pack seems not to understand the power of God (cf. Mark 12:24) and is warning against it.

This is yet another area where David Pack differs from the teachings of the Bible and the old WCG and another where is in error.

For more information on this sermon and the subject of it, please also see the articles RCG’s David Pack Says COGwriter, Dr. Meredith, COGs, etc. ‘Part of Synagogue of Satan’ and What is the Synagogue of Satan?

How RCG is Not Faithful to HWA's Practices

At RCG's website under the article titled Inside the Administration of Restored it stated,

The Restored Church of God is a structured, fully formed organization that resembles The Worldwide Church of God when it was on track doctrinally and still doing the Work as it was done prior to Mr. Herbert Armstrong's death. The biggest difference is that we are, of course, much smaller.

Size, however, is not the biggest difference.

First, as mentioned previously, RCG historically has not placed its highest priority on doing the Work of proclaiming the Gospel, which is what HWA did and taught.

Secondly, as stated in its booklet Why the Restored Church of God? David Pack acknowledges that RCG does not really have a Council of Elders like HWA had, nor did it have much in the way of a field ministry, like HWA also had--thus to say it was 'fully formed' then was a stretch.

Thirdly, RCG is still not on radio or television (but television is to start in September 2012) like HWA was and thus probably does not spend its the same percentage of its money on proclaiming the gospel like WCG did when HWA was alive--RCG has not made financial statements available that I have seen, but comments from those once employed by RCG suggest that RCG (as well as statements by David Pack) does not spend 35-42% of its income on doing the Work of proclaiming the Gospel (RCG's comment about preaching the Gospel as funding allows is similar to statements made by CGCF, UCG, and others it criticizes).

Fourthly, it does not appear to produce financial statements for public distribution like HWA did. RCG members are welcome to send me RCG's financial statements if they have them and I will retract this and certain related statements--but I am not holding my breathe (especially since I originally wrote this years ago and none ever have).

The fifth way RCG is not faithful to HWA's practices, is that it is not focused on the trunk of the tree.

HWA repeatedly warned the brethren to stick to the trunk of the tree and not go out on the limb on twigs. The apostle Paul warned Timothy of the same problem in his day (I Timothy 1). The apostle Paul also warned the Corinthian church of essentially the same thing. In I Corinthians 13:1-6, Paul warns that even if someone has a variety of gifts or even if they have all knowledge, if they have not love they have nothing.

If the RCG really was the continuance of the Philadelphia era of the Church, then it would demonstrate its love for the brethren (which is what Philadelphia means) by being faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20) and HWA by placing its top priority on proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness. Instead, its writings on that subject could be best described as not hot.

The sixth way is the following quote from David Pack regarding distribution of booklets (11/10/2000),

We will not be able to send them to people of other groups, who do have a Church of God background, but who request them as sort of a "collector's item." There are a lot of people who seem to enjoy trying to receive "everything from everybody" while not actually wanting to support God's Work where the full Truth is being upheld. We will be more than happy to have anyone read these booklets online on our second website." We are not suggesting that everyone who asks for our booklets is simply a "collector." Many certainly are not in this category. However, costs do prohibit us from being able to satisfy these kinds of requests and still be able to have these booklets available for the audience to whom they are written.

Herbert Armstrong never had such a policy. He taught (as Jesus did), "Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8).

Similarly RCG's 10/19/01 Bulletin reports:

The Restored Church of God has never been merely a tape ministry designed to feed confused brethren who refuse to support God's Work or return to His Church. Many have grown accustomed to downloading the weekly sermon tapes without making any further commitment. Some will completely understand that this policy has served its purpose. Some may drift away to the ideas of other groups. Others may grow angry because RCG "doesn't act like everybody else."

In other words it appears that RCG was saying was, if you do not send RCG money, do not expect to receive support. Not precisely what HWA's WCG did, nor consistent with what Jesus taught.

Notice that David Pack also wrote:

The Restored Church of God is simply not for everybody. We are the Church of God that is truly not going to bend a single doctrine. We are going to teach people to hold fast to all of the Truth we received from God through Mr. Armstrong (Pack, David C. Should Accusers Be Answered? RCG Booklet. 2000. p.53).

Can anyone with eyes to see claim that RCG has not bent at least one one doctrine?

David Pack Told His Members to Liquidate Their Assets and Send it to the Restored Church of God

The following are approximate quotes (I tried to type verbatim and the following is fairly close) in one of what may be his most bizarre/delusional sermons, apparently given on 11/03/07 by David Pack to his followers in the Restored Church of God apparently titled Clarion Call -- The Time is NOW!:

"Yeah, I know, one or two can leave and say, 'Hey, you stopped preaching and started meddling, now you're messing with my goods here on earth' "

"First Timothy 6 verse 17...'Charge them that are rich in this world'...If you were born in the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, then you're rich"

"If you hold those riches, I'm telling you, you trust in them"

"Go get a big chunk out of your home. And put your money where your mouth is and send it here. And I'm not talking about one, two, three thousand either. How about ten, twenty, thirty, fifty, or one hundred thousand dollars? Go do it"

"Wives, you can be independent in this. You have 1/2 the worth of whatever you have in your house. I'm officially telling you this...Wives, legally you have the 1/2 the funds. What are you going to do about it?...Husbands...'well, my wife is not in the church'...tell her...'you don't have a voice woman' "

"Go get those assets and get them here"

"Don't sit on vast resources that we can use now"

"We are not a splinter"

"I do not covet your silver or gold...the gold and silver is God's and He will get it someway"

"We do not have the funds...plans...bookstores...We need to redesign our website...We need many hundreds of thousands of dollars to arrive at God's headquarters soon...the timing is now"

"This is different...ask Him for the faith to liquidate certain assets and give it to the work"

"I'll say it again, we are talking about liquidating existing assets...it all belongs to God and the brethren"

"We have a lot of plans so big going on in this office it would cause just this room to to rock and gyrate if you knew what was going on. We just need a lot of money and we need it post haste...I would give more if I had it"

"Herbert Armstrong wrote an article...'Prepare to greatly reduce your standard of living'...What he wrote by far, is more for us now than it was then...its all going to be taken away from us anyway brethren"

"There will be follow-up sermons. Time to bring in related points"

"Let us know how much you plan to send and when you plan to send it...You must be willing to communicate...If you do need to counsel, please do that...If you are not ready to distribute what you have...you don't believe the flow of prophecy"

"This is announcing the last blast, the clarion call as it were, to finish the work...Whether it is 4,5,7, 9 years to go, God knows...This is liquidating assets...I have the authority to tell you to do it...I have the moral and spiritual, and ecclesiastical authority to tell you to do what I have also done"

"Get it now when it requires faith...when you are dead you don't need it...if you named us in your wills, it can take us months or years to get it"

"The wives in the faith will say give everything you can...We don't have the luxury of waiting years...today, leaving everything in your will simply doesn't work"

"Now you just have a second mortgage...and frankly we flee before most of it ever becomes due"

"...some may think that they want to tap their 401k--maybe you want to let us know that...why would you want to tell us? We are starting to prepare a budget now, the needs are now...it would be nice to know now"

"Think big...Pull big triggers"

"There is only two positions you can take regarding all that I have mentioned, only two, there is no middle ground. You're either going to yield, to submit and to follow, the clarion call that the time is now or you're not. And postponing a decision is deciding not to do it...It's saying I'm going to wait until it gets closer because it is not there yet...Don't say that I'm going to wait until it gets closer, when I can see...The decision is that my treasure stays on earth or I goes to heaven. Period. I will not lay up for times to come or I will. And this is the real test of Laodicea...either hold on to your assets...or give it...God is in this decision, no question. Testing the church's faith"

"We live in the most materialistic age in the history of the world. People trust in physical things. They trust in bank accounts...If you have excess and don't need it, those verses mean you...That's the Laodicean attitude...Put your money where your mouth is...Empty your assets"

"There is only one place He works...Where the...work is...that's where God is working...one elder commented here at headquarters, if people can't be motivated by a clarion call to finish the work such as this, why will those same people somehow believe the internal signal given to the church of the 1335? Why would they believe it?"

"This is the Laodicean age...Be careful that you don't tell us how to spend your assets...It belongs to God..You don't tell God or His servants how to spend it"

"Your faith is being tested. Think about that"

"We will all fast on November 17th...I have to...ask you for a very special financial sacrifice for God's work"

"The purposes of the fast...a. To fast for God's intervention...b.Fast for personal faith and courage to follow what I am asking you to do...c. Fast for personal strength...d...Fast for faith and courage in others with more than you to give...Go get a big chunk out of your house...their assets, IRAs, and pension funds...e. Ask God to move specific properties...that they have told us they want to sell. Pray that these properties move...that is part of what this fast is about"

I have warned people for years that David Pack is not God's apostle, not the leader of the faithful portion of the COG, etc. It sounds to me like he is excessively trusting in money to do the work. While money is needed to do the work, I felt back then when I first heard this sermon, as well as now, that this is excessive and irresponsible for David Pack to call for people to liquidate their assets well prior to the time to flee. It also seems like covetousness to require what biblically, he is not entitled to.

Notice also the following from late April 2013:

Hello to PKG Members,

I understand that a considerable number of you are looking into leaving PKG after Pentecost, with this in mind I need to retract a recommendation I made to you about Restored Church of God.

Nearly one year ago I sent a letter to a number of you, in it I strongly recommended  The Restored Church of God as a church that God is working through his ministry.  After attending, listening and watching I have come to the conclusion that just as there are members with Gods spirit in PKG there are also members in Restored with Gods spirit.

But I do have to retract my recommendation to go to Restored, as there are a number of things that do not sit right. Mr Packs focus on members is to get as much cash from them as possible, he uses not going to the place of safety and hellfire for those who do not give all, and laying up your reward in heaven for those who do give all.  A small portion of what I heard:

• Take out a mortgage on your house and send the cash in to Restored.
• Time is short sell your assets and send in the cash
• Have fundraising events and send in the cash.
• 1st, 2nd, and third tithe, all on the gross.

Any one that was baptized  in PKG did not have a  valid baptism. I know of one ex PKGer that that went to Restored was not allowed to keep Passover as he was baptized in PKG.

They have what they call a splinter pack for any one coming out of a cog.  It is several hundred pages of reading and many hours of sermons, you have to then be in full agreement with it all before attending services. It is mainly pre 86 worldwide teachings with a few changes, this is a type of indoctrination that slowly draws you in, but once in you see it isn’t like worldwide was nor are some of the teachings.  But for most that get to this point it is to late as their minds have been conditioned to D Packs teachings.

Most doctrine is as taught in Worldwide under Mr Armstrong, but not all.  Changes are classed as new understanding. (present truth type of situation)  A lot of mind control takes place, as one ex Philadelphian member said:: this lot are tougher than in Philadelphia under Flurry.  Never having been in Philadelphia I cannot say if that remark was accurate or not but I would not be surprised if it was.

As you may have guessed by now, my wife and I resigned our membership in Restored and are no longer members of that church.

In conclusion I would say that for those of you looking to move on, please take a long hard look at whoever you are going to. (do not just give up, God is still doing a work in many of you)   This in no ways negates what I said about R Weinland being a false prophet,  it just means D Pack is another wolf in sheep’s clothing to watch out for.

Wishing you all the best.

Adrian Gray

David Pack apparently has not let up on his excessive financial covetousness (and I also received one or more emails from former RCG attendees in 2013 who basically told me the same thing).

Does not David Pack fulfill the following?

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

Are not RCG followers being exploited with deceptive words? And by misunderstanding the entirety of the gospel message, does not David Pack deny the Lord? Those that follow David Pack do not seem to realize that they have responded to his 'deceptive words,' but in fact that is how he speaks, and what they have done. This will not end well for those who are part of the improperly named 'Restored Church of God.'

Because of his earlier call for assets RCG reported:

2007 Income: The Restored Church of God’s 2007 income grew by over 77% above 2006, far exceeding our projection of just under 40%!

What RCG failed to report is that the rate of increase was unsustainable unless they greatly increase membership as RCG has been systematically using up the tangible assets of its membership. RCG is in a sense doing what the USA has done--obtained high "prosperity" through debt acquisition--and this is not biblically desirable (please see Deuteronomy 28:44) nor is it ultimately sustainable (see Habakkuk 2:7). Going into debt is not the way of the Bible. And although RCG does not seem to publicly report audited income, that pace did not keep up in the past few years from what I have been able to see. I have not seen similar financial growth reports from RCG for the past few years so presumably they are not having that.

Perhaps I should add that although Herbert W. Armstrong often felt that there may have been less than 9 years left before the start of the Great Tribulation, he never told the membership to liquidate their assets like David Pack has now done. This is another change.

Now on July 13, 2024, Former RCG employee Marc Cebrian reported the following related to RCG's David Pack's sermon comments:

Part 523 – July 6, 2024
@ 37:52 You, you have to take ownership of these verses. We're in this together. Don't you dare let yourself, and then boy, if you believe this way, don't you dare let me hear it. “Mr. Pack said.”

@ 39:08 It's deeply foolish and faithless to say, “Mr. Pack said.”

Marc Cebrian then listed the following (the Part Number is an RCG sermon number):

“It’s a cowardly act to say, ‘Well, Mr. Pack says.’
Well then, you don’t believe it. You got a faith problem.”
Part 231 – January 21, 2020

“On God’s Authority, I am right!”
Part 221 – December 7, 2019

“And God allowed certain errors to see who didn’t care about truth.”
Part 172 – April 27, 2019

“So, would it be strange that I would not know when I became a prophet?”
Part 375 – June 12, 2022

“If you nail that day down, it strikes me as particularly arrogant.”
Part 459 – July 15, 2023

“I’m just gonna tell you absolutely on God’s authority …I will stand on this date:
The Kingdom of God comes Abib 1.”
Part 487 – December 23, 2023

“There’s no way we’ve got this wrong.”
Part 429 – March 15, 2023

“But, of course, all of this crashes if Christ does not come this Friday.”
Part 285 – February 1, 2021

“I could never come back to another date.”
Part 460 – July 22, 2023

“I believe absolutely this Wednesday night you will meet Moses and Elijah.”
Part 381 – July 9, 2022

“It’s the single most important message probably ever delivered on Earth.”
Part 275 – December 26, 2019

“…unless God violates His word, two more weeks aren’t possible.”
Part 455 – June 21, 2023

“10-1-7-1000 is immutable. I will die on that hill. That’s the hill I die on.”
Part 447 – June 6, 2023

“So, I know I don’t die. A couple places say that.”
Part 510 – April 27, 2024

“I’ll never ever, ever again say the day.”
Part 172 – April 27, 2019

David Pack claims, "You're not allowed to hold on to your own assets."

David Pack has developed his covetousness for members assets into a doctrine he calls 'common.' This is supposedly based upon Acts 2:44-45. David Pack bragged about 'common' as one of the doctrines he 'restored' in his January 2015 sermon titled First a MOSES, Now ELIJAH--130 Proofs! (Part 1). Towards the end of that sermon, he decides to define some terms that have a meaning in RCG that he says many outside RCG do not know. Common was one:

Also is the term 'common.' Now that's a term we use to describe what you see in the very beginning of the New Testament church within two or three verses of God building His church on Pentecost A.D. 31. In Acts 2, it says they had everything in common. Now God's people today have not been taught that. It was my job to teach it. It's absolutely biblical that what we have we sell, whatsoever we have we give it to God's work. That's why we were called.

You're not allowed to hold on to your own income. It's all through the Gospels, all through the Book of Acts, and frankly all through the Bible that God's people have things in common.

This will be the single greatest reason many thousands will not come back to God's church. But others who see the biblical proof, in verse after verse after verse, of this great doctrine that God has used me to restore. It's impossible to miss it. They will believe that they have to obey it. They will see that salvation is attached to it just as it was with the rich man in Matthew 19. And they will come ready to carry it out.

That's the term common.

You're not allowed to hold on to your own assets.

You have an income. You live a wonderful life. Life goes on normally. But if you were called by God, and you're to participate in His work, and walk in His ways, you have to you have to turn over your assets to God's church. That's the pattern. Acts 2, 3, and 4. It's what Christ said in the last part of Luke 14...

Be planning to do it.

You're going to come to be convinced, if you have the Spirit of God, that I am who I say I am. And Mr. Armstrong is who I say he was, and the Bible says who he was. If I am restoring this doctrine, it is incumbent on you to obey it...

And it won't leave you a pauper. It won't break your life...And there will be those who obey God and those who don't.

And when you hear the term common, think of what I will explain to you, because God uses my office to teach truth, not what God's covetous enemies do not want you to do so that they don't lose your support. That term is very important...

People do not want you to look into the Bible to see what is impossible, impossible to misunderstand--that is the New Testament church had all things in common. Mr. Armstrong didn't see it.

Of course, it is NOT "absolutely biblical" that you have to give your assets to the church, beyond tithes and offerings.

Notice that while God is to be honored with giving, the giver is promised even more assets:

9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Giving all assets is in conflict with various parts of the Bible, like the following scriptures:

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, (Proverbs 13:22)

14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, (Proverbs 19:14)

In order to leave an inheritance to your children's children you would need to have more assets in your possession than are required for just your basic living.  Actually, the NKJV Bible uses the term "inheritance" 254 times, and while some of those references refer to spiritual matters, many are physical.  The NKJV Bible uses the term "riches" 92 times, and these often are in a favorable light for those who have them.  Having personal assets is biblical.

The Bible even warns about those who would take a person's inheritance:

1 Woe to those who devise iniquity,
And work out evil on their beds!
At morning light they practice it,
Because it is in the power of their hand.
2 They covet fields and take them by violence,
Also houses, and seize them.
So they oppress a man and his house,
A man and his inheritance. (Micah 2:1-2)

David Pack and those who supporting him should consider if they have devised iniquity and practicing evil through their attempts at what I view as financial oppression.

While David Pack mentioned Acts 2, 3, and 4. Let's go to Acts 5:

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." (Acts 5:1-4)

Notice the bolded portion. Everyone in the New Testament did NOT turn all their assets over to the NT church. While the NT encourages giving and sharing, it does not state that various wealth Christians, like Lydia the seller of purple, gave away all her assets. Notice the following:

14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us. ...

40 So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed. (Acts 16:14-15)

Notice that it was still HER house later. She still had assets. Notice also the following:

5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. (Acts 10:5-6)

Simon the tanner also had his own house (and I saw the place claimed to be that location in October 2013 when I was in Joppa).

Notice also:

12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. (Acts 12:12-13)

7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. (Acts 18:7)

8 On the next day we who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. (Acts 21:8)

15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house. (Colossians 4:15)

1 To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, 2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house (Philemon 1-2).

While it is true that many in Jerusalem had possessions in common during a time of persecution, it is not biblically accurate to teach that having all in common is required of Christians. The Apostle Peter spoke against that, and the numerous examples of Christians keeping their houses also demonstrates the fallacy of David Pack's arguments. I should also add that the Book of Philemon indicates that Philemon himself had assets, and could even expect the Apostle Paul to pay him back for spending some of them (vs. 19).

Also, the fact that David Pack ties salvation into his 'common' doctrine is also wrong. While it is true that Jesus dealt with a particular person who was too attached to his wealth in Luke 14, the pattern of the Bible, Old and New Testaments, is that God's people held on to their assets, but gave tithes and offerings and tried to be generous (like Abraham, Jacob, David, Joseph of Arimathea, Philemon, etc.). Since David Pack tied Matthew 19 in with salvation, let's look at that:

16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"

17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

18 He said to Him, "Which ones?"

Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 19 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"

21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." (Matthew 19:16-21)

Notice that Jesus DID NOT ask that the money be given to Him or 'the work.' This particular man apparently was too attached to wealth and Jesus said to give all he had to the poor. David Pack is twisting this to teach that unless all assets are willingly given to RCG that one cannot attain salvation.

Now, one scripture that, out-of-context, seems to show David Pack's point is Luke 14:33. But notice the entire context:

25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it — 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:25-33)

This was not telling people to give away all their assets to the church in Luke 14:33. He was telling them that they may have to give everything up, including their families, as they needed to put God first. If David Pack's conclusion was valid, then one would have to conclude that Jesus said that everyone had to get divorced to be a Christian, and Jesus obviously was not teaching that. David Pack tries to twist words for his covetous purposes.

Now, as David Pack should know, the Bible endorses personal asset ownership in the millennium:

4 But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree,
And no one shall make them afraid;
For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. (Micah 4:4)

10 In that day,' says the Lord of hosts,
'Everyone will invite his neighbor
Under his vine and under his fig tree.' (Zechariah 3:10)

David Pack's covetousness and use of deceptive words has misled many (2 Peter 2:1-3). This 'common' doctrine has also improperly impoverished people who listened to him and/or his ministers.

And it reminds me of what some Hindus do.

In 2014, my wife and I visited Bali, Indonesia. While there, I learned that young men are expected to go greatly in debt to make a small Hindu temple with various trappings along with their new home if they want to be married and be properly acceptable to society. The amount of money this costs is excessive, especially for those whose earnings are as low as most Balinese. I remember thinking that this would likely stop people from leaving the Hindu faith because they had so much of their resources invested in it. RCG has been following suit by demanding more than it is biblically entitled--once they have forfeited assets, this is another way that people are bullied into listening to David Pack.

The other point that I would like to make is that 'COMMON' IS NOT WHY thousands did not support David Pack before he taught it. He and his people can try to delude themselves into thinking that the rejection of David Pack's improper 'restoration' is why people will not come with him. Yet, the reality is that he has long had the wrong priorities, doctrine, and focus.

The reality is that David Pack has lacked the proper faith to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom in a manner to fulfill Matthew 24:14. Basically, since at least 2007, he has taught that he needs MONEY to do it. And more than he has. He taught that he thought the Bible was clear that this would happen in 2013 and that thousands would come to him, but that did not happen. So now, instead of admitting that his understanding of Haggai, Zechariah, etc. were wrong, he still clings to the false doctrine, but without a specific date.

As far as who the Bible teaches the work will get done, notice something from Zechariah:

6 So he answered and said to me:

"This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,'
Says the Lord of hosts.
7 'Who are you, O great mountain?
Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!
And he shall bring forth the capstone
With shouts of "Grace, grace to it!"'"

8 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying:

9 "The hands of Zerubbabel
Have laid the foundation of this temple;
His hands shall also finish it.
Then you will know
That the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you.
10 For who has despised the day of small things?
For these seven rejoice to see
The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
They are the eyes of the Lord,
Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth." (Zechariah 4:6-10)

And that is why we in the Continuing Church of God believe we are leading what I have termed the final phase of the work. We successfully reached millions on very little income, because we have not "despised the day of small things" and we know God will be faithful.

It will be through God's Spirit, not a bunch of money or buildings intended to impress those outside of RCG to join with RCG as David Pack has long hoped. Sadly, many are still listening to him and his covetous pleas for money.

Pastors and Evangelists

David Pack was ordained as a pastor-ranked minister and decided that he must be more than that.

In his sermon titled 21st Century Apostle, RCG's David Pack stated:

What is my office? What is my office?...What authority do I have to make administrative judgments different from Herbert Armstrong?...Who is permitted to bind and loose in this age?...Pastors are stationary...It really doesn't apply because I had my reasons...If you know who you are in the body, then it makes sense that the human leader of the church knows his place...of course he knows...now my rank...bad news, evangelists don't do this, they bring good news...Apostle...it means a delegate...with miraculous powers (part 1)

Evangelists...Could there be an evangelist out there who could be the watchman or messenger?...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).

In addition to admitting he makes judgments that differ from HWA (which in other places he implies LCG should not), he contradicts HWA's teachings at least twice here. The first that he was a pastor, but as RCG head not stationary (also see the Mystery of the Ages, page 245). Hence, D. Pack exceeded his authority per HWA's teachings--but that is a point he would probably debate.

The second is that HWA clearly had evangelists give not only good news, but the warning message (see almost any issue of the old Plain Truth magazine as they normally contain articles written by evangelists that contain some part of the warning message)--specifically HWA had evangelists like the lare Dibar Apartian present the World Tomorrow radio program at times. HWA also appointed other non-apostles to do the telecast after his death. These practices show prove that David Pack did not understand the teachings and practices of HWA's WCG--did he NOT pay attention to warning articles written by and sermons given by evangelists? Furthermore, if one carefully listens to this section of David Pack's sermon, one realizes that he simply does not understand God's governance nor the offices that God has established. (He also implies that he seems to forget that Jesus made it clear that the top man should be willing to do the lowest duties.)

Notice that the evangelist Timothy's job included more than simply giving good news, he was the preach the word--not just the good news:

2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).

Also note what Paul wrote about an evangelist in 1 Corinthians 16:10,

Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

Both Paul and HWA had evangelists do the same work they were doing. Neither restricted their teachings or forbade them from giving the warning messages, which D. Pack referred to as the bad news. But he does not seem to realize this--David Pack is constantly relying on his own interpretation of offices of the church as opposed to what the Bible actually teaches. Furthermore, the one title that HWA did not give J. Tkach was that of "apostle," while knowing full well that J. Tkach would have to make administrative decisions that sometimes would differ from HWA himself--so to teach that it was HWA's position that evangelists (who did not apostatize) were not to make administrative decisions seems to overlook the obvious.

God allowed a deacon to give a warning message: 

"You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it." (Acts 7:51-53). 

Thus the Bible makes it clear that one DOES NOT NEED TO BE AN APOSTLE TO GIVE A WARNING MESSAGE! 

Furthermore, if HWA felt that an apostle should have been in charge of the church, he would have had J. Tkach take that title. Instead, not only did he not do that, he specifically told Aaron Dean (who told me) that J. Tkach was not to have the title of apostle. Thus, for D. Pack to claim he is faithful to HWA's teachings and that he must be an apostle is in error.

Surely, those associated with RCG should start to see what is happening there.

The Self-Proclaimed Apostle, Because He Writes a Lot

David Pack also declared in part two of his 21st Century Apostle sermon:

A lot of you are very complementary of the literature, that encourages me...I was forced to write more than any man of any age...What is God's point then in having all this work put in?...

Is it to establish an office?...

Having to write vastly more...than any servant God has ever used before. I just have to accept that...If that makes me a braggart, pray for me...

Why so much literature and why no one else? The answer is that they were not sent...

There is only one organization that is to prepare all things...

Would Mr. Armstrong tell me...I couldn't know? If you say yes, you're saying that he would say to me "Go forward" never knowing that you should.

Because, remember, if I don't hold the highest office from this point forward, now that my mind is on it, I am one presumptuous imposter. I am as fraudulent as anyone you will ever meet...Now keep that in mind...

I have to be the most accused man on the earth other than Herbert Armstrong, and he is dead...

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...

Either this work is fraudulent because an unauthorized man is doing things solely given to the highest office above him or something else has occurred. If it is a fraud, here's what it means, everything comes to an end...

If the highest office in RCG is not an apostle...then I was not sent by Christ. (part 2).

I believe it is quite presumptuous for David Pack to conclude that Herbert W. Armstrong would tell him to go forward at all. Perhaps like at least two of the evangelists that Herbert Armstrong ordained suggested to him, Herbert Armstrong (if alive) would also suggest that David Pack repent of his rebellion.

It appears that to a significant degree, David Pack is claiming that God (according to David Pack) used him to write more literature than any other servant of God of all time, and this is proof that he is an apostle.

This is NOT a standard listed anywhere in the Bible. Mainly rewriting booklets previously written by Herbert Armstrong is not the type of proof that any serious student of the Bible would accept. I

Have you supporters of David Pack "searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11)?

Are you aware that the Bible warns not to be like those who think they will be heard because their many words?

For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. (Matthew 6:7-8).

Notice that when the Apostle Paul listed the proof of his apostleship, he neglected to mention writing, even though he wrote more books of the New Testament than anyone else. Consistent with Jesus' comments about fruit, Paul mentioned those truly converted as the seal of his apostleship:

Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord (1 Corinthians 9:1-2).

Where are all the baptisms and permanently improved lives at RCG?

Furthermore, if David Pack was able to write this literature because he was God's apostle, would God allow him to make so many mistakes with it?

Would God allow His most prolific writer to contradict scripture and say that John the Baptist was not a prophet?

Would God allow his end-time apostle to not understand about Church eras and improperly state that Laodiceans are not part of the true Church?

Would God allow his apostle to continually and inaccurately accuse a leader of the Church of God even when that "apostle" knew better on many of the points?

Have not others seen mistakes in David Pack's literature? The existence of which he uses as a major proof that he is an apostle?

Notice what Jesus taught:

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matt 12:36-37).

Note that the article you are now reading mainly cites David Pack's own words as proof for its conclusions.

As far as David Pack's writing goes, in late March 2015 I received the following in an email:

Dr. Thiel,

    I emailed you earlier about the booklet "How Often Should The Lord's Supper be Taken" and mentioned that the RCG site had the booklet. I read the booklet by Herbert W. Armstrong on your site and also read the booklet by Mr. Pack on the RCG site. There is VERY LITTLE DIFFERENCE in the two booklets. I have noticed this before with Mr. Pack's booklets compared to others from other sites. How he can put his name on the cover as the author is something I cannot understand. Have you heard this from others? I am sure I am not the only one that has noticed this. You have from time to time made comments about things he has said and predictions he has made. He needs to be shown for what he is.

My response included the following:

Yes, others have indicated that they noticed that what David Pack supposedly did was to slightly rewrite some of HWA's materials and put his name on them.  The reality is that actually, he had someone else do a lot of the slight rewriting.  How do I know this?  The re-writer emailed me when he left RCG and told me about it.

David Pack's writings certainly should not be accepted as proof he is God's apostle.

Furthermore, I am reasonably certain that I have written more than David Pack has. And my content is more original and more up to date.

Whosoever has ears to hear, let him hear!

David Pack Says You Must 'Sell All' for Salvation

David Pack's fascination for funds seems to have no limit. In 2017, David Pack's part 78 of his The Greatest Untold Story! sermon series starts off online with a summary that includes the following statement:

• Emphasized how the command to “sell all” (Luke 12:33) is tied to salvation.

No, selling everything one has is NOT tied to salvation. The context of Luke 12:33 was a man who was too tied to riches, not that all Christians had to always sell everything and have nothing. The Church of Rome seems to suggest one can buy salvation (see Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory?), but Jesus did not (cf. (Mark 10:23-27, 12:38).

Anyway, here is some of what part 78 of David Pack's The Greatest Untold Story! sermon states relating to selling all:

Turn over to Luke 12. Luke chapter 12…and we’ll pick it up in verse 32. Finally, I understand this, Luke 12:32: “Fear not little flock….” Now, Christ tells…speaks generally to all his servants…don’t be terrified and don’t be troubled, but here it’s phobeō—don’t fear little flock. How many times have you heard me…The ministers must have almost gotten bored, if you will, at how many times that…there’s something there. Is it just wars, rumors and commotions? Maybe. Maybe. But what else? Just actual fear: “…little flock…[it’s] your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” and then three things are said, in context.

Of all the things Christians are to do, it says, first, in two long verses actually: “…Sell that you have, and give alms…[Now, I’m going to be a little stronger about this.]…provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches…[There’s a thief coming! How many thieves do we need to read about in the Bible? There aren’t that many!]…neither moth corrupt. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (vs. 33-34)……

There are four things: Fear not; sell all; keep your loins girded, and your lights burning. And the “early birds” do this first. I’m going to show you that everyone who comes back into the flock, into the sanctuary, has got to do this as well, but in a different context. So you’ve got to do it, the question is: How hot do you want it to get?! How many phases of the fire do you want to go before you have to do it? Because you can’t be saved—what must I do to inherit eternal life? Matthew 19. You’ve got to do that. Some of you have already done it.

I just want to take a moment here, because we’ll just dwell on this. I normally don’t. I give it a “lick and a promise,” a sentence here, a sentence there, but I truly fear…I truly fear for those who don’t sell all that they have. You can’t play games! And now you know it isn’t, you can sort of play games—you’re going to be forced to make a decision—I will…or I will not…obey that command found all the way through the New Testament and sent out in articles. That’s the fuel for the fire.

You can begin to understand, if people begin to delay, God might, for a little while, hesitate because not enough fuel hit the fire, or maybe they’re not, for some other reasons, ready. And it may hesitate, not of what God decides, but on what we do, what we decide. So “if it hesitate” makes perfect sense. It depends on what we’re going to do. I could never get comfortable…What would God do to hesitate? Is the world not ready or something? What?

David Pack's ego, greed, bullying tactics, and lack of true compassion are affecting RCG. One day I expect RCG to have severe financial problems.

The call again for RCG members to sell everything they have is consistent with that.

Sadly, David Pack continues to use covetous words and causes the way of truth to be blasphemed (cf. 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Did David Pack Warn People in Advance to Not Follow Him?

In a sermon given on December 12, 1998, Bill Sheppard reported that David Pack stated :

I want to make a statement about...me...now, if I became deceived, I will never tell you what I'm going to tell you now...I am telling you if I go off into strange ideas, misconduct, rebellion, you name it, don't follow me. I want to tell you that now, because if I start doing that I'm gonna try to get you to follow me! I'm gonna come to you and tell you it doesn't apply, it doesn't mean me, no, no, no, no, no, no, it's OK to follow me because ABCD and XY and Z. Do you understand what I'm saying? Listen to me now, when I tell you don't follow me if I go off into weird ideas, or if I get off into other things that are total absolutely unscriptural conduct, because if I do I'm gonna paint it with a different face and try to get you to follow me. Do you understand what I'm saying brethren? Please remember that, because I promise you that if I become deceived, I'll forget it, and I'll want you to forget it...And I hope you'll remember it well enough to quote it right back to me...But I'll tell you what, I'm not going anywhere. (http://home.neo.rr.com/lilshep/bill/information.html#follow 8/02/06).

I believe that the above is proof that God warned people, through David Pack, not to follow David Pack! Note: The Bible is clear that God sometimes uses those He condemns to providing warning messages (two such examples would be I Kings 13:20-32 and 22:22).

Do you really want to be deceived? And should you liquidate your assets and send them to David Pack?

Notice also something from an email I received late on September 6, 2013:

As a former member of RCG, I have been following Mr. Pack's dramatic and equally delusional "Special Announcements"...

Mr. Pack wrote the following in the 2nd paragraph of page 48 of his 2008 (reprinted 2011) book entitled IS "THAT PROPHET" ALIVE TODAY? - The Rise of False Prophets: "If a man predicts an earthquake...or any other major event for a specific date, and it occurs even a few hours into the next day...this is a failed prophecy, disproving the prophet’s authority! Close is not good enough. Actually, the chilling truth is that being close means that the man is connected to EVIL ELEMENTS IN THE SPIRIT WORLD!" (emphasis his). Was he aware that he was writing about himself?

David Pack fulfilled his own criteria for being a false prophet by August 31, 2013. And notice that David Pack's criteria is that predictions had to happen no later than when "a man predicts" otherwise he is false. Cannot those in RCG see this?

More Related to the Self-Proclaimed Apostle

In part 2 of David Pack's sermon, 21st Century Apostle, he stated: 

David Pack's Earlier Actions

The Bible warns not to hear an accusation against an elder unless brought by several sources (I Timothy 5:1). For a long while I would not post any of the accusations against David Pack, but scripture suggests that one should take such accusations seriously if brought by many sources.

Perhaps before going further, I should also add that David Pack has written:

Recognize that some will quickly dismiss this list—and probably outright. Of course, leaders must do this, and will generally choose one or both of two methods. First, they may return to the old pattern—yet again—of assassinating the character of RCG’s leader, because they could not compromise him in ways that this list reveals. Second, these leaders will need to find fault with certain tiny aspects of the list so that the more gullible will dismiss the entire list. But the evidence of gross doctrinal compromise and error is overwhelming for those who “anoint their eyes” to see—and who want to recover (Pack D. How LCG's Teachings Differ From Those of Mr. Armstrong and RCG. RCG website 8/05/06).

There are three points I wish to make. The first is that I went through David Pack's previous list in detail to show that he has mischaracterized COG teachings or simply misunderstood Herbert Armstrong (please see the article Did Roderick C. Meredith Actually Make 26 Doctrinal Changes?). And second, as this particular article shows, I have documented that David Pack has compromised himself away from the teachings of the Bible and the biblical practices advocated by Herbert Armstrong. And third, I believe this article provide some of the evidence of gross doctrinal compromise and error is overwhelming for those who “anoint their eyes” to see.

But in this section, I will mainly cite others who have had extensive personal dealings with David Pack.

Norman Edwards, who once worked with David Pack in GCG wrote,

Dave Pack has been a wolf in shepherd’s clothing and should not be any kind of minister or servant among the people of God. The only apology I will make for that statement is for not having clearly stated it sooner in the pages of Servants’ News. I base this conclusion on direct personal experience and the testimony of dozens of witnesses. Dave Pack is a brilliant man, a powerful speaker and a commanding personality. He has the ability to stir people into thinking they are special to God and that they are being used in a powerful way when they work for Mr. Pack. For those who work “on his side”, he is able to see everything they do in the best possible light, and to have unending mercy to overlook their sins and errors. But to those he opposes, he seems to have an unending ability to recall minute details of years-old conversations and twist them into the greatest of sins. Many witnesses claim that he simply made up lies about them and spread them to others in a most believable fashion. Several people have specifically said that they did exactly what Dave Pack asked—unjust as they thought it was—only to be disfellowshipped for it later (Edwards, Norman. Continuing the Work of WCG. Servant's News. Jan/Feb 2000).

Most former employees of RCG have not been positively disposed toward David Pack. One family, the Papays, brought up several points which any can read if they wish (here is a link to the letter from the Papays). For the record, I should state that I personally spoke with Mr. and Mrs. Papay to verify that they did write this letter and that they stated that everything it contained was true.

Bill Sheppard had a web site in which he has many letters from those once affiliated with David Pack which all essentially suggest that David Pack is not one that those wishing to be faithful should probably follow. Here a link to Bill Sheppard's old site; this link will give the reader even more reasons to understand why I have concerns about David Pack. One of those letters is from former RCG Trustee Tom Munson. In it, he documents some of David Pack's questionable actions--also it in, he documents how David Pack violates his own teachings on make-up, tithing, and church attendance-- three areas of 'heresies' he seems to claim that others commit!

Jim Leighty, the another RCG departer, spells forth his reasons for resigning from RCG. Shortly after Jim Leighty's resignation, David Pack posted the following,

"Editor's Correction February 21, 2001 In a recent sermon (Nov. 4, 2000) I made an isolated reference to the unpardonable sin as something that can be forgiven. I misspoke! I did not mean to say this and it cannot be justified. I should have corrected it sooner. I would like to genuinely thank those who brought it to my attention. For those who are concerned with this matter, I have posted a more extensive explanation."

Sadly, David Pack did not publicly correct other doctrinal errors he made in that sermon.

An individual who was a minister in RCG sent me the following in October 2011:

I'm a former minister of the RCG who was disfellowshipped and fired in June for accusations about Zec 3 and being accused of calling David Pack's counsel of elders "filthy rags" - Joshua's filthy garments - and I also disagreed with his claim to be a High Priest an office held by Jesus Christ. My wife and I were harangued for two hours by this vain narcissistic tyrant who cares little for those of age and whether or not he destroys their lives, and I have evidence that he has done the same to many others...

I hold no animosity toward David Pack or any of his ministry, I came to see that the work he is doing is about vaunting himself as well as coning his members with clever sermons, into disposing their assets in favor of RCG so he can build an empire. He claims an apostleship which is false he claims to follow Mr. Armstrong, but simply took his literature embellished it with his own thoughts and ideas and palmed it off as truth. Mr. Pack is a clever man who knows his Bible well, he has used this wisdom, to do a work that on first appearance looks like the real thing, but over time one wakes up to the realization of what Paul warned about in II Cor11:13 that it is simply a work of the flesh he he will bear the consequences of his actions.

My hope for him is that God will show him exactly what he is, what he has done and what he is doing, so he to may have the opportunity of facing Christ in the not to distant future and enter into the kingdom of God. I can send you all the correspondence I have emails, back and forth, an agreement they wanted me to sign as well as a letter from RCG attorney to substantiate what I have told you, of course you understand once you post what I send, you will receive an email from Jeffery Ambrose denying, or justifying my disfellowship and firing from RCG...

Kind regards

Michael venish

While some may conclude that the above opinions are tainted because the individual is no longer an RCG minister, some of those statements seem consistent with how some others tend to view RCG and David Pack.

Jeffrey Ambrose

11/03/18 p.m. Banned by HWA posted the following purportedly from RCG about why Jeffrey Ambrose is no longer with them:

Dear brethren,

Greetings from a cool and breezy Headquarters. We hope this finds all of you doing well and enjoying a profitable week.

As would be expected, trials continue to come upon God’s people to build up their faith and patience so characterized by the “poor of the flock” (Jam. 1:3; Zech. 11:11). Coming off of a most joyous and uplifting Feast, it should be no surprise that Satan would try to rob us of “our days of prosperity” (see Ecc. 7:14). In the remaining time we have until Christ returns to Earth, it is not strange that God would allow these final tests to prepare His people. Sometimes this comes upon the whole Church when a senior leader departs.

We regret to inform you that Mr. Jeff Ambrose and his family have decided to leave the Church. They bear no ill will and expressed their personal gratitude to Mr. Pack for having lived in such a beautiful place for the last couple of years.

He offered an open explanation as to why they felt they could no longer continue. In his resignation letter, Mr. Ambrose expressed that they had “a fundamental difference in belief.” He has very carefully assured us that he has no plans to attack anyone but rather desires to leave quietly and in peace. He also clearly stated that he has no intentions of starting his own group or joining any other religious organization. It appears that after a lifetime in God’s Church, he wants to leave the ministry and organized religion altogether! (Keep this in mind when you listen to Part 145 this Sabbath.)

Additionally, Mr. Ambrose stated that “fairly serious, and permanent, health problems” caused by stress as the other driver compelling him to take action. This is never a reason to leave God’s Church! No one knew the full extent of his difficulties and he never sought advice from any us—even the medical doctor who was in the office next to him.

Obviously, this is not easy news for any of us to receive. The Ambroses have been in the Church for many years and served in various facets of the Work. As we did here, we are sure you are battling the same shock of this announcement. Rest assured that everyone on our Headquarters staff, Mr. Pack and all the ministry, including all our field ministers, are doing well. Everyone understands that this has happened before and is the pattern of centuries in God’s Church. No one is shaken.

The apostle Paul—whom God used to record the identity of the Man of Sin and warn the Church for three years during his time—knew himself that we only understand prophetic events “darkly,” meaning obscure or enigma (I Cor. 13:12). In the context of this is where God explains the most important thing for all of us to build is godly love, that is keeping His commandments in order to build His character and qualify to become part of His Family (I John 5:3; Ecc. 12:13; Eph. 3:15-20). It is vital that we do not lose sight of this—the Big Picture and ultimately the end goal. Time is short and this age is growing very thin!

Remember, our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8). Do not give him an opportunity. We should all take this announcement as an admonition to pray for one another, fellow brethren in Christ, as we near the end. We hope that we will one day see the Ambroses again in God’s Church and pray that it will be much sooner than later.

Your steadfastness and faithful service are greatly appreciated, and we are praying for you daily. Stay fervent, stand firm, be sober and watch unto prayer—our salvation is sooner than we thought.

Mr. Pack will add additional comments and context throughout the sermon given at Headquarters this Sabbath (heard on November 3). In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local minister.

In Christ’s service,

Brad Schleifer and Greg Kaidannek

I have prayed for Jeffrey Ambrose over the years, and also did a few days before that announcement came out. Hopefully, he will now be willing to see the truth.

Letters From Two RCG Ministers Who Resigned in 2020

In his resignation letter from the Restored Church of God, Gregory E. Kaidannek had the following (note: the numbering starts twice below, the total looks to be 69 listed changes according to the following):

Looking back today, it is not difficult to see that truth has been slowly departing from the RCG (hindsight is 20/20). After studying Haggai and Zechariah for a lengthy time (and a notable prediction) the Pastor General, began a new series at The Feast of Tabernacles in 2015 centered around “ the Temple of the Lords House being built IN the last days… (Isa 2; Micah 4)” and “…the first Dominion being set up” (Micah 4:8). This later became 266 messages (and counting) titled “The Greatest Story Never Told” (NOTE: the word STORY as you continue to read). Along the way the narrative has changed, reversed, changed, reversed, changed, reversed etc. so many times in incredibly confusing fashion that very few brethren can keep up. Most do not even know or fully understand what they are supposed to believe anymore concerning the most important events yet ahead. ...

God’s words to those of Philadelphia, “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Rev 3:7-11) ...

In his first 30 reasons sermon (instrumental to those leaving the WCG in the 1990s) Mr. Pack even states the following, “if HWA was wrong on so many points, why was this the only era that was never criticized by God?” How soon we forget!  ...

Please review the list and take the time. You should. Be honest and ask yourself “have I held fast what I have?” And could my Eternal “crown” be in jeopardy? (new teaching is in bold – in some cases old teaching is not mentioned for obvious reasons):

1. Present Truth –truth can change depending upon how a man wants to read it vs. the truth that was delivered and canonized for all eras of the Church to learn i.e. General Epistle. **This has been the mantle by which anything can be changed on a whim.

2. Apostles can’t get doctrine wrong – i.e. infallibility vs. they can privately interpret and be in danger of becoming castaways – some can even be “ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” – think 266 messages and counting.

3. Prophets do not have to be spoken to by an angel, receive an utterance, or a vision vs. God’s clear outline that they do (Numbers 12:6)

1. Prophets can be wrong on multiple dates (over 2 dozen times Apr 2019-Jan 2020) while stating “on God’s authority” vs. Duet 18:22 stating you should reject them and not fear them. ** do not forget his latest prediction after re-announcing himself just this week!

2. A man can call himself a Prophet and then take it back and assume the role of Apostle after being wrong repeatedly then re-assume the role of a Prophet

3. An apostle’s job is to “forecast” future events vs. Preach the gospel, warn the nations, and teach the truth to God’s people

4. Apostles can also be Prophets at the same time (see Point 3)

5. That Prophet – Elijah - DCP vs Christ

6. Joshua is also Elijah vs. a Levitical Priest

7. OT Passover Date – 15th ABIB vs 14th (Lev 23)

8. “Evening” Exodus 12:6 no longer means exactly “between the evening" DUSK – the period between sunset and darkness vs the slaughtering of the lamb happened on the 14th and could never have happened on the 15th

9. Night to Be Much Observed is really the 21st of Abib vs 15th (Exodus 12:37-41)

10. Predestination – God knew our names and engineered our births before the world was created (Calvinism) vs. God did not engineer rape, incest, divorce, adultery for 6000 years because He turns away from sin (Isa 59:1-2) but Predetermined to Call those who “were of a poor and contrite spirit” when it was the optimum time for them to succeed.

11. “Animal People” – people who were simply made “animals” from the beginning vs made in the image and likeness of God who He wants to eventually have an opportunity for Eternal Salvation 

12. Bodies like Christ – not yet Eternal vs. Christ who is Eternal and was glorified like He was at the First after His Resurrection.

13. Two Stage Salvation vs. Salvation = Eternal Life

14. Angels cannot be Holy vs. Anything in God’s presence or with His name is Holy (i.e. vessels, ground, days, garments, Throne, unconverted children, etc.)

15. Angels in Revelation are Saints

16. “Sure Mercies of David” – means David C Pack vs God’s Promise referenced multiple times in scripture to have a descendant of David sit on the throne until Christ does (Isa 55:3; Acts 13:4;II Sam 7:14-16; II Sam 23:5)

17. The Twig of Isa 11 – Elijah - DCP vs. Ancient Resurrected David (the tree is Jesse – trunk and roots – Ancient David is a twig and Christ grows out of the roots)

18. King David disqualified himself and lost his role in the Kingdom and David Pack will assume it – Psa. 89 vs. David was given an everlasting promise as a man after God’s own heart and Christ repeatedly made reference of him in a positive way in the NT 

19. Last Great Day has two meanings – the 8th (Great) Day after the Feast of Tabernacles and ALSO the Last day of Unleavened Bread vs. ONLY the 8th (Great) Day after the Feast of Tabernacle 

20. Secret coming of Christ “slipping from a cloud” vs like manner simply meaning Christ will come again in the clouds

21. 7th and 8th Heads are separate systems vs. there are 7 heads and the 8th Head is OF the 7th as part of the same system

22. Two Tribulations – a bad one and then a Great One vs. One Great Tribulation

23. Israel is resurrected twice – this generation and then all who have ever lived vs. Only once for all those who never had a chance

24. The Father is coming with Christ vs. much later - Rev 21:3“Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with men and they shall be His people and God Himself shall be with them and be their God.”

25. Three Kingdoms – 4 phases - each interrupted by uncontrollable evil vs. 1st phase Holy Spirit in us, 2nd phase birth of 144,000, 3rd phase all those who have ever lived get a chance

26. God of the OT who interacted with mankind is also the Father vs. only pre-incarnate Christ (the Word) because no one has seen or heard God (John 1:18; I John 4:12; I Tim 6:6; Acts 7:38)

27. Some people have seen and spoken to the Father vs. plain scripture stating otherwise (John 5:7; John 8:58; Exodus 3:14- 16)

28. The Devil can Create vs. God is the Creator of Life

29. Clear scriptures were “over-read” vs. we believe God’s word for what it says because it is refined 7x, pure and perfect

30. We are going to the 3rd Heaven to receive salvation vs Meeting Christ in the air, being changed and ruling on earth

31. Revelation does not apply to us or the last generation before the Kingdom- seals, horsemen, beasts, etc. vs. it ties directly to Matt 24/Mk 13/Lk 21

32. Christ is not the Lord of Hosts – (see point 26 & 27)

33. Christ is not King of Kings – (see point 26 & 27)

34. There are 4 separate “thief in the night” events

35. There are 5 judgments

36. The Day of Christ is not the Day of the Lord

37. There are TWO days of the Lord

38. Unconverted rebellious adult children get first chances at salvation vs. they get treated as others do

39. Day of the Lord is just a day vs. one year

40. Grace is simply “gratefulness” vs. a gift to be grateful for (i.e. Eternal life which no man can earn). Unmerited pardon!

41. The Ezekiel warning after the Kingdom arrives vs. before the Kingdom and the sword is coming!

42. Ezekiel (also Elijah/Joshua at the same time), who has received salvation, but also a Prophet vs. a prophet has always been a position held by a man without yet having salvation

43. First commission NO LONGER includes the Ezekiel warning

44. Doing the Work is the Campus FIRST – then preaching a Gospel

45. Key of David may be government vs. knowing where the tribes of Israel and throne of David are today

46. Deut. 28/ Lev. 26 do not apply to this generation in Israel

47. All the NT saints who died in the faith must be resurrected back to physical life to go through a final test – some with gifts, some saved, but not yet God beings vs. they had their chance for salvation and may have lost reward if they never fell away

48. Christ is returning to Wadsworth (Joseph) not Jerusalem

49. Col. 2:16– refers to a specific sequence events vs. Holy Days, Sabbath, New Moon (Being an outline) picturing the plan of God

50. Rev 10 – 7th angel is David C. Pack vs an actual angel

51. 7th angel sounds before 1-6 get to

52. All the angels of Revelation 2 and 3 are the same angels that blow the 7 trumpets vs. the angels that blow the 7 trumpets occur after the Church eras are complete

53. There are two New Heavens and New Earth Events

54. Old waste places and lands are healed for 1 year in the KOG then the Father changes out the “ball”/earth vs. a thousand years of utopia before a new heavens and a new earth

55. Parables are more literal than parabolic

56. David C. Pack was the first minister to ever teach “no man can know the day or the hour” vs an understanding, paragraph after paragraph in WCG literature stating otherwise dating back to the original Bible Correspondence Course

57. It is a sin to have hope – you must have faith –Ministerial Conference Lecture/Sermon 2019 vs. faith, hope and love.

58. Behemoth is a dinosaur vs. Baluchitherium PT March 1964 (pg 16, 41-42) (Job 40:14)–“ was made with you” – i.e. during the re-creation week)

59. If you believe that “no man can know the day or the hour” you have a lazy mind

60. Place of Safety applies only during the 2nd KOG

61. Elijah is the fig tree making Christ the vine in the statement – “every man will sit under his own vine and fig tree” vs. literal vines and fig trees in a utopian society

62. The word read in Revelation means “know again” meaning Revelation had to be revealed? vs. the book being revealed – the name of the book means Apocalypse – a Revelation – to rip the cover off and reveal, to disclose.

63. I Sam. 2:35– faithful priest is David C. Pack

64. There is a second 70 year’s prophecy for Jerusalem in Jeremiah vs. the Ancient prophecy ending in 609-539 BC

65. Christ does not need to finish his 69th week (i.e. 3.5 years) vs. He needs to finish it

66. Blindly follow Church Government vs. Prove all things with an open Bible and HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD (I Thess. 5:21)

67.more to come“ error always begets more error

(**by the time you read the list it may already be out of date as things change so often)

Read and re-read the list. Add others if you can think of them. Do your research. Use old Church literature and free resources online from past literature produced by the Worldwide Church of God. Ask yourself the hard questions – “is this going to get better or worse?” “Do I honestly believe these new teachings?” “can I prove them?” “do I have faith in them or in a man?” “Does deception get better on its own?” “Should I continue to sit at the foot of a false prophet while he prophesies?” “What was my baptismal commitment? – the only reason to leave the Church is if truth has left the building”

I waited a long time before taking this step.

In Christ’s service,

Gregory E. Kaidannek

Minister

Let me state that, in the past couple of years, there were so many new errors and heresies in RCG there was not much point in bringing them up. Now, not everything Gregory E. Kaidaneck listed was a heresy--for example the Apostle Paul was ALSO a prophet. And without more details on some of the above, they are not clearly defined.

But for over 20 years, I warned that RCG's priorities and focus was wrong--and it certainly still is. As I have written here before, I consider that David Pack is often a bully and I doubt His conversion.

Apparently, there are other changes as well. In his resignation letter from the Restored Church of God, Brian Kaidannek, father of Gregory, had the following:

From: Brian Kaidannek 
Sent: September 19, 2020 9:05 PM

Subject: Hold Fast That Which is Good

 

Greetings brethren,

The time has come when I must speak. I am charged to protect the sheep from false teachings, and I can no more remain silent as the meaning of the Holydays comes under further attack. This is changing times and seasons. Leviticus 23 and Exodus 13 are plain scriptures which explain the spring Holydays and exactly when they occur. The Jews in Old Testament times confuse them, and that confusion remains to this day. Now we have followed suit. Mr. Pack has ignored what we all once knew that even is dusk or twilight, which is the time between sunset and darkness. There is only one even or evening in each day and it is at the beginning of the day. Look in Genesis where God says “… and the evening and the morning was the first day.” etc. Passover is completely separate from the NBTO. It is a violation of the rules of Bible study to go to an unclear scripture in Ezekiel and make a doctrine in the face of the clear scriptures mentioned above.

We have seen over the last few years how the teachings of a faithful apostle, who was the apostle to the Philadelphian era, an era which God had nothing bad to say about in Rev. 3, become destroyed and or altered. How could this era have been so wrong in it’s understanding?

... We also now teach a Calvinistic type of predestination which was never taught in the previous era as this type of teaching will lead into even more heresy as time goes forward. Read our Predestination booklet, it still has it correct. Which leads me to a significant point. Our literature, in many cases, more closely reflects what we taught in the past and is far different from what is being taught in the church in sermons and so many come looking for a group that teaches what Mr. Armstrong taught and we now have a type of bait and switch going on. This is simply wrong! ...

Mr. Pack, who declared last Feast of Tabernacles that he was a prophet and had been for some time then went on to make a plethora of predictions of when Christ would return, none of which obviously came to pass. ...

Again his prediction failed and he proved himself false. How can we sit at the feet of, and listen to, this false prophet?

Many have said, “This is a test of our faith”, and to a degree that is true. But brethren this is not the first apostacy that I have encountered. ...

We are told to hold fast that which is good. What we are hearing IS NOT GOOD!

David Pack, the one who originally claimed that RCG stood for "precision of doctrine" has made many changes that are not good.

RCG reported the following:

Church Administration 

Sun 2020-09-20 5:46 PM


Dear brethren,

Greetings from Headquarters. We trust that you had a profitable day of Trumpets. The Work continues to surge forward despite a world growing darker.

Yesterday evening, some of you received an email from either Brian Kaidannek or his son Greg, stating they are no longer in agreement with the teachings of God’s Church. These emails came not long after Mr. Pack’s recent comments were posted. Sadly, it appears that Brian Kaidannek followed his son out of the Church. ....

Greg Kaidannek’s portrayal of his time at Headquarters is flat wrong. As one who has been in scores of meetings, there is always a chance to ask questions. His problem was not questions; it was attitude. Personal spiritual issues (not prophecy) led to him being demoted in rank (which rarely happens) and given a field assignment over a small congregation. God is patient and merciful, so we hoped that this correction and re-assignment would help him develop the heart of a shepherd and learn to focus on others. His letter made it evident that he chose not to address his problems, but instead justified his transfer and allowed bitterness to set in.

Brian Kaidannek was fully aware of his son’s issues. He agreed this was the right move to help him. In private discussions at Headquarters, we were concerned that if Greg Kaidannek left, his father would follow him. Again, sadly, this proved accurate.

Brethren, please understand that the ministry must walk a fine line when giving you details when someone leaves.

RCG has been losing ministers for some time. And while it is correct that all details are not usually appropriate to be made public, the reality is that RCG has a lot of wrong and contradictory teachings.

Jesus' Criteria

Strength of character is much more important than strength of personality. I do believe that strength of personality is why many are in RCG.

Paul warned that there are:

...false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Notice that Paul said there are deceitful workers who transform themselves into apostles of Christ, but can give the appearance that they are ministers of righteousness.

Just because someone may display confidence and try to sound like he is an apostle, that does not make him one. Recall that Revelation 22:15 states that those who love and practice a lie will not be in the kingdom. If David Pack is not clearly and 100% absolutely an apostle, those who support him anyway are loving and practicing a lie.

How does one tell?

In addition to heeding the warnings from the contradictions in RCG's literature, notice what Jesus taught:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them (Matthew 7:15-20).

So what are the fruits? Well, it seems to wish to look important with its building and other projects.

The numbers RCG seems to focus on are related to the internet, and even that is relatively new--one should not be mesmerized by its new "download counter"--there is a huge difference between getting internet hits and being converted (Luke 15:10). Philadelphia love should be a fruit if RCG was who it claimed to be, but it seems not to be there.

Wrong Focus

As a long-time member of the Church of God, I have always felt that RCG has the wrong focus. This was confirmed when (in 2006) I spoke with one who attended RCG services for a while. He stated that RCG does not seem to tolerate certain respectful questions or opinions and tends to be unnecessarily harsh.

He mainly told me that RCG is strict and picky about real minor issues. For example, he stated that he was disciplined because he gave an opening prayer at services that exceeded 45 seconds. He thought he only spoke a minute or so, but said he was told that by the local RCG leader that he went on and on.

He mentioned that one is only allowed to close a prayer with two or three fairly specific statements, and that those statements cannot sound "Protestant." I asked him if a statement is accurate or even a biblical paraphrase, can it be disallowed because Protestants tend to use to it? And he said yes. I told him that even though the COG is NOT Protestant, it is ridiculous to not use biblically appropriate statements just because the Protestants sometimes do. I believe this is worse than straining a gnat, as Jesus taught:

4 "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' " (Matt 4:4).

The fact that Protestants and others outside the Church of God quote or paraphrase certain parts of the Bible, this definitely does not mean that we within the COGs should not refer to those portions of scripture. We are to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

He also told me that RCG puts great emphasis on points such as having the top button of a suit coat buttoned if one is speaking at the lectern. He also mentioned other similar items that reminded me of the Pharisees.

Makeup is also a very important issue with RCG.

Have they not read the following?

Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (Matthew 23:28).

RCG tends to focus on unimportant and insignificant traditions (which they claim are highly significant).

Notice what Mark wrote:

"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men--the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." And He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition..." (Mark 7:8-9).

Notice Jesus' teaching:

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and 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! Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (Matthew 23:23-28).

I have always felt that RCG had an issue of ignoring the important and focusing on the unimportant. RCG seems to have problems with justice and mercy (and, I believe misunderstanding faith). It is a sign of a Laodicean emphasis to miss the point and to be self-satisfied that items of less importance are important. Additionally, David Pack's love of money, which he seems to want to try to show-off, is similar to the problems that the Pharisees of old had (John 16:14).

According to Strong's, Philadelphia means "fraternal affection," "brotherly love," "love of the brethren," "fond of the brethren." While the Philadelphians show the love of God by placing their top priority on proclaiming the Gospel to the world as a witness (as Jesus and HWA taught), RCG does not. They seem to be like the old-time, Pharisees and lawyers. Notice what Luke was inspired to write:

Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves (Luke 7:30).

An article of related interest may be Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees?

On 6/30/07, I looked over some of David Pack's book THE WORK OF GOD Its Final Chapter! Sadly, David Pack simply does not understand prophecy correctly as he really does not discuss the final chapter of the work of God (for those interested, please read the article The Final Phase of the Work or watch the CCOG sermon titled The Final Phase of the Work). His approach and focus has long been wrong. Instead, he is mainly explaining why he feels that RCG is doing the work, that he writes a lot, and why the internet is the vehicle RCG uses. Some day, if David Pack is interested, I would be happy to explain to him more about the truth about THE WORK OF GOD Its Final Chapter! But I do not believe that David Pack believes that he can be wrong. Those who agree with David Pack will learn that they are mistaken.

Herbert Armstrong's Criteria

What about Herbert Armstrong? The one that David Pack originally stated he follows so precisely?

Herbert Armstrong made it clear in his Autobiography that conversions and baptisms were the fruits of proper gospel proclamation--this is part of why he stated that CG7 was part of Sardis, the dead church (see Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong, Volume 1, 1973 edition--note that the Tkach Administration edited out nearly all the references to Sardis and Philadelphia in the 1986 edition it sent its then membership--please see the article Did You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made? for many of those unauthorized edits).

In his sermon, Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era, Herbert W. Armstrong set two criteria for the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God that most who were once part of WCG have ignored (these are also mentioned in the article Did You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made?).

These two criteria are totally consistent with the two criteria that Jesus set in Revelation 3.

1. The Philadelphian have the Philadelphia work and go through the open door (Revelation 3:8) to proclaim the gospel to the world as a witness as their top priority.
2. The Philadelphians believe and teach all the 18 truths that were restored to it by holding fast (Revelation 3:10-11) to them and not focusing on twig issues (like Makeup).

And while RCG may some day change its operations and priorities it misunderstands the message and its priorities are elsewhere.

Several After the Fact Positions

When Chris Lomas joined RCG, he claimed I was in error as he claimed the following from an RCG booklet:

...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...(Lomas Chris. Why I left the LCG. October 23, 2006).

The fact is that this article (prior to his writing that) acknowledged that RCG has come to a variety of conclusions after the fact. Let's go over three of them here.

1) RCG has HWA's priorities.

Well, RCG's original priorities according David Pack were:

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).

While after the fact RCG may have changed the above order, the fact is that it still appears to me to operate with its priorities as David Pack originally stated. To me, its focus seems to be to keep telling its members to tow a Pharisaical line while mainly trying to get its Pharisaical message to those in other COGs. True Gospel proclamation is not truly its true top priority.

Recall that it was David Pack who also 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).

The truth is that the change to place proclamation of the gospel as RCG's top priority only came after those in RCG viewed early editions of this article and decided that they needed to change their literature. Perhaps they should credit this article for assisting them in that point?

2) Writing a lot makes one an apostle.

After he decided he had no choice but to essentially re-write much of HWA's writings do to copyright concerns, David Pack declared that his volume of writing essentially proves that he must be the apostle he appointed himself to be.

Again some quotes from David Pack in part two of his 21st Century Apostle sermon:

A lot of you are very complementary of the literature, that encourages me...What is God's point then in having all this work put in?...

Is it to establish an office?...

Having to write vastly more...than any servant God has ever used before. I just have to accept that...If that makes me a braggart, pray for me...

Why so much literature and why no one else? The answer is that they were not sent...

Because, remember, if I don't hold the highest office from this point forward, now that my mind is on it, I am one presumptuous imposter. I am as fraudulent as anyone you will ever meet...Now keep that in mind...

Mr. Armstrong was a Apostle. Yes brethren I hold that office. I do...

Either this work is fraudulent because an unauthorized man is doing things solely given to the highest office above him or something else has occurred. If it is a fraud, here's what it means, everything comes to an end...

If the highest office in RCG is not an apostle...then I was not sent by Christ. (part 2).

But again, this was an after the fact reason.

3) Internet reach is proof of being the true church.

Years after, LCG, UCG, Barnabas Ministries (and probably even the COGwriter site) reached 193 nations, RCG's website stated:

Reaching all 193 nations (most are reached every week) is another undeniable proof that the all-powerful, living Jesus Christ heads and directs but one Church and Work—The Restored Church of God! (Pack D. Major Milestone—All 193 Nations Reached! 6/23/06 on the internet).

Again, if reaching 193 is the undeniable proof that Jesus Christ heads and directs but one Church and Work, then what about those who did this before RCG?

For many years, even the COGwriter site has often been more popular than RCG's site, so why did RCG not declare it had more undeniable proof of being led by Jesus Christ?

It is not that there is never an after the fact valid reason for anything, but I believe that RCG has done this a bit too often to be taken seriously.

2008: The Great Turning Point?

Here is some of what David Pack taught in his nearly three hour RCG 2008: The Great Turning Point sermon in Dec 2007/January 2008:

I've been waiting a long time...for the phase of the work that is now upon us...the work will grow large...this next phase begins this year...

Every aspect of our website...will be remodeled...We are going to spend a lot of money. Well into the six-figures...

We are the largest religious publishers in the world...

A new building is now necessary...A new world headquarters' building for God's work...We are planning to break ground this year...We proposed phasing four buildings in our plan...

The campus does the work of God...it will also make a powerful statement to the splinters...

We are going to have a building fund...it is part of the grand pattern of the past.

Well, what really happened in 2008 is that RCG's internet presence seemed to drop quite a bit (his Alexa ranking on 12/31/08 was 173,111, which is a lot worse than the year prior). RCG's 2008 internet reach seemed to have been less than 2007 (RCG stopped reporting 2008 figures by the Spring of 2008 after I pointed that out--but resumed in the Spring of 2010--RCG often stops reporting numbers when they do not go the way David Pack wants them too).

I had to listen to his "We are the largest religious publishers in the world" twice to be certain that he actually made that seemingly outrageously inaccurate claim. But, David Pack is into extremes, and although he sounds truthful, obviously some of his extreme statements are false.

David Pack did remarry in 2008, hence in that respect it was a turning point. But thus far, his "campus" has not made a "powerful statement to the splinters", as RCG simply does not have the respect of the other groups. Nor has his campus done anything of sufficient note for the other groups to consider much about it.

Wrong Claim in 2011

An RCG member letter reportedly stated:

Please go to God on your knees and ask Him for the faith to do all that you possibly can for God's Work in these waning years of man's age. Know that I have not moved "one inch" from my belief about when the 6,000 years of man's rule are up. It seems almost beyond impossible to me that we have more years remaining than can be counted on one hand. Please bring the same zeal to your Holy Day offerings, as well as Tithe of Tithe and excess Second Tithe, that so many are bringing to the local fundraising effort, and to their willingness to obey Christ's command to "sell all that you have." (Pack D. Member Letter, September 27, 2011)

Presuming that is what he claimed, David Pack is wrong. The 6,000 years will not be up until AFTER 2016, which would be 5 years after that letter is dated. I do recall hearing a sermon from David Pack where he claimed the end would be no later than that time. But he is in error. When David Pack is proven wrong about that, then I wonder what he will say then.

As far as proof and information about when the end of the 6,000 years will be, please check out the articles: The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity's reign almost up? and When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?

False Assertions in 2013

In 2013, David Pack went on a campaign asserting that groups would come together basically, disband, and support him. He also began a weekly series of letters/diatribes where he blasts those not part of RCG and makes a variety of improper statements.

David Pack has a writing titled “God’s People Back Together—SOON!” Here are some quotes from it:

All Will Come Here!...

History will record that The Restored Church of God gathered the flock, to be with Christ, rather than helped to scatter it—as UCG, LCG, PCG, COGwa, COGaic and so many others are doing! The distinction turns on which church has the full truth and much fruit to back up claims that God leads it, not to mention that this Church still must believe there IS only one Church.

Soon, all of God’s people will know what The Restored Church of God is. They will come to remember and recognize the Church that is the same as the one they used to know. They will return to it, or refuse and quench God’s Spirit forever. No one else is telling Christ’s brethren (YOU) this. This is in part because all other leaders have forgotten what God’s Church looks like...

You have been duly warned.

I state emphatically, on God’s authority, that every last person—member or minister—throughout the world who is determined not to lose God’s Spirit—certainly many thousands—is coming to The Restored Church of God.

History has recorded that David Pack is not what he claims to be. Let me state that "all" did not come with the Restored Church of God. David Pack's assertions do not change the truth--he also obviously does not understand Church eras as the New Testament shows at least four types of groups (Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea) at the end who have God's Spirit. And they will not all be part of the same corporation.

David Pack should realize that the Church, according to the Bible and the late Herbert W. Armstrong, is a spiritual organism. Here is some of what Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body” (I Cor.12 : 13)...Notice, now, the FOUNDATION upon which the Church is built…"…upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone"  (Eph. 2:19-20).

Thus you see how the one and only true CHURCH is NOT an ORGANIZATION OF MEN, but a SPIRITUAL ORGANISM . . . This spiritual organism is the "Body of Christ" existing for the PURPOSE of carrying on THE WORK OF GOD.

The resurrected, eternally living Jesus Christ is the HEAD of the Church . . . Now I have shown that the true Church of God is NOT a human organization or corporation, but a spiritual organism, composed of all who have and are being led by the Holy Spirit of God abiding in them. Yet the Church is ORGANIZED. (Armstrong HW. Just what is the Church? Tomorrow’s World magazine, July-August 1970, pp. 3-6)

David Pack can selectively quote HWA and try to misapply writings intended for the time of the Philadelphia era to the time of the Laodicea error, but they do not as David Pack asserts.

David Pack's claims and bullying tactics have affected some, but as he simply is not leading the Philadelphia work, his prediction that "All Will Come Here!," meaning RCG, was a false statement. Those truly interested in the end time work of God may wish to check out the article The Final Phase of the Work and/or watch the video sermon also titled The Final Phase of the Work (the written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra).

More, related, but improper, 2013 assertions

On May 17, 2013, RCG posted the following that David Pack wrote:

The reader should contrast these Friday announcements to the increasing bad news and bad events in UCG, LCG, PCG, COGwa and ALL splinters and slivers of the Worldwide Church of God.

Notice that David Pack clearly is claiming the above about ALL COG-related groups. Since David Pack considers that the Continuing Church of God is a COG "splinter" or "sliver," the above statement from him related to it is FALSE! The Continuing Church of God continues to have increasing good news about its proclamation efforts, additional supporters, and gaining information in additional languages to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of God (for regular details, simply go to the Letters to the Brethren page and read any or all of the letters there). This one fact alone should show RCG supporters and potential supporters that David Pack's bold assertions cannot be trusted as this one related to Continuing Church of God and various others was clearly wrong.

Also on, May 17, 2013, David Pack's writing included the following:

Before returning to Haggai...we officially moved into the new Hall of Administration building on Monday and everything went extremely well...

First recall that verses 12 and 14 both use the term “ALL” to describe the remnant returning to work in God’s House...in weeks to come, it will also become clear why God specially emphasizes that His “covenant” will continue with this people...For now, just know that God is unmistakably clear that this is what happens to such people. In weeks to come, this moment of decision will be more fully explained. We saw that the people are waiting for reunification, but mistakenly believe it is not yet time. When God provides a clear opportunity, He expects His people to ACT—and quickly! I repeat: those who do not—whether laymember or minister, rich or poor, young or old—will LOSE GOD’S SPIRIT!

With this background, we now begin examination of Haggai 2.

Verses 1-2: “In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying…”

The next phase of this prophecy is described as taking place 26 days later—on what is the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (not the Last Great Day). Do not miss the shift forward in timing, and recall that Haggai means “My [God’s] Feast.” Think of this short book as containing a “Feast related” prophecy, but especially in regard to the second chapter. This is one great reason proving the people all return to God’s Church on the 24th day of the sixth month (Elul) of God’s sacred year!...

2:6-7: “For thus says the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come [referring to Jesus Christ’s Return]: and I will fill this House with glory, says the Lord of hosts.”

The period described is obviously the Day of the Lord—when heaven and earth will be shaken, alongside all nations of Earth! This obviously is the time just before the Return of Jesus Christ, Who will be coming to His ONE House. This is why you better get over the idea that God’s people can be in MANY houses. Christ is not only returning to His one House, but He will be coming back to a House currently being neglected because, no matter their feelings or what leaders tell them, most today are OUTSIDE that House.

And his post of June 28, 2103 states:

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.

There was NOT a reunification of Philadelphians involving David Pack. He and his other followers need to repent and leave RCG.

The 24th day of Elul for 2013 equated with August 30, 2013 on the Roman calendar. It has come and gone without RCG getting what David Pack suggested.

He terribly misunderstands parts of Haggai, what the Bible teaches about Laodicea, and many other passages of the Bible.

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

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

David Pack has warned people against following him. No true Christian should.

That Prophet - January 2016

In January 2016, David Pack, following in PCG's Gerald Flurry's footsteps (unique to the Philadelphia Church of God), has in his World To Come broadcast titled Elijah & That Prophet—The 1st Dominion Restoration (Part 4), claimed that he too is "that Prophet." David Pack specifically stated in that video, "Elijah is that Prophet." Thus, he is now claiming he is God's prophet." Since David Pack claimed a year earlier to be Elijah, so he has delusionally added another title to his list that he is not entitled to. In 2013, David Pack pointed out that he was NOT a prophet to excuse the errors in predictions he had publicly made. Apparently now, he feels that error is far enough behind him that he can claim the "that Prophet" role.

Here is something from the New Testament related to "that Prophet":

22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. 24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. 25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' 26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities." (Acts 3:22-26)

Notice the scriptures above do refer to Jesus. Yet, David Pack keeps wanting people to believe that if they do not accept him they will be utterly destroyed. He began that, at least publicly, when he started to first claim he was an apostle several years ago. Then last year, he added to that by claiming to be the prophesied Elijah.

In his World To Come broadcast titled Elijah & That Prophet—The 1st Dominion Restoration (Part 4), David Pack claimed that the scriptures he felt were related to "that Prophet" could not describe Jesus as he said that since God sometimes described "that Prophet," God would not describe God. Basically, seengly David Pack overlooked the fact that their are currently two God beings in the Godhead (see also Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning), and the Father sometimes does describe the Son (Jesus).

David Pack is a false prophet. Those truly interested in knowing what the Bible teaches about prophets in the New Testament should check out the article: How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God.

2012 Critique of Bob Thiel's Who are the Two Witnesses? and Related

On 5/25/12, David Pack decided to write about me as follows:

One blog writer...—introduces his article “Who Are the Two Witnesses” with the following. Note the ambiguous terms used throughout (emphasis mine): “The Book of Revelation describes two individuals who are called the ‘two witnesses.’ Who are the two witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God (COG) taught on this subject? Might Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?

“This article will briefly attempt to answer those questions. Also, please note that the terms may, might, seem, possibly, etc. are used throughout portions of this article—those type of terms are used intentionally to distinguish that certain statements are still unclear. Hence, speculative comments are normally identified, as they may change. But they do attempt to explain information.”

The only thing the writer forgot to say is that “I am ignorant and you should not read one more word.” He continues, “Interestingly, the Book of Revelation refers to the seven Churches as lampstands (Revelation 1:20) and the two witnesses as ‘two lampstands,’ hence the two witnesses are intended to represent the Church [we will later see this is wrong]…”

“Because the above scripture [Zechariah 4] is prophetic, I suspect that the ‘two olive trees...who stand besides the Lord of the whole earth’ are two men currently on earth who are supporting the work of God.”

Then quoting Haggai 2:3-5 about Zerubbabel (who Mr. Armstrong plainly stated he was a type of), the blog writer states (again, emphasis mine), “Of course, since Christ is the foundation, the chief cornerstone (Matthew 21:43) of the temple of Christians (1 Corinthians 3:16), ‘Zerubbabel’ may be a type of Christ—especially since Jesus is specifically prophesied to return (Revelation 17:14) and destroy the kingdom of the Gentiles (Revelation 11:15; Haggai 2:21-23).

“Yet, since ‘Zerubbabel’ saw the original temple and is not recorded as laying its foundation, then perhaps ‘Zerubbabel’ could be someone prophesied…If so, he would help finalize the work, and perhaps God would grant him the faith to flatten a mountain…”

“Because at least one is ‘chosen’ this may be that Zorobabel/Zerubbabel and ‘Jesus’/Joshua are a type of the two witnesses (Zechariah 3:8-10; 4:1-14; Haggai 2:3-5,23). Other scholars seem to have tied also Zerubbabel and Joshua as types of the two witnesses (Jamieson, et al. Commentary on Zechariah 4:11-12. Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary). Since the name Zerubbabel, son of Salathiel (Haggai 2:23, DRB; or Shalthiel 1 Chronicles 3:17, KJV), means descendant of, or born of, Babylon (OT:2216; Zerubbabel. Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary) or “stranger at Babylon,” he may have been born into a family that was part of the religion that will support the final Mystery Babylon of Revelation 17:5. Joshua, Yehowshu’a, seems to mean “Jehovah saves” (Ibid, OT: 3091). This Joshua’s father’s name was Josedech (Haggai 1:12), meaning “Jehovah-righted” (OT:3087). Perhaps the names Zerubbabel and Joshua indicate that one of the witnesses was born into a Roman Catholic family while the other was born into a Church of God family.”

This speculative carnal nonsense is so ludicrous to any with God’s Spirit that no comment here is necessary. The man goes on throughout the article to quote and reference Catholic sources!...

I state without apology and with God’s authority that both of the Two Witnesses will be members of The Restored Church of God! Of this there can be no doubt! (Pack, David C. Where Will the Two Witnesses Come From? posted 5/25/12. Viewed 05/27/12)

Astute readers will immediately pick up on the fact that David Pack provides no true documented facts to challenge my writings. He resorts to his exaggerated assertions combined with the repeated use of insult--he often uses tactics of bullies. This is yet another reason why the falsely-named Restored Church of God is not what it claims it is. Those who read and understand all of this Why Not the Restored Church of God? article should be able to see why the two witnesses will not be part of David Pack's RCG and that he does not have God's authority as he claims. His attempt at using "smooth words" is an attempt to cause problems (Romans 16:17)--he sadly does not understand the truth about many things.

David Pack, in his rush to try to condemn me, fails to realize that the old Radio Church of God and Worldwide Church of God also sometimes cited Catholic sources. Furthermore, Catholic prophecies were the main emphasis of at least two published articles under Herbert W. Armstrong's leadership. If David Pack and others have forgotten this, perhaps they should read my article Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? where I quote from those two articles. Do not David Pack's followers realize that he seems to not understand how the COG has historically used Catholic sources?

For those who do not want to read my articles showing this, perhaps you will read the articles I cited: Hill David Jon.  Christ or Antichrist.  Good News magazine, Radio Church of God, April 1961 and Hill, David Jon. Will you be deceived by Antichrist? Good News magazine of the Radio Church of God, October 1964. These articles clearly prove that the old COG used Catholic sources and prophecies like I have (plus there are numerous other Catholic sources quoted in a lot of the old literature).

David Pack has the foolishness to refer to me as ignorant, suggests people not read another word of my article, then quotes from more of my article, while making it clear to people who know COG history that it is David Pack who seems ignorant about related matters. This is the same David Pack who falsely declared me as part of the Synagogue of Satan earlier in 2012 (RCG’s David Pack Says COGwriter, Dr. Meredith, COG leaders, etc. ‘Part of Synagogue of Satan’), so it is strange that he wants to read more from me. The fact that he is actually reading my articles indicates that perhaps he can repent and become less ignorant, though his latest post suggests that he is overlooking the truth even when it is documented and presented to him.

David Pack seems to also be criticizing me, because I used words like "may" or "perhaps" to distinguish between those statements from the actual word of God vs. how I understand certain matters as until the actual two witnesses receive power per Revelation 11:3 or elsewise, certain aspects of their identity may remain unclear. This is not something he should have despised or criticized, it is something that he, if he truly is part of the COG (which I doubt), should have praised and encouraged (the Apostle Paul, for example, used the word "perceived" in Acts 27:10 and later it was shown that his perception was in error in Acts 27:22). His pride that he is absolutely right on certain matters that are not clear from scripture, his excessive love of himself, his false statements about me and others, his obsession with money, etc. speak volumes about who he really is.

People like David Pack seemed to be warned about in the following scriptures:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

Those who follow David Pack should realize that he fits the above quite well (not every point, but Paul was not saying every one must clearly have all of them--but that there would be people with several of those traits)

For additional proof about his pride and slander, in the same post, David Pack also wrote:

Roderick C. Meredith, leader of LCG, said this about the Two Witnesses: “Malachi 4 teaches...vs. 5, ‘Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD’...Elijah may be one of the two witnesses...They (the two witnesses) have power to shut up heaven, like the original Elijah did...These two men are a definite type of Elijah and Moses. And one of them may be the end-time Elijah” (“The Elijah Question,” sermon, May 19, 2001). Roderick Meredith’s position is utterly false and unbiblical, and contrary to what Mr. Armstrong taught.

David Pack is bearing false witness here. Not only was Dr. Meredith's position on this point biblical, it is in accordance with what Herbert Armstrong taught. L107 from the old Worldwide Church of God is on the two witnesses. Notice what WCG taught about the witnesses being similar to Elijah while Herbert Armstrong was alive:

These two witnesses are two human beings who are given extraordinary power for 3 1/2 years just prior to Christ's return (verse 3). If any man attempts to hurt them before their ministry is up, "...fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies" (verse 5). Note how similar this is to the power given to Elijah (II Kings 1:9-15). They also have power over the rainfall, to produce drought and famine as did Elijah (Luke 4:25; I Kings 17:1-7), and to smite the earth with plagues (Rev. 11:6). Their mission will be to give one final warning (Armstrong HW, editor. The Plain Truth Personal Correspondence Department response on the two witnesses to Mr. and Mrs. Thiel. September 13, 1984).

The above is something that David Pack should have known about as it was not just in a letter to me, but was the official letter from WCG on this. Furthermore, it has been in my Who Are The Two Witnesses? article for years--which presumably David Pack recently read as he critiqued the article.

Additionally, and it has also has been in my Who Are The Two Witnesses? article for years, notice what Herbert W. Armstrong himself wrote:

Therefore it seems that the most logical identification of the two witnesses is the one generally accepted--Moses and Elijah...John the Baptist was NOT Elijah, as he plainly said, yet he came in the power and spirit of Elijah. Compare John 1:21, Mat. 11:14, and the explanation in Luke 1:17. So it is likely the two witnesses will be two men who will come in the spirit and power of Elijah and Moses... (Armstrong HW. What is Going to Happen? The Plain Truth. June-July 1934, p. 7).

Thus, my position is consistent with what the late Herbert Armstrong taught, contrary to the inaccurate assertion of David Pack.

In that same post of 5/25/12, David Pack makes other assertions that his followers tend to accept, that are highly suspect, such as:

You are about to learn what almost no one understands! Ironically, much of it was understood by everyone in the Church when Mr. Armstrong was alive...Again, since prophets hold the second highest office in the Church, this re-introduces, “Where is the apostle with whom the Two Witnesses interact?”

This question never arose before 1986, because the entire Church had thought for many years that Mr. Armstrong would be alive when the Two Witnesses appeared. Since he is gone, and almost all have assumed there will be no other apostle to whom the Two Witnesses can report, this question arises: “How can these men carry out this duty?”

While the Two Witnesses have not appeared as yet, they must report to, and work under—at least until their commission begins—a human apostle.

But while some of that is true, the fact is that Herbert Armstrong never believed that the two witnesses would need to report to an apostle. If so, he would have had someone anointed to be an apostle, but never did--and that was INTENTIONAL on Herbert Armstrong's part according to what I was personally told by his long-time aide Aaron Dean.

David Pack's broad assertions are again, based on opinion, and opinion somewhat removed from the facts. Also the fact that the two witnesses are essentially sent by God, they are sent (apostle means "one sent"). To conclude with the logic that David Pack uses that the two witnesses must report to an apostle is going beyond what scripture teaches or that the late Herbert Armstrong taught.

In his Haggai letter dated May 3, 2013, David Pack wrote:

Mr. Armstrong in time came to realize that he would die, and without knowing Joshua’s identity. It is not the immediate purpose here to identify Joshua. That will come later. But it is important to realize that Mr. Armstrong knew he was Zerubbabel and that Joshua would follow Zerubbabel and be revealed in his time. As with learning that he was Zerubbabel, and then teaching this to the Church, Mr. Armstrong obviously realized that Joshua would similarly learn his own identity and also similarly teach it to the Church.

He followed up with the following statement in his July 5, 2013 letter:

Mr. Armstrong knew the ancient Zerubbabel having been born to a man named Shealtiel had nothing to do with his prophetic fulfillment of this role. The same would be true of the modern Joshua regarding the irrelevancy of the ancient figure Josedech...Of interest, God revealed to me during ELUL four years ago my role as the modern Joshua.

David Pack is teaching that he is that "Joshua" and claims that God revealed this to him four years ago. He is in error on that--whoever revealed that to him, we can be sure that it was NOT the God of the Bible. Some information about Zerubabbel and Joshua is included in the articles Who Are The Two Witnesses? as well as the one titled The Temple and the Work.

Sadly, David Pack is into his own ego and imaginations and does not understand enough of the truth about the two witnesses (for more information, please see Who Are The Two Witnesses?), nor the truth about the Elijah matter (The Elijah Heresies). Note: Herbert Armstrong's writings prove that he was not Zerubbabel, and that quote from him is in the article Who Are The Two Witnesses?

2012 Critique of Bob Thiel's TW: The Rise of Atheism Post

In a bizarre article dated 8/16/12, David Pack has the following title and description of it:

Mr. David Pack’s extensive new article, “Is the Falling Away (II Thes. 2:3) a Coming Worldwide Rebellion Led by the Man of Sin?,” addresses this false teaching head-on and peels away its many layers of carefully crafted deceit.

Every question an LCG member could possibly have about a subject much more important than many believe is covered in detail.

The last statement is false and misleading. The article does not cover in detail every "question an LCG member could possibly have." Having looked into this matter in detail and discussed the subject with various ones in LCG, David Pack's new article is incomplete, from at least my perspective (as well as various ones in LCG).

Furthermore, in that article David Pack falsely posted the following about me:

We could also include here a statement from Rod Meredith’s puppet used to attack others, Bob Thiel, to show how he has quickly fallen into line with the new error/thinking. But his words are better held for later when they can be shown in stark contrast to what he once believed, in his own words...

Mr. Armstrong occasionally cited II Thessalonians 2:3 to illustrate what happened to first century Christians turning away from Christ and the apostles’ original gospel message...

But first, we examine how LCG’s designated attack/spinmaster has quickly stepped in line with the new teaching.

Bob Thiel Reinforces New Belief

Bob Thiel, a widely read LCG “blogger” referenced earlier, has of course publicly weighed in on the new teaching, and also of course supports it by having reposted (adding his own article) LCG’s May 3, 2012 “News and Prophecy” report, under “Rise of Atheism.” You will momentarily read a second public statement from Thiel PROVING that his thinking has flipped...

What did I write? I, Bob Thiel, wrote against atheism and quoted scriptures against not believing in God. The full name of the post was TW: The Rise of Atheism. The fact that I perhaps quoted more of the TW than needed just for that (and which contained some statements that were consistent with a radio broadcast from HWA in the early 1980s on the subject) is no justification for David Pack's false claims about me (I also had no idea a change to LCG's position related to falling away was actually coming out--sometimes the TW News & Prophecy e-zine has contained matters that LCG indicated to me perhaps should have been better edited prior to distributution).

Furthermore, I was never a puppet for LCG. LCG did not review what I posted at COGwriter and rarely comments about it. David Pack is bearing false witness. And of course, when I concluded that LCG had insufficient love of the truth, I left to support the Continuing Church of God. Additionally, I wrote articles such as The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: La Apostasía: Enseñanzas de la Biblia y de la WCG. There are also two YouTube video sermons I did on the subject: The Falling Away Part 1: From the Bible and Church History and The Falling Away Part 2: Positions Presented by Others.

David Pack went further and actually quotes something I wrote in a different article. And while I stand by what I wrote in that article, David Pack goes on and states:

Like me during my GCG years, Thiel could not have posted, and for so long, his next public statement unless it was LCG’s official position for 14 years (and Rod Meredith’s for this and much longer). Thiel also becomes an additional proof that Rod Meredith (and LCG) until recently believed the Church’s long-held position. Originally posted in 2006, but actually updated in 2012, Thiel wrote the following in his article “The Philadelphia Church era,” interestingly, under the subhead “The Command to Persevere”

I, up until May 13, 2012, never asked what LCG's official position was, so saying that what I wrote is proof of what R.C. Meredith believed is irrelevant. David Pack has trouble with the truth here. David Pack may have felt he had to compromise to do what he did during GCG, but as COGwriter I was not under direct supervision of anyone in LCG (nor the old GCG when I was in it)--and left LCG when it was clear that certain compromise was expected.

And even though my position on the falling away matter has not changed, David Pack also falsely posted:

Bob Thiel has clearly changed—and you will soon see that what he fell into is a popular belief in the churches of a world that could not possibly understand the true meaning of II Thessalonians 2:3. Since you can understand, the question becomes: Will you see this deception for what it is? Or will you be just another “Bob Thiel” who goes along to get along because to do otherwise would be to jeopardize one’s standing? Thankfully, some people are not as easy to fool as Thiel.

Yet, if David Pack was interested in the truth, he would have been more careful than to post the above as the above conclusions are mainly lies from his own imagination. I WAS ALWAYS OPPOSED TO THE FALLING AWAY CHANGE--I HAVE PAPERS DATING BACK YEARS PROVING IT--DAVID PACK IS BEARING FALSE WITNESS ABOUT ME HERE--EVEN THOUGH I EXPLAINED THIS TO J. AMBROSE, DAVID PACK STILL (AS OF 7/19/13) HAS THIS FALSE WITNESS UP ABOUT ME. DAVID PACK IS BEARING FALSE WITNESS AND THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO FOLLOW HIM ARE ACCEPTING THE WORDS OF A COMMANDMENT BREAKER!

On May 13, 2012, when it looked to me that change in formal position may be taking place, I contacted the HQ evangelists and urged them to reconsider certain points. Dr. Winnail ended up contacting me late the next month and discussed his idea to come out to see me. Before I played his "Falling Away" sermon, I was told in July 2012 by two LCG ministers that I would probably not have issues with that sermon, so I played it and watched it. After watching it, I contacted LCG and produced several long documents stating my concerns which were sent in July and August 2012.

And if David Pack would have read my old LCG news page he should have been able to guess that I was not going along the way he suggested. May God forgive him of his false accusations here.

David Pack has implied at times because he thinks he is an apostle, that God will back him, even if he is wrong. David Pack's posted conclusions about me are clearly erroneous. God cannot bless falsehoods. I am trying to explain true things, God is the judge, while Satan is the false accuser of the brethren. I have not written false accusations against David Pack--he has done that, however, towards me (he and his staff know full well that if I have, by accident of course, made any factual errors about RCG that I am always willing to correct them--he has had his staff contact me several times in the past and I stand by what I have written; though I am not perfect, can make typos, etc.).

Readers, will you listen to the truth or will you be just another “David Pack” who goes along based on false accusations and assumptions that are not truthful? If you are being another “Bob Thiel” as he calls it, you will have stood for biblical beliefs even if others do not always see it your way. And that is what I have always striven to do.

September 12, 2012 update to this: Apparently on September 12, 2012, RCG updated its article on the falling away related to me. They changed it, which is their right and removed much of what I quoted from them above.

But what is bizarre is that the 9/12/12 update falsely claims/suggests that I changed my falling away position because of emails from other LCG members--that is totally false. It also claims that I tried to hide removing article changes. The following RCG statements, and there are others as well, are totally false:

This part was ellipsed out because Thiel now declares that he did not agree with Rod Meredith. Think. He originally further emphasized and featured the segment we have shown by separately REPEATING it in another place on his blog! Understand! He actually repeated FOR SPECIAL EMPHASIS what he now pointedly disavows having ever believed!...

Here is why Thiel disavowed his previous position and hid the facts. He saw the same thing we have seen since our posting—WIDESPREAD DISAGREEMENT IN LCG WITH ROD MEREDITH’S FALSE TEACHING ABOUT THE FALLING AWAY! He probably got the same avalanche of emails from LCG members that we did. He wanted to be in agreement with the large number in LCG who know this doctrine is WRONG!...How many wrote him? Enough to make him (1) flip-flop, (2) alter his posts to hide his first position, (3) attack us for reporting the truth—and (4) go public against LCG’s leadership.

For years I have had the same "falling away" position. I did not change my basic falling away position at anytime in 2012. To suggest that LCG members pressured me to do so is false--I contacted LCG-Charlotte on May 13, 2012 on my own and I had not ever received any LCG member emails about this prior to my contacting Charlotte (and fairly few since, the RCG claim here is false). If RCG actually read what I wrote in 2008, 2009, 2012, and perhaps other years about this, they could see how ridiculous their false assertions truly are. But at minimum since they apparently read my denial of 9/07/12 p.m., that gave them the dates if they were interested in the truth.

Furthermore, the fact that I removed from my TW: The Rise of Atheism post the portion that went into the falling away, is not an attempt to HIDE anything. As soon as I realized a problem with the article (and I NEVER EMPHASIZED the LCG changed "falling away" portion), I removed the falling away portion from my post--my post was about ATHEISM-- I had made no comment on the "falling away" portion of that TW news item. What I did is totally above-board and I am not trying to hide anything related to this. The fact that RCG is making up motivations about me that are false should hopefully serve as a warning to any looking at RCG that the organization is NOT the main remnant of the Philadlephia portion of the Church of God.

Hurricane Katrina

The RCG website announced September 9, 2005,

Open Letter to the Splinters: In Katrina’s aftermath, Mr. David Pack has written an open letter to God’s people. All of it is a must-read.

And it included this information from David Pack,

New Orleans, the Gulf Coast—and all of America!—are reeling from Hurricane Katrina. Authorities are just beginning to deal with the aftermath...

The unpardonable sin involves willful, deliberate, sinning by those with God's Spirit.

David Pack seems to have a different view. Charles Jahrsdorfer reports the following quote from David Pack's sermon on November 4, 2000:

So then you have to ask yourself the question, " what is it that God is doing?" that people had better not be against thereby blaspheming the Holy Spirit which is Disloyalty and unpardonable. Do you follow me? Let me say it again. We must not misunderstand this. So what is it that God is doing that people must not be against, thereby blaspheming the Holy Spirit which is disloyalty and Unpardonable. No one wants to be accused of disloyalty and if its disloyalty against God, then God says its unpardonable. Now it has to do we already know, its scattering where Christ is gathering. We already know that simply because Christ said so. Woe unto the person who seeks to scatter where Christ is gathering. All right now, how does God work today? ...God is working through people...God uses people to do His work...so clearly, if we are against any of the above...we are blaspheming the Holy Spirit. That's serious. The Church is the body of Christ. The Work that it does...the leaders that it has are all inseparable from the body of Christ. Criticizing it, is criticizing God and the work He is doing...

This is even more amazing as David Pack has written that he believed the door to proclaiming the Gospel was probably closed.

As all once associated with WCG are aware, Herbert Armstrong wrote the following in Just What Do You Mean, The Unpardonable Sin?,

WILLFUL Sinning WHEN one receives the Holy Spirit by God's grace, this Spirit dwelling in him is tentative and conditional SALVATION. But IF one again changes his mind -- changes his LIFE'S GOAL -- takes his eyes completely off the Goal of God's Kingdom, and fixes them PURPOSELY on going back to THE WAY of worldliness and sin -- IF he changes his WAY of life back to the CARNAL WAY of the world, leaving the ROAD he was traveling with CHRIST -- THEN he has set his mind on determined, premeditated, deliberate WILLFUL SIN! IF he decides he no longer WANTS to go GOD'S WAY, deliberately and intentionally changes his OVERALL ATTITUDE, and desires, and CHOOSES the world and its ways -- deliberately chooses a life of rebellion, comes to have contempt and disregard for God's Law, then that man either has done or is in danger of doing despite to God's Holy Spirit which a merciful and loving God had GIVEN by grace! SUCH A MAN is surely in grave DANGER of BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Furthermore, David Pack teaches that the unpardonable sin can be repented of. Charles Jahrsdorfer reports the following quote from David Pack's sermon on November 4, 2000:

So clearly, if we are against any of the above 3 points we are blaspheming the Holy Spirit. That's serious! Now people who may be doing that now, may repent of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

Herbert Armstrong taught:

No ordinary sin, even by a Christian, is unforgivable. Jesus said plainly that ALL sins, and blasphemies -- against even GOD -- even against Jesus Christ -- will be forgiven on repentance. It is ONLY premeditated, thought-out, planned, deliberate, intentional, willful indignity, insult, false accusation against God's HOLY SPIRIT that is unforgivable.

The Bible teaches:

Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come (Matthew 12:31-32)

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries (Hebrews 10:26-27).

David Pack is not teaching what Jesus or Herbert Armstrong taught on this matter. More on this subject can be found in the article What is the Unpardonable Sin?

Laodiceans Are Outside His Body?

David Pack wrote,

While Laodicea means “the people rule, judge, decide,” they are still God’s people, but in a weak and confused condition. However, they do not represent His true Church, and are outside His Body. (Pack D. Where is God's True Church? RCG Booklet. 2005 edition)

This is another change from HWA's church taught, which was "the Laodicean era...they are the Church of God...the "Church of Laodicea" (What is the Laodicean Church? Good News, August 1959). As well as a change from the Bible (Revelation 3:13-14).

While the Laodiceans are weak in certain ways, they are not truly "outside His Body."

What RCG should consider is that the difference between the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the COG and those in the Laodicean era is that the Laodiceans have a different work than the Philadelphians. It is for this different work that Christ condemns the Laodiceans,

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth (Revelation 3:15-16).

Christ approves of the work of the Philadelphians (vss. 7-8).

Probably the articles that are most relevant here are Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? and The Philadelphia Church Era.

David Pack's “Synagogue of Satan” Identified—and Marked!” Sermon of 4/23/12

There is a certain duplicity to David Pack (as his historically selective use of statistics has shown). David Pack's sermon of 4/23/12 titled "“Synagogue of Satan” Identified—and Marked!”" showed some of his duplicity to those who paid enough attention to the details of it.

In one place he states, "We are in the center of the splinter group’s attention" and then indicates that this is why the "splinters" persecute him so much. And yes, the emphasis is him, according to David Pack, not RCG, as he also stated in that sermon:

They are not doing it against you.  They are doing it against me…They are railing against me…There are a lot of attacks.

He, in that sermon, attempts to indicate that this helps prove that RCG is the Philadelphian portion of the COG. But the reality is that the leadership of the other COGs rarely pay much attention to David Pack or RCG and most certainly, none of the major groups consider him to be the focus of their attention.

However, in order to try to get more attention from the other groups, after declaring their groups to essentially be part of and/or led by the 'synagogue of Satan,' David Pack declared:

For spewing mass heresy..the following are formerly and officially marked:

First Roderick Meredith, Richard Ames, Douglas Winnail, Melvin Rhodes, Victor Kubik, Jimmie Franks, Clyde Kilough, Richard Pinelli, David Hulme, Gerald Flurry.  There are others.

Basically, the above are parts of the leadership of LCG, UCG, COGWA, COGAIC, and PCG, which he groups suggests are basically all part of Laodicea. He also decided to somewhat add me (Bob Thiel, AKA COGwriter) to the list when he said:

COGwriter {is} part of the synagogue of Satan.

David Pack himself had been marked by Dr. Meredith years ago.  Also, David Pack got a confused old man to “mark” me once, who then later turned against David Pack (so, perhaps that is why David Pack did not “mark” me personally this time, with other than the improper 'synagogue of Satan' title).

Part of the duplicity in the above is that David Pack seems to be trying to incite others against him so that he can claim that others are against him. But his followers do not seem to understand that or other duplicitous actions/words of David Pack.

Another part of his duplicity is that he commented that, "The counter-attack against this sermon will be ferocious–it has to be." So, he did what he did hoping that some would comment about it, and once it happens, he will claim he was correct that his sermon is being attacked. I would state that my writings about this sermon are not "ferocious," just trying to be accurate. But David Pack will take many comments from outsiders as ferocious or persecuting simply because they point out where he seems to be wrong or perhaps some of what he meant.

A major error that David Pack made in that sermon is not teaching the truth about the 'synagogue of Satan.' David Pack basically is teaching that these are leaders who believed some version of the trinity while in WCG (which is an overstatement at best, and totally false related to some and probably many of the others) and are the persecutors of RCG. He also again took shots against the gospel (he has long had a problem understanding the role of Jesus in that). He admitted that what he teaches about the 'synagogue of Satan' differs from that of the old WCG/Radio Church of God taught, but because he claims to be an apostle and that time has gone on, that he has the authority to change that doctrine.

Notice something that Herbert Armstrong's Personal Correspondence Department taught on this:

But the synagogue of Satan — the church that follows the teachings of antichrist...The "synagogue of Satan" is not referring to a race but to that great church and her daughter churches, who falsely profess to be "Christian" — Jews inwardly! (1956 and 1986 versions)

The old WCG/Radio Church of God taught that the 'synagogue of Satan' was composed of apostates who were not Christian (for details, see What is the Synagogue of Satan?) and those that follow the Antichrist--those who follow some compromised Church of Rome faith, while David Pack falsely is teaching that the COG leaders outside of RCG basically are the synagogue of Satan. He is in error not knowing the scriptures (cf. Matthew 22:29). He also voiced concern that some in the COGs will have some miracle related powers in the future and warned against that; of course since I do not believe that God will grant RCG such powers, but that some of us currently (4/28/12 is when this section was finished) in the true COG will end up with them, perhaps that is why David Pack seems not to understand the power of God (cf. Mark 12:24) and is warning against it.

This is yet another area where David Pack differs from the teachings of the Bible and the old WCG and another where is in error.

For more information on this sermon and the subject of it, please also see the articles RCG’s David Pack Says COGwriter, Dr. Meredith, COGs, etc. ‘Part of Synagogue of Satan’ and What is the Synagogue of Satan?

How RCG is Not Faithful to HWA's Practices

At RCG's website under the article titled Inside the Administration of Restored it stated,

The Restored Church of God is a structured, fully formed organization that resembles The Worldwide Church of God when it was on track doctrinally and still doing the Work as it was done prior to Mr. Herbert Armstrong's death. The biggest difference is that we are, of course, much smaller.

Size, however, is not the biggest difference.

First, as mentioned previously, RCG historically has not placed its highest priority on doing the Work of proclaiming the Gospel, which is what HWA did and taught.

Secondly, as stated in its booklet Why the Restored Church of God? David Pack acknowledges that RCG does not really have a Council of Elders like HWA had, nor did it have much in the way of a field ministry, like HWA also had--thus to say it was 'fully formed' then was a stretch.

Thirdly, RCG is still not on radio or television (but television is to start in September 2012) like HWA was and thus probably does not spend its the same percentage of its money on proclaiming the gospel like WCG did when HWA was alive--RCG has not made financial statements available that I have seen, but comments from those once employed by RCG suggest that RCG (as well as statements by David Pack) does not spend 35-42% of its income on doing the Work of proclaiming the Gospel (RCG's comment about preaching the Gospel as funding allows is similar to statements made by CGCF, UCG, and others it criticizes).

Fourthly, it does not appear to produce financial statements for public distribution like HWA did. RCG members are welcome to send me RCG's financial statements if they have them and I will retract this and certain related statements--but I am not holding my breathe (especially since I originally wrote this years ago and none ever have).

The fifth way RCG is not faithful to HWA's practices, is that it is not focused on the trunk of the tree.

HWA repeatedly warned the brethren to stick to the trunk of the tree and not go out on the limb on twigs. The apostle Paul warned Timothy of the same problem in his day (I Timothy 1). The apostle Paul also warned the Corinthian church of essentially the same thing. In I Corinthians 13:1-6, Paul warns that even if someone has a variety of gifts or even if they have all knowledge, if they have not love they have nothing.

If the RCG really was the continuance of the Philadelphia era of the Church, then it would demonstrate its love for the brethren (which is what Philadelphia means) by being faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20) and HWA by placing its top priority on proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness. Instead, its writings on that subject could be best described as not hot.

The sixth way is the following quote from David Pack regarding distribution of booklets (11/10/2000),

We will not be able to send them to people of other groups, who do have a Church of God background, but who request them as sort of a "collector's item." There are a lot of people who seem to enjoy trying to receive "everything from everybody" while not actually wanting to support God's Work where the full Truth is being upheld. We will be more than happy to have anyone read these booklets online on our second website." We are not suggesting that everyone who asks for our booklets is simply a "collector." Many certainly are not in this category. However, costs do prohibit us from being able to satisfy these kinds of requests and still be able to have these booklets available for the audience to whom they are written.

Herbert Armstrong never had such a policy. He taught (as Jesus did), "Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8).

Similarly RCG's 10/19/01 Bulletin reports:

The Restored Church of God has never been merely a tape ministry designed to feed confused brethren who refuse to support God's Work or return to His Church. Many have grown accustomed to downloading the weekly sermon tapes without making any further commitment. Some will completely understand that this policy has served its purpose. Some may drift away to the ideas of other groups. Others may grow angry because RCG "doesn't act like everybody else."

In other words it appears that RCG was saying was, if you do not send RCG money, do not expect to receive support. Not precisely what HWA's WCG did, nor consistent with what Jesus taught.

Notice that David Pack also wrote:

The Restored Church of God is simply not for everybody. We are the Church of God that is truly not going to bend a single doctrine. We are going to teach people to hold fast to all of the Truth we received from God through Mr. Armstrong (Pack, David C. Should Accusers Be Answered? RCG Booklet. 2000. p.53).

Can anyone with eyes to see claim that RCG has not bent at least one one doctrine?

David Pack claims, "You're not allowed to hold on to your own assets."

David Pack has developed his covetousness for members assets into a doctrine he calls 'common.' This is supposedly based upon Acts 2:44-45. David Pack bragged about 'common' as one of the doctrines he 'restored' in his January 2015 sermon titled First a MOSES, Now ELIJAH--130 Proofs! (Part 1). Towards the end of that sermon, he decides to define some terms that have a meaning in RCG that he says many outside RCG do not know. Common was one:

Also is the term 'common.' Now that's a term we use to describe what you see in the very beginning of the New Testament church within two or three verses of God building His church on Pentecost A.D. 31. In Acts 2, it says they had everything in common. Now God's people today have not been taught that. It was my job to teach it. It's absolutely biblical that what we have we sell, whatsoever we have we give it to God's work. That's why we were called.

You're not allowed to hold on to your own income. It's all through the Gospels, all through the Book of Acts, and frankly all through the Bible that God's people have things in common.

This will be the single greatest reason many thousands will not come back to God's church. But others who see the biblical proof, in verse after verse after verse, of this great doctrine that God has used me to restore. It's impossible to miss it. They will believe that they have to obey it. They will see that salvation is attached to it just as it was with the rich man in Matthew 19. And they will come ready to carry it out.

That's the term common.

You're not allowed to hold on to your own assets.

You have an income. You live a wonderful life. Life goes on normally. But if you were called by God, and you're to participate in His work, and walk in His ways, you have to you have to turn over your assets to God's church. That's the pattern. Acts 2, 3, and 4. It's what Christ said in the last part of Luke 14...

Be planning to do it.

You're going to come to be convinced, if you have the Spirit of God, that I am who I say I am. And Mr. Armstrong is who I say he was, and the Bible says who he was. If I am restoring this doctrine, it is incumbent on you to obey it...

And it won't leave you a pauper. It won't break your life...And there will be those who obey God and those who don't.

And when you hear the term common, think of what I will explain to you, because God uses my office to teach truth, not what God's covetous enemies do not want you to do so that they don't lose your support. That term is very important...

People do not want you to look into the Bible to see what is impossible, impossible to misunderstand--that is the New Testament church had all things in common. Mr. Armstrong didn't see it.

Of course, it is NOT "absolutely biblical" that you have to give your assets to the church, beyond tithes and offerings.

Notice that while God is to be honored with giving, the giver is promised even more assets:

9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Giving all assets is in conflict with various parts of the Bible, like the following scriptures:

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, (Proverbs 13:22)

14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, (Proverbs 19:14)

In order to leave an inheritance to your children's children you would need to have more assets in your possession than are required for just your basic living.  Actually, the NKJV Bible uses the term "inheritance" 254 times, and while some of those references refer to spiritual matters, many are physical.  The NKJV Bible uses the term "riches" 92 times, and these often are in a favorable light for those who have them.  Having personal assets is biblical.

The Bible even warns about those who would take a person's inheritance:

1 Woe to those who devise iniquity,
And work out evil on their beds!
At morning light they practice it,
Because it is in the power of their hand.
2 They covet fields and take them by violence,
Also houses, and seize them.
So they oppress a man and his house,
A man and his inheritance. (Micah 2:1-2)

David Pack and those who supporting him should consider if they have devised iniquity and practicing evil through their attempts at what I view as financial oppression.

While David Pack mentioned Acts 2, 3, and 4. Let's go to Acts 5:

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." (Acts 5:1-4)

Notice the bolded portion. Everyone in the New Testament did NOT turn all their assets over to the NT church. While the NT encourages giving and sharing, it does not state that various wealth Christians, like Lydia the seller of purple, gave away all her assets. Notice the following:

14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us. ...

40 So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed. (Acts 16:14-15)

Notice that it was still HER house later. She still had assets. Notice also the following:

5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. (Acts 10:5-6)

Simon the tanner also had his own house (and I saw the place claimed to be that location in October 2013 when I was in Joppa).

Notice also:

12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. (Acts 12:12-13)

7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. (Acts 18:7)

8 On the next day we who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. (Acts 21:8)

15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house. (Colossians 4:15)

1 To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, 2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house (Philemon 1-2).

While it is true that many in Jerusalem had possessions in common during a time of persecution, it is not biblically accurate to teach that having all in common is required of Christians. The Apostle Peter spoke against that, and the numerous examples of Christians keeping their houses also demonstrates the fallacy of David Pack's arguments. I should also add that the Book of Philemon indicates that Philemon himself had assets, and could even expect the Apostle Paul to pay him back for spending some of them (vs. 19).

Also, the fact that David Pack ties salvation into his 'common' doctrine is also wrong. While it is true that Jesus dealt with a particular person who was too attached to his wealth in Luke 14, the pattern of the Bible, Old and New Testaments, is that God's people held on to their assets, but gave tithes and offerings and tried to be generous (like Abraham, Jacob, David, Joseph of Arimathea, Philemon, etc.). Since David Pack tied Matthew 19 in with salvation, let's look at that:

16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"

17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

18 He said to Him, "Which ones?"

Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 19 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"

21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." (Matthew 19:16-21)

Notice that Jesus DID NOT ask that the money be given to Him or 'the work.' This particular man apparently was too attached to wealth and Jesus said to give all he had to the poor. David Pack is twisting this to teach that unless all assets are willingly given to RCG that one cannot attain salvation.

Now, one scripture that, out-of-context, seems to show David Pack's point is Luke 14:33. But notice the entire context:

25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it — 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:25-33)

This was not telling people to give away all their assets to the church in Luke 14:33. He was telling them that they may have to give everything up, including their families, as they needed to put God first. If David Pack's conclusion was valid, then one would have to conclude that Jesus said that everyone had to get divorced to be a Christian, and Jesus obviously was not teaching that. David Pack tries to twist words for his covetous purposes.

Now, as David Pack should know, the Bible endorses personal asset ownership in the millennium:

4 But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree,
And no one shall make them afraid;
For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. (Micah 4:4)

10 In that day,' says the Lord of hosts,
'Everyone will invite his neighbor
Under his vine and under his fig tree.' (Zechariah 3:10)

David Pack's covetousness and use of deceptive words has misled many (2 Peter 2:1-3). This 'common' doctrine has also improperly impoverished people who listened to him and/or his ministers.

And it reminds me of what some Hindus do.

In 2014, my wife and I visited Bali, Indonesia. While there, I learned that young men are expected to go greatly in debt to make a small Hindu temple with various trappings along with their new home if they want to be married and be properly acceptable to society. The amount of money this costs is excessive, especially for those whose earnings are as low as most Balinese. I remember thinking that this would likely stop people from leaving the Hindu faith because they had so much of their resources invested in it. RCG has been following suit by demanding more than it is biblically entitled--once they have forfeited assets, this is another way that people are bullied into listening to David Pack.

The other point that I would like to make is that 'COMMON' IS NOT WHY thousands did not support David Pack before he taught it. He and his people can try to delude themselves into thinking that the rejection of David Pack's improper 'restoration' is why people will not come with him. Yet, the reality is that he has long had the wrong priorities, doctrine, and focus.

The reality is that David Pack has lacked the proper faith to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom in a manner to fulfill Matthew 24:14. Basically, since at least 2007, he has taught that he needs MONEY to do it. And more than he has. He taught that he thought the Bible was clear that this would happen in 2013 and that thousands would come to him, but that did not happen. So now, instead of admitting that his understanding of Haggai, Zechariah, etc. were wrong, he still clings to the false doctrine, but without a specific date.

As far as who the Bible teaches the work will get done, notice something from Zechariah:

6 So he answered and said to me:

"This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,'
Says the Lord of hosts.
7 'Who are you, O great mountain?
Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!
And he shall bring forth the capstone
With shouts of "Grace, grace to it!"'"

8 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying:

9 "The hands of Zerubbabel
Have laid the foundation of this temple;
His hands shall also finish it.
Then you will know
That the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you.
10 For who has despised the day of small things?
For these seven rejoice to see
The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
They are the eyes of the Lord,
Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth." (Zechariah 4:6-10)

And that is why we in the Continuing Church of God believe we are leading what I have termed the final phase of the work. We successfully reached millions on very little income, because we have not "despised the day of small things" and we know God will be faithful.

It will be through God's Spirit, not a bunch of money or buildings intended to impress those outside of RCG to join with RCG as David Pack has long hoped. Sadly, many are still listening to him and his covetous pleas for money.

Pastors and Evangelists

David Pack was ordained as a pastor-ranked minister and decided that he must be more than that.

In his sermon titled 21st Century Apostle, RCG's David Pack stated:

What is my office? What is my office?...What authority do I have to make administrative judgments different from Herbert Armstrong?...Who is permitted to bind and loose in this age?...Pastors are stationary...It really doesn't apply because I had my reasons...If you know who you are in the body, then it makes sense that the human leader of the church knows his place...of course he knows...now my rank...bad news, evangelists don't do this, they bring good news...Apostle...it means a delegate...with miraculous powers (part 1)

Evangelists...Could there be an evangelist out there who could be the watchman or messenger?...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).

In addition to admitting he makes judgments that differ from HWA (which in other places he implies LCG should not), he contradicts HWA's teachings at least twice here. The first that he was a pastor, but as RCG head not stationary (also see the Mystery of the Ages, page 245). Hence, D. Pack exceeded his authority per HWA's teachings--but that is a point he would probably debate.

The second is that HWA clearly had evangelists give not only good news, but the warning message (see almost any issue of the old Plain Truth magazine as they normally contain articles written by evangelists that contain some part of the warning message)--specifically HWA had evangelists like the lare Dibar Apartian present the World Tomorrow radio program at times. HWA also appointed other non-apostles to do the telecast after his death. These practices show prove that David Pack did not understand the teachings and practices of HWA's WCG--did he NOT pay attention to warning articles written by and sermons given by evangelists? Furthermore, if one carefully listens to this section of David Pack's sermon, one realizes that he simply does not understand God's governance nor the offices that God has established. (He also implies that he seems to forget that Jesus made it clear that the top man should be willing to do the lowest duties.)

Notice that the evangelist Timothy's job included more than simply giving good news, he was the preach the word--not just the good news:

2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).

Also note what Paul wrote about an evangelist in 1 Corinthians 16:10,

Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

Both Paul and HWA had evangelists do the same work they were doing. Neither restricted their teachings or forbade them from giving the warning messages, which D. Pack referred to as the bad news. But he does not seem to realize this--David Pack is constantly relying on his own interpretation of offices of the church as opposed to what the Bible actually teaches. Furthermore, the one title that HWA did not give J. Tkach was that of "apostle," while knowing full well that J. Tkach would have to make administrative decisions that sometimes would differ from HWA himself--so to teach that it was HWA's position that evangelists (who did not apostatize) were not to make administrative decisions seems to overlook the obvious.

God allowed a deacon to give a warning message: 

"You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it." (Acts 7:51-53). 

Thus the Bible makes it clear that one DOES NOT NEED TO BE AN APOSTLE TO GIVE A WARNING MESSAGE! 

Furthermore, if HWA felt that an apostle should have been in charge of the church, he would have had J. Tkach take that title. Instead, not only did he not do that, he specifically told Aaron Dean (who told me) that J. Tkach was not to have the title of apostle. Thus, for D. Pack to claim he is faithful to HWA's teachings and that he must be an apostle is in error.

Surely, those associated with RCG should start to see what is happening there.

The Self-Proclaimed Apostle, Because He Writes a Lot

David Pack also declared in part two of his 21st Century Apostle sermon:

A lot of you are very complementary of the literature, that encourages me...I was forced to write more than any man of any age...What is God's point then in having all this work put in?...

Is it to establish an office?...

Having to write vastly more...than any servant God has ever used before. I just have to accept that...If that makes me a braggart, pray for me...

Why so much literature and why no one else? The answer is that they were not sent...

There is only one organization that is to prepare all things...

Would Mr. Armstrong tell me...I couldn't know? If you say yes, you're saying that he would say to me "Go forward" never knowing that you should.

Because, remember, if I don't hold the highest office from this point forward, now that my mind is on it, I am one presumptuous imposter. I am as fraudulent as anyone you will ever meet...Now keep that in mind...

I have to be the most accused man on the earth other than Herbert Armstrong, and he is dead...

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...

Either this work is fraudulent because an unauthorized man is doing things solely given to the highest office above him or something else has occurred. If it is a fraud, here's what it means, everything comes to an end...

If the highest office in RCG is not an apostle...then I was not sent by Christ. (part 2).

I believe it is quite presumptuous for David Pack to conclude that Herbert W. Armstrong would tell him to go forward at all. Perhaps like at least two of the evangelists that Herbert Armstrong ordained suggested to him, Herbert Armstrong (if alive) would also suggest that David Pack repent of his rebellion.

It appears that to a significant degree, David Pack is claiming that God (according to David Pack) used him to write more literature than any other servant of God of all time, and this is proof that he is an apostle.

This is NOT a standard listed anywhere in the Bible. Mainly rewriting booklets previously written by Herbert Armstrong is not the type of proof that any serious student of the Bible would accept. I

Have you supporters of David Pack "searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11)?

Are you aware that the Bible warns not to be like those who think they will be heard because their many words?

For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. (Matthew 6:7-8).

Notice that when the Apostle Paul listed the proof of his apostleship, he neglected to mention writing, even though he wrote more books of the New Testament than anyone else. Consistent with Jesus' comments about fruit, Paul mentioned those truly converted as the seal of his apostleship:

Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord (1 Corinthians 9:1-2).

Where are all the baptisms and permanently improved lives at RCG?

Furthermore, if David Pack was able to write this literature because he was God's apostle, would God allow him to make so many mistakes with it?

Would God allow His most prolific writer to contradict scripture and say that John the Baptist was not a prophet?

Would God allow his end-time apostle to not understand about Church eras and improperly state that Laodiceans are not part of the true Church?

Would God allow his apostle to continually and inaccurately accuse a leader of the Church of God even when that "apostle" knew better on many of the points?

Have not others seen mistakes in David Pack's literature? The existence of which he uses as a major proof that he is an apostle?

Notice what Jesus taught:

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matt 12:36-37).

Note that the article you are now reading mainly cites David Pack's own words as proof for its conclusions.

As far as David Pack's writing goes, in late March 2015 I received the following in an email:

Dr. Thiel,

    I emailed you earlier about the booklet "How Often Should The Lord's Supper be Taken" and mentioned that the RCG site had the booklet. I read the booklet by Herbert W. Armstrong on your site and also read the booklet by Mr. Pack on the RCG site. There is VERY LITTLE DIFFERENCE in the two booklets. I have noticed this before with Mr. Pack's booklets compared to others from other sites. How he can put his name on the cover as the author is something I cannot understand. Have you heard this from others? I am sure I am not the only one that has noticed this. You have from time to time made comments about things he has said and predictions he has made. He needs to be shown for what he is.

My response included the following:

Yes, others have indicated that they noticed that what David Pack supposedly did was to slightly rewrite some of HWA's materials and put his name on them.  The reality is that actually, he had someone else do a lot of the slight rewriting.  How do I know this?  The re-writer emailed me when he left RCG and told me about it.

David Pack's writings certainly should not be accepted as proof he is God's apostle.

Furthermore, I am reasonably certain that I have written more than David Pack has. And my content is more original and more up to date.

Whosoever has ears to hear, let him hear!

David Pack Says You Must 'Sell All' for Salvation

David Pack's fascination for funds seems to have no limit. In 2017, David Pack's part 78 of his The Greatest Untold Story! sermon series starts off online with a summary that includes the following statement:

• Emphasized how the command to “sell all” (Luke 12:33) is tied to salvation.

No, selling everything one has is NOT tied to salvation. The context of Luke 12:33 was a man who was too tied to riches, not that all Christians had to always sell everything and have nothing. The Church of Rome seems to suggest one can buy salvation (see Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory?), but Jesus did not (cf. (Mark 10:23-27, 12:38).

Anyway, here is some of what part 78 of David Pack's The Greatest Untold Story! sermon states relating to selling all:

Turn over to Luke 12. Luke chapter 12…and we’ll pick it up in verse 32. Finally, I understand this, Luke 12:32: “Fear not little flock….” Now, Christ tells…speaks generally to all his servants…don’t be terrified and don’t be troubled, but here it’s phobeō—don’t fear little flock. How many times have you heard me…The ministers must have almost gotten bored, if you will, at how many times that…there’s something there. Is it just wars, rumors and commotions? Maybe. Maybe. But what else? Just actual fear: “…little flock…[it’s] your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” and then three things are said, in context.

Of all the things Christians are to do, it says, first, in two long verses actually: “…Sell that you have, and give alms…[Now, I’m going to be a little stronger about this.]…provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches…[There’s a thief coming! How many thieves do we need to read about in the Bible? There aren’t that many!]…neither moth corrupt. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (vs. 33-34)……

There are four things: Fear not; sell all; keep your loins girded, and your lights burning. And the “early birds” do this first. I’m going to show you that everyone who comes back into the flock, into the sanctuary, has got to do this as well, but in a different context. So you’ve got to do it, the question is: How hot do you want it to get?! How many phases of the fire do you want to go before you have to do it? Because you can’t be saved—what must I do to inherit eternal life? Matthew 19. You’ve got to do that. Some of you have already done it.

I just want to take a moment here, because we’ll just dwell on this. I normally don’t. I give it a “lick and a promise,” a sentence here, a sentence there, but I truly fear…I truly fear for those who don’t sell all that they have. You can’t play games! And now you know it isn’t, you can sort of play games—you’re going to be forced to make a decision—I will…or I will not…obey that command found all the way through the New Testament and sent out in articles. That’s the fuel for the fire.

You can begin to understand, if people begin to delay, God might, for a little while, hesitate because not enough fuel hit the fire, or maybe they’re not, for some other reasons, ready. And it may hesitate, not of what God decides, but on what we do, what we decide. So “if it hesitate” makes perfect sense. It depends on what we’re going to do. I could never get comfortable…What would God do to hesitate? Is the world not ready or something? What?

David Pack's ego, greed, bullying tactics, and lack of true compassion are affecting RCG. One day I expect RCG to have severe financial problems.

The call again for RCG members to sell everything they have is consistent with that.

Sadly, David Pack continues to use covetous words and causes the way of truth to be blasphemed (cf. 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Did David Pack Warn People in Advance to Not Follow Him?

In a sermon given on December 12, 1998, Bill Sheppard reported that David Pack stated :

I want to make a statement about...me...now, if I became deceived, I will never tell you what I'm going to tell you now...I am telling you if I go off into strange ideas, misconduct, rebellion, you name it, don't follow me. I want to tell you that now, because if I start doing that I'm gonna try to get you to follow me! I'm gonna come to you and tell you it doesn't apply, it doesn't mean me, no, no, no, no, no, no, it's OK to follow me because ABCD and XY and Z. Do you understand what I'm saying? Listen to me now, when I tell you don't follow me if I go off into weird ideas, or if I get off into other things that are total absolutely unscriptural conduct, because if I do I'm gonna paint it with a different face and try to get you to follow me. Do you understand what I'm saying brethren? Please remember that, because I promise you that if I become deceived, I'll forget it, and I'll want you to forget it...And I hope you'll remember it well enough to quote it right back to me...But I'll tell you what, I'm not going anywhere. (http://home.neo.rr.com/lilshep/bill/information.html#follow 8/02/06).

I believe that the above is proof that God warned people, through David Pack, not to follow David Pack! Note: The Bible is clear that God sometimes uses those He condemns to providing warning messages (two such examples would be I Kings 13:20-32 and 22:22).

Do you really want to be deceived? And should you liquidate your assets and send them to David Pack?

Notice also something from an email I received late on September 6, 2013:

As a former member of RCG, I have been following Mr. Pack's dramatic and equally delusional "Special Announcements"...

Mr. Pack wrote the following in the 2nd paragraph of page 48 of his 2008 (reprinted 2011) book entitled IS "THAT PROPHET" ALIVE TODAY? - The Rise of False Prophets: "If a man predicts an earthquake...or any other major event for a specific date, and it occurs even a few hours into the next day...this is a failed prophecy, disproving the prophet’s authority! Close is not good enough. Actually, the chilling truth is that being close means that the man is connected to EVIL ELEMENTS IN THE SPIRIT WORLD!" (emphasis his). Was he aware that he was writing about himself?

David Pack fulfilled his own criteria for being a false prophet by August 31, 2013. And notice that David Pack's criteria is that predictions had to happen no later than when "a man predicts" otherwise he is false. Cannot those in RCG see this?

More Related to the Self-Proclaimed Apostle

In part 2 of David Pack's sermon, 21st Century Apostle, he stated: 

David Pack's Earlier Actions

The Bible warns not to hear an accusation against an elder unless brought by several sources (I Timothy 5:1). For a long while I would not post any of the accusations against David Pack, but scripture suggests that one should take such accusations seriously if brought by many sources.

Perhaps before going further, I should also add that David Pack has written:

Recognize that some will quickly dismiss this list—and probably outright. Of course, leaders must do this, and will generally choose one or both of two methods. First, they may return to the old pattern—yet again—of assassinating the character of RCG’s leader, because they could not compromise him in ways that this list reveals. Second, these leaders will need to find fault with certain tiny aspects of the list so that the more gullible will dismiss the entire list. But the evidence of gross doctrinal compromise and error is overwhelming for those who “anoint their eyes” to see—and who want to recover (Pack D. How LCG's Teachings Differ From Those of Mr. Armstrong and RCG. RCG website 8/05/06).

There are three points I wish to make. The first is that I went through David Pack's previous list in detail to show that he has mischaracterized COG teachings or simply misunderstood Herbert Armstrong (please see the article Did Roderick C. Meredith Actually Make 26 Doctrinal Changes?). And second, as this particular article shows, I have documented that David Pack has compromised himself away from the teachings of the Bible and the biblical practices advocated by Herbert Armstrong. And third, I believe this article provide some of the evidence of gross doctrinal compromise and error is overwhelming for those who “anoint their eyes” to see.

But in this section, I will mainly cite others who have had extensive personal dealings with David Pack.

Norman Edwards, who once worked with David Pack in GCG wrote,

Dave Pack has been a wolf in shepherd’s clothing and should not be any kind of minister or servant among the people of God. The only apology I will make for that statement is for not having clearly stated it sooner in the pages of Servants’ News. I base this conclusion on direct personal experience and the testimony of dozens of witnesses. Dave Pack is a brilliant man, a powerful speaker and a commanding personality. He has the ability to stir people into thinking they are special to God and that they are being used in a powerful way when they work for Mr. Pack. For those who work “on his side”, he is able to see everything they do in the best possible light, and to have unending mercy to overlook their sins and errors. But to those he opposes, he seems to have an unending ability to recall minute details of years-old conversations and twist them into the greatest of sins. Many witnesses claim that he simply made up lies about them and spread them to others in a most believable fashion. Several people have specifically said that they did exactly what Dave Pack asked—unjust as they thought it was—only to be disfellowshipped for it later (Edwards, Norman. Continuing the Work of WCG. Servant's News. Jan/Feb 2000).

Most former employees of RCG have not been positively disposed toward David Pack. One family, the Papays, brought up several points which any can read if they wish (here is a link to the letter from the Papays). For the record, I should state that I personally spoke with Mr. and Mrs. Papay to verify that they did write this letter and that they stated that everything it contained was true.

Bill Sheppard had a web site in which he has many letters from those once affiliated with David Pack which all essentially suggest that David Pack is not one that those wishing to be faithful should probably follow. Here a link to Bill Sheppard's old site; this link will give the reader even more reasons to understand why I have concerns about David Pack. One of those letters is from former RCG Trustee Tom Munson. In it, he documents some of David Pack's questionable actions--also it in, he documents how David Pack violates his own teachings on make-up, tithing, and church attendance-- three areas of 'heresies' he seems to claim that others commit!

Jim Leighty, the another RCG departer, spells forth his reasons for resigning from RCG. Shortly after Jim Leighty's resignation, David Pack posted the following,

"Editor's Correction February 21, 2001 In a recent sermon (Nov. 4, 2000) I made an isolated reference to the unpardonable sin as something that can be forgiven. I misspoke! I did not mean to say this and it cannot be justified. I should have corrected it sooner. I would like to genuinely thank those who brought it to my attention. For those who are concerned with this matter, I have posted a more extensive explanation."

Sadly, David Pack did not publicly correct other doctrinal errors he made in that sermon.

An individual who was a minister in RCG sent me the following in October 2011:

I'm a former minister of the RCG who was disfellowshipped and fired in June for accusations about Zec 3 and being accused of calling David Pack's counsel of elders "filthy rags" - Joshua's filthy garments - and I also disagreed with his claim to be a High Priest an office held by Jesus Christ. My wife and I were harangued for two hours by this vain narcissistic tyrant who cares little for those of age and whether or not he destroys their lives, and I have evidence that he has done the same to many others...

I hold no animosity toward David Pack or any of his ministry, I came to see that the work he is doing is about vaunting himself as well as coning his members with clever sermons, into disposing their assets in favor of RCG so he can build an empire. He claims an apostleship which is false he claims to follow Mr. Armstrong, but simply took his literature embellished it with his own thoughts and ideas and palmed it off as truth. Mr. Pack is a clever man who knows his Bible well, he has used this wisdom, to do a work that on first appearance looks like the real thing, but over time one wakes up to the realization of what Paul warned about in II Cor11:13 that it is simply a work of the flesh he he will bear the consequences of his actions.

My hope for him is that God will show him exactly what he is, what he has done and what he is doing, so he to may have the opportunity of facing Christ in the not to distant future and enter into the kingdom of God. I can send you all the correspondence I have emails, back and forth, an agreement they wanted me to sign as well as a letter from RCG attorney to substantiate what I have told you, of course you understand once you post what I send, you will receive an email from Jeffery Ambrose denying, or justifying my disfellowship and firing from RCG...

Kind regards

Michael venish

While some may conclude that the above opinions are tainted because the individual is no longer an RCG minister, some of those statements seem consistent with how some others tend to view RCG and David Pack.

Jeffrey Ambrose

11/03/18 p.m. Banned by HWA posted the following purportedly from RCG about why Jeffrey Ambrose is no longer with them:

Dear brethren,

Greetings from a cool and breezy Headquarters. We hope this finds all of you doing well and enjoying a profitable week.

As would be expected, trials continue to come upon God’s people to build up their faith and patience so characterized by the “poor of the flock” (Jam. 1:3; Zech. 11:11). Coming off of a most joyous and uplifting Feast, it should be no surprise that Satan would try to rob us of “our days of prosperity” (see Ecc. 7:14). In the remaining time we have until Christ returns to Earth, it is not strange that God would allow these final tests to prepare His people. Sometimes this comes upon the whole Church when a senior leader departs.

We regret to inform you that Mr. Jeff Ambrose and his family have decided to leave the Church. They bear no ill will and expressed their personal gratitude to Mr. Pack for having lived in such a beautiful place for the last couple of years.

He offered an open explanation as to why they felt they could no longer continue. In his resignation letter, Mr. Ambrose expressed that they had “a fundamental difference in belief.” He has very carefully assured us that he has no plans to attack anyone but rather desires to leave quietly and in peace. He also clearly stated that he has no intentions of starting his own group or joining any other religious organization. It appears that after a lifetime in God’s Church, he wants to leave the ministry and organized religion altogether! (Keep this in mind when you listen to Part 145 this Sabbath.)

Additionally, Mr. Ambrose stated that “fairly serious, and permanent, health problems” caused by stress as the other driver compelling him to take action. This is never a reason to leave God’s Church! No one knew the full extent of his difficulties and he never sought advice from any us—even the medical doctor who was in the office next to him.

Obviously, this is not easy news for any of us to receive. The Ambroses have been in the Church for many years and served in various facets of the Work. As we did here, we are sure you are battling the same shock of this announcement. Rest assured that everyone on our Headquarters staff, Mr. Pack and all the ministry, including all our field ministers, are doing well. Everyone understands that this has happened before and is the pattern of centuries in God’s Church. No one is shaken.

The apostle Paul—whom God used to record the identity of the Man of Sin and warn the Church for three years during his time—knew himself that we only understand prophetic events “darkly,” meaning obscure or enigma (I Cor. 13:12). In the context of this is where God explains the most important thing for all of us to build is godly love, that is keeping His commandments in order to build His character and qualify to become part of His Family (I John 5:3; Ecc. 12:13; Eph. 3:15-20). It is vital that we do not lose sight of this—the Big Picture and ultimately the end goal. Time is short and this age is growing very thin!

Remember, our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8). Do not give him an opportunity. We should all take this announcement as an admonition to pray for one another, fellow brethren in Christ, as we near the end. We hope that we will one day see the Ambroses again in God’s Church and pray that it will be much sooner than later.

Your steadfastness and faithful service are greatly appreciated, and we are praying for you daily. Stay fervent, stand firm, be sober and watch unto prayer—our salvation is sooner than we thought.

Mr. Pack will add additional comments and context throughout the sermon given at Headquarters this Sabbath (heard on November 3). In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local minister.

In Christ’s service,

Brad Schleifer and Greg Kaidannek

I have prayed for Jeffrey Ambrose over the years, and also did a few days before that announcement came out. Hopefully, he will now be willing to see the truth.

Letters From Two RCG Ministers Who Resigned in 2020

In his resignation letter from the Restored Church of God, Gregory E. Kaidannek had the following (note: the numbering starts twice below, the total looks to be 69 listed changes according to the following):

Looking back today, it is not difficult to see that truth has been slowly departing from the RCG (hindsight is 20/20). After studying Haggai and Zechariah for a lengthy time (and a notable prediction) the Pastor General, began a new series at The Feast of Tabernacles in 2015 centered around “ the Temple of the Lords House being built IN the last days… (Isa 2; Micah 4)” and “…the first Dominion being set up” (Micah 4:8). This later became 266 messages (and counting) titled “The Greatest Story Never Told” (NOTE: the word STORY as you continue to read). Along the way the narrative has changed, reversed, changed, reversed, changed, reversed etc. so many times in incredibly confusing fashion that very few brethren can keep up. Most do not even know or fully understand what they are supposed to believe anymore concerning the most important events yet ahead. ...

God’s words to those of Philadelphia, “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Rev 3:7-11) ...

In his first 30 reasons sermon (instrumental to those leaving the WCG in the 1990s) Mr. Pack even states the following, “if HWA was wrong on so many points, why was this the only era that was never criticized by God?” How soon we forget!  ...

Please review the list and take the time. You should. Be honest and ask yourself “have I held fast what I have?” And could my Eternal “crown” be in jeopardy? (new teaching is in bold – in some cases old teaching is not mentioned for obvious reasons): 

1. Present Truth –truth can change depending upon how a man wants to read it vs. the truth that was delivered and canonized for all eras of the Church to learn i.e. General Epistle. **This has been the mantle by which anything can be changed on a whim. 

2. Apostles can’t get doctrine wrong – i.e. infallibility vs. they can privately interpret and be in danger of becoming castaways – some can even be “ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” – think 266 messages and counting.

3. Prophets do not have to be spoken to by an angel, receive an utterance, or a vision vs. God’s clear outline that they do (Numbers 12:6) 

1. Prophets can be wrong on multiple dates (over 2 dozen times Apr 2019-Jan 2020) while stating “on God’s authority” vs. Duet 18:22 stating you should reject them and not fear them. ** do not forget his latest prediction after re-announcing himself just this week! 

2. A man can call himself a Prophet and then take it back and assume the role of Apostle after being wrong repeatedly then re-assume the role of a Prophet 

3. An apostle’s job is to “forecast” future events vs. Preach the gospel, warn the nations, and teach the truth to God’s people 

4. Apostles can also be Prophets at the same time (see Point 3) 

5. That Prophet – Elijah - DCP vs Christ 

6. Joshua is also Elijah vs. a Levitical Priest 

7. OT Passover Date – 15th ABIB vs 14th (Lev 23) 

8. “Evening” Exodus 12:6 no longer means exactly “between the evening" DUSK – the period between sunset and darkness vs the slaughtering of the lamb happened on the 14th and could never have happened on the 15th 

9. Night to Be Much Observed is really the 21st of Abib vs 15th (Exodus 12:37-41) 

10. Predestination – God knew our names and engineered our births before the world was created (Calvinism) vs. God did not engineer rape, incest, divorce, adultery for 6000 years because He turns away from sin (Isa 59:1-2) but Predetermined to Call those who “were of a poor and contrite spirit” when it was the optimum time for them to succeed.

11. “Animal People” – people who were simply made “animals” from the beginning vs made in the image and likeness of God who He wants to eventually have an opportunity for Eternal Salvation 

12. Bodies like Christ – not yet Eternal vs. Christ who is Eternal and was glorified like He was at the First after His Resurrection.

13. Two Stage Salvation vs. Salvation = Eternal Life 

14. Angels cannot be Holy vs. Anything in God’s presence or with His name is Holy (i.e. vessels, ground, days, garments, Throne, unconverted children, etc.)

15. Angels in Revelation are Saints 

16. “Sure Mercies of David” – means David C Pack vs God’s Promise referenced multiple times in scripture to have a descendant of David sit on the throne until Christ does (Isa 55:3; Acts 13:4;II Sam 7:14-16; II Sam 23:5) 

17. The Twig of Isa 11 – Elijah - DCP vs. Ancient Resurrected David (the tree is Jesse – trunk and roots – Ancient David is a twig and Christ grows out of the roots)

18. King David disqualified himself and lost his role in the Kingdom and David Pack will assume it – Psa. 89 vs. David was given an everlasting promise as a man after God’s own heart and Christ repeatedly made reference of him in a positive way in the NT 

19. Last Great Day has two meanings – the 8th (Great) Day after the Feast of Tabernacles and ALSO the Last day of Unleavened Bread vs. ONLY the 8th (Great) Day after the Feast of Tabernacles 

20. Secret coming of Christ “slipping from a cloud” vs like manner simply meaning Christ will come again in the clouds 

21. 7th and 8th Heads are separate systems vs. there are 7 heads and the 8th Head is OF the 7th as part of the same system 

22. Two Tribulations – a bad one and then a Great One vs. One Great Tribulation 

23. Israel is resurrected twice – this generation and then all who have ever lived vs. Only once for all those who never had a chance 

24. The Father is coming with Christ vs. much later - Rev 21:3“Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with men and they shall be His people and God Himself shall be with them and be their God.” 

25. Three Kingdoms – 4 phases - each interrupted by uncontrollable evil vs. 1st phase Holy Spirit in us, 2nd phase birth of 144,000, 3rd phase all those who have ever lived get a chance 

26. God of the OT who interacted with mankind is also the Father vs. only pre-incarnate Christ (the Word) because no one has seen or heard God (John 1:18; I John 4:12; I Tim 6:6; Acts 7:38) 

27. Some people have seen and spoken to the Father vs. plain scripture stating otherwise (John 5:7; John 8:58; Exodus 3:14- 16) 

28. The Devil can Create vs. God is the Creator of Life 

29. Clear scriptures were “over-read” vs. we believe God’s word for what it says because it is refined 7x, pure and perfect 

30. We are going to the 3rd Heaven to receive salvation vs Meeting Christ in the air, being changed and ruling on earth 

31. Revelation does not apply to us or the last generation before the Kingdom- seals, horsemen, beasts, etc. vs. it ties directly to Matt 24/Mk 13/Lk 21 

32. Christ is not the Lord of Hosts – (see point 26 & 27)

33. Christ is not King of Kings – (see point 26 & 27) 

34. There are 4 separate “thief in the night” events

35. There are 5 judgments 

36. The Day of Christ is not the Day of the Lord 

37. There are TWO days of the Lord 

38. Unconverted rebellious adult children get first chances at salvation vs. they get treated as others do 

39. Day of the Lord is just a day vs. one year 

40. Grace is simply “gratefulness” vs. a gift to be grateful for (i.e. Eternal life which no man can earn). Unmerited pardon! 

41. The Ezekiel warning after the Kingdom arrives vs. before the Kingdom and the sword is coming! 

42. Ezekiel (also Elijah/Joshua at the same time), who has received salvation, but also a Prophet vs. a prophet has always been a position held by a man without yet having salvation 

43. First commission NO LONGER includes the Ezekiel warning 

44. Doing the Work is the Campus FIRST – then preaching a Gospel 

45. Key of David may be government vs. knowing where the tribes of Israel and throne of David are today 

46. Deut. 28/ Lev. 26 do not apply to this generation in Israel 

47. All the NT saints who died in the faith must be resurrected back to physical life to go through a final test – some with gifts, some saved, but not yet God beings vs. they had their chance for salvation and may have lost reward if they never fell away 

48. Christ is returning to Wadsworth (Joseph) not Jerusalem 

49. Col. 2:16– refers to a specific sequence events vs. Holy Days, Sabbath, New Moon (Being an outline) picturing the plan of God 

50. Rev 10 – 7th angel is David C. Pack vs an actual angel 

51. 7th angel sounds before 1-6 get to 

52. All the angels of Revelation 2 and 3 are the same angels that blow the 7 trumpets vs. the angels that blow the 7 trumpets occur after the Church eras are complete 

53. There are two New Heavens and New Earth Events 

54. Old waste places and lands are healed for 1 year in the KOG then the Father changes out the “ball”/earth vs. a thousand years of utopia before a new heavens and a new earth 

55. Parables are more literal than parabolic 

56. David C. Pack was the first minister to ever teach “no man can know the day or the hour” vs an understanding, paragraph after paragraph in WCG literature stating otherwise dating back to the original Bible Correspondence Course

57. It is a sin to have hope – you must have faith –Ministerial Conference Lecture/Sermon 2019 vs. faith, hope and love. 

58. Behemoth is a dinosaur vs. Baluchitherium PT March 1964 (pg 16, 41-42) (Job 40:14)–“ was made with you” – i.e. during the re-creation week) 

59. If you believe that “no man can know the day or the hour” you have a lazy mind 

60. Place of Safety applies only during the 2nd KOG 

61. Elijah is the fig tree making Christ the vine in the statement – “every man will sit under his own vine and fig tree” vs. literal vines and fig trees in a utopian society 

62. The word read in Revelation means “know again” meaning Revelation had to be revealed? vs. the book being revealed – the name of the book means Apocalypse – a Revelation – to rip the cover off and reveal, to disclose. 

63. I Sam. 2:35– faithful priest is David C. Pack 

64. There is a second 70 year’s prophecy for Jerusalem in Jeremiah vs. the Ancient prophecy ending in 609-539 BC 

65. Christ does not need to finish his 69th week (i.e. 3.5 years) vs. He needs to finish it 

66. Blindly follow Church Government vs. Prove all things with an open Bible and HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD (I Thess. 5:21)

67. …more to come – error always begets more error 

(**by the time you read the list it may already be out of date as things change so often)

Read and re-read the list. Add others if you can think of them. Do your research. Use old Church literature and free resources online from past literature produced by the Worldwide Church of God. Ask yourself the hard questions – “is this going to get better or worse?” “Do I honestly believe these new teachings?” “can I prove them?” “do I have faith in them or in a man?” “Does deception get better on its own?” “Should I continue to sit at the foot of a false prophet while he prophesies?” “What was my baptismal commitment? – the only reason to leave the Church is if truth has left the building” 

I waited a long time before taking this step.

In Christ’s service,

Gregory E. Kaidannek

Minister

Let me state that, in the past couple of years, there were so many new errors and heresies in RCG there was not much point in bringing them up. Now, not everything Gregory E. Kaidaneck listed was a heresy--for example the Apostle Paul was ALSO a prophet. And without more details on some of the above, they are not clearly defined.

But for over 20 years, I warned that RCG's priorities and focus was wrong--and it certainly still is. As I have written here before, I consider that David Pack is often a bully and I doubt His conversion.

Apparently, there are other changes as well. In his resignation letter from the Restored Church of God, Brian Kaidannek, father of Gregory, had the following:

From: Brian Kaidannek 
Sent: September 19, 2020 9:05 PM

Subject: Hold Fast That Which is Good

 

Greetings brethren,

The time has come when I must speak. I am charged to protect the sheep from false teachings, and I can no more remain silent as the meaning of the Holydays comes under further attack. This is changing times and seasons. Leviticus 23 and Exodus 13 are plain scriptures which explain the spring Holydays and exactly when they occur. The Jews in Old Testament times confuse them, and that confusion remains to this day. Now we have followed suit. Mr. Pack has ignored what we all once knew that even is dusk or twilight, which is the time between sunset and darkness. There is only one even or evening in each day and it is at the beginning of the day. Look in Genesis where God says “… and the evening and the morning was the first day.” etc. Passover is completely separate from the NBTO. It is a violation of the rules of Bible study to go to an unclear scripture in Ezekiel and make a doctrine in the face of the clear scriptures mentioned above.

We have seen over the last few years how the teachings of a faithful apostle, who was the apostle to the Philadelphian era, an era which God had nothing bad to say about in Rev. 3, become destroyed and or altered. How could this era have been so wrong in it’s understanding?

... We also now teach a Calvinistic type of predestination which was never taught in the previous era as this type of teaching will lead into even more heresy as time goes forward. Read our Predestination booklet, it still has it correct. Which leads me to a significant point. Our literature, in many cases, more closely reflects what we taught in the past and is far different from what is being taught in the church in sermons and so many come looking for a group that teaches what Mr. Armstrong taught and we now have a type of bait and switch going on. This is simply wrong! ...

Mr. Pack, who declared last Feast of Tabernacles that he was a prophet and had been for some time then went on to make a plethora of predictions of when Christ would return, none of which obviously came to pass. ...

Again his prediction failed and he proved himself false. How can we sit at the feet of, and listen to, this false prophet?

Many have said, “This is a test of our faith”, and to a degree that is true. But brethren this is not the first apostacy that I have encountered. ...

We are told to hold fast that which is good. What we are hearing IS NOT GOOD!

David Pack, the one who originally claimed that RCG stood for "precision of doctrine" has made many changes that are not good.

RCG reported the following:

Church Administration 

Sun 2020-09-20 5:46 PM


Dear brethren,

Greetings from Headquarters. We trust that you had a profitable day of Trumpets. The Work continues to surge forward despite a world growing darker.

Yesterday evening, some of you received an email from either Brian Kaidannek or his son Greg, stating they are no longer in agreement with the teachings of God’s Church. These emails came not long after Mr. Pack’s recent comments were posted. Sadly, it appears that Brian Kaidannek followed his son out of the Church. ....

Greg Kaidannek’s portrayal of his time at Headquarters is flat wrong. As one who has been in scores of meetings, there is always a chance to ask questions. His problem was not questions; it was attitude. Personal spiritual issues (not prophecy) led to him being demoted in rank (which rarely happens) and given a field assignment over a small congregation. God is patient and merciful, so we hoped that this correction and re-assignment would help him develop the heart of a shepherd and learn to focus on others. His letter made it evident that he chose not to address his problems, but instead justified his transfer and allowed bitterness to set in.

Brian Kaidannek was fully aware of his son’s issues. He agreed this was the right move to help him. In private discussions at Headquarters, we were concerned that if Greg Kaidannek left, his father would follow him. Again, sadly, this proved accurate.

Brethren, please understand that the ministry must walk a fine line when giving you details when someone leaves.

RCG has been losing ministers for some time. And while it is correct that all details are not usually appropriate to be made public, the reality is that RCG has a lot of wrong and contradictory teachings.

Jesus' Criteria

Strength of character is much more important than strength of personality. I do believe that strength of personality is why many are in RCG.

Paul warned that there are:

...false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Notice that Paul said there are deceitful workers who transform themselves into apostles of Christ, but can give the appearance that they are ministers of righteousness.

Just because someone may display confidence and try to sound like he is an apostle, that does not make him one. Recall that Revelation 22:15 states that those who love and practice a lie will not be in the kingdom. If David Pack is not clearly and 100% absolutely an apostle, those who support him anyway are loving and practicing a lie.

How does one tell?

In addition to heeding the warnings from the contradictions in RCG's literature, notice what Jesus taught:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them (Matthew 7:15-20).

So what are the fruits? Well, it seems to wish to look important with its building and other projects.

The numbers RCG seems to focus on are related to the internet, and even that is relatively new--one should not be mesmerized by its new "download counter"--there is a huge difference between getting internet hits and being converted (Luke 15:10). Philadelphia love should be a fruit if RCG was who it claimed to be, but it seems not to be there.

Wrong Focus

As a long-time member of the Church of God, I have always felt that RCG has the wrong focus. This was confirmed when (in 2006) I spoke with one who attended RCG services for a while. He stated that RCG does not seem to tolerate certain respectful questions or opinions and tends to be unnecessarily harsh.

He mainly told me that RCG is strict and picky about real minor issues. For example, he stated that he was disciplined because he gave an opening prayer at services that exceeded 45 seconds. He thought he only spoke a minute or so, but said he was told that by the local RCG leader that he went on and on.

He mentioned that one is only allowed to close a prayer with two or three fairly specific statements, and that those statements cannot sound "Protestant." I asked him if a statement is accurate or even a biblical paraphrase, can it be disallowed because Protestants tend to use to it? And he said yes. I told him that even though the COG is NOT Protestant, it is ridiculous to not use biblically appropriate statements just because the Protestants sometimes do. I believe this is worse than straining a gnat, as Jesus taught:

4 "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' " (Matt 4:4).

The fact that Protestants and others outside the Church of God quote or paraphrase certain parts of the Bible, this definitely does not mean that we within the COGs should not refer to those portions of scripture. We are to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

He also told me that RCG puts great emphasis on points such as having the top button of a suit coat buttoned if one is speaking at the lectern. He also mentioned other similar items that reminded me of the Pharisees.

Makeup is also a very important issue with RCG.

Have they not read the following?

Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (Matthew 23:28).

RCG tends to focus on unimportant and insignificant traditions (which they claim are highly significant).

Notice what Mark wrote:

"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men--the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." And He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition..." (Mark 7:8-9).

Notice Jesus' teaching:

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and 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! Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (Matthew 23:23-28).

I have always felt that RCG had an issue of ignoring the important and focusing on the unimportant. RCG seems to have problems with justice and mercy (and, I believe misunderstanding faith). It is a sign of a Laodicean emphasis to miss the point and to be self-satisfied that items of less importance are important. Additionally, David Pack's love of money, which he seems to want to try to show-off, is similar to the problems that the Pharisees of old had (John 16:14).

According to Strong's, Philadelphia means "fraternal affection," "brotherly love," "love of the brethren," "fond of the brethren." While the Philadelphians show the love of God by placing their top priority on proclaiming the Gospel to the world as a witness (as Jesus and HWA taught), RCG does not. They seem to be like the old-time, Pharisees and lawyers. Notice what Luke was inspired to write:

Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves (Luke 7:30).

An article of related interest may be Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees?

On 6/30/07, I looked over some of David Pack's book THE WORK OF GOD Its Final Chapter! Sadly, David Pack simply does not understand prophecy correctly as he really does not discuss the final chapter of the work of God (for those interested, please read the article The Final Phase of the Work or watch the CCOG sermon titled The Final Phase of the Work). His approach and focus has long been wrong. Instead, he is mainly explaining why he feels that RCG is doing the work, that he writes a lot, and why the internet is the vehicle RCG uses. Some day, if David Pack is interested, I would be happy to explain to him more about the truth about THE WORK OF GOD Its Final Chapter! But I do not believe that David Pack believes that he can be wrong. Those who agree with David Pack will learn that they are mistaken.

Herbert Armstrong's Criteria

What about Herbert Armstrong? The one that David Pack originally stated he follows so precisely?

Herbert Armstrong made it clear in his Autobiography that conversions and baptisms were the fruits of proper gospel proclamation--this is part of why he stated that CG7 was part of Sardis, the dead church (see Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong, Volume 1, 1973 edition--note that the Tkach Administration edited out nearly all the references to Sardis and Philadelphia in the 1986 edition it sent its then membership--please see the article Did You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made? for many of those unauthorized edits).

In his sermon, Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era, Herbert W. Armstrong set two criteria for the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God that most who were once part of WCG have ignored (these are also mentioned in the article Did You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made?).

These two criteria are totally consistent with the two criteria that Jesus set in Revelation 3.

1. The Philadelphian have the Philadelphia work and go through the open door (Revelation 3:8) to proclaim the gospel to the world as a witness as their top priority.
2. The Philadelphians believe and teach all the 18 truths that were restored to it by holding fast (Revelation 3:10-11) to them and not focusing on twig issues (like Makeup).

And while RCG may some day change its operations and priorities it misunderstands the message and its priorities are elsewhere.

Several After the Fact Positions

When Chris Lomas joined RCG, he claimed I was in error as he claimed the following from an RCG booklet:

...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...(Lomas Chris. Why I left the LCG. October 23, 2006).

The fact is that this article (prior to his writing that) acknowledged that RCG has come to a variety of conclusions after the fact. Let's go over three of them here.

1) RCG has HWA's priorities.

Well, RCG's original priorities according David Pack were:

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).

While after the fact RCG may have changed the above order, the fact is that it still appears to me to operate with its priorities as David Pack originally stated. To me, its focus seems to be to keep telling its members to tow a Pharisaical line while mainly trying to get its Pharisaical message to those in other COGs. True Gospel proclamation is not truly its true top priority.

Recall that it was David Pack who also 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).

The truth is that the change to place proclamation of the gospel as RCG's top priority only came after those in RCG viewed early editions of this article and decided that they needed to change their literature. Perhaps they should credit this article for assisting them in that point?

2) Writing a lot makes one an apostle.

After he decided he had no choice but to essentially re-write much of HWA's writings do to copyright concerns, David Pack declared that his volume of writing essentially proves that he must be the apostle he appointed himself to be.

Again some quotes from David Pack in part two of his 21st Century Apostle sermon:

A lot of you are very complementary of the literature, that encourages me...What is God's point then in having all this work put in?...

Is it to establish an office?...

Having to write vastly more...than any servant God has ever used before. I just have to accept that...If that makes me a braggart, pray for me...

Why so much literature and why no one else? The answer is that they were not sent...

Because, remember, if I don't hold the highest office from this point forward, now that my mind is on it, I am one presumptuous imposter. I am as fraudulent as anyone you will ever meet...Now keep that in mind...

Mr. Armstrong was a Apostle. Yes brethren I hold that office. I do...

Either this work is fraudulent because an unauthorized man is doing things solely given to the highest office above him or something else has occurred. If it is a fraud, here's what it means, everything comes to an end...

If the highest office in RCG is not an apostle...then I was not sent by Christ. (part 2).

But again, this was an after the fact reason.

3) Internet reach is proof of being the true church.

Years after, LCG, UCG, Barnabas Ministries (and probably even the COGwriter site) reached 193 nations, RCG's website stated:

Reaching all 193 nations (most are reached every week) is another undeniable proof that the all-powerful, living Jesus Christ heads and directs but one Church and Work—The Restored Church of God! (Pack D. Major Milestone—All 193 Nations Reached! 6/23/06 on the internet).

Again, if reaching 193 is the undeniable proof that Jesus Christ heads and directs but one Church and Work, then what about those who did this before RCG?

For many years, even the COGwriter site has often been more popular than RCG's site, so why did RCG not declare it had more undeniable proof of being led by Jesus Christ?

It is not that there is never an after the fact valid reason for anything, but I believe that RCG has done this a bit too often to be taken seriously.

2008: The Great Turning Point?

Here is some of what David Pack taught in his nearly three hour RCG 2008: The Great Turning Point sermon in Dec 2007/January 2008:

I've been waiting a long time...for the phase of the work that is now upon us...the work will grow large...this next phase begins this year...

Every aspect of our website...will be remodeled...We are going to spend a lot of money. Well into the six-figures...

We are the largest religious publishers in the world...

A new building is now necessary...A new world headquarters' building for God's work...We are planning to break ground this year...We proposed phasing four buildings in our plan...

The campus does the work of God...it will also make a powerful statement to the splinters...

We are going to have a building fund...it is part of the grand pattern of the past.

Well, what really happened in 2008 is that RCG's internet presence seemed to drop quite a bit (his Alexa ranking on 12/31/08 was 173,111, which is a lot worse than the year prior). RCG's 2008 internet reach seemed to have been less than 2007 (RCG stopped reporting 2008 figures by the Spring of 2008 after I pointed that out--but resumed in the Spring of 2010--RCG often stops reporting numbers when they do not go the way David Pack wants them too).

I had to listen to his "We are the largest religious publishers in the world" twice to be certain that he actually made that seemingly outrageously inaccurate claim. But, David Pack is into extremes, and although he sounds truthful, obviously some of his extreme statements are false.

David Pack did remarry in 2008, hence in that respect it was a turning point. But thus far, his "campus" has not made a "powerful statement to the splinters", as RCG simply does not have the respect of the other groups. Nor has his campus done anything of sufficient note for the other groups to consider much about it.

Wrong Claim in 2011

An RCG member letter reportedly stated:

Please go to God on your knees and ask Him for the faith to do all that you possibly can for God's Work in these waning years of man's age. Know that I have not moved "one inch" from my belief about when the 6,000 years of man's rule are up. It seems almost beyond impossible to me that we have more years remaining than can be counted on one hand. Please bring the same zeal to your Holy Day offerings, as well as Tithe of Tithe and excess Second Tithe, that so many are bringing to the local fundraising effort, and to their willingness to obey Christ's command to "sell all that you have." (Pack D. Member Letter, September 27, 2011)

Presuming that is what he claimed, David Pack is wrong. The 6,000 years will not be up until AFTER 2016, which would be 5 years after that letter is dated. I do recall hearing a sermon from David Pack where he claimed the end would be no later than that time. But he is in error. When David Pack is proven wrong about that, then I wonder what he will say then.

As far as proof and information about when the end of the 6,000 years will be, please check out the articles: The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity's reign almost up? and When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?

False Assertions in 2013

In 2013, David Pack went on a campaign asserting that groups would come together basically, disband, and support him. He also began a weekly series of letters/diatribes where he blasts those not part of RCG and makes a variety of improper statements.

David Pack has a writing titled “God’s People Back Together—SOON!” Here are some quotes from it:

All Will Come Here!...

History will record that The Restored Church of God gathered the flock, to be with Christ, rather than helped to scatter it—as UCG, LCG, PCG, COGwa, COGaic and so many others are doing! The distinction turns on which church has the full truth and much fruit to back up claims that God leads it, not to mention that this Church still must believe there IS only one Church.

Soon, all of God’s people will know what The Restored Church of God is. They will come to remember and recognize the Church that is the same as the one they used to know. They will return to it, or refuse and quench God’s Spirit forever. No one else is telling Christ’s brethren (YOU) this. This is in part because all other leaders have forgotten what God’s Church looks like...

You have been duly warned.

I state emphatically, on God’s authority, that every last person—member or minister—throughout the world who is determined not to lose God’s Spirit—certainly many thousands—is coming to The Restored Church of God.

History has recorded that David Pack is not what he claims to be. Let me state that "all" did not come with the Restored Church of God. David Pack's assertions do not change the truth--he also obviously does not understand Church eras as the New Testament shows at least four types of groups (Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea) at the end who have God's Spirit. And they will not all be part of the same corporation.

David Pack should realize that the Church, according to the Bible and the late Herbert W. Armstrong, is a spiritual organism. Here is some of what Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body” (I Cor.12 : 13)...Notice, now, the FOUNDATION upon which the Church is built…"…upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone"  (Eph. 2:19-20).

Thus you see how the one and only true CHURCH is NOT an ORGANIZATION OF MEN, but a SPIRITUAL ORGANISM . . . This spiritual organism is the "Body of Christ" existing for the PURPOSE of carrying on THE WORK OF GOD.

The resurrected, eternally living Jesus Christ is the HEAD of the Church . . . Now I have shown that the true Church of God is NOT a human organization or corporation, but a spiritual organism, composed of all who have and are being led by the Holy Spirit of God abiding in them. Yet the Church is ORGANIZED. (Armstrong HW. Just what is the Church? Tomorrow’s World magazine, July-August 1970, pp. 3-6)

David Pack can selectively quote HWA and try to misapply writings intended for the time of the Philadelphia era to the time of the Laodicea error, but they do not as David Pack asserts.

David Pack's claims and bullying tactics have affected some, but as he simply is not leading the Philadelphia work, his prediction that "All Will Come Here!," meaning RCG, was a false statement. Those truly interested in the end time work of God may wish to check out the article The Final Phase of the Work and/or watch the video sermon also titled The Final Phase of the Work (the written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra).

More, related, but improper, 2013 assertions

On May 17, 2013, RCG posted the following that David Pack wrote:

The reader should contrast these Friday announcements to the increasing bad news and bad events in UCG, LCG, PCG, COGwa and ALL splinters and slivers of the Worldwide Church of God.

Notice that David Pack clearly is claiming the above about ALL COG-related groups. Since David Pack considers that the Continuing Church of God is a COG "splinter" or "sliver," the above statement from him related to it is FALSE! The Continuing Church of God continues to have increasing good news about its proclamation efforts, additional supporters, and gaining information in additional languages to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of God (for regular details, simply go to the Letters to the Brethren page and read any or all of the letters there). This one fact alone should show RCG supporters and potential supporters that David Pack's bold assertions cannot be trusted as this one related to Continuing Church of God and various others was clearly wrong.

Also on, May 17, 2013, David Pack's writing included the following:

Before returning to Haggai...we officially moved into the new Hall of Administration building on Monday and everything went extremely well...

First recall that verses 12 and 14 both use the term “ALL” to describe the remnant returning to work in God’s House...in weeks to come, it will also become clear why God specially emphasizes that His “covenant” will continue with this people...For now, just know that God is unmistakably clear that this is what happens to such people. In weeks to come, this moment of decision will be more fully explained. We saw that the people are waiting for reunification, but mistakenly believe it is not yet time. When God provides a clear opportunity, He expects His people to ACT—and quickly! I repeat: those who do not—whether laymember or minister, rich or poor, young or old—will LOSE GOD’S SPIRIT!

With this background, we now begin examination of Haggai 2.

Verses 1-2: “In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying…”

The next phase of this prophecy is described as taking place 26 days later—on what is the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (not the Last Great Day). Do not miss the shift forward in timing, and recall that Haggai means “My [God’s] Feast.” Think of this short book as containing a “Feast related” prophecy, but especially in regard to the second chapter. This is one great reason proving the people all return to God’s Church on the 24th day of the sixth month (Elul) of God’s sacred year!...

2:6-7: “For thus says the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come [referring to Jesus Christ’s Return]: and I will fill this House with glory, says the Lord of hosts.”

The period described is obviously the Day of the Lord—when heaven and earth will be shaken, alongside all nations of Earth! This obviously is the time just before the Return of Jesus Christ, Who will be coming to His ONE House. This is why you better get over the idea that God’s people can be in MANY houses. Christ is not only returning to His one House, but He will be coming back to a House currently being neglected because, no matter their feelings or what leaders tell them, most today are OUTSIDE that House.

And his post of June 28, 2013 states:

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.

There was NOT a reunification of Philadelphians involving David Pack. He and his other followers need to repent and leave RCG.

The 24th day of Elul for 2013 equated with August 30, 2013 on the Roman calendar. It has come and gone without RCG getting what David Pack suggested.

He terribly misunderstands parts of Haggai, what the Bible teaches about Laodicea, and many other passages of the Bible.

More on the August 30, 2013 Falsely Predicted Date

David Pack long has had a false hope that once he built at least part of his hoped for headquarters buildings, that those in the COGs would flock to him. He decided that portions of the Book of Haggai pointed to the fulfillment of his dreams on August 31, 2013. Here are some more statements from his posts related to his fantasy:

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 was NO BIBLICAL PROOF whatsoever that RCG could be right about this. God was not "moving miraculously to reveal" this August 30th lie date to David Pack, though Satan might have (cf. Ephesians 2:1-2). RCG did not have more than 13,000 Philadelphia-era Christians by August 30, 2013 (which is about the number it would have needed to be larger than the largest COG 'splinter'). How much has RCG been preparing for something that did not happen? If they truly listened to David Pack, it would be a lot. A lot of wasted time and effort.

Before the August 30th date, I wrote:

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 and 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 enthusiatic 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 messager is his role? Yet, he does and people in RCG accept this blatant falsehood.

In 2013, 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. 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' was supposed to be August 30, 2013. This did not happen (and if I was supposed to be one of the three shepherds that was supposed to die, like one who sent me the notes told me I was, it didn't happen--nor did any other known COG leaders die that day). David Pack's speculations were 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).

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, was very 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 their own self-interest for loyalty.

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 Laodecians (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)

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)

While David Pack tries to claim he is not a prophet (and certainly he is not a prophet of God), the reality 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.

People in RCG have been hearing a lot of David Pack counsel that does not come from the God of the Bible. David Pack, in my view, has long been a spiritual oppressor. It would seem sinful for any to remain part of RCG. See also, RCG: Can you see the ‘handwriting on the wall’? Your emperor has no clothes! and RCG: The Real Truth.

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 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).

David Pack's Explanation of His August Failure

David Pack posted information on September 6, 2013 attempting to have people overlook his clear errors.

Before getting to that, notice an email I was sent late September 6, 2013:

As a former member of RCG, I have been following Mr. Pack's dramatic and equally delusional "Special Announcements" as well as your updated comments in CCOG's News section regarding his false predictions. You are likely aware of his latest, Special Announcement #26, just posted today. Early, in paragraph 3, Mr. Pack states, "Earlier announcements have been corrected." HE WASN'T KIDDING! I went back in my MAC's history in an attempt to resurrect the original postings but to no avail. One of them, Special Announcement #21, originally entitled "Why Reunification THIS YEAR!" , changed before my very eyes to "Why Reunification SOON!" Hopefully, you or someone has kept the original copies of these "announcements." This man is doing everything in his power to blind his members and maintain his power.

So, what did David Pack write?

I will explain a week after the Feast EXACTLY what was misunderstood about the prophecy’s timing. It appears we will not be waiting a long time--not another year--for its fulfillment. (Earlier announcements have been corrected.)...

Before covering vital points and scriptures that all should now keep in mind, it is of course obvious there was an error in the prophecy’s timing. There may be other details that are wrong. I always knew this and said it to the Church more than once...

Of course, some may just go home. Unavailable to you will be healings, blessings and almost daily exciting announcements of God’s Church and Work. (Just view our “Behind the Work” film right after the Feast of Tabernacles to see the sharp contrast with your group.) Or would you rather support the exciting Work of God being done in His Church, under His government, in His full truth, while experiencing the peace, joy, love and unity only possible in one Church?

The only real alternative you have is to follow Christ’s Spirit back to His Church.

Think hard about what you will do. You do not need to wait until our next “Fruits” letter highlights how we continue to explode in growth and the reach of the Work while other groups do not. You need not miss out.

Do not stake your salvation on the timing of the Haggai/Zechariah prophecy. I repeat a final time. (Pack D. How Long Will You Wait for God’s Prophecies? 09/06/13 http://rcg.org/sep/how-long-will-you-wait-for-gods-prophecies)

David Pack spent months on his earlier announcements, now is "correcting them." He is now indirectly admitting error without indicating a need for his repentance. David Pack claimed to speak with God's authority about Haggai 2 and August 2013 and was clearly wrong. RCG is NOT doing "the Work" nor is it leading the final phase of the work (see also The Final Phase of the Work here is a related YouTube sermon video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra. There is also a sermonette length video titled Leading the Final Phase of the Work).

David Pack made a big deal about his details prior to August 30 and now he does not want people to realize that he was acting in the capacity of a false prophet.

Recall that the Bible teaches:

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)

However, it seems to me that people in RCG are afraid of David Pack and his words about the Church and salvation keep them afraid. Yet, since David Pack is a false apostle, his teachings about his church being the right one, etc. are wrong. People need to believe their Bibles above the words and writings of David Pack.

Now, to attempt to excuse himself, David Pack also wrote:

I join the apostles who misunderstood certain prophetic timelines. (But so have all of you old-timers in the Church done the same.) I could not deny what appeared to be the obvious year of this incredibly unique prophecy—unlike all others where one could not know the year, such as the day of Christ’s return. With one of my roles to warn God’s people, I could not just pass over the timing-related elements of the prophecy. The prophecy carried a certain urgency. (Pack D. How Long Will You Wait for God’s Prophecies? 09/06/13 http://rcg.org/sep/how-long-will-you-wait-for-gods-prophecies)

Yet, this is in many ways a red herring argument. While various true apostles felt that certain matters would occur in their lifetimes, no true apostle ever wrote that so much would happen in a particular day and month that did not happen. Of course, false apostles like Ronald Weinland of the Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God did.

But there is no proof that any other apostle said something would happen in a few weeks or on a specific date and not had it happen. But this has historically been true of false prophets and false apostles. And David Pack is a false apostle.

I believe that part of why he plans on sending out other letters is to try to hold on to more in RCG between now and the end of the Feast of Tabernacles. Hopefully, many in RCG will see that there 'emperor' has no cloths and is clearly not God's apostle (RCG: Can you see the ‘handwriting on the wall’? Your emperor has no clothes!). David Pack has in the past directly and indirectly belittled me, yet, I was always right about August 2013 and he was always wrong.

David Pack is still wrong about Haggai 2 and people need to realize it was more than just the date he was wrong about. He is not 'Joshua' nor God's apostle as he claims.

David Pack's post also included the following:

We have the numbers! It is clear that some brethren ARE “considering their ways.”...

I will explain a week after the Feast EXACTLY what was misunderstood about the prophecy’s timing. It appears we will not be waiting a long time—not another year—for its fulfillment. (Earlier announcements have been corrected.) Next Friday, I will post another one detailing three crucial elements that were previously unexplained, with three more to be explained after the Feast.

Make no mistake. THE PROPHECY STANDS. Because it was never my prophecy, but rather God’s, it WILL come to pass. The whether and what of the prophecy have not changed, only the WHEN...

If you stay where you are, you have chosen to continue under false leaders in a place of division and deception, one drenched in false doctrine and under a false government, all while witnessing accelerating collapse around you. (Pack D. How Long Will You Wait for God’s Prophecies? 09/06/13 http://rcg.org/sep/how-long-will-you-wait-for-gods-prophecies)

So, David Pack is asking for more time, while also trying to claim he had some success. But what he said would happen did not. While he is referring to other groups about false leaders, he needs a mirror. David Pack has proven to be false once again. And this should be dramatic enough for all interested in the real truth to realize that. David Pack did not repent, which to me at least, is additional proof he is not truly part of the Church of God. The "numbers" he referred to today pale in comparison to HIS ASSERTIONS AND BOASTS earlier this year. The August 30, 2013 date MOST CERTAINLY WAS DAVID PACK'S--IT NEVER WAS GOD'S. David Pack seems to wish to pass the blame to God, but the blame is clearly on his shoulders for being wrong.

Notice something David Pack previously wrote:

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)

What he wrote above did not come to pass. Perhaps I should that one of the reasons that David Pack gave for his August 30, 2013 date was so people would have enough time to change from going to other Feast of Tabernacles' sites, to RCG sites. And obviously, thousands did not do that.

Notice in his "Final Announcement" post of August 2, 2013, David Pack posted:

“Notification” by God

Some weeks ago, when explaining the year that the prophecy is fulfilled, I listed perhaps two dozen reasons for 2013. There are perhaps twice that many more reasons that have been listed by those of us inside the process of learning what God is doing. There is no point in enumerating them all because they would merely be lampooned by scoffers and mockers who in many cases might not even respond to the prophecy when they SEE it! For those who wish to be objective, but who take as a starting point that they do not believe the year of the prophecy’s fulfillment is 2013, ask why you disagree with the internal elements of the prophecy itself. I have put in a great many hours preparing what you read because there is value in getting people to think about what will happen BEFORE it happens. The Final Announcement. August 2, 2013, http://rcg.org/sep/the-final-announcement)

Thus, David Pack indicated that God told him about August 2013, which is blatantly false and that he spent MANY HOURS preparing that post. So, his error was no accident. The fact that he called that post The Final Announcement (while making another today with future ones planned) reminds a lot of Ronald Weinland of the Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God as he used terms like "final warning" and "final witness," yet continued to spue out his error after being proven wrong. David Pack's coming explanation of "three crucial elements that were previously unexplained" also reminds me of some of Ron Weinland's improper explanations.

David Pack's followers need to pay closer attention to the Bible than David Pack's assertions and boasts. Notice the following:

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

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)

David Pack clearly has caused the way of truth to be blasphemed by CLAIMING to be part of the Church of God, while publicizing predictions that were proven to be false. And he has long used 'covetous words.' Sadly, those in RCG seem to want to follow a false apostle. Hopefully, that does not include you if you have followed him in the past.

David Pack Claims that RCG Had the Most Fruits in 2013 of any COG--Yet it Really Seems to have Had the Most False Prophetic Fruits

On January 16, 2014, David Pack posted the following:

An Open Letter to All WCG Splinters

The Restored Church of God: Fruit Found Nowhere Else!

BY DAVID C. PACK

For five years, starting after 2009, I have written an Open Letter about The Restored Church of God to all of God’s people. This will be the longest and most inspiring of the five. You will want to read every paragraph—each one is loaded!

As 2014 arrived, 2013 had brought one proof after another that humanity is utterly failing—in EVERYTHING!...

The FRUITS of this world—SATAN’S world—are ALL BAD!...

Jesus taught, “You shall know them by their FRUITS” (Matt. 7:16, 20)...

But The Restored Church of God DOES have the fruit—TREMENDOUS fruit!—that the other organizations lack...

Our income crossed well into the eight-figure mark, and, for instance, significantly exceeded COGwa’s announced 2013 income of $10.3 million, despite its being several times our size...

The Hall of Administration was completed in 2013 and gives us almost 42,000 sq. ft. of beautiful office space...

Make no mistake. The Haggai/Zechariah prophecy will be fulfilled.

The above posting also basically spent time going over various measures and programs that RCG has been engaged in that I do not feel are particularly relevant as I consider that David Pack is a false apostle (2 Corinthians 11:13). He also claimed since RCG's income is not down that this is proof of his fruits/blessings--I consider that they are further indication of his bullying tactics. Eventually, I believe that RCG will have problems in the financial area, as well, however (cf. 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Let me comment that by the time 2014 arrived, it proved that much of what David Pack claimed would happen with others coming to his church in 2013 was false.

Probably no other claimed COG group (I do not consider that David Pack is truly converted, but he might have been and could now simply be delusional), made as many publicized prophetic blunders and proof of being false as RCG did. Despite failing so badly with his false predictions and prophetic interpretations in 2013, David Pack is calling 2013 a big success. Napoleon tried the same stunt regarding his failure in Egypt, but because of limited of communications centuries ago, he got away with it. In the 21st century, those in RCG are really without excuse. RCG failed terribly in 2013 and ABSOLUTELY PROVEN THAT DAVID PACK WAS FALSE.

David Pack has long indicated that having fancy buildings was his goal--and he seems to consider that as an important fruit, which I do not consider to be a fruit--years ago he indicated that this would get those in the 'splinters' (his term) to want to support RCG--but that has not happened to any significant degree (there are often changes in affiliations). As far as the Haggai/Zechariah prophecies, those will NOT be fulfilled as David Pack has claimed. I said that earlier in 2013 and was proven right, while David Pack's insistence on that and his original August 30, 2013 date were proven wrong.

Now, since David Pack referred to Matthew 7 and fruits, let's specifically read what Jesus taught:

15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 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 7:15-20)

Notice that Jesus' statements were in reference to prophetic fruits. Do people in RCG care about what Jesus actually taught about this? David Pack had the false prophetic fruits that Jesus warned about. Other groups like Ronald Weinland's Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God had similar fruits, but they were less dramatic in 2013 than some other years. RCG seems to have made the boldest, most reported, prophetic ones that were proven false in 2013.

Those actually interested in learning about organizational fruits for 2013, may wish to watch the online sermon: Sermon: Continuing Church of God first year anniversary: What has been accomplished?

Those interested in learning about prophetic fruits and where they are at should consider studying the article: How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God.

Notice also the following a former RCG member sent me in early July 2016:

News from RCG. Kevin Denee, one of two evangelists, and his wife Jennifer, David Pack's daughter, have left the church. I believe Jennifer was in charge of all the bookkeeping and finance. This is a significant event. No word as to where they may be going. David Pack must be shaken as now none of his children are with him.

RCG will have more problems than this.

David Pack Comes Up with More Wrong Dates for 2014 and 2015

David Pack posted the following on October 11, 2013:

This will be my last announcement for some time. It brings additional aspects of the Haggai/Zechariah prophecy to completion…

I have been well aware for over 40 years in the ministry of Mr. Armstrong’s position on setting dates. But in the case of the Haggai prophecy, I and every minister at our Headquarters concluded that the prophecy came in a manner that was inseparable from timing—that timing was directly attached to it. Later you will see what part of this thinking was wrong. (Pack D. A Conclusion Everyone Should Read. October 11, 2013. http://rcg.org/sep/a-conclusion-everyone-should-read viewed 10/11/13)

Let me interject that most of the thinking RCG put out on Haggai and Zechariah this year, and not only a small part of it, was wrong. It is interesting that David Pack is trying to implicate people who felt pressured by him to agree and also blame them for his errors.

Also in that post, David Pack (I decided not to post all of it) basically blamed Herbert Armstrong for errors, essentially suggesting that there was no difference between 1972 and August 30, 2013. But years before 1972, Herbert Armstrong taught that it was not likely going to be the end then, whereas David Pack pushed his position until late August 2013.

Anyway, David Pack also wrote:

Originally we took the “sixth month” to be the sixth month of God’s sacred calendar, which is Elul. This was wrong. Upon closer examination, it became clear that the reference to the “sixth month” is simply to the sixth month and second year of King Darius’ reign from when it started…A series of clues point to Haggai 1:1 being in the SPRING of the year, NOT the fall.

Haggai 1:1 records the third overall date—the first day of the sixth month. This would be early March our time.

The fourth date is in Haggai 1:15—the 24th day of the sixth month. It describes the people coming to work in God’s House. Again, this would be about April 1 in our calendar.

The fifth date is in Haggai 2:1—the 21st day of the seventh month—and would be late in April. We originally thought this was the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, but it would be more like right after Passover.

The sixth date is in Haggai 2:10—the 24th day of the ninth month—and continues through Haggai 2. This would be the equivalent of late July…

We should now at least ask: Will God’s people keep the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread together in 2014?—in 2015?—or later? The reader may draw his own conclusions…

The answer to the first and second question that I reported on October 12, 2013 was that there was, NO POSSIBLE WAY WILL ALL OF GOD’S PEOPLE BE UNIFIED IN 2014 OR 2015 AS DAVID PACK HAS INDICATED THAT MAY. I continue to conclude that David Pack is delusional and any who believe him are allowing themselves to be deceived in many ways.  And, of course, David Pack's unification did not happen then.

Back to his post, David Pack then at least admitted an error, but without real repentance:

None of this new understanding speaks to when the prophecy will be fulfilled. I will certainly never repeat such a mistake.

He then said that 5 of his 21 Feast of Tabernacles’ sites were up 19-29% in attendance, without giving total results or actual numbers. Sadly, this will help persuade many of the deluded to stay with them. That is a personal and spiritual mistake. And the reality is that he is pointing to other dates, so while he claims he will never be as insistent on future dates, he is pointing to other dates, and they will also be proven to be wrong.

David Pack  also had the following false statement:

A statement to all MINISTERS: God WILL reunite His people, and soon.

David Pack simply does not understand many aspects of biblical prophecy. The type of reunification that David Pack is purporting is not part of God’s plan for His Church in the end (cf. Revelation 2 & 3; Revelation 12:14-17).

David Pack Continues to Push His Non-Biblical Reunification in 2015

RCG hyped an announcement it was going to make on 1/30/15. Then it later posted it. Essentially, RCG's David Pack pointed to several statistics and healings and claimed that was proof that they were THE true church. Notice one statement:

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

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

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

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

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

The above shows that 1) RCG does not understand the message to the churches in Revelation 2 & 3 and 2) that RCG is still clinging to the same nonsense it claimed would happen in 2013, and when it did not happen, possibly for 2014, or 2015.

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

In July 2015, RCG's David Pack released a pompous false and arrogant video titled The Coming Signal to God's People. In this seven-minute diatribe, David Pack claims that thousands in the Churches of God will be led by God's Spirit to unite with him. He says it took over three years to see this (actually, he has been teaching versions of this since at least 2007, but since he was proven wrong about 2013 and 2014, he apparently has decided that those years were to help teach him his current wrong position).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Pack has long used 'covetous words' and is a false teacher.

Falsely Predicted Jesus Would Return in 2020

For whatever reason, David Pack taught that Jesus would come a little before or perhaps during in the Passover/Days of Unleavened Bread season in 2020 (which ended April 15, 2020).

In March of 2020, Banned by HWA reported that RCG put out the following:

One thing to consider, this Tuesday evening, going into Adar 29, is the exact day—the last day before the first day of the sacred year—we reach the 6,000-year plan of God. Could this be the “last day” we have all been looking forward to? Only time will tell but so many things line up for us to consider this possibility.

The 29th of Adar was March 25, 2020.

Related to the 6,000 years, the old Radio Church of God taught the following:

"Has God alloted 6000 years for man's self-rule?" is a question that has been an enigma to many.

Yes! The world does not understand what is taking place today because it does not know about the 7000-year PLAN OF GOD.

God has allotted approximately 6000 years for humanity to go its own way. These millenniums of human civilization are nearly over. God is about to intervene in world affairs by sending Jesus Christ. Not until He returns will we have 1000 years of peace. ...

Peter said: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (of Christ's coming)... but is longsuffering..." (II Pet. 3:9). God is patient. He has refrained from intervening in world affairs for nearly 6000 years. Why?

Because He will not intervene until humanity is forced to cry out to Him for fear of self-extermination. Recall that the day of Christ's intervention and rule is compared to "a thousand years" (Rev. 20:4). Peter also wrote the same thing — that a day in God's plan is as "a thousand year," and "a thousand years" of human civilization as ONE day in His planned week of SEVEN 1000-year days (II Pet. 3:8).

Peter knew that Christ would intervene shortly before the close of 6000 years of human struggle and slavery — that God would send Jesus Christ to set up His government to rule during the seventh-thousand-year period — a millennium of peace, a sabbatical rest!

How marvelous that in our day, at the very time that 6000 years have almost elapsed, the world is threatened with extinction of life. And Jesus Himself said that when we see this taking place HE WOULD COME AGAIN! (Letter Number: 913, 1957)

The old Worldwide Church of God taught:

In God's 7,000-year Master Plan of salvation, the first 6,000 years have been allotted to man to do as he wills. During these 6,000 years, civilizations have developed based on the way of Satan, who sits on the throne of the earth.

Christ, at His return, will end Satan's rule, and begin 1,000 years of God's rule, the rule of the Kingdom of God on earth. A new civilization based on God's law will grip the earth. (Lesson 28, Amabassador College Bible Correspondence Course, c. 1986)

For some details about the 6,000 years, and about when it will end, check out the following:

Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2027 or 20xx? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God's Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?

There was NO possibility that the 6,000 years ended on March 25, 2020.

In April Banned by HWA reported that RCG put out the following:

* Habakkuk 2:3 plainly says “the vision is yet for an appointed time [a moad].” The seven days of Passover are a moad! But recall events unfold at the “end”—“at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” The “end” of the appointed time of Passover is the Last Day of Unleavened Bread!

The Last Day of Unleavened Bread in 2020 was on April 15th.

A reader sent me the following email regarding RCG on April 16, 2020:

From an email I received.  after she quit the RCG her adult son stayed.

 This is how she understood what was expected.  ...

"...The Restored Church of God was expecting Christ to return this Passover - not in power and glory to the world but as a human in the clouds to Wadsworth."

Obviously, Jesus did not return. RCG: has strayed further and further away from having sound prophetic teachings and has embraced many errors.

Banned by HWA reported that RCG's David Pack put out the following on April 27, 2020:

Take Comfort—Be Encouraged Monday

It is now evident God did want us to “observe” all the remaining days of Abib following Passover. He clearly does want to build His third (spiritual) temple in the same month He started the first and second physical temples—in Iyar, also called Zif! ...

Brethren, it should give us great peace knowing Christ could literally return at any time. Let us continue to do our part and remain spiritually awake until the “day and hour” we all long for!

David Pack was wrong when he taught that Jesus would return in the Spring of 2020. And his comment now that Jesus could return at any time is what the Protestants who hold to the false idea of a pre-tribulation view of the 'rapture' hold to. David Pack has shown himself, once again, to be a false apostle and false prophet. Jesus said He does NOT return until AFTER the tribulation is over:

29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31)

David Pack has repeatedly shown himself to be a false apostle and a false prophet.

July 2021 False Prediction

David Pack reportedly sent out the following:

Prophecy Update

I am sending brethren this note one day before you receive the Member/Co-worker letter because I didn’t want another day to pass without you hearing from me during these extraordinary times when we are all “on pins and needles” waiting for the return of Christ and the Kingdom of God. How strange it is to say this when over 2 billion Christians of this world should all be saying the same thing when probably very few are.

With Part 306 now almost a month behind us, most are naturally wondering if we must wait another year. Just the news screams NO! We are still right where we should be. Why after giving His Church so much knowledge and such a marvelous picture would God expect us to “sit on it” until 2022 or beyond? In fact, even more has come clear. But there is not enough time for another message.

We have long wrestled with all first-day events. Suffice to say the picture is still bad. All brethren living and dead—except those kept by Christ—will face the antichrist and show where they stand through an initial “falling away first” (apostasia). After this the Man of Sin will fully test those still asleep by the Day of Christ. While sobering to contemplate, this two-phase trial means all of God’s people can be complete much sooner than we had anticipated.

Although we “see through a glass darkly” until the Kingdom arrives, never forget how far we have come in understanding. The little flock in Luke 12:32-35 is told to keep their “lights burning.” We are now in a very tight window for MANY REASONS. (If time permitted, I would explain why the first Kingdom including the Great Tribulation is the 75-day difference between the 1,335 days and 1,260, which matches the second half of the 7-year Kingdom.) Let’s continue watching and praying that we will escape all evil that lies ahead. Stay alert! We cannot have long. The Day of the Lord must still arrive shortly after the Feast of Tabernacles. The math of the Bible will not permit longer than that. It is still a little while before we could even entertain another year. You can do the math!

David C. Pack

Well, I have done the math, and he is wrong.

Here is a link to a sermon related to the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027?

Here is a link to an article with "the math": Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?

Many Wrong Predictions

Here are some excerpts from a Restored Church of God departure-related letter purportedly from Steve Bell in England:

January 14, 2024

My Dearest Brethren,

Greetings from the Northwest. I hope this email finds you all doing well and keeping warm.

Thankfully, spring will be here before we know it, which means warmer weather.

For 14 years, my family and I have been blessed with the ability to have broken bread and have fellowship with you. We thoroughly enjoyed all the time that God has allowed us to share together on the various Holy Days, and we long for that fellowship daily. ...

We have been given failed prophecy time and time again by Mr. David C. Pack. From March 2022 to today, we have been given 78 false dates for the return of Christ/God's Kingdom, and each one of those dates has come and gone without consequence.

I don't know how many more dates were given before then, but I know there were many.

Deuteronomy 18:21-22

And if you say in your heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken? When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken, but the prophet has spoken it presumptuously: you shall not be afraid of him.

The word “afraid” in the Hebrew means “to sojourn or abide with.”

2 Peter 1:20

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.

“Private interpretation” in the Greek means “one's own solution or explanation.” And yet, the men at Headquarters sit behind closed doors and privately interpret them, and they fail. God's prophecies NEVER fail. ...

We have all been betrayed and lied to. You should not abide with that false prophet any longer.

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my family and I are leaving the organization of The Restored Church of God. I know that you will be told we have left “the Church” or “the Truth.” We are not leaving the Church or the Truth. We are leaving an organization where lies and wickedness abound.

Yes, David Pack is a false teacher, false prophet, and false apostle.

In time, hopefully all who were part of RCG will realize that.

RCG is Not What David Pack Seems to Think it is

Despite claiming precision of doctrine, RCG is seriously encouraging organizational idolatry (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government). RCG has strayed like the Apostle Paul warned that some others had:

5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. (1 Timothy 1:5-7)

Hence, RCG may wish to re-look into its positions on these and other matters. RCG fails to realize that it does not have an actual Philadelphian work. RCG's writings clearly show that it has a different work than HWA's WCG had. The Apostle Paul condemns RCG's basic approach, which also overlooks writings from the Apostle John (1 John 5:21; 3 John 9-11).

On May 31, 2013, he posted:

The apostle Paul foretold a closing “short work” (Rom. 9:28), and God’s ONE Church will complete it!

All the big splinters do not grasp the colossal importance of what is at stake in the true Work of God today. Only one or two organizations even begin to remember, let alone comprehend, that a powerful warning must reach 600 million Israelites throughout many nations and territories before the Tribulation strikes...

The World to Come telecast, already blanketing the world and rapidly expanding, will much further explode in scope and viewership. Think. Most (or all) television contracts now held by the splinters will shift to us because Tomorrow’s World (LCG), Beyond Today (UCG), and The Key of David (PCG) will also be immediately RETIRED! (Believe this!)

The Real Truth magazine subscription list will begin sprinting toward multiple millions. This will be in part because Tomorrow’s World (LCG), The Good News (UCG) and The Trumpet (PCG) magazines will also be immediately RETIRED. (And believe this!) This alone will probably quickly generate great numbers of subscribers looking for where to turn...

With ALL competition gone, The Restored Church of God will be the instrument through which Almighty God does “again” the Work accomplished under Mr. Armstrong’s leadership—and will thus be the only organization finishing God’s Work.

Other groups are not 'competition.' Most COG-groups are composed of Laodiceans, Sardisians, Thyatirans, the unconverted, and perhaps sometimes with a few Philadelphians. But David Pack views them now as competition, and competition that supposedly will be essentially gone by now. That did not happen. While Paul did write about the short work, David Pack is not the one to lead the 'short work.'

Since the other groups are not gone, it would seem that he may directly or indirectly claim that they are no longer COG and he has the COG ones with him (or at perhaps David Pack will again assert that the Laodiceans are outside the body as he did before).

But, for example the Continuing Church of God is continuing with our magazine, videos, radio interviews, etc. to work to fulfill Matthew 24:14--which by-the-way, is not limited to the Israelite descended peoples. It is interesting that while he identifies some groups, he will not directly mention the Continuing Church of God--he seems afraid to mention it as he probably considers it to be competition. However, since he said ALL would be gone, he is also improperly asserting that this would include the Continuing Church of God. David Pack was in error. And those who may read this years after he made his wrong ALL assertions (he has made others) should realize that David Pack's often bold assertions are often false, which shows that he too is false. David Pack is a false apostle.

Speaking of false statements, allegedly he has claimed that 'three shepherds' (leaders in COGs not tied to RCG) will die, apparently prior to September 1, 2013:

Zechariah 11:8: “Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and My soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred Me.”

Now the second culminating event. We saw the “shepherds” throughout Zechariah cannot be religious leaders overseeing congregations (flocks) in the world. Otherwise, which “three” ministers would it be referencing? We could never know. And what would the removal of ANY three worldly ministers, occurring in ANY particular month, ever have to do with God being able to feed a flock that was being slaughtered? Remember, we saw this flock is His flock. No matter how influential any three worldly ministers were, their removal from power would not affect GOD’S PEOPLE. Protestant ministers and Catholic priests are not deceiving God’s people. Do you know a single person who thinks they are?...

Further, verse 9 in Psalm 44 describes the people there as being “cast off.” This is the equivalent of being “delivered to Satan” in order to learn big lessons and ultimately receive salvation. Read I Corinthians 5:5, I Timothy 1:20 and then Job 1 and 2 if you do not believe God delivers even His greatest servants into the hand of the devil in order to teach them crucial matters about their character.

But the time has come for God to deal with these three men. They have gone from being in God’s purpose to being IN HIS WAY. For over two decades, modern enemies have thwarted God’s Work. Top leaders have bought and sold God’s people to enrich themselves. These wolves have kidnapped the brethren, stolen God’s tithes and blocked HIS Work from advancing to the size and scope that it must...

Some will ask: WHEN exactly will Christ remove the three men? Starting with the fact that Christ is a shepherd, we might ask: How long would a shepherd tolerate wolves who are threatening His flock when He holds the power to address them? It will certainly not be on the last day of His purpose, but rather some time likely well before that date. The following should help. The remnant is not listening. Christ knows this—and why. He can change it. How long would He wait? Each day lost with the remnant not hearing Him is a day less for them to recover. There are only 24 days total for the people to act. The same is true with Christ organizing their move and a complex merger. There are only 24 days total for the people to act. Yet again, the same is true with ministers who may be battling other wolves in their organizations as they strive to save sheep—and to establish themselves as faithful ministers before God. There are only 24 days total for these ministers to act. We will see how long Christ waits...

The death of three shepherds is basically a footnote in God’s GRAND and AWESOME plan to retrieve His flock and put them to work in the greatest Work God has ever done on the face of the earth. THAT should be your focus—and this begins with CONSIDERING YOUR WAYS when God’s “attention-getter” comes to pass. (Pack D. Two Cumulating Events. Posted 07/26/13)

It is not my purpose to tell you who the three shepherds are, what day they will be removed or how they die. God will supply answers to those questions soon enough.

While people can die, all three of the 'shepherds' he referred to were alive after August 30, 2013 ended, as well as over a year later.

Anoint Your Eyes

Years ago, one who I spoke with who attended RCG for a while told me he had been influenced by David Pack's writing titled Anoint Your Eyes.

Thus far, I have seen no reason to read that document, because it is clear to me (and many with a COG background) that apostasy entered the COGs and most have departed from the faith. I consider that most who were part of the COGs have become Laodicean with some associated with Thyatira and Sardis. Furthermore, I believe that most of the Laodiceans are modern Sadducees and Pharisees.

I, personally, have documented this over the years in a series of articles. Actually, the cogwriter.com webpage actually seems to have more documented articles detailing how the various COGs have specifically departed from the Philadelphia era teachings and practices than other sources do.

Some of my experiences with David Pack's inaccurate claims about other COGs have already been addressed in this and other articles, so there is no point seeing them again in this other writing of his.

At this time, all I intend to do is give a brief list of why those associated with RCG need to anoint their eyes to see that RCG is simply not part of the remnant of the Philadelphia portion of the COG.

1) David Pack is a self proclaimed apostle based upon his opinions of his church, his writings, and a misunderstanding of the Bible and COG history. After trying to explain why the Bible requires that there be an apostle in charge of the COG, Daivd Pack then claims that there were no apostles for 3/4 of a millennium prior to HWA. Does no one in RCG not see how inconsistent that is and how it invalidates his current claim that there must be an apostle, and it must be him?

2) David Pack claims to carefully follow the teachings of HWA, however HWA specifically did not appoint anyone to be an apostle to takeover after HWA died. Hence, HWA clearly did not feel that the end-time portion of the Philadelphia portion of the COG had to be specifically led by a living apostle.

3) David Pack had the wrong priorities when he began RCG and felt that the Philadelphia work was basically over. Recall that he 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).

4) RCG clearly does not understand what the Bible, HWA, and what is the true gospel (see What is the Gospel?). The Bible and HWA clearly show that:

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 (Armstrong HW. What is the True Gospel? WCG booklet, 1972, p.6).

5) As far as I can tell, David Pack has consistently made false accusations against various ones which he must or should have known are not true, so why does he not change/correct them if he is a true Christian leader?

6) RCG cannot be counted to be the vehicle that God will use for His final prophetic warnings (including the place of safety).

7) RCG clearly does not understand that the Bible and HWA authorized evangelists to proclaim the warning message to the world. HWA had evangelists do it while he was alive, plus approved that the telecast should be done by various evangelists upon his own death.

8) RCG clearly misunderstands scripture concerning some of its Elijah teachings. It also does not understand what HWA actually wrote and admitted about a future Elijah.

9) RCG often emphasizes minor points (like the appearance of potential new converts at church services) over love and truth. RCG's leader seems to follow the Pharisees that Jesus condemned.

10) RCG misunderstands the truth about Laodicea. HWA and the Bible taught that they are part of the true Church. Recall that David Pack wrote,

While Laodicea means “the people rule, judge, decide,” they are still God’s people, but in a weak and confused condition. However, they do not represent His true Church, and are outside His Body (Pack D. Where is God's True Church? RCG Booklet. 2005 edition).

This is another change from HWA's church taught, which was:

...the Laodicean era...they are the Church of God...the "Church of Laodicea" (What is the Laodicean Church? Good News, August 1959).

As well as a change from the Bible (Revelation 3:13-14). While it is true that the Laodiceans do not value the full truth as much as they should, they are not outside His Body.

11) David Pack admits that he has changed the work. While he claims HWA was the messenger to Philadelphia, he claims he is the messenger to Laodicea. This is clearly a different work.

12) David Pack now claims to have the understanding of the 144,000 for the first time ever. This suggests that he no longer believes it is heresy to differ from what HWA taught.

13) While David Pack has made a variety of boasts about the number of people he baptized while working as part of WCG, he and RCG simply do not have the type of fruits that Jesus says the faithful church would have.

14) David Pack has made a variety of improper assertions in 2013 and many will be proven false by September 1, 2013.

Will those of you associated with RCG anoint your eyes?

Concluding Thoughts

If RCG had ever publicly announced its membership or total FOT attendance, I have never seen it--so its size remains somewhat of a mystery to those outside its inner circle.

In 1999 and 2000, David Pack claimed that RCG stood for "precision of doctrine" and that gospel proclamation was either not necessary or a low priority. But oddly, notice the following, which seems to include an attack against me and this article:

Greetings! My name is William Behrer, and I have been serving as the executive director of operations at The Restored Church of God Headquarters in Wadsworth, OH...

watchdogs love to start their drivel with things Mr. Pack supposedly once believed in 1999 and 2000. These men are deceivers and they purposely open their postings about Mr. Pack with ancient history—false history...(Behrer W. Don’t Allow Others To Do Your Thinking. January 26, 2012. http://www.rcgtruth.com/2012/01/dont-allow-others-do-your-thinking.html viewed 02/04/12)

Now, it is absolutely true that I have posted comments and positions from David Pack and RCG in 1999 and 2000. Perhaps I should mention that in 1999, David Pack emailed me back then and told me that he essentially approved of my reporting about him and RCG. For William Behrer to call quotes and positions that RCG held as false history suggests that William Behrer is bearing false witness. It seems that RCG does not want to accept its own documented history! This article quotes RCG literature which absolutely proves what RCG's actual history and focus were. Yet its Executive Director of Operations calls that false history? Will not those in RCG anoint the eyes are realize that if RCG will not admit what it has clearly done that it cannot be trusted?

RCG's focus is really on trying to persuade former WCG members to support it, as opposed to trying to get the message of the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness. I do not see that RCG has truly "restored" any significant truth, but has mainly added things about David Pack and misunderstood certain intentions of Herbert W. Armstrong. HWA claimed to restore 18 truths, all of which the Philadelphia remnant teaches--but what has RCG actually restored? The Pharisees were condemned by Jesus for their focus on outward appearance, even though they thought that they were the ones being faithful.

David Pack was wrong about August 2013 and was not possibly be right about his 2014 or 2015 or 2016 dates. He does not truly understand many aspects of prophecy. His insistance of many things, such as his claims about the third temple, will prevent people who believe him from seeing the truth until it is too late and the Great Tribulation has started.

RCG simply has not displayed sufficient fruits of conversion to consider that it is the one true church. David Pack is not Herbert W. Armstrong's spiritual successor.

If heresy is defined as departure from biblical teachings, then it appears to be the Restored Church of God that is clearly committing heresy. It is difficult to understand how a group that claims to stand for precision of doctrine could change the priorities of the Church, claim some of those same doctrines are heresies, and make up new ones of its own. RCG's inaccurate prophetic teachings clearly will mislead its members and truly shows lack of precision of doctrine. David Pack's limited and less than accurate understanding of the final work of God and end-time prophecies will mislead those who insist on following him.

While reaching people through the internet is important, groups other than RCG have long done that (even my one person site reached more people than RCG for a number of years, although probably not in the past few). Based upon RCG's current position on the use of the internet, it should have declared others faithful many years ago as others met the standard that David Pack later claimed as "undeniable proof that the all-powerful, living Jesus Christ heads and directs but one Church."

If RCG truly had the fruits of the Philadelphia era of the COG, one would think that it would actually reach more people with the good news, but this is not the case. RCG makes various claims about "growth"--and though it has had growth in some limited areas, it has regressed in others and does not represent the faithful Philadelphia Christians in these latter days.

RCG also simply does not seem to fully understand the Bible, especially related to Jesus Christ. It also misunderstands the gospel (for more information, please see Appendix A below).

I consider that David Pack often acts like a bully and not a Christian leader. Here is some of how Wikipedia defined bullying on 5/27/12:

Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior manifested by the use of force or coercion to affect others, particularly when the behavior is habitual and involves an imbalance of power. It can include verbal harassment, physical assault or coercion and may be directed repeatedly towards particular victims, perhaps on grounds of race, religion...Bullying ranges from simple one-on-one bullying to more complex bullying in which the bully may have one or more 'lieutenants' who may seem to be willing to assist the primary bully in his or her bullying activities.

Others may disagree, but based upon my experiences with how he at times works (bullies do not always act like bullies or they could not get away with that behavior for as long) he acts like one (and sometimes uses 'lieutenants' do some of it for him). And yes, my conclusion (which is based upon data over many years) includes information gained from to talking with current and former RCG members as well as reading various accounts.

David Pack has made a variety of improper prediction from 2013 and many were proven false. Hopefully, some will anoint their eyes (cf. Revelation 3:18).

Sadly, RCG appears to be a place for people to go who do not wish to be part of a major work to proclaim the gospel, wish to focus on odd "pharisaical" things, and those that apparently wish to believe that David Pack is now an apostle. It is my hope and prayer that those who look into RCG will anoint their eyes and realize that RCG is not truly following the whole teachings of HWA, Jesus Christ, or the Bible. A true apostle does not continue to promote error or knowingly promote false accusations.

The Bible warns the Philadelphians not to let any man take their crown (Revelation 3:11, KJV)--if David Pack is NOT for certain God's true apostle, but is a self-appointed one, then those that follow him are allowing him to take their crown. RCG does not properly understand various aspects of doctrine or biblical prophecy.

This is a serious subject.

Will you make your decision about which COG to support based upon the criteria of the Bible or listen to a man who is not consistent but forceful in his assertions?

P.S. Someone asked me for a listing of differences between CCOG and RCG. Here is what I responded with on 1/25/13:

Dear XXXXX:

While there are doctrinal differences, focus is probably one major difference between RCG and CCOG.

With RCG, you will see that its focus is more on its top leader (David Pack), raising money, and physical outward appearance than CCOG.

In terms of doctrine, I believe that RCG misunderstands the gospel, and is wrong about its anti-makeup position and is wrong about its insistence that the late Herbert W. Armstrong was the Elijah to come.

My own experience with RCG suggests that it is not afraid to bear false witness and I have found this disturbing over the years--which is part of why I have questioned David Pack's conversion.

Basically, if you feel that you owe David Pack honor and want to focus on outward appearances, then RCG could be for you (cf. Matthew 6:2,5,16). Otherwise, if you wish to be faithful to the teachings of the Bible, and may I suggest the Continuing Church of God?

Four biblically-based articles of related interest might Unity: Which COG for You?, Attending the Church of Choice, and Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees?

Laodicean Warning for God's People If you have read this far you are probably a current or former member of one of the Churches of God and may be interested in reading this warning article.

Appendix A: RCG Misunderstands the Gospel

David Pack misunderstands the gospel.

David Pack went so far as too inaccurately claim:

Why did Mr. Armstrong never take even one occasion to include Christ in the gospel? Did you see a shred of evidence in any statement that he considered Jesus Christ or His sacrifice, death, burial and resurrection to be part of the gospel? The answer is an emphatic NO!

Apparently his mind is closed to understand what the Bible and HWA's writings actually state. Notice two quotes from HWA:

What is Christ's Gospel?  What is the message God sent to mankind by Jesus Christ?  It is the GOOD NEWS of the KINGDOM OF GOD!...Of course that power-filled message INCLUDES THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE SAVIOR, High Priest and coming King!  Of course, it INCLUDES the true way of salvation, which the churches seem to have lost! (Armstrong, HW. Good News, Jan. 1980, p. 9). 

But now what about the Gospel of GRACE - the Gospel of SALVATION?...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" (Armstrong HW. What is the True Gospel? 1972 booklet, pp. 8, 10.)

David Pack is emphatically wrong. Herbert W. Armstrong most certainly did mention Christ as part of the gospel. Jesus became savior and high priest through His sacrifice, etc. (Hebrews 9:11-15). Those who follow David Pack are following a self-appointed apostle who clearly does not understand certain basic statements in the Bible nor HWA's writing.

Those in RCG should consider the words of Jesus as well as the last verse in the Bible:

26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26)

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Revelation 22:21)

The grace of Jesus Christ must be very important or it would not be the last statement in the Bible. Actually, it is so important that the Apostle Paul wrote:

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:4-10)

Yet, notice what Larry McElroy, "a pastor in The Restored Church of God serving in the Kansas City area" actually posted:

Greetings again! My name is Larry McElroy, and in my previous communication I mentioned that my wife and I departed from UCG in the fall of 1999.

I have asked myself, is there a more rare and important commodity on Earth than Truth, which so few seem to find? But also, how far would I go to qualify for eternal life? And how much effort would I exert to obtain salvation?...

How far will we go to qualify for eternal life? How much effort will we exert to obtain salvation? (McElroy L. A Most Important Trip. February 22, 2012. ww.rcgtruth.com)

Does not he and those in RCG not realize that one cannot earn one's salvation? Do they not realize that Christians are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus? Let me repeat something that HWA wrote:

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 (Armstrong HW. What is the True Gospel? WCG booklet, 1972, p.6).

The truth is that RCG has serious misunderstandings about the gospel as they seem to teach it involves human effort beyond what the Bible and HWA teach.

Those of the Philadelphia remnant are not ashamed of Christ of His words. And as the Apostle Paul wrote, "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).

Sadly groups like RCG act like they would be ashamed to proclaim this portion of "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27). Those who attack the COG on this matter are simply not being true to the Bible nor what HWA actually taught (see also What is the Gospel? and The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church).

And as far as predictions go, over time, David Pack was repeatedly proven himself to be false and unreliable. People in RCG should "anoint their eyes" and admit and act on that truth.

Appendix B: The Sixth King Confusion

Former RCG employee Marc Cebrian has listened to many RCG sermons. Here are some reports about RCG's David Pack pointing towards and away from Vladimit Putin as the sixth king:

During “The Greatest Untold Story! (Part 453)” on June 17, 2023, Pastor General David Crowl Pack of The Restored Church of God, located in Wadsworth, Ohio, USA, identified Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin as the prophesied Sixth King of Revelation 17.

@ 41:57 So then, who is the Sixth King? Are we looking for him, or currently are we now staring at him? Three weeks ago, I identified him, and the men around me know that I did. I said, It’s gotta be this man. But I thought, No, it can’t be that man because that man has got to be someone inside the Kingdom. ...

@ 1:03:02 We might ask, Would we expect that the Sixth King would be a Mede? He would be a Russian.

@ 1:03:20 Vladimir Putin is known to admire the great Russian Czars. I’ve read a lot about this man.

@ 1:03:44 Here’s what his first name means: “to rule with greatness” or “peaceful ruler” and “ruler of the world.” ...

@ 1:22:05 “Putin Projects Defiance At Economic Forum.” He’s almost the front page every day of the Wall Street Journal. ...

@ 1:24:44 Somebody thinks it’s some who thinks it’s somebody else. All right. Who else? And what alternative is there? I know it’s him. Everything lines up.

@ 1:25:45 I didn’t just come to this. I finally came to grips with it. That there’s not time for anyone else. The Sixth King now IS. And nobody else has ever known it. We have to know it.

@ 1:30:12 So, this is all faith-building. If your faith didn’t grow as a result of hearing this sermon, then there's something wrong. ...

@ 1:30:36 You’re seeing prophecy fulfilled.

@ 1:31:00 It’s no longer just “Mr. Pack just telling us what will happen.” It’s happened. He’s here now. It’s impossible that it’s anybody else.

@ 1:31:26 I’ve been studying Vladimir Putin since he worked for the KGB. He speaks fluent German and worked in East Germany. I understand the man.

Part 454 – June 17, 2023

@ 09:05 Now, let’s think of one other reason why it’s easy to know it’s Putin. ...

@ 12:59 Why did we only identify the Sixth King now?

@ 1:15:19 So, the Series is over. Simplicity truly reigns. ...

@ 1:23:45 You’re convicted about the Sixth King. That’s what you could look at your own convictions. Who else could it be?And, you know, it’s in some ways it’s an easy thing. It's here, and so I would imagine everybody is convicted about it. I’ll be shocked if people aren’t.

https://www.exrcg.org/blog/putin accessed 04/01/24

Then notice:

Part 461 – July 29, 2023

@ 1:35:00 I’ma throw another thought at you, and I’m gonna be very discrete in how I handle it. I do not believe Vladimir Putin is the Sixth King. That’s all I’m gonna say…

Part 483 – December 2, 2023

@ 1:39:20 And that’s it. If it's not Putin, well, then I wouldn't know who it is. …he's somebody out there, and there's one guy that fits the bill. He’s even real short.

Part 499 – March 21, 2024

@ 10:20 It’s impossible that the Sixth King is anybody today. Remember, we’re making things plain. We’re removing the Mystery. Preparing the way for God. It’s impossible.

https://armstrongismlibrary.blogspot.com/2024/03/rcg-more-apologies-to-mr-putin.html accessed 04/01/24

Russia's Vladimir Putin was not the sixth king, but it is not impossible to know the identity of the sixth king.

That is something I have been working on and have consulted with COG leaders in and out of the CCOG on this and plan to report more on that later.

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Thiel B. Why Not the Restored Church of God? www.cogwriter.com (c) 2006/2007/2008/2009/2010/2011/2012/2013/2014/2015/2016/2017 /2018/2019/2020/ 2021 /2022 /2023 /2024 0713