News of Those Once Affiliated with the Global Church of God

Since the November 1998 takeover of the old GCG by the board in the U.S., those once with GCG went to many places. Nearly 80% of the members and the majority of the ministers ultimately went with the Living Church of God (LCG), 8-15% went with the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship (CGCF) and smaller percentages ended up with David Pack's Restored Church of God (RCG) (which was formed after the GCG board put him out), Harold Smith's Church of God Fellowship, Northwest (CGFnw), and other groups (at least one which is outside the U.S. uses the term Global Church of God). Most in Belgium left with GCG, but many in Belgium and Northern France came back to LCG in 2009. On July 1, 2001, eight ministers resigned from CGCF and formed the Church of the Eternal God (CEG), similar in name, but not related, to the Eternal Church of God (ECG--founded by a minister removed from the original GCG ministry for impropriety) about a month later CGCF (USA) dissolved and most still with it ended up in the United Church of God (UCG). One former GCG minister (Ronald Laughland) became pastor of the Wholeworld Church of God. In 2004, Raymond McNair, having been in GCG, CGCF, LCG, then went on his own and formed Church of God, 21st Century (COG21); later he became ill and died. Don Haney, once in GCG/LCG, formed the Church of God In Peace and Truth. In 2005, Ben Faulkner, who was in GCG and LCG, formed the Church of the Sovereign God (CotSG). In 2006, Charles Bryce who was in GCG and LCG left, and formed the Enduring Church of God (En COG). In 2010, several of the main leaders who went to UCG from CGCF left it and went to a group called COGWA. A couple of people, like Norman Edwards (Servants' News), left GCG well before the 1998 takeover (he has Port Austin Bible Campus). On 12/15/11, a minister in good-standing with LCG anointed Bob Thiel with oil and prayed that God would grant him a double-portion of His Spirit (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God): and things have not been the same since (he still, of course, supports the goals and biblical beliefs of Philadelphia era of the Church of God). Website links for most of those who were once part of GCG and that have websites can be found at the COGlinks page. After concluding that insufficient value was placed on the truth by certain leaders of LCG and that they no longer held to biblical church governance and could not as is be used to lead the final phase of the work (see also Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God), on 12/28/12 Bob Thiel formed and then announced the beginning of the Continuing Church of God.

06/08/13 a.m. In his letter he posted yesterday, RCG's David Pack had the following:

For over 14 years, The Restored Church of God has focused on leading those of like mind back to one group...the size of God’s Church will soon be much larger than the largest splinter—probably many thousands more...

This is a good place to add an inset explaining WHY the elements of this announcement can happen quickly—as advancements do now in God’s Church. Brethren will again be unified under one leader. The Government of God that Christ administers in His Church is more efficient and effective by far than the humanly contrived “junk” masquerading as “government” in the splinters. We also have God’s blessing in our efforts. They do not, but rather just think they do. 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.

I would like to make three basic comments about the above.

First, it shows that 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.

Second, RCG is not God's Church if that is supposed to mean that David Pack is God's top human leader (he is not) or that his Restored Church of God is actually Philadelphian (which it is not). Actually, Pharisaical is perhaps one of the best ways to describe that work (see also Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees?). Those who wonder should carefully study the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?; here is a link to a version in the Spanish language: ¿Por qué no la Iglesia de Dios Restaurada?

And thirdly, 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." He has made wrong prophetic announcements, misunderstands prophecy, and has been misleading people prophetically (some of that is covered in the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?).

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?).

05/31/13 p.m. In his letter he posted today, RCG's David Pack had the following:

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.

While a lot of that is true (and more than just Israelites need to be reached, which is something that RCG apparently does not truly comprehend, cf. Matthew 24:14), RCG is NOT the group that God is using or will use to fulfill Romans 9:28.

Notice that when RCG formed a proclamation work was the third priority if funding allowed:

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).

(See also the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?).

On the other hand, the Continuing Church of God reached more nations in its first four months of existence that RCG did for its first five years. For more on the final phase of the check out the following:

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

05/25/13 a.m. in his letter yesterday, RCG's David Pack posted the following:

This is the FIFTEENTH in a series of special weekly announcements that appear every Friday. They collectively unveil the massive, ongoing expansion that God’s Church, Work and Headquarters are experiencing. There is a reason for this expansion! 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. You must see what they are NOT announcing, and why they never will—and what GOD is bringing upon them.

He again is insisting that ALL have bad news, and his weekly rants should be contrasted with other groups. As far as what RCG itself is or is not announcing, let me state that it still does not understand the Gospel of the Kingdom, its focus is often a diatribe against others, and it does not seem to understand or teach the way of give.

Those interested in seeing what the Continuing Church of God is announcing each week, should go to our Letters to the Brethren page. True Philadelphia Christians should be able to contrast what we announce and emphasize and contrast that to the improper focus and misunderstanding that RCG has. The suggested Continuing Church of God YouTube video sermon suggested for today is titled: The Ten Commandments: Loving God.

David Pack, also wrote:

false teachings (often about prophecy) have also appeared throughout all of these organizations.

Actually, I have pointed out in my article, Why Not the Restored Church of God?, that RCG has false teachings, improper priorities, wrong focus, and false prophetic understandings. Those there need to study the Bible more and not be misled by the leadership there.

David Pack, in his letter, also basically accused all those not with him of having the 'spirit of error.' This, oddly, is what the Living Church of God (LCG) declared last year is what those that do not agree with LCG's changed position on the falling away matter have (see The Falling Away: The Bible, WCG, and LCG Teachings).

David Pack has long followed the 'spirit of error' and LCG's falling away teaching is also erroneous.

Are you brave enough to see and act on the truth about those groups?

05/21/13 a.m. Received the following from an LCG prayer request source this morning:

Michael O'Byrne

Yesterday I heard the bad news that our pastor, Mr. Rod King, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 of prostate cancer, the most aggressive type. He will continue working in the UK, but his extensive travelling must cease for some time. Now he needs our prayers for his complete healing - the restoration of his health, strength, vigour and energy - that he may return very soon to serve God in his very special enthusiastic and joyful manner to which we had become accustomed and in which we have taken such delight. Our faith must not be shaken and when we pray and ask for his healing we know that the words Jesus spoke to be true, when He said, " Ask and you WILL receive . . . . ". Those words were not spoken lightly. It wasn't a throw-away remark, but a guarantee from the Son of God. So praying, we WILL receive!

I had received a more limited report yesterday and this is confirmation. Rod King is one of the four presenters for LCG's telecast. Without going into details, my experience with him is that he (as well as many others in LCG) can make improper decisions because of church politics. That being said, I will pray for him and encourage others to do so.

05/19/13 a.m. Yesterday, LCG had a "must play" sermon titled "The Great Rebellion," also known as the "falling away" (which is a term also often used in that sermon) by its top leader, Roderick C. Meredith. The reason of this degree of emphasis by him for this is that many people still clinging to LCG do not agree with the incorrect position that LCG has said will set itself apart from other COGs. ("This will be an issue that will clearly set apart the Living Church of God from others" per Winnail D. The Falling Away. Must-Play DVD DVE704, June 1, 2012.)

And what is that?

LCG's position, as now repeatedly and publicly espoused by two of its top Charlotte-based evangelists, is that the "falling away" of 2 Thessalonians 2:3 is not a departure from the true faith, but a further departure from God by "billions" who do not accept otherwise the truth of the Bible.

LCG has, for some apparently carnal reasons, chosen to define itself by a doctrinal change that is wrong and in conflict with scripture. Why would any choose to overlook this?

In the "must-play" sermon, Dr. Meredith cited at least three Protestant commentaries for proof. But oddly, when the text of one was shown, one of those commentaries that Dr. Meredith was referring to correctly taught that the falling away meant, "the falling away from the faith."

Of course, that contradicts the position that Dr. Meredith was espousing as he specifically taught in that same sermon that the "falling away" is not a departure or falling away from the true Christian, Church of God, faith.

During that sermon he also pointed to his longevity in the ministry as a major reason he was correct--and while longevity can be helpful, is not properly teaching and obeying the word of God what God really wants?

In his "must-play" sermon, Dr. Meredith claimed that a reason that some did not agree with his position is that they started reading 2 Thessalonians in chapter 2, and that if they started reading earlier in 2 Thessalonians, they would supposedly realize that the Apostle Paul was not writing about brethren falling away from the Church of God. Yet, one of my points on this has specifically long been that 2 Thessalonians 1 and other passages make it clear that Paul was writing to true Christians and warning them not to leave the true faith.

Notice, for example, how 2 Thessalonians 1 begins:

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4)

2 Thessalonians is clearly a book written to people that the Apostle Paul felt were in the true Church of God. If one reads the entirety of chapter 1 of 2 Thessalonians, this confirms it even further.

Also notice the following:

15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast...(2 Thessalonians 2:15)

The Apostle Paul is clearly telling the brethren to "stand fast"--these are the same brethren we warned not to be part of the "falling away" in 2 Thessalonians 2:3.

Notice also three more times the term “stand fast” is shown in the New Testament (NKJV):

13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)

1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. (Philippians 4:1)

8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 3:8)

Many are staying with LCG despite the fact that it repeatedly is insisting as defining itself by a doctrinal change that is simply inaccurate. This, combined with its erroneous 'man of sin' teaching and other matters should tell all that are truly part of the Philadelphia remnant that the mantle left LCG by the end of 2012. Yet, most seem to think it is fine to accept improper and unbiblical teachings if an organization says to do so.

Back in March 1960 in a Plain Truth article on the second commandment, Dr. Meredith called that type of loyalty to an institution as idolatry as he wrote, "One of the most common forms of modern idolatry is the making of an idol out of one’s church..If you blindly obey the dictates of your family, your church or society instead of the direct commands of God, you are guilty of IDOLATRY. That group or institution becomes an IDOL to you in place of the true God!...You must study God’s Word-willingly be corrected by it-and TREMBLE before its authority over your very life!" (Meredith RC. Second Commandment. Plain Truth, March 1960, p. 27). Nowadays he seems to think such obedience to his church over scripture is loyalty.

Christians are to be loyal to the Bible and to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29), if there is a conflict. And in LCG there certainly is.

I have gone over this "falling away" doctrine in the past and urge those who will truly believe the Bible first to check out what I have found out about this:

The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings Who is 2 Thessalonians 2:3 referring to? Are there multiple falling aways? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: La Apostasía: Enseñanzas de la Biblia y de la WCG.

There are also two YouTube videos on the subject that you can watch The Falling Away Part 1: From the Bible and Church History and The Falling Away Part 2: Positions Presented by Others.

05/18/13 p.m. Perhaps I should add that in his letter yesterday, RCG's David Pack posted the following false hope that he has:

First recall that verses 12 and 14 both use the term “ALL” to describe the remnant returning to work in God’s House...n 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!

So, if he means the 24th day of Elul this year (August 30, 2013 on the Roman calendar)--which is what it seems that he is doing, he is very delusional and/or will decide that whoever with him them represent all that he believes are in God's Church. If so, maybe he will stop his focus on trying to attract what he calls the 'splinters'? David Pack is wrong about this and other matters (see also Why Not the Restored Church of God?).

P.S. His post again demonstrates that David Pack is NOT God's apostle nor is he blessed with a proper and accurate knowledge of prophecy (to learn more about New Testament era prophets. please check out How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God). David Pack's repeated and continual emphasis on reaching those who he believes are part of the COG and not the world shows that he totally misunderstands the totality of true work of the Philadelphia era of the Church of God.

P.P.S. Decided to add one more quote here from David Pack's letter of 5/17/13. Notice that he also 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 is clearly wrong.

05/17/13 p.m. Today RCG's David Pack posted the following false hope that he has:

ATTENTION MINISTERS

A statement to all MINISTERS: God WILL reunite His people, and soon. Ministers for decades have been “scattering” them—and working “against” Christ (Matt. 12:30)...

God’s duly appointed government will REMOVE you from office. You are STRONGLY counseled to at least remain NEUTRAL in the face of your headquarters asking or even demanding you to resist what “RCG is teaching”...

Now aware of God’s awesome purpose, you should in fact desire to “get out front” of what He is doing in order to help the maximum number of people.

David Pack is basically hoping that COG ministers will come to him or at least not speak the documented and biblical truth about him. God is NOT uniting His people with RCG. Does he mean this year for 'soon'? Something like that is not possible unless massive repentance occurred with David Pack and many others there. I have opposed RCG for about 14 years and still will. Those interested in the truth may wish to read the article:

Why Not the Restored Church of God? Here is a version, just translated, into the Spanish language: ¿Por qué no la Iglesia de Dios Restaurada?.

05/11/13 a.m. RCG's David Pack posted the following diatribe:

A statement to all MINISTERS: God WILL reunite His people, and soon. Ministers for decades have been “scattering” them—and working “against” Christ...

Most of you grew liberal in the 1970s—this was “strike one” in God’s sight. But you were forgiven by a loving and merciful God and given another chance. However, many of the same men grew far more liberal and heretical in the second “go-around” through the 90s, and all the way to the present—this was a very great “strike two” in God’s sight. But His plan is to forgive you AGAIN, upon repentance. If you fight His Purpose NOW—read “God’s People Back Together—SOON!”, and other recent announcements—the result will be “strike THREE,” and you will be OUT of the ministry by your own choosing. God’s duly appointed government will REMOVE you from office. You are STRONGLY counseled to at least remain NEUTRAL in the face of your headquarters asking or even demanding you to resist what “RCG is teaching”—when God’s Spirit in you should be making clear that what we are announcing is GOD’S teaching. Tell your flock you are “waiting to see,” and if circumstances so require, tell your headquarters that you are going to follow God not them when push comes to shove. Tell them you are “sitting this one out.” Do not trust that your current leaders will be able to save your ministry.

I, for one, will not remain "neutral" and continue to speak out against him and his improper teachings (see, for example, Why Not the Restored Church of God?). David Pack is not God's apostle, misunderstands prophecy, and is not leading a Philadelphian work. I consider that he is highly ego-driven and uses covetous words which sadly appeal to some. For years I have believed that the following applied to him:

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).

Now, David Pack also referred to his writing “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" will 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--the Church, according to the Bible and the late Herbert W. Armstrong, is a spiritual organism (for quotes on that, please see COGwriter Position on Other Churches and Religions).

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, is 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).

My article Why Not the Restored Church of God? has more information about him and why RCG is not what David Pack asserts it is.

05/09/13 p.m. Someone voluntarily translated some of the materials of this page into the Spanish language. Click here for GCG news in Spanish.

05/05/13 a.m. RCG's David Pack has launched a series of weekly letters attacking various COG's and making various claims that many more will come and support RCG. In his latest letter (posted May 3, 2013 titled HAGGAI—A Prophecy for OUR TIME! (Part 1)) he goes a little into prophets:

By David C. Pack

NOTICE: This is the TWELFTH in a series of special weekly announcements...

False Prophets Plaguing God’s People

If brethren had better understood prophecy—had through the years been hearing the clarity of its many crucial truths for our time—they would not be following raging false prophets like Gerald Flurry or outright fiction writers like Ron Weinland, who mangles EVERYTHING about prophecy! Recent, newer self-appointed “prophets”...

Think of the splinters. Large—Gerald Flurry. Medium—Ron Weinland. Small—not worth naming.

The "Small" group he is referring to according to one or more reports is intended to be the Continuing Church of God (CCOG). While he does not mention CCOG or me by name, he had one or more other comments indicating that we were part of his intended targets. There are various reasons he does not wish to mention me, one of which is that it may get potential followers to do an internet search to see what I have reported about his church (my article Why Not the Restored Church of God? ranks high on Google searches for "Restored Church of God").

While David Pack make a couple of correct statements about why CGPFKG's Ron Weinland is wrong, he never attempts to do that about me--instead he uses his usual broad-brush dismissal, which again shows he really can explain biblically where I may be wrong, but that is another matter.

Anyway, David Pack then makes the following claim:

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.

The above is wrong and easily disproven. He actually has not taught "extensively" on various points I have noticed (his "extensive" teachings are more along the line about why he is right and other COG "splinter" groups are wrong).

As far as "correctly,"m teaching prophecy goes, when he originally formed RCG he plainly taught that "Ethiopia" was the King of the South. He then, correctly, changed his view on that (though his staff has denied he actually changed). He also originally taught that the proclamation of the gospel was his third priority, as funding may allow (Pack, David. Why the Restored Church of Go? Booklet. 2000. pp.18-19)), hence showing he misunderstood the importance of the prophecy of Matthew 24:14. Although I recall him indicating in a sermon many years ago that the Great Tribulation would need to begin by this year, I did not write the quote or the sermon name and date down, but, in my mind at least, this showed me he did not have a correct prophetic understanding of certain events.

David Pack also made some bizarre teachings about the Synagogue of Satan in 2012 (see What is the Synagogue of Satan?). David Pack also does not understand and accurately teach who the "man of sin" is, but we in the Continuing Church of God do (see 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?). More prophetic misunderstandings that David Pack has taught are also in the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?

Getting back to his 5/3/13 letter, David Pack also 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.

If David Pack is suggesting that he or someone really attached to RCG is that "Joshua," he is also in error. (Some information about Zerubabbel and Joshua is included in the article Who Are The Two Witnesses?) David Pack is not God's apostle and does not have the proper grasp of prophecy that he is trying to insist that he has (see also Why Not the Restored Church of God?).

05/03/13 p.m. It has been reported that LCG's Dr. D. Winnail sent out the following and, supposedly, that certain negative aspects of this writing were intended to be directed towards me and the Continuing Church of God (CCOG):

The Internet presence of the Church is growing, and lives are being changed. The Gospel of the Kingdom of God and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ are being preached, and the world is being warned about sobering events that lie just ahead. Little stay-at-home groups are simply unable to do a work of this magnitude or carry out this God-given mission. This is the big picture to keep in mind instead of being caught up looking for loose bricks!

Irrespective of who might have been meant (and since CCOG has the biggest known work of a group that has such a high percentage of "stay-at-home" people, it is not unreasonable to consider that CCOG was a group this was targeted towards), the above has scriptural problems.

The last two lines from the Dr. Winnail quote above seem to be an improper interpretation of scriptures such as the following:

32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

6 This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,'
Says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

5 Look among the nations and watch —
Be utterly astounded!
For I will work a work in your days
Which you would not believe, though it were told you. (Habakkuk 1:5)

Like CCOG, the late Herbert W. Armstrong also started out with very few actual congregations, but mainly had a "stay-at-home" church that was served through the technology of the time (that is part of why he called it the Radio Church of God). He had the faith to believe and do the work anyway, despite CG7 being much larger than his group at the time. Surely, various ones have not forgotten that aspect and pattern of COG history.

Now, in the 21st century, I have tried to demonstrate a similar pattern to those with ears to hear (Matthew 11:15; 13:8-9)--we in the CCOG have already demonstrated sufficient magnitude to get the gospel to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14). We are having significant impact on this God-given mission.

I believe that people should keep the real big picture (what the Bible actually teaches as well as the lessons of the start of the Philadelphia era of the Church of God) in mind. Perhaps this would be a good time to mention that the Continuing Church of God has reached millions of people in over 210 countries and territories in the past four months through the internet, radio, personal contact, and the written word.

Numbers of congregational supporters is not the issue (cf. Psalm 118:8), love of the truth is (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:10; John 8:32), along the proper zeal to go through doors that Jesus Christ opens (cf. Revelation 3:7-8). Those who hope that they are part of the Philadelphian remnant should pray and study the Bible to determine what the proper criteria is for the true "big picture," and not mistake current size as proof of the mantle.

Integrity counts (see also Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God), and I believe that integrity, love, and faith are more important than current size (though I expect, over time, major changes in size of CCOG). It appears that it will be the Continuing Church of God that will lead the final phase of the work, and that this leading has already begun.

Interestingly, the last full COGwriter article I wrote was titled The Final Phase of the Work. It is also the subject of the sermon I gave last Sabbath also titled The Final Phase of the Work (which many in CCOG will watch this Sabbath). Those interested in the truth (John 8:32) and who truly love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) may wish to check the article and/or sermon out.

05/01/2013 a.m. Someone in the USA who speaks Spanish, who I met in the past, just sent me an email translation of James Scarborough's letter related to his LCG departure:

Estoy enviando este email a la mayoría de los ministros de la IDV (Iglesia del Dios Viviente).  Algunos de ustedes conocen mi familia bastante bien, algunos otros probablemente no muy bien.  Hago un llamado a cualquier ministro que todavía sea fiel a la verdad, para que se entere de lo que está sucediendo.

Nuestros Antecedentes

Ralph y Patricia Scarborough, y sus ocho hijos, comenzaron a asistir con la Iglesia de Dios Universal en 1968.  Cuatro hijos más les nacieron en la iglesia a través de los años subsiguientes.  A nosotros se nos enseñaron todas las doctrinas fundamentales de la iglesia por medio del Sr. Herbert W. Armstrong hasta su muerte en 1986.  Después de su muerte ocurrió la apostasía, lo cual llevó al éxodo de aquellos que continuaron creyendo que las enseñanzas del Sr. Armstrong seguían vigentes.  En 1995 casi toda la familia Scarborough, junto con otros miles más, dejaron la IDU (Iglesia de Dios Universal) para unirse a la obra que el Sr. Meredith comenzó en 1993.  Mi padre le dijo a sus hijos que él no sería engañado una segunda vez por “nuevas verdades”.  Nosotros, como familia, apoyamos al Sr. Meredith, y a nuestro ministro el Sr. Gerald Weston, en su servicio a la Iglesia de Dios Global.

Cuando ocurrió el golpe de estado en la Global, el Sr. Meredith vino a la casa de mis padres, cenó con nosotros, y habló de la situación.  Mi padre le dijo que comenzara de nuevo, y que la mayoría de la gente le seguiría a él porque nosotros no seguimos una organización.  El Sr. Meredith se regresó a San Diego y comenzó la Iglesia del Dios Viviente.  La familia Scarborough proveyó los Servers de Computadoras, las estaciones de trabajo y toda una red, todo a costo nuestro.  Dos miembros de nuestra familia entregaron e instalaron el equipo en la sede de la IDV.  La familia Scarborough proveyó todos los servicios de internet para la IDV, gratuitamente, hasta hace unos cuantos años.  Nuestras vidas están comprometidas al servicio de Dios, Su Pueblo, y Su Obra.  Nunca hemos tratado de ganar ninguna posición o reconocimiento en la iglesia.  Usted podría detenerse aquí y decir que eso es exactamente lo que estamos haciendo al enviarles este email.  Pero, por favor, siga leyendo.

¿De qué trata todo esto?
Hace siete años algunos de nosotros comenzamos a ver cambios en el enfoque del Evangelio.  No viene al caso el si uno está de acuerdo con los cambios o no, sino que el punto es lo siguiente.  Se le dijo al Sr. Meredith que dos de los hermanos Scarborough tenían problemas con el “entendimiento mejorado” de la Viviente acerca del mensaje del Evangelio.  Esa misma semana el ministro local nos llamó a mi hermano David y a mí, a un cuarto privado después de los servicios del Sábado y preguntó, como le fue instruido por el Sr. Meredith, que si eso era verdad.  Pasamos algún tiempo explicándole el mensaje del Evangelio como a nosotros nos fue enseñado durante toda nuestra vida.  Dio la casualidad que otro ministro, que se encontraba de visita en Kansas City, fue invitado a asistir a esta reunión.  Para sorpresa nuestra él estuvo de acuerdo con mi hermano y conmigo.  Se nos intruyó, por el ministro local, el mantener privadas nuestras opiniones, a lo cual estuvimos de acuerdo ya que no teníamos ningún interés en causar división.

A través de los años subsiguientes parecieron enfocarse menos en esta cuestión, pero notamos que después de que el Sr. Bryce dejó la IDV un nuevo enfoque en Jesucristo comenzó a resurgir.  En un Día de Pentecostés recibimos un buen mensaje sobre la Pascua en el servicio de la mañana, y antes del sermón de la tarde el anciano que daría el mensaje comenzó con:  “Tal vez deberíamos mencionar aquí que hoy es el Día de Pentecostés.”  Para sorpresa nuestra él luego entró en materia hablando otra vez acerca de Jesucristo, no Pentecostés.  No mucho tiempo después de eso CAD (el Departamento de Administración de la Iglesia) envió instrucciones a todos los que darían mensajes en la Fiesta de los Tabernáculos pidiéndoles que dieran sermones sobre el tema de la Fiesta.  ¿Por qué fue necesario esto? 

Hace cuatro años empezamos a oír acerca de otras mejorías o cambios adicionales a las doctrinas de la iglesia, y finalmente después de la muerte del Sr. Apartian se hizo claro que no habría vuelta atrás.  El 25 de diciembre del 2010 escuchamos un sermón dado por el ministro local titulado:  “En el nombre de Jesucristo”.  Los mensajes que le siguieron comenzaron a enfocarse en los cambios, y a ridiculizar a quienes no los entendieran.  En enero del 2011 la familia Scarborough, con la única excepción de los de Charlotte, y un par de sobrinos, acordamos dejar de asistir con la Iglesia del Dios Viviente.  Nuestro hermano mayor hizo una cita con el ministro local y todos los miembros adultos de la familia.  El ministro fue informado de nuestra decisión y de algunas de las razones más serias por nuestra decisión.  El ministro luego le pidió a la familia que reconsiderara permanecer en la iglesia hasta que el Sr. Meredith viniera a nuestra ciudad para un evento público de El Mundo de Mañana, el cual estaba programado para justo antes de los Días Santos de la primavera.  El Sr. Meredith quería reunirse con nosotros y hablar de los problemas.  La familia estuvo de acuerdo excepto David y yo.  El Sr. Meredith vino a la ciudad y dijo quería reunirse con mi madre y mi hermano mayor únicamente, en un restaurante.  La familia rechazó la invitación porque no habría ninguna verdadera oportunidad de hablar de las cosas que a nosotros nos perturbaban en medio de ese ambiente.  Cuando le preguntamos que por qué no se reunía con nosotros en familia, él respondió que no quería estar rodeado de un montón de Scarboroughs.  Por favor, recuérdese aquí que nosotros somos la misma familia con la cual él se sentó a hablar cuando lo estaban echando de la IDG (Iglesia de Dios Global), y que le ha servido fielmente.  No había hostilidad ni enojo de nuestra parte.  Nosotros simplemente no estábamos de acuerdo con los cambios e íbamos a dejar de asistir con la IDV.  Por los siguientes meses la familia fue corregida desde el púlpito, no por nombre, sino por medio de los mensajes, diciendo que los cambios eran lo que el Sr. Armstrong había enseñado, pero en privado a nosotros se nos decía que los cambios no eran tan diferentes de lo que a nosotros se nos enseñó.  Finalmente antes de los Días Santos de otoño mi madre y uno de mis hermanos mayores tuvieron una reunión con el ministro local y el anciano local sobre el tema de la idolatría.  Mi madre preparó literatura de los tiempos del Sr. Armstrong, la cual ella trató de presentar como aquello que una vez se nos enseñó.  El Sábado siguiente el ministro, en su sermón, dijo que uno bien podría tener todo un altero de libros y aún así estar equivocado.  Esto siendo entendido por lo que era, mi hermano que estaba presente en esa reunión, calladamente se levantó y se fue.  Él inclusive dejó a sus hijos ahí pidiéndole a su hija mayor de no olvidar llevarse a casa a su hermano menor.  Mi madre se levantó y salió un poco después.  La siguiente semana la familia ya no llegó a la IDV.  En el Día de Expiación el Sr. Meredith marcó a la familia entera con la excepción de los que estaban presentes en los servicios.  Su excusa fue que nosotros no creíamos que Jesucristo fuera una parte vital del Evangelio.  Nosotros habíamos hecho muy claro, en cada plática que habíamos tenido con el ministerio, que nosotros creíamos lo que el Sr. Armstrong enseñó acerca del Evangelio del Reino.  Por lo tanto, tiene que ser que el Sr. Armstrong no estuvo de acuerdo con el Sr. Meredith.  ¿Por qué tenían que marcar a toda una familia, en un día tan solemne como el de Expiación, sólo por haberse aferrado a la verdad?  No había ninguna evidencia de que nosotros estuviéramos causando división, con la única excepción de dos personas en la familia que estaban publicando material acerca de lo que una vez se nos enseñó como la verdad.  Estas eran dos personas de entre más de sesenta.  En ningún momento trató ninguno de ellos de presentar ninguna nueva verdad.  Un año más tarde, fuimos informados de que otras personas estaban comenzando a cuestionar las nuevas enseñanzas, además de las que tienen que ver con el Evangelio.  También se nos dijo que ellos estaban siendo intimidados aún peor de lo que la familia Scarborough fue intimidada.  Fue en ese entonces que algunos de nosotros decidimos publicar la verdad acerca de lo que nosotros sabemos sobre el Evangelio, y también ya que la gente estaba diciendo que nosotros no habíamos sido marcados, pusimos la grabación del ministro leyendo la órden de nuestro marcamiento de parte del Sr. Meredith en http://www.genuine-truth.com.  Este sitio ha sido actualizado periódicamente desde entonces.

Este pasado verano el Sr. Winnail ofreció venir a Kansas City a hablar con la familia, pero no hubo interés, excepto por parte de mi hermano David y mía.  Tuvimos una cordial discusión por más de tres horas acerca de lo que nosotros veíamos como cambios.  No se resolvió nada, pero eso no nos sorprendió.  De lo último que hablamos fue de nuestro marcamiento como familia.  No se nos dio ninguna otra razón sino que fue por la forma en que nosotros nos habíamos ido.  Mi hermano David y yo nos salimos muchos meses antes que el resto de la familia, y el resto no hizo nada sino dejar de asistir.  Muchos más al presente están siendo desasociados y marcados debido a que no están de acuerdo con los cambios.  Esto suena mucho como lo que sucedió con la iglesia del primer siglo.  ¿Cuántos hoy en día han dicho que ellos no harían lo que ellos hicieron?  ¿O estaban aquellos que estaban haciendo los cambios, que ni siquiera querían recibir al Apóstol Juan, en lo correcto porque ellos tenían la autoridad?  ¡Ellos estaban desasociando a cualquiera que no estuviera de acuerdo porque no querían que nadie más oyera la verdad!

Mi hermana Glenda fue despedida por la IDV el día antes de Expiación el año pasado sólo por estar ella mandando sermones, lo cual era su trabajo.  A la IDV no le gustó que algunos de los sermones habían sido dados por el Sr. Carl McNair y el Sr. John Ogwyn, y el hecho de que algunos mensajes no están de acuerdo con las nuevas enseñanzas de la IDV.  Esto puede que no preocupe a algunas personas, pero el hecho de que ella se encontraba en medio de un tratamiento para el cáncer debería preocuparle a cualquier ser humano, ¡no se diga a nosotros como cristianos!  Ella fue llamada a la oficina del Sr. Meredith el día de ayer, y se le dijo que dejara de estar defendiendo a aquellos que han sido erróneamente marcados.  A pesar que ella sepa la verdad.  Verán, su amigo Thomas Baca II, quien había recientemente dejado de asistir con la IDV debido a las cosas que él vió estaban sucediendo en la sede, acababa de ser considerado “Enemigo de la Iglesia” sólo por haber publicado algunas de sus opiniones en el internet, y Glenda apoyó a su amigo.  El Sr. Meredith también le dijo a ella en esta reunión, que ella y toda su familia Scarborough, eran unos mentirosos.  Imagínese que ésta fuera usted.  ¿Cómo se sentiría?  Supongo que cuando uno no necesita el apoyo de alguien el tachar el carácter de esa persona está justificado.  ¿Acaso no mató Caín a Abel porque estaba enojado?  Nosotros podemos probar todo lo que decimos a cualquier persona que le interese.  El guardarse de dar falso testimonio es uno de los 10 mandamientos, nosotros no tomamos esto a la ligera.  No hemos atacado a nadie.  Solamente no hemos estado de acuerdo con los cambios.  ¿Cómo puede ser ésta la Iglesia de la era Filadelfia?  ¿Cómo puede ser ésta siquiera una Iglesia “de Dios”?  ¿Cómo puede uno seguir ciegamente a hombres que mientras caminan y hablan piadosamente, están deborando al rebaño?  Tal vez usted espera que cruzen una línea imaginaria que usted ha dibujado en la arena.  El Sr. Meredith dice que la IDV no anulará las enseñanzas fundamentales.  Bueno, ¿y qué de los 10 mandamientos?  Se me dijo que si uno tenía una imagen de un corazón, o de una cruz, o estatuas de ángeles entre sus pertenencias, que eso no era pecado, que nosotros simplemente no podemos arrodillarnos, o adorarlos.  El Sr. Meredith dio un sermón aquí en Kansas City en que dijo:  “En ninguna parte de la Biblia se nos dice que la cruz sea pagana, o que usted no pueda hacer nada con una cruz.”  Yo sé, él usa la comparación de la cerca de estaquitas de madera que se cruzan, pero ese ejemplo lo usa para hacer parecer ridícula a la persona que aborrezca la idolatría.  Un miembro dijo, después de oír ése sermón:  “El Sr. Meredith dijo que el uso de la cruz está bien”.  Los divorcios y nuevas nupcias están a la órden del día, y esto por parte de los ministros.  Créamelo, si usted no se ha enterado ya de lo que está sucediendo, usted no querrá oírlo.  Y luego está el 9º mandamiento.  Este aplica solamente a los miembros.  El ministerio puede decir cualquier cosa que ellos quieran para proteger a SU iglesia.

Nos estamos reuniendo como pueblo de Dios aquí en Kansas City, con otros que han visto los problemas y han dejado la IDV en las últimas varias semanas.  Muchos más se nos están uniendo en línea por internet.  Nosotros somos pueblo de Dios.  Conocemos la voz de nuestro Pastor, Jesucristo.  No tenemos un ministerio que nos atienda, lo cual es una pena que las ovejas tengan que salir antes que el ministerio, pero nosotros pondremos a Dios primero, y amaremos a nuestros semejantes como a nosotros mismos.  Esperaremos hasta que Dios envíe a Sus siervos fieles, pero no renunciaremos a la fe que una vez nos fue dada.  Nosotros NO estamos comenzando una iglesia; nosotros somos miembros de la Iglesia de Dios no importa qué tantas mentiras se inventen acerca de nosotros.

Si uno cree que está en la Iglesia de Dios sólo porque uno no ve un lugar “mejor” a dónde ir, entonces uno está fallando en sus responsabilidades.  Nosotros hemos pasado por esto recientemente.  Yo he visto los otros grupos, y no hay ningún lugar donde se esté haciendo lo que Dios nos instruyó, pero uno puede discernir que la IDV no es mejor que la más pequeña de ellas.  Esto puede que enoje a algunos, pero uno es conocido por sus frutos.  Si uno dice que la IDV está haciendo más de una obra que ninguna otra, bueno eso estaría volviéndose hacia David Pack.  ¿De veras se iría uno a la IDR (Iglesia de Dios Restaurada) solamente porque ellos comienzan a hacer más de una obra que la IDV?  La mayoría muy probablemente se iría con la IDDAM (Iglesia de Dios, una Asociación Mundial) si la IDV fracasa.  Yo solamente diría esto, yo he asistido con IDDAM, y veo que ellos claramente son pueblo de Dios.  Ellos también cuadran la descripción, como una organización, de Laodicea, quienes aunque tienen deseos de hacer más, su forma de gobierno no permite lo que se requiere.  Aun algunos en el ministerio de ellos entienden esta verdad.  Yo sé lo que Dios dice va a suceder con ellos, y yo quiero ser un Filadelfiano con todo lo que Dios les dice a ellos, y les instruye, a la era Filadelfia.  Recuerden la definición de Filadelfia.  ¿La ve Dios en nosotros?

James Scarborough    

The original (English) version of the above letter is shown on this page as the 04/11/13 p.m. post.

Although I personally primarily left LCG because it had so many integrity problems (Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God and in Spanish/español ¿Por qué Bob Thiel dejó la Iglesia del Dios Viviente?) I was convinced that it could not, without massive repentance, possibly lead what I have called the final phase of the work (see The Final Phase of the Work and the video sermon The Final Phase of the Work), the Scarboroughs suggested that but mainly cited doctrinal issues (and there are some, see What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God? and in Spanish/español: ¿Qué hay acerca de la Iglesia de Dios Viviente? ¿Hay diferencias doctrinales con la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios?). One of those issues had to do with LCG's new "falling away" position which it claims is what sets it apart from other COGs (for details, see The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings and in Spanish/español: La Apostasía: Enseñanzas de la Biblia y de la WCG. There are also two YouTube videos on the subject that you can watch The Falling Away Part 1: From the Bible and Church History and The Falling Away Part 2: Positions Presented by Others).

04/30/13 p.m. Rod Reynolds resigned from the LCG ministry. He had been LCG's minister in parts of the U.S. south.

04/30/13 a.m. There are reports of various ones leaving various groups. There is one related to LCG that I plan to post about later, but for now, here is a report posted on the Don't Drink the Flavor Aid site:

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.

I reported about Adrian Gray's departure from Weinland's PKG group last June (see Former Weinland Elder Resigns and Posts Statements). One of the warnings I gave then was, "Sadly, Adrian Gray has now decided to follow the false and self-anointed, apostle David Pack (see also Why Not the Restored Church of God?)." Apparently now he sees that.

04/27/13 a.m. Received the following email today:

I resend you this letter from R.C. Meredith. It is in Spanish. In this letter, he tells more about 2 Thes. and the falling away. He continues misunderstanding the whole sense of this scriptural verses. He now says that the word for "apostasia" would be better translated as "rebellion". It is now very clear, al least for me, from the reading of this letter, that LCG has lost his vision, they are now blinded to the truth, and going on in their own ideas and interpretations of the Bible. Literally they are changing the meaning of the term "apostasia" and the interpretation of the passage. He says now, in this letter, that there will be a rebellion against God, and insists in the fact that the "apostasia" has nothing to do with the Church, which seems neither logical nor consequent with the clear sense of the passage of 2 Thes.

What he sent in Spanish was the following:

16 de abril del 2013

Apreciados hermanos y colaboradores en Cristo:

¡Desde nuestra sede en Charlotte, Carolina del Norte, reciban un cordial saludo! ¡Un nuevo papa ha aparecido en la escena mundial! ¿Podrá el nuevo papa católico romano, Francisco I, lograr grandes cambios en el escenario mundial? ¿Será utilizado para ayudar a promover la agitación religiosa masiva en los tiempos modernos? ¿Será, como muchos estudiantes de profecía temen, el último papa, el hombre identificado en Apocalipsis 13:13, que literalmente “hace descender fuego del cielo a la tierra delante de los hombres”?

Dios Todopoderoso nos manda observar los acontecimientos mundiales “en todo tiempo orando que seáis tenidos por dignos de escapar de todas estas cosas que vendrán, y de estar en pie delante del Hijo del Hombre" (Lucas 21:36). ¡Será muy interesante velar sobre los acontecimientos extraordinarios que tendrán lugar en los próximos años! ¡La Palabra de Dios claramente revela que la más grande rebelión en la historia humana contra el verdadero Dios está justo delante de nosotros! Está profetizado que ocurrirá justo antes y llevará directamente a la intervención de Dios en los asuntos humanos y a la segunda venida de Jesucristo como Rey de reyes. Nosotros en esta obra de Dios formamos parte de un número reducido que realmente entiende lo que está sucediendo y puede “advertirles” queridos hermanos y colaboradores de lo que se avecina, y de lo que usted tiene que hacer.

¡Por lo tanto, lea atentamente!

Una de las más importantes, pero de las más descuidadas profecías de la Biblia se encuentra en 2 Tesalonicenses 2. Después de establecer el escenario en el capítulo 1 describiendo el retorno de Cristo como “llama de fuego, para dar retribución a los que no... obedecen al evangelio”, el inspirado apóstol Pablo advierte a los cristianos a no permitir que alguien los engañe al enseñar que Cristo vendrá sin que ocurra primero la más grande rebelión contra Dios en la historia de la humanidad. El apóstol Pablo fue inspirado a escribir: “No se dejen engañar de ninguna manera, porque primero tiene que llegar la rebelión contra Dios y manifestarse el hombre de maldad, el destructor por naturaleza. Este se opone y se levanta contra todo lo que lleva el nombre de Dios o es objeto de adoración, hasta el punto de adueñarse del templo de Dios y pretender ser Dios” (2 Tesalonicenses 2:3-4, NVI). Acabo de citar de la Nueva Versión Internacional, ya que es importante que usted se dé cuenta de que muchas de las mejores traducciones indican que la palabra traducida como “apostasía”, en la versión de la Reina Valera se traduce mejor como “rebelión” del griego original. Esta palabra griega era, en realidad, un término militar que significaba “revuelta” o la rebelión contra la autoridad. ¡La idea de que este rechazo total de Dios que ha de venir es simplemente una “apostasía” de alguna enseñanza de una iglesia o grupo de iglesias, simplemente no está indicado aquí! Incluso muchos de nosotros en el pasado hemos asumido esto, ¡pero ese no es el caso cuando se entiende el contexto completo en el idioma griego original, que incluye a todo el mundo rebelándose contra el Dios verdadero!

Observe que esta expresión griega se traduce como “rebelión” en Dios Habla Hoy, la Nueva Versión Internacional, otras versiones y en inglés. Así que para entender correctamente lo que estamos hablando, es importante tener en cuenta que el término implica una rebelión mundial contra el Dios verdadero que, de hecho, va a afectar a todo el mundo de una manera que muy pocos entienden.

En el versículo 8, Pablo revela que “aquel inicuo”, que obviamente tiene varias enseñanzas religiosas que de hecho no incluyen la obediencia a los diez mandamientos, se manifestará, “a quien el Señor matará con el espíritu de su boca, y destruirá con el resplandor de su venida; inicuo cuyo advenimiento es por obra de Satanás, con gran poder y señales y prodigios mentirosos” (vs. 8-9). Así que ninguna “apostasía” local en cualquier iglesia o grupo pequeño de iglesias podría cumplir esta impresionante profecía y ciertamente, no sin el que está a cargo mostrando gran poder, señales y prodigios mentirosos.

Para aquellos de ustedes que entienden la profecía, es obvio que este gran “hombre de pecado”, o “inicuo”, se enlaza directamente con la “segunda bestia” de Apocalipsis 13. Para describir claramente al próximo líder militar y político del renacimiento final del Imperio Romano en Apocalipsis 13:1-10, el apóstol Juan describe: “otra bestia que subía de la tierra; y tenía dos cuernos semejantes a los de un cordero, pero hablaba como dragón” (v. 11). Este hombre es semejante a un “cordero”, Jesucristo. Sin embargo, ¡su mensaje es el de un “dragón” identificado en Apocalipsis 12:9 como Satanás el diablo! Este poderoso líder religioso “ejerce toda la autoridad de la primera bestia” y hace que el Imperio Romano revivido persiga a los verdaderos santos. Pero, ¡“también hace grandes señales, de tal manera que aun hace descender fuego del cielo a la tierra delante de los hombres”! (v. 13) Él utiliza estas señales para engañar a la gente en toda la Tierra para que sigan al Imperio Romano revivido y hace que todo el mundo vaya tras este “sistema” que Dios llama “Babilonia la grande”.

Pero por “humilde” que pueda parecer, el líder religioso de este sistema religioso va a ejercer un gran poder y causar una tremenda persecución. Ya que el sistema religioso que dirige, “la mujer” de Apocalipsis 17, se describe como “ebria de la sangre de los santos, y de la sangre de los mártires de Jesús” (Apocalipsis 17:6). Cientos de millones de hombres y mujeres en este sistema serán terriblemente engañados, que de hecho: “Pelearán contra el Cordero, y el Cordero los vencerá, porque Él es Señor de señores y Rey de reyes” (v. 14). Es difícil imaginar que millones puedan estar engañados. Pero la Biblia es muy clara cuando se leen todas las escrituras en cuestión. La “mujer” descrita en Apocalipsis 17, la gran iglesia falsa: “es aquella gran ciudad que reina sobre los reyes de la Tierra” (v. 18).

Finalmente, Juan fue inspirado para decirnos que salgamos de este “sistema”. Nos dice: “Ha caído, ha caído la gran Babilonia, y se ha hecho habitación de demonios” (Apocalipsis 18:2). Juan continúa: “Porque todas las naciones han bebido del vino del furor de su fornicación; y los reyes de la Tierra han fornicado con ella, y los mercaderes de la Tierra se han enriquecido de la potencia de sus deleites” (v. 3). Lo que indica claramente que “todas las naciones” de la Tierra han estado involucradas con este sistema político religioso y los que han participado en este sistema se han hecho muy ricos por medio de su masivo comercio y sistema de comercialización, ¡aunque solo por muy pocos años! Entonces Dios dice: “¡Ay, ay, de la gran ciudad de Babilonia, la ciudad fuerte; porque en una hora vino tu juicio! Y los mercaderes de la Tierra lloran y hacen lamentación sobre ella, porque ninguno compra más sus mercaderías” (Apocalipsis 18:10-11).

Casi al final de este capítulo, Dios inspira a Juan a decir: “porque tus mercaderes eran los grandes de la Tierra; pues por tus hechicerías fueron engañadas todas las naciones” (v. 23). ¡Satanás el diablo estará poderosamente involucrado con este falso sistema religioso, y lo hará participar de demonismo y brujería!

¡Lea cuidadosamente estas palabras! Porque esto indica claramente que el más masivo engaño religioso en la historia humana está ante nosotros, justo antes del retorno de Cristo, y afectará a cientos de millones de seres humanos que serán terriblemente engañados. ¡Esto es debido a su fuerte participación y la adulación de los líderes de este sistema, la “bestia” venidera y el falso profeta! Ciertamente “parecerá” ser de sabios “estar de acuerdo” con este sistema, conforme se desarrolla y gana adeptos entre miles de millones de seres humanos alrededor de la Tierra.

¿Estará usted mejor si formar parte de ese sistema? Recuerde, como ya he indicado, Dios Todopoderoso nos dice: “Salid de ella, pueblo mío, para que no seáis participes de sus pecados, ni recibáis parte de sus plagas” (Apocalipsis 18:4). Porque, ¿cuál será el resultado final de los que participen en este sistema? Al final, la Palabra de Dios nos dice: “Y la bestia fue apresada, y con ella el falso profeta que había hecho delante de ella las señales con las cuales había engañado a los que recibieron la marca de la bestia, y habían adorado su imagen. Estos dos fueron lanzados vivos dentro de un lago de fuego que arde con azufre. Y los demás fueron muertos con la espada que salía de la boca del que montaba el caballo, y todas las aves se saciaron de las carnes de ellos” (Apocalipsis 19:20-21). ¡No solo el líder político militar final, la “bestia”, será ejecutado, sino también el gran líder religioso falso, el “falso profeta”, serán quemados vivos en el lago de fuego! Y “los demás fueron muertos con la espada”. Eso, mis amigos, es el “resultado” para quienes sigan este sistema en los próximos años.

Sin embargo, millones de personas más serán absorbidas por este sistema gracias a sus “apariencias” de humildad, milagros falsos y situaciones similares. Pero los responsables de este sistema son de hecho “inicuos”, como claramente lo indican estas profecías. Ellos no enseñarán la obediencia a los mandamientos de Dios. Van a sustituir sus propios rituales y tradiciones por lo que Dios claramente les dice a todos los cristianos que hagan. Estos serán muy atractivos. Tendrán música hermosa, drama y acontecimientos inspiradores de todo tipo. ¡Estarán grandemente influenciados y, al final, serán destruidos por seguir a Satanás el diablo!

Que Dios ayude a todos ustedes, queridos hermanos y colaboradores a entender. Que Dios les ayude a comprender que hay muy pocas iglesias en esta Tierra que están dispuestas a decirles toda la verdad de lo que nos espera en el futuro. ¡En esta obra somos esa vanguardia de los que están dispuestos a predicar toda la verdad! Que Dios les ayude a entender y actuar por su propia protección y la de sus amigos y seres queridos. Que Dios nos ayude a todos a participar más plenamente en respaldar la obra que Dios Todopoderoso está llevando a cabo justo antes de la venida de Cristo. Porque el mundo necesita lo que nosotros tenemos para dar, y cada uno de nosotros debe estar inspirado en hacer su parte en el momento más trascendental de la historia de la humanidad. Que Dios les ayude a dar sus vidas a su servicio, y para ser dignos de desempeñar su parte en el Reino de Dios venidero que será establecido en esta Tierra bajo Jesucristo, como Rey de reyes.

Con amor cristiano,

Roderick C. Meredith

The above letter, part of which I posted in English on this page on the 04/17/13 p.m. post, confirms that Dr. Meredith is agreeing with what Dr. D. Winnail teaches on this matter. And this is the doctrine that LCG is teaching defines itself and separates it from the other COG groups.

For more specifics on that as well as the historical teaching on this matter, check out the following:

The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings Who is 2 Thessalonians 2:3 referring to? Are there multiple falling aways?
Here is a related link in Spanish/español: La Apostasía: Enseñanzas de la Biblia y de la WCG.
There are also two YouTube videos on the subject that you can watch The Falling Away Part 1: From the Bible and Church History and The Falling Away Part 2: Positions Presented by Others.

04/22/13 a.m. There was a problem with the link of the YouTube video related to the Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? article. Please accept my apologies. It has now been corrected, so you can now watch the video Who is the 'Man of Sin'?

04/19/13 p.m. In his latest co-worker letter, LCG's Dr. Meredith has the following about the identity of the man of sin of 2 Thessalonians 2:

One of the most vital yet neglected prophecies in all of the Bible is found in 2 Thessalonians 2...

In verse 8, Paul revealed that the “lawless one”—who obviously has various religious teachings that in fact do not involve obedience to the Ten Commandments—will be revealed, “whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the workings of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders” (vv. 8-9). So no local “apostasy” in anychurch or small group of churches could possibly fulfill this awesome prophecy—and certainly not without the one who is in charge showing great power, signs and lying wonders.

For those of you who understand prophecy, it becomes obvious that this great “man of sin,” or “man of lawlessness,” ties in directly with the “second beast” of Revelation 13. For obviously describing the coming military/political leader of the final revival of the Roman Empire in Revelation 13:1-10, the Apostle John goes on to describe another “beast” who comes out of the earth and “he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon” (v. 11). So this man looks like the “lamb,” Jesus Christ. Yet His message is that of the “dragon” identified in Revelation 12:9 as Satan the Devil! This coming powerful religious leader “exercises” all of the authority of the first “beast” and causes the revived Roman Empire to persecute the true saints...the great false religious leader—the “ false prophet” (Meredith RC. LCG co-worker letter, April 17, 2013)

The above suggests that if one does not agree with the conclusion that the false prophet is the "man of sin" of 2 Thessalonians 2, then one does not understand prophecy. But is the man of sin the false prophet, the second beast of Revelation 13, or not?

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. 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.

For more information, please read the article Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? and/or watch the video Who is the 'Man of Sin'?

04/17/13 p.m. In his latest co-worker letter, LCG's Dr. Meredith has the following:

One of the most vital yet neglected prophecies in all of the Bible is found in 2 Thessalonians 2. After setting the stage in chapter 1 by describing Christ returning with “flaming fire” and “taking vengeance” on those who do not obey the Gospel, the inspired Apostle Paul warns Christians not to let anyone deceive them by teaching that Christ is coming without the most massive anti-God rebellion in human history occurring first. The Apostle Paul was inspired to write, “For that Day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, proclaiming himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, RSV)...The idea that this coming total rejection of God is simply an “apostasy” from some teaching of some church or group of churches is simply not indicated here! Even many of us in the past have assumed this—but that is not the case when you understand the original Greek language in the whole context which involves the entire world rebelling against the true God!

The falling away or "rebellion" from the truth does come BEFORE the lawless one is revealed--but LCG seems to have trouble realizing that--and that becomes clear as one reads more of the letter. There were other issues of prophetic misunderstanding in that letter that I will not quote or deal with here at this time, but intend to deal with at least one soon--but I will tell people that they should "prove all things" assertions without proper scriptural support is not proof (including a statement in the letter that contradicts a point from Dr. Winnail's "Falling Away" sermon about the identity of the man of sin that Dr. Winnail seemed to have right). On a positive note, at least Dr. Meredith is now indicating that his position is a change, which in May 2012 he seemed to boldly suggest otherwise.

Those truly interested in this "falling away" subject should carefully study the article 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) as it does go through various details on this falling away matter--a matter that LCG has declared will set it apart from others, including those who accept the historical COG position, like the Continuing Church of God. There are also two YouTube videos on the subject that you can watch The Falling Away Part 1: From the Bible and Church History and The Falling Away Part 2: Positions Presented by Others.

04/13/13 p.m. Because of posts here from various ones, some wondered about my views of the gospel and its proclamation. At this time, I believe that the Continuing Church of God is the primary group that God is using and intends to use to lead the work that will finish the COG proclamation portion of Matthew 24:14. I also believe that Christ's gospel of the kingdom includes Jesus Christ, but His person is not the focus. As far as the Scarboroughs, their local minister, and discussions they had with Charlotte evangelists, I was never part of any of those. I presume that the Scarboroughs are well aware that Jesus is part of the gospel message and that LCG is well aware of the historical HWA teachings on the gospel of the kingdom.

Here are some items on the gospel:

What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Just What Do You Mean the Kingdom of God? This is booklet that was written by Herbert Armstrong answers questions about the Kingdom.

04/12/13 p.m. Got another email moments ago from James Scarborough as it appeared that perhaps his last email looked like at least a semi-endorsement of RCG:

My statement in my email about RCG is in no way an endorsement. We have looked at RCG thoroughly, and are aware of too many issues, which would make them no better an option than LCG. Anyone who has a history back to the work in the Global Church of God, and even further back to the work God did through Mr. Armstrong, would know the type of man God would use as his physical leader. Although God is looking for a strong obedient leader, He is also looking for a humble teachable man. These are qualities more rare than we once thought seeing so many strong leaders under Mr. Armstrong fell into pride and vanity.
James Scarborough

I agree, of course, that RCG is not the place. Hopefully those in it will realize that sooner than later.

(BTW, I am not opposed to posting LCG comments on certain matters, but as LCG no longer sends me certain official information this limits what I post from them.)

04/11/13 p.m. Received an email titled Disfellowshiped from James Scarborough. Because of how it begins (and he sent it to me), it looks like he would not have an issue with it being posted:

I am sending this email to most of the LCG ministry. Some of you know my family very well, some probably do not. I am reaching out to any ministers who remain faithful to the truth, so you will know what is going on.

Our Background

Ralph & Patricia Scarborough, and their eight children, began attending Worldwide Church of God in 1968. Four more children were born into the church over the following years. We were taught all the fundamental teachings of the Church of God through Herbert W. Armstrong until the time of his death in 1986. After his death the apostasy occurred, which led to the exodus of those who continued to believe the teachings of Mr. Armstrong were still valid. In 1995 almost all the Scarborough’s, along with several thousand others, left Worldwide to join the work Mr. Meredith had begun in 1993. My father told his children he would not be tricked by new truth a second time. We, as a family, supported Mr. Meredith, and our local minster Mr. Gerald Weston, in service to the Global Church of God.

 

When the takeover of GCG took place, Mr. Meredith came to my parents’ house, sat with us over dinner, and discussed the situation. My father told him to begin again, and most of the people would follow him because we do not follow an organization. Mr. Meredith went back to San Diego and started the Living Church of God. The Scarborough family provided Computer Servers, workstations and a complete network, all at our own expense. Two of our family members delivered, and installed the equipment at LCG headquarters. The Scarborough family provided all the internet services for LCG, for free, until a few years ago. Our lives are committed to the service of God, His people, and His work. We have never tried to gain any position, or recognition in the church. You may stop here and say that’s exactly what we are doing by sending this email? Please read on.

 

What is this all about?

About seven years ago some of us began to see changes in the focus of the Gospel. It is not relevant if you agree with the changes, or not; the following is the point. It was told to Mr. Meredith that two of the Scarborough brothers had problems with LCG’s “better understanding” about the Gospel message. That very week the local minister called my brother David, and I, to a private room after Sabbath services and asked, as he was instructed by Mr. Meredith, if this was true. We spent some time explaining the Gospel message as we had been taught all our lives. As it happened another minister, who was visiting Kansas City, was asked to attend our meeting. Much to our surprise he agreed with my brother and myself. We were instructed, by the local minister, to keep our opinions to ourselves, which we agreed since we had no interest in causing division.

 

Over the following years the issue seemed to become less of a focus, but we noticed after Mr. Bryce left LCG that a new focus on Jesus Christ began to emerge. One Pentecost we received a fine Passover Sermon for the morning service, and before the afternoon service the elder giving the message began with “Maybe we should mention here that it is Pentecost”. Much to our surprise he went into another sermon about Jesus Christ; not Pentecost. Not long after that CAD sent out instructions to those giving messages, at the Feast of Tabernacles, to give sermons on the topic of the Feast. Why should this be necessary?

About four years ago we started to hear of further upgrades/changes to the doctrines of the church, and finally after the death of Mr. Apartian it became clear there was no turning back. On December 25^th 2010 we heard a sermon, by the local minister, titled “In the Name of Jesus Christ”. The messages following began to focus on the changes, and ridiculed those who did not understand. In January 2011 the Scarborough family, with the exception of those in Charlotte, and a couple of nephews, agreed to discontinue fellowship with the Living Church of God. Our eldest brother set up a meeting with the local minister and all the adults of our family. The minister was informed of our decision, and some of the more serious reasons for our decision. The minister then asked the family to consider remaining until Mr. Meredith came to town for a Tomorrows World public event, which was to happen just before the spring Holydays. Mr. Meredith wanted to meet with us, and discuss the problems. All agreed with the exception of David and I. Mr. Meredith came to town and said he would meet with my mother, and eldest brother only, at a restaurant. We declined because there was no real opportunity to discuss our issues in such an environment. When asked why he would not meet with us as a family, the response was that he did not want to be surrounded by a bunch of Scarborough’s. Please remember we are the same family he sat with when he was being thrown out of GCG, and who served him faithfully. There was no hostility, or anger, on our part. We just disagreed with the changes and we were going to stop attending LCG. Over the following months the family was corrected from the pulpit, not by name, but by the messages. Saying the changes were what Mr. Armstrong taught, but in private we were told the changes were not that different. Finally before the fall Holydays my mother, and one of the elder brothers, had a meeting with the local minister, and the local elder, on the topic of Idolatry. My mother prepared literature from the days of Mr. Armstrong, which she tried to present as what we were once taught. The following Sabbath the minister, in his sermon, said you could have a whole stack of books and still be wrong. This being taken for what it was; my brother, which had been in the meeting, quietly got up and left. He even left his children there asking his oldest daughter to make sure his son got home. My mother got up and left shortly after. The following week the family did not attend with LCG. On Atonement Mr. Meredith marked the entire family with the exception of those sitting in service. His excuse was that we did not believe Jesus Christ was a vital part of the Gospel. We had made it clear, in every discussion we had with the ministry, we believed what Mr. Armstrong taught about the Gospel of the Kingdom. So it must be that Mr. Armstrong did not agree with Mr. Meredith. Why would an entire family be marked, on a solemn day like Atonement, for holding on to the truth? There was no evidence we were causing division, with the exception of 2 people in the family postings about what we were once taught as the truth. That is 2 people out of more than 60. At no time did anyone try to present any new truth. A year later we were informed others were beginning to question new teachings, other than the Gospel. We were also told they were being intimidated worse than the Scarborough family had been. It was at that time some of us decided to put the truth out about what we know about the Gospel, and since people were saying we were not marked. We put out the audio of the local minister reading the marking from Mr. Meredith on http://www.genuine-truth.com. This site has been updated periodically.

 

This last summer Mr. Winnail offered to come to Kansas City to talk to the family, but there was no interest, with the exception of my brother David and I. We had a cordial discussion for over three hours about what we saw as changes. Nothing was resolved, but that was not a surprise. The last item we discussed was the marking of the Scarborough family. There was no reason given other than it was the way we left. My brother David, and I, left many months before the rest of the family, and the rest did nothing but stop attending. Many more are currently being disfellowshipped and marked over disagreements about the changes. This sounds very similar to the first century church. How many today have said I would not do what they did? Or were those making the changes, who would not even receive the Apostle John, right because they had the authority? They were disfellowshipping anyone who disagreed because they did not want anyone hearing the truth!

 

My sister Glenda was fired by LCG the day before Atonement last year just because she was sending out sermons, which was her job. LCG did not like that some of the sermons were given by Mr. Carl McNair, and Mr. John Ogwyn, and the fact some messages disagreed with LCG’s new teaching. This may not concern some, but the fact she was in the middle of cancer treatment should be of concern to any human being, not to mention us as Christians! She was called into Mr. Meredith’s office yesterday, and told to stop defending those who have been wrongfully marked. Even though she knows the truth. You see, her friend Thomas Boca II, who had recently quit attending LCG because things he saw going on at headquarters, had just been deemed “An enemy of the Church” just because he had posted some of his views on the web, and Glenda stood by her friend. Mr. Meredith also told her in this meeting that she, and her entire Scarborough family, are liars. Imagine this was you. How would you feel? I guess when you don’t need someone’s support; character assassination is justified. Didn’t Cain murder Abel because he was angry? We can prove all we are saying to anyone who cares. Bearing false witness against your neighbor is one of the 10 commandments; we do not take it lightly. We have not attacked anyone. We have only disagreed with the changes. How can this be the Philadelphian Church? How can this be any Church of God? How can you blindly follow men who walk and talk piously, while devouring the sheep? Maybe there is a line in the sand you are waiting for them to cross. Mr. Meredith says LCG will not do away with the fundamentals. Well how about the 10 commandments. I was told that if you had a heart, or cross, or statues of angels in your possession that it was not a sin, we just cannot bow down, or worship them. Mr. Meredith gave a sermon here in Kansas City where he said “nowhere in the Bible does it say the cross is pagan, or you can’t do anything with the cross”. I know he uses the picket fences comparison, but that is being used to make anyone who hates idolatry look ridiculous. A member, after the sermon, happily stated Mr. Meredith said the cross was okay. Divorce & Remarriage is out of control, and this is from the ministry. Trust me, if you don’t already know what is going on, you don’t want to. And then there is the 9^th commandment. This one only applies to the members. The ministry can say anything they want to protect THEIR church.

 

We are meeting as God’s people here in Kansas City; with others who have seen the problems and left LCG over the past few weeks. Many more are joining us online. We are God’s people. We know the voice of our Shepherd; Jesus Christ. We do not have a ministry attending to us, which is so sad that the sheep have to step out before the ministry, but we will put God first, and love our neighbor as ourselves. We will wait until God sends His faithful servants, but we will not give up the faith once delivered. We are NOT starting a church; we are members of the Church of God no matter what lies are conjured.

If you think you are in the Church of God just because you don’t see a “better” place to go, then you are failing at your responsibilities. We have been down this path recently. I have seen the other groups, and there is no place doing what God instructed, but you can discern that LCG is no better than the least of them. This may make some angry, but you are known by your fruits. If you say LCG is doing more of a work than anyone else. Well that is shifting toward David Pack. Would you really go with RCG just because they start doing more of a work than LCG? Most would probably go with CoGWA if LCG fails. I would just say this. I have attended with CoGWA, and see they are clearly God’s people. They also fit the description, as an organization, of Laodicea, which even though they have desires to do more; their form of government will not permit what is required. Even some in their ministry understand this truth. I know what God says will happen to them, and I want to be a Philadelphian with all that God says to, and instructs, the Philadelphian era. Remember the definition of Philadelphia. Does God see it in us?

 

James Scarborough

While I do not believe that any should consider that David Pack is God's apostle or that RCG can be a legitimate option, I agree that COGWA has clearly demonstrated, at best, a lukewarm approach to public proclamation of the gospel. I do not agree that Christians should in any way venerate crosses and have written against them (What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons?) as well as the Falling Away matter (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).

04/06/13 p.m. At his Facebook page, Thomas Baca II posted the following today:

I know many of you will hear about me being declared an "enemy of the Church" which is NOT true... I've already been declared an "enemy of the Catholic Church" by my family many years ago... yet, I am actually an enemy of nobody except the evil one!

I LOVE God's people, I do discuss biblical topics and issues, and if something is not 100 % according to God's word—I will say so... how horrible of me! I know LOTS of things that I could say, but I do NOT make it a habit of giving specifics about those things that I know... I just don't! I will NOT attack anyone, nor have I personally attacked anymore publicly already—I have been attacked myself though, by MANY for YEARS, and could have filed slander lawsuits against individuals... I never did, and I never will either—God says that we should NOT take our brethren to court, and that is why I forgave and forgot those incidents... even though I had many witnesses that would have testified in MY favor!

I do understand if many of you, not knowing ALL the details or facts, do decide to unfriend me or block me—I will not be upset with any of you... I love you all, and I know that you will probably do as you're instructed. PLEASE do as you feel is best, that is what God would want you to do. I will be vindicated in time, I will trust in the God of Israel, He is my shield... so, I have total peace in this matter.

Again, I love you all brethren... see you down the road :)

In Christian faith and love,
Thomas Baca II

Thomas Baca used to work in the video department for the Living Church of God in Charlotte, NC.

04/01/13 p.m. RCG's David Pack and LCG's Roderick C. Meredith both posted some letters:

This is the SEVENTH in a series of special weekly announcements that appear every Friday. They collectively unveil the massive, ongoing expansion that God’s Church, Work and Headquarters are experiencing. There is a reason for this expansion! 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. You must see what they are NOT announcing, and why they never will—and what GOD is bringing upon them. (Pack D. 3/29/13)

My friends, this is the Work of Almighty God at the end of an age. We really do “tell it like it is.” And we really do understand biblical prophecy and are constantly proclaiming the truth about what lies just ahead for your very life...

We have recently had to drop one or two of our better television outlets for financial reasons. We are already “tightening” our belts in a number of ways. As one who has tried to give my life in Christ’s service for nearly 61 years—full-time—I ask you to join me and other servants in going “above and beyond” in supporting God’s Work at this critical time. Please do not let me down. Please do not let God down. We look forward prayerfully for your loyal response soon. (Meredith RC. Co-worker letter, 3/18/13)                    

I do not believe that RCG is the organization that God can use as Philadelphian nor do I believe that LCG is truly willing to “tell it like it is.” If so, Dr. Meredith would have told the truth about me and been bolder in proclaming various matters. Some will prefer to believe the misinformation from David Pack and some from LCG (LCG's is less obvious to many, which is part of why many keep accepting it).

LCG has had financial concerns ever since God orchestrated events that had me leave it. But, whether it gets more money or not, without massive repentance and change LCG is not the group that God is using to lead His work.

04/01/13 a.m. The Continuing Church of God has reached many since it began on radio and on the internet.

Here are statistics for the past three months for the www.cogwriter.com website only:

Month	Unique visitors	Number of visits	Pages	Hits	Bandwidth
Jan 2013	100,403	173,010	353,889	1,532,964	36.71 GB
Feb 2013	124,552	183,588	400,212	1,616,512	38.42 GB
Mar 2013	126,902	201,899	401,693	1,689,421	39.94 GB

These statistics are up significantly from the prior year. Note: "Pages" refer to individual web addresses/articles, and some of them are up to 100 printed pages long.

We on the internet, of course, also have www.ccog.org, Bible News Prophecy channel, and ContinuingCOG channel--all of which are new.  50,000 YouTube views happened in our first three months of existence. God seems to have greatly blessed the reach of the Continuing Church of God.

Those who suggested that the Continuing Church of God would not have major impact were in error. Additionally, there were six radio interviews, and another is scheduled for this week. According to the hosts of those programs, we have reached millions on the radio. Those who are serious about fulfilling Matthew 24:14 should truly support the Continuing Church of God.

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

COGwriter, 2013