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Chapter Index 2 -Is That Door Still Open Today? 4 - Problems Of A Divided Church 7 - A Faithful Minister’s Duties 12 - The Conclusion Of The Matter
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The Work of God in the Laodicean Era | ||
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Chapter Ten Heresies And Errors In this chapter you are going to read and be astounded at some of the teachings, or neglect of them, that are taught or followed in the three largest splinter groups and one smaller group that have formed since Mr. Armstrong’s death. Some things they teach are blatant heresies, while others are omissions or altering of doctrine. Teaching errors and heresies amounts to no less than serving polluted bread on God’s altar (Malachi 1:7, 12). Some are doing this openly, even calling such things “new truth”. A person who teaches heresies is considered a heretic. God tells us how we are to deal with heretics: “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself” (Titus 3:10-11). Now let’s look closely to see if some things these three larger splinter groups teach are right and good or heresies. The Philadelphia Church of God The leader of the Philadelphia Church of God has written a book called Malachi’s Message. He claims his book to be an unwritten part of the Bible itself, namely a part of the book of Revelation. He also has stated it was written by Jesus Christ. Now think about that for a moment. Here is a man who claims Jesus Christ wrote a book that he wrote. Putting this statement in it’s right perspective, in essence what he is actually saying is this: Jesus Christ and he are the one and same person! Incredible! The following are actual quotes from this group’s publications: “Malachi’s Message is His final warning before the Great Tribulation. Jesus Christ wrote it, not any man” (Philadelphia Trumpet, June 1991). “MALACHI’S MESSAGE IS AN UNWRITTEN PART OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION!” (Philadelphia Trumpet, Sept/Oct 1992). “THE LITTLE BOOK IS A PROPHETIC SECTION OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION!” (Philadelphia Trumpet, Sept/Oct 1992). These claims by this leader are in direct contradiction to what the apostle John was inspired by Jesus Christ to write in the book of Revelation, the very book this leader refers to. Listen to this: “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19). The leader of this group teaches many errors and contradictions. It can easily be proven that some things he says are not in accordance with the Bible nor with what the apostle taught to us. A few more quotes containing errors from the leader of the Philadelphia Church of God: “THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN WAS THE LAODICEAN ERA IN EMBRYO” (Philadelphia Trumpet, April 1997). “....the “synagogue of Satan” which later became the Laodiceans” (Haggai booklet, 1996). “He removed Mr. Armstrong to let the “synagogue of Satan” quickly blossom into the Laodicean Church” (Lamentations booklet, 1993). “God inspired the word “synagogue” to be used in Revelation 3:9 because they are spiritual Jews,” (Philadelphia Trumpet, April 1997). The leader of this group is way off track in these quotes. He claims to be the only one following the teachings of Mr. Armstrong. Let’s see what the apostle taught about this subject and compare teachings. In the Good News magazine, under Mr. Armstrong’s direction, we read the opposite of what this leader says: “Those in the “synagogue of Satan” say they are Jews--pretend to be real Christians--but are not. THIS FALSE CHURCH was already developing in the days of the apostle John” (G.N. May, 1984). From Lesson 33, Bible Correspondence Course 1964, 1965, 1969: “COMMENT: "The Synagogue of Satan," composed of those who said "they are Jews and are not" is none other than the great false church founded by Simon Magus. From Lesson 25, Bible Correspondence Course 1986: “COMMENT: The "synagogue of Satan," composed of those who claimed to be "spiritual Jews"--that is, true Christians--but were not, is the false religion now labeled "Christianity" and founded by the Simon mentioned in Acts 8:9-24.” Now read what Jesus Christ says about this “synagogue of Satan”: “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee” (Revelation 3:9). The “synagogue of Satan” is not God’s Church! It is Satan’s Church. God does not call the “synagogue of Satan” His Church anywhere in the Bible! Yet the leader of this group does. That is a blatant, raw heresy, brethren! Remember, the Laodicean Church is still God’s true Church! God does not have a false Church, a synagogue of Satan! That’s utterly ridiculous! God’s Church may get off track or have other problems, but it is still God’s Church. The leader of this group said the “synagogue of Satan” was “God’s Church in Embryo”, and then blossomed into the Laodicean Church. He said Satan’s Church became God’s Church. A Laodicean is one that is self-righteous and lukewarm spiritually. It is one within God’s Church not outside of it. It describes the attitude of the Church in this era that has compromised on doctrine, becoming spiritually blind among several other defects. There in Revelation 3:9 Jesus Christ says those calling themselves Jews (Christians) are liars. Under Mr. Armstrong’s direction, the Church taught this is referring to people of the world that profess themselves to be Christian (Protestants, Catholic, the professing “Christian” world, etc.). He was right. They are not in any way God’s Church. They are not spiritual Jews! When this leader of the Philadelphia Church of God says the synagogue of Satan are spiritual Jews, he’s saying they are God’s Church. This leader has it backwards. He is wrong! Such human reasoning does not remotely reflect the mind of Christ. What he wrote is misleading and Satanic! God’s Word says: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Romans 2:28-29). There are many such errors being taught in the Philadelphia Church of God by this man calling himself “That Prophet”. What he teaches does not agree with God’s Word, the same Word the apostle taught to us. We’re told to Beware of such men! “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember,....” (Acts 20:29-31). This leader has duped several thousand members to follow him. It’s time these heresies and errors are exposed for all to see. There’s more false teachings this leader says that need to be exposed. Once Saved Always Saved? The leader of the Philadelphia Church of God also claims to be a prophet through whom God reveals His prophecies and “new truth” in this era. He claims God reveals His secrets only to him and no one else. Much of this man’s “new truth” is not according to scripture nor what Jesus Christ revealed to us through an apostle in the previous era. Many are complete heresies and are not even sound as you have just read. They don’t make any sense. This man is serving polluted bread on God’s Altar at best. Would Jesus Christ give errors and heresies for us to learn and qualify for His Kingdom? Of course not! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 15:8). He is the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life (John 14:6). He wants His sheep to have sound doctrines. This is why He is so upset with the ministry in this era (Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 34). They are serving polluted doctrine to His people. This leader also gets the members of his group to focus on saving their own physical lives. Many times his real emphasis seems to be on the physical and not so much on the spiritual. He makes the following statement in HIS book: “Backing and supporting this message is your ticket to a place of safety and a magnificent reward” (Malachi’s Message, pg. 144). What he’s really saying is that if you stay with his group, the Philadelphia Church of God, and give your support to him, you are as good as in the place of safety and the Kingdom of God. He gets members to focus on saving their own skin, on the physical and not the spiritual. If we pull away the veneer from what this leader is saying by that statement, we find that he is really promoting the “Once Saved, Always Saved” teaching in disguise. Just join with his group, support him, and you have it made. Things are easy to understand once our eyes are open to the whole truth (Matthew 13:14-17). Here are some more quotes by this leader that completely contradict each other. Please keep in mind he believes the Worldwide Church of God and every splinter group other than the PCG is Laodicean. First quote: “the Laodiceans are blind because they don’t have the testimony of Jesus Christ--because they don’t have the spirit of prophecy” (Philadelphia Trumpet, February 1998 pp. 4-5) Second quote: “Remember, the Laodiceans are “lukewarm”. ... “They also “have” the spirit of prophecy because Mr. Armstrong gave it to them” (Malachi’s Message, pg. 107). In one quote he says one thing, but in another he states just the opposite. This is double talk. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). Besides those contradicting statements, he says Mr. Armstrong gave the spirit of prophecy to them. This is a wrong teaching, a heresy! The spirit of prophecy is a gift from God and comes through the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:6, I Corinthians 12:1-12). This is no way to teach God’s people. Do you believe Jesus Christ is happy with teaching such things to His people? Wake up PCG! Here is another quote from this leader that is an outright heresy: “Revelation 6:9-16 discusses the martyrdom of the saints and the heavenly signs. BOTH are included in the Great Tribulation” (Malachi’s Message, page 42). Now read and compare that statement with what Jesus Christ says in your Bible: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:” (Matthew 24:29). What the apostle taught does agree with Jesus Christ. From the booklet Revelation Unveiled at Last by Herbert W. Armstrong, we read: “...immediately after the Tribulation, the heavenly signs in the sun and moon and stars. Third, following the supernatural signs in the heavens, the terrible DAY OF THE LORD!” “...this day of the Eternal's plagues shall not come until after the heavenly signs in the sun and moon. And those startling supernatural heavenly signs shall not come until immediately after the Great Tribulation!” As we can plainly see, the leader of the Philadelphia Church of God does not hold fast to the teachings of Mr. Armstrong as he claims in many of his group’s publications. Nor does he teach the truth according to God’s Word. Some things he teaches are heresies. What you have just read and many other such things have been brought to this leader’s attention by others. He just ignored them or gave them the “boot”. Disfellowshipment for showing errors has been a common practice in the Philadelphia Church of God. With such statements as you have just been reading, we now know the real truth about this leader and his group’s teachings. This leader claims to be a prophet. He might be a prophet alright, A FALSE PROPHET! He is teaching heresy! God’s Word tells us: “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets,...” (Matthew 24:11, 23-23). A true prophet of God would not teach falsehoods or confuse the people as this man does. This leader has taken to himself the title of “That Prophet”. More about this a little later. There is an internet web site where great detail has been taken to expose the false teachings of this leader, much more than I have given to you here. This web site was not available during the first printing of this booklet. I have found that this web site includes much more than what I have put into this booklet. It should be helpful to those brethren still in the Philadelphia Church of God to come to the truth about this leader. Here is the address: http://www.pcog.info The Leader of the Philadelphia Church of God is wrong. He has deceived several thousand followers that are asleep. You members and ministers in the Philadelphia Church of God had better WAKE UP! You are under a strong delusion (II Thessalonians 2:11). “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). Remember, we read at the beginning of this chapter what we are to do when someone is preaching heresy: “A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself” (Titus 3:10-11). United Church of God The largest Church of God splinter group, the United Church of God, has also discarded or altered doctrines and teachings given through God’s end time apostle, Mr. Armstrong. Doctrines such as Sabbath attire, proper grooming, hair length on men, marriage teaching, birthdays, Born Again, Church eras, Mr. Armstrong as the “Elijah” and an apostle, retirement for ministers, and many others have been changed or watered down. They are a very liberal group. Here’s several excerpts from God’s apostle written in an article by him shortly after he started putting the Church back on track: “What is a Liberal?” “...the church at Corinth, precisely like today's Church of God, was following various and differing men with differing doctrines.” “Satan has been striking at God's Church and Work from within and from without!” “Paul said "...of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:30). “What happened in those churches in the first century has happened to us today. Those guilty of causing division are fighting God and shall be judged by Him!” “This group of liberals assumed the authority of setting Church doctrine. The one who primarily wrote the Systematic Theology Project later wrote, "My only goal in coordinating the project was to bring doctrinal consistency, stability and unity to the ministry" - that is, unity in watered-down doctrines that older loyal ministers did not and never would accept! That was not unity it was DIVISION!” “How does God's Church receive its doctrines, beliefs and teachings? Direct from God, through the channels of Jesus Christ as Head of the Church, and from Him through the apostles! NEVER by any others! NEVER by a group of ministers appointing themselves as a Doctrinal Committee!” “How did the Worldwide Church of God receive its doctrines, beliefs and teachings? EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH CHRIST'S APOSTLE! True, I have practiced the biblical principle that "in multitude of counsel there is safety." On many occasions some top-level ministers have contributed certain input that has helped me in setting doctrine. BUT EVERY DOCTRINE, BELIEF AND TEACHING IN THE WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD HAS COME FROM CHRIST THROUGH HIS CHOSEN APOSTLE!” “The liberal is one who has a DIFFERENT APPROACH to questions of human conduct than God, or those who have been CONQUERED by God and are being led by God's Holy Spirit...” “The liberal is going also in the way of Satan.” “The liberal has deceived himself!” “In his heart, the liberal would like to "go along" at least part way with this world.” “The liberal is not hungering and thirsting after righteousness!” “It is Satan who deceives and puts into many human minds the desire to go as far into this world as he thinks God will allow and into its ways of VANITY and INTELLECTUALISM (carnal, secular) - vanity of mind.” These are powerful words from God’s late apostle. Shouldn’t there be a little fear to go against what he taught us? You ministers in the United Church of God had better wake up before it is too late! Some ministers in this “United” group often times do not even speak the same things as other United ministers with a congregation in the same city. It seems this splinter group has had more turmoil and divisions than all the others. They do not speak nor teach the same things the apostle did as you can easily see from the above quotes. Some ministers have written articles trying to show where Mr. Armstrong was so wrong on certain doctrines. Many of these men sat at Mr. Armstrong’s feet and learned directly from him. They, of all men, are the most guilty of division within God’s Church in this era. They have led God’s people into error. They know they are guilty! They should have held fast to what they had learned. One has to wonder what these same men would do if Mr. Armstrong could be resurrected for a few weeks? I think we might see some fast backtracking! Or would we? Some would probably reject him! Think about that for awhile. How about you brethren? What would you do? Several ministers in this group no longer feel Mr. Armstrong was an apostle of God. In thinking this they might as well take their own credentials and throw them out the window, for they have disqualified themselves from the ministry. Under whom were they baptized? Under whom did they receive their training to be a minister in the first place? It was through Mr. Armstrong’s God-given office of an apostle they themselves were ordained, either directly or indirectly! Sadly, some do not think very thoroughly about such things. THINK BRETHREN! We dare not blaspheme the Holy Spirit! Some of you men are playing with fire, Eternal Fire! (Matthew 12:30-33). We must see the far reaching effect of such thinking. God says we need to: “...beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness” (II Peter 3:17). If Mr. Armstrong were resurrected today for a few weeks, I’m sure many ministers would have an immediate change of heart! These men are without any excuse whatsoever! If you agree with them, you also are without excuse! Please think that one over for awhile. The United Church of God’s biggest change was the form of Church Government. This group has a voting government. This is in direct conflict with the most important doctrine restored to the Church through the “Elijah” to come, Mr. Herbert Armstrong (Matthew 17:11, Malachi 4:5-6). It is no wonder most ministers in this group, or associated with it, no longer feel he fulfilled this role. If they truly did believe he fulfilled the role of “Elijah” that restored true doctrines to the Church, they would not be able to continue to operate as they are doing today with a clear conscience. Will God have a voting government in the Kingdom of God? Of course not! What form will He have? Mr. Armstrong makes this very clear in his book, Mystery of the Ages: “It will be divine government--theocracy--the government of God ruling over humans. It will not be government from the bottom up. The people will have no votes. It will not be government of or by the people--but it will be government for the people. It will be government from the top (God Almighty) down. It will be hierarchy in form” (page 325). Also in his book, he states what type of government is to be practiced in the Church today: “The Roman Catholic Church is organized on the hierarchical system with the pope in supreme authority, a college of cardinals next in authority, a curia at headquarters in the Vatican with archbishops, bishops and priests. The Presbyterian Church is organized with the presbyters or ministers in control. The Congregational Church delegates top authority to the congregation--"government by the consent of the governed." “The CHURCH is organized under theocratic government, hierarchical in form. The members do not set officials in the Church. God sets EVEN THE LAY MEMBERS in the Church (I Cor. 12:18). ...We have just covered the truth that GOD set officials to serve on the human level under Christ, in the Church. …..Others have organized themselves into government by ministers or presbytery…” (pages 246-247). “That is WHY it is hierarchical in form--government from GOD at the top on down, not from the bottom up. Otherwise those at the bottom would be ruling GOD! A voting government for the Church is not God’s. Rejecting His teaching given through an apostle, this group, the United Church of God, has gone back into the ways of this world. Anyone supporting leaders of this group are just as guilty as they are in this. The form of government for the Church must be the same as that which Christ will administer in the Kingdom. The Church of God is the Kingdom in embryo. God has only one form of government. Why would leaders in God’s Church want to practice any form of government other than that established by Jesus Christ through His apostle? Some have reasoned: “Well, look what happened in the Worldwide Church of God over the last several years under a hierarchical system. It was with this form of government that leaders used to lead the Church astray.” Listen, just because wrong leadership has been in the Church under a hierarchical form of government does not make the form wrong. It simply means that the leaders themselves were wrong. Men being wrong does not make the form of government wrong! That’s human reasoning and comes from the wrong tree. We’re not to take from that tree! Think for a minute! God told how ancient Israel was to be governed after He gave them a king. He knew they would eventually desire a king like the nations around them long before they went into the promised land (Deuteronomy 18:14-20). David was a good king over Israel, even with all his mistakes. But as you read through the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles, when bad kings ruled but didn’t obey God, did He take away the form of government He gave to them? Of course not! Even when Israel split into two nations, God still kept the same form for both nations. Think brethren how God wants His Church to be governed! The same as He wanted ancient Israel to be governed, with a hierarchy government! Don’t let leaders fool or hoodwink you into believing any other form of government for the Church other than what the apostle taught! They are misleading you members in the United Church of God with their using a voting form of government. Those who practice this form of government are in rebellion to the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. It should be much more clear to you now why certain leaders do not like Mystery of the Ages. They no longer have proper respect for, nor fear to denounce it’s author, Mr. Armstrong, God’s late apostle. Some have also used the excuse that since there were abuses in the Church under an hierarchical system, the form must have been wrong. Because of that, they assume the right to change the form of government for the Church. That is a wrong concept. That is delusive thinking and, when followed, will get you off track very quickly. It has gotten many off the track already. “...because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:” (II Thessalonians 2:10-11).
Practicing a voting government, whether directly by the people or by the ministry (presbytery) is living a lie, no two ways about it if you are to be part of God’s Church! Once error enters the mind, everything else will become tainted. A little dirt in the glass of water will pollute it. “Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (I Corinthians 5:6). God gives us the solution on how to solve this present question of government in His Church: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle” (II Thessalonians 2:15). “I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:” (II Peter 3:1-2). Who was God’s apostle in this end time? The answer is, of course, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong! Who taught us the right form of government for the Church? He did. God selected him to be His apostle, not men. We had better hold fast to these things so we won’t become deceived and get off the track. Abuses also have taken place within these very groups that now embrace a voting government. But we don’t see these same leaders wanting to switch to another form, do we? Why not? Don’t we find just a little bit of hypocrisy in this type of thinking? Living Church of God Errors Sometimes a voting government will be disguised as government by Consensus. This term reveals the true form it promotes. It is just another word to describe a form of voting. Look closely at this word again: CON-sensus, which should be more aptly paraphrased as: con-your-senses. Beware of such hidden deception, brethren. Look up this word “consensus” in the dictionary. It means about the same thing as voting. It means “an opinion held by all or MOST; general agreement”. It’s just a voting government dressed up in a tuxedo. It’s certainly not God’s form of government. Now we will address the third group the Living Church of God. In the past few years some members and ministers of this group have referred to their leader as an apostle. He previously referred to himself in an article that he was the Number 1 evangelist! One has to question humility with such a statement. In one of his booklets written about government, when most of the Living Church of God ministers and members were in the now defunct Global Church of God, this same leader claimed the government in the Church should be: "collegial", “a collective sort of leadership”, or a “consensus-building leadership” (from his booklets: Church Government and Church Unity, 1993, page 12, When Should You Follow Government, 1995, page 12,14).
In these booklets he states no man should be in authority over another. This is not what Mr. Armstrong taught nor practiced in the Church. Mr. Armstrong always taught in those last few years how God always used ONE man at a time to lead His people. Some things this leader teaches in his booklets are wrong. On one hand he says we shouldn’t stray from the doctrines put into the Church through Mr. Armstrong. Then he goes on to explain government completely different than what we have been taught. This group is not fully in accord with doctrines given to us through an apostle of God. This man disagrees on some important things. Who will you believe? Please get out, or pull up on the internet, the March 11, 1981 letter to the Church membership. Here are a few quotes from that letter: Now HOW HAS GOD WORKED THROUGH HUMANS? 1. “He has always worked through one man at a time as a leader.” 2. “God raised up ONE MAN as leader -- Moses.” 3. “God raised up ONE MAN -- a "judge" -- to deliver them into freedom again.” 4. “Again each time God raised up ONE MAN to deliver them -- see book of Judges.” 5. “Then God raised up ONE MAN, Samuel,” 6. “God chose ONE MAN, David, to lead His people.” 7. “Jesus chose ONE MAN, Simon, whom He surnamed "Peter,” Mr. Armstrong certainly taught ONE MAN rule, didn’t he? He taught government as God led him to understand it based on the Bible. This is somewhat different than what this leader of the Living Church of God taught in his booklets when he was leading the Global Church of God. Remember, Jesus Christ gave no criticism, only praise, for the Philadelphia era leader, Mr. Armstrong (Revelation 3:8). Read more of what the apostle of God taught us: “Yes, God's Government is NECESSARY in His Church, and He PUT IT THERE!” “No government in God's Church? Then WHY did God inspire this to the Thessalonians? "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are OVER YOU in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves" (I Thessalonians 5:12-13). “...that the ORGANIZATION must flow from a chain of authority, according to the PRINCIPLE which GOD (our legislative branch), has set -- that is, AUTHORITY FROM THE TOP DOWN. That is the PRINCIPLE.” “So here is what we REALLY have: God the Father at the top. Under Him, Christ. Under Christ, the human head, and under the head, all the organs of the body which obey the human head.” (May 2, 1974 Member Letter). Mr. Armstrong spells it out quite clear doesn’t he? I prefer to believe an apostle, one whom God blessed for not compromising doctrines. This leader, whom we quoted on the previous page, after promoting a different government than what the apostle taught, got voted out of his own Global Church of God group in 1998! His form of government didn't work very long for him! He now has come to see that he must have some form of hierarchical government, but even then, he calls it a “flattened hierarchy”. He just doesn’t want to fully come back to what the apostle taught on this doctrine of government. That is rebellion, plain and simple! He also said the Church is not the spiritual mother of true Christians. Read these quotes from what he writes about this: “Is God’s Church A “Mother”?” “At this point, I would like to cover an idea that often confuses people. For we have sometimes taught that the Church is the “Mother of us all.” On the surface, this is a nice sounding idea. But, in reality, the Bible does not say any such thing!” “The key passage some people use (though many scholars do not) to prove that the Church is a “Mother” is found in Galatians 4:26: “...but Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.” “But the Church here below is not “Jerusalem above,” is not yet married to Christ, and so does not have children. So the human Church--sometimes misguided and subject to false teachers--is definitely not our “mother” according to the Bible” (Church Government and Church Unity booklet, pp. 17-18). He repeats this same belief on page 20 in another booklet written in 1995 entitled: “When Should You Follow Church Government?” Does this man’s teaching square with what Mr. Armstrong taught the Church? What is written in the Bible about this subject? First, let’s read the apostle’s teaching in Mystery of the Ages: 1) “In this allegory of the two covenants, the Church is called "THE MOTHER OF US ALL"--that is, of those in the Church” (page 258). 2) “God's CHURCH is called Jerusalem above "which is the MOTHER OF US ALL" (Gal. 4:26)” (page 261). 3) “Notice the exact parallel! The CHURCH is the spiritual MOTHER OF ITS MEMBERS” (page 261). 4) “It is the function of the CHURCH--as the spiritual MOTHER of Christians in it--to develop holy, righteous and perfect godly CHARACTER in those God has called--those God has added to the Church” (page 263). 5) “But HOW does the CHURCH as the spiritual MOTHER of its members DEVELOP THAT SPIRITUAL CHARACTER?” (page 264). 6) “The CHURCH is the spiritual MOTHER of human converts. They are the spiritual embryos and fetuses as yet UNBORN, although begotten by God's Holy Spirit--already children of GOD” (page 265). 7) “The CHURCH is like a human mother who is pregnant” (page 271). As we can see, the leader of this particular group, the Living Church of God, does not agree with God’s apostle. He has said he believes Mr. Armstrong was an apostle. He says we are not to change doctrine. But as we can discern, he has changed a teaching of the Church, a doctrine, without having any authority to do so. He is not saying the same things as the apostle, that’s obvious. Now let’s go a little further and compare whether this leader’s or whether Mr. Armstrong’s writings agree with Jesus Christ’s statements about whether the Church is our mother or not: “And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Matthew 12:48-49). “And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother” (Mark 3:34-35). “And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it” (Luke 8:21).
“And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent” (Revelation 12:13-14). The woman mentioned here is definitely speaking of God’s Church. That has always been taught to us. Is the leader of this particular group, the Living Church of God, teaching all doctrines the same as Jesus Christ gave through His apostle? I think the answer to that question is obvious! A resounding NO! Just because he is one of the longest standing members of the Church of evangelist rank, and calls himself evangelist #1, doesn’t make what he teaches right, does it? This man is off the track! This leader is also off in other doctrines such as make-up, birthdays, dress codes, and a few other doctrines, which is against what Jesus taught through the apostle. This amounts to rebellion against God’s government! This leader teaches doctrine should never be put into the Church through one man, but that a group of men should determine doctrine: “the Presiding Evangelist and Council of Elders of the Living Church of God, led by the Holy Spirit, have the responsibility to clarify and establish doctrine” (from the Living Church of God’s web page, Statement of Beliefs). This is completely against what God’s apostle, Mr. Armstrong, taught. only apostles were used by Christ to put doctrine into the Church (PGR, May 23, 1980). If someone is against this teaching of the apostle of God, then it goes up through Jesus Christ right to God the Father! (Matthew 10:40). Did Christ inspire His apostle or not in this matter of government? Prove all things! This leader of the Living Church of God may be sincere and dedicated to what he believes. But he is sincerely wrong about government along with some other doctrines. In his own booklet he tells us: “Faithful ministers must stand up for the Truth. When necessary, they will WARN the flock about the “trickery of men” if false teachers creep in with false doctrines. Christ will always inspire His faithful ministers to help the flock to grow to “the stature of Christ” (When Should You Follow Church Government, pg. 35). Well, brethren, you have now been warned! Do you believe this warning? What are you going to do about it? Decision Time! Beware of Another Group There is yet one other group that needs to be mentioned here for it’s leader is not what he appears to be. The leader of the Restored Church of God has been marked by at least three evangelists including the one leading the Living Church of God. His dismissal was based entirely on Biblical grounds. I’m sure Mr. Armstrong would do the same with this leader if he were alive today. This man has not been honest with those coming into his group. He has discarded attempts of those who have worked for him in the past to persuade him to repent of much wrongdoing and mental anguish he has inflicted on others. He has not followed instructions for ministers as given in I Peter 5:1-3: “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” God says to let a matter be settled in the mouth of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6, Matthew 18:16). This man has dozens of witnesses that have testified against him. Their complaints and grievances were legitimate, based on Biblical principles. This man’s leadership definitely needs to be exposed before the whole Church as stated in I Timothy 5:19-20: “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” He was given numerous warnings to change, but he ignored them. I believe God has honored the marking of this leader. God says such a man is to be treated as a heathen (Matthew 18:17). The leader of Restored Church of God fits this category. In ancient Israel, he would get the death penalty (Deut. 17:12). Beware of him! Many wrongdoings of this leader have been recorded on an internet site: http://web.raex.com/~shep/bill/information.html This site is loaded with eyewitness accounts of misconduct, dishonesty and false teachings of this group’s leader. With so many false teachings now prevalent in God’s Church, is it any wonder Jesus Christ is on the outside of these corporate organizations of the Church (Revelation 3:20)? These are splinter groups that want to preach the gospel to the world. How could Jesus Christ ever approve preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God to the world with such a smorgasbord of truth and error being taught. Well, He doesn’t approve it! It’s against all He stands for! This is the major reasons why He is so displeased with this era of the church. Remember, a little leaven leavens the whole lump! That is why the door to preach the gospel has been shut. Don’t believe or follow a minister just because he is in some high office of the Church. That is a big mistake! Satan also is in a very high office! These men are fooling around with your eternal life, your future. Don't let them deceive you brethren! God says to: “...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). On and on it goes with this group or that group, the altering, omitting, or adding something, things that changes doctrine from what Jesus Christ taught to us through His apostle. These men have exalted themselves, usurping authority not rightfully theirs, taking to themselves the right to decide what is right and what is wrong. By teaching these things, even heresies, altering and polluting doctrine, or by wrong conduct, they are leading God’s people right into the tribulation. And if they don’t repent, maybe into the lake of fire. Many of the leaders and ministers, in or associated with these splinter groups, claim to be holding fast to the teachings given to us through Mr. Armstrong. But, as we can easily discern, they are not truly doing it. They are off the track in several areas of doctrine. Some are way off God’s track and speak not according to God’s Word. Search for yourself. Are you proving whether the leaders of these groups are telling you the whole truth or not? Put them to the test. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (I John 4:1). “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (I Thessalonians 5:21). These are men who do not want to be shown where they are wrong. If you try to approach these men about their wrong teachings, they will expel you from their fellowship. The errors they made, and are making, are a matter of record. These things can be easily proven. I have proven to you several of their false teachings. The leaders of these groups, along with so many of the smaller groups, are perpetuating division that has caused the Church to be scattered and shattered and remain in turmoil. This is why there is no real power coming through any of these various groups to do the Work of God, especially that of preaching the gospel to the world with Jesus Christ’s approval and backing. Don’t you think it’s about time they should be attempting to get God’s House in order and prepare to meet the bridegroom? Don’t you think it’s about time for the Church to WAKE UP! (Matthew 25:6). The Bible tells us to avoid men who teach things as you have been reading in this chapter:
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18). Beware of False Christs and False Prophets In this era of the Church, at least two or three ministers have usurped authority to promote themselves to the office of a prophet. The leader of the Philadelphia Church of God claims to be "That Prophet" which is Jesus Christ’s office (see John 1:21, 6:14, Acts 3:21-25 7:37). From these scriptures alone it is easily provable and so undeniably clear to see “That Prophet” refers to Jesus Christ! By claiming that title, in reality this man is saying he is Christ. Jesus said to beware of false Christs in Matthew 24:24. Seems we have one today for sure. You are being warned right now just as the apostle Paul warned the Church of his day of such men: “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:27-31). The Living Church of God along with the largest group, the United Church of God, and the Philadelphia Church of God are trying to preach the gospel and a warning message to the world at this time. That’s their big thrust. They’re not having much impact but still insist that they are in the right and all others are wrong. Would Christ use them in this end time while they are off the track in doctrine? They are off track doctrinally and spiritually. He states how He feels about this in Revelation 3:18-19. He wants them to see themselves for what they are, and repent of what they are doing. They have been shown over and over by some where all their teachings are not in accord with the Bible, nor what the apostle taught to them. But they refuse to believe those who have shown them. They have not held fast to the doctrines once delivered to them. They refuse to accept the full truth. They have become blind and are in denial of their own compromised condition (Revelation 3:17). By casting out of their corporate groups (synagogues) those who are seeking all the truth, they think they are doing God a service. “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me” (John 16:1-3). WAKE UP BRETHREN!! Don't be deceived!! Hold Fast!! |
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