Back to Volume 6, Part 1 and contents
1996 Ecumenical Timeline
The WCG Goes Public With New Agenda
Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship Ministries
"The idea for an in-prison
ministry was proposed by Philip Rice, pastor of the Lancaster
church."
"Prison Fellowship was started by Chuck Colson. Mr. Colson, who
served in the administration of President Richard Nixon and spent time
in prison for a Watergate-related crime, founded the outreach program
for inmates in 1976 after his release."
"Its mission is 'to exhort, assist and equip the church in it
ministry to prisoners, ex-prisoners, victims and their families, and in
its advancement of biblical standards of justice.' "
"Prison Fellowship with the help of thousands of volunteers, now
ministers to inmates at most U.S. prisons. The organization also helps
volunteers in other countries to provide a similar service."
"The 20 hours of training Prison Fellowship requires of volunteers
before entering a prison consists primarily of familiarizing
participants with various rules and regulations of prisons, various
teaching methods and how to deal with inmates."
"For more information about Prison Ministries contact Prison
Fellowship Ministries General Headquarters, 1856 Old Reston Ave.,
Reston, Virginia, 22090"
[WWN Jan. 4]
Gene Hogberg, former Plain Truth news editor and church writer of 34
years, retired in March 1995, was interviewed by Neil Earle
"I appreciate the confidence both Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Tkach
showed in me over the years. I will always remember the occasion in
December 1993, when Mr. Tkach invited my wife and me to accompany him to
the Kennedy Center honors ceremony in Washington D.C."
[WWN March 16]
US Regional Pastors meet for Pasadena Conference
"The regional pastors were asked to read two books before the
conference: The New Reformation: Returning the Ministry to the People of
God by Greg Ogden, and, In Name Only: Tackling the Problem of Nominal
Christianity, by Eddie Gibbs."
"Godfried Fritz, a management consultant from South Africa, gave a
day and a half presentation on developing effective strategies."
"Godfried Fritz is an organizational psychologist from South Africa
who has helped numerous corporations restructure and renew."
[Joseph Tkach, WWN Feb. 27]
"Earl Grant, professor of Practical and Intercultural Studies at
Azusa Pacific University, spoke on Ministry for the 21st Century.
"Earl Grant, who has done extensive work in church renewal spoke to
us about church goals and involving all the members in the ministry
(that of service), each according to his or her gifts." [WWN Feb.
27]
Prayer meeting leads to greater ties with Christian community
"Group prayer forms closeness with people, but it also pleases God
as he sees us share our deepest convictions with one another."
"They [those at the meeting] represent the Southern Baptist,
Assembly of God, Nazarene, Christian, United Methodist, American
Missionary Fellowship and community churches."
"Not long ago I was talking with leaders in our own congregations
about the things that would need to happen for our church to reach out
to the unchurched of the community. The first thing we had to do, they
felt, was to shed the cult label. We talked about ways to do that but
made no decision."
"I've been invited to put our church services on radio for four
weeks running each year. I can submit articles for the religion page of
the newspaper."
"We've sponsored a Prison Fellowship training class for all
churches."
"Some ministers have discussed our changes with their churches. The
governor of Wyoming was present when a Lutheran pastor asked his
fellowship to welcome our members into the household of faith. Our cult
status in this small town? It seems that God has largely taken care of
it. It's wonderful to be part of the Christian community."
"Christ's prayer for unity has so much meaning. I see that he is
speaking of unity that will bridge denominational walls, a unity that is
nothing short of a miracle. And the success of the gospel depends on it:
'May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you
sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me' "
[WWN Feb. 13]
"Joe and Larry Omasta, manager of Electronic Media, attended the
National Religious Broadcasters convention Feb. 3 to 6 in Indiana to
make contacts with other Christian radio producers and managers of
stations…." [NRB is a major arm of the NAE]
Ministers attend Promise Keepers convention
"Forty-three WCG ministers attended Promise Keepers clergy
convention at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Feb 13-15."
"In spite of differences in doctrine and practice these 40,000
voices were singing in true unity because they all agreed on who their
Savior is and what he has done for us."
"Bill McCartney, former coach of the University of Colorado
football team, and founder of Promise Keepers, in casting the vision for
this historic event, said that this convention was a clear invitation to
leaders to send a strong trumpet blast for biblical unity. McCartney
said that division in the church was the cause of this nation's
problems-that it was time to repair the breach. He portrayed two giants
that needed to be slain: racial discrimination and denominational
discrimination."
"Speakers Tony Evans, Phillip Porter, Jack Hayford, John Maxell and
others encouraged pastors to remember their calling from God…."
"One of the most moving sessions for me was the one led by Chuck
Swindoll, host of radio program Insight for Living."
"Max Lucado asked, 'If unity creates belief, could it be that unity
is the key to reaching the world?'"
Mr. Tkach summarizes church's transition in university address
"Pastor General Joseph Tkach gave a presentation title 'From
Jerusalem to Antioch' at Azusa Pacific University's president's Luncheon
Feb. 28."
"In his address, Mr. Tkach summarized the church's transition from
an unorthodox group, with doctrines reminiscent of Judaism, toward
orthodox evangelical Christianity."
"Mr. Tkach explained that most of the church's erroneous doctrines
originate from within Protestant circles, although they were typically
unpopular minority views that were discredited at various times in
church history."
"On Feb 29, Mr. Tkach and J. M. Feazell, director of Church
Administration, appeared on the Los Angeles area radio program Christian
Commentary. The host of the program is Pastor Helms of the Angeles
Temple Church, headquarters of the International Church of the Four
Square Gospel."
[WWN March 12]
New requirements for youth volunteers
"Most congregations have instituted a children's ministry."
"We have decided that we should standardize our volunteer selection
process based on appropriate concern for parents and youths of the
church."
"The screening process involves the two following procedures: 1)
Completing a Youth Volunteer Application form requiring applicant
signature granting permission for the church pastor, or his
representative, to check references. 2) Fingerprinting the
applicant."
"Fingerprinting can be done at your local police department. Some
police departments will come to your group and do everyone at once. The
cost is generally around $30 for processing." [WWN April 16]
Regional office staffer, Roger Griffiths comments on Promise Keepers In
Australia
"We are having two Promise Keepers conferences in Australia over
the next few weeks, and I'm booked to go to one of them. Anticipation is
building and I'm encouraging all to go. It seems to me to be a route to
revival."
U.S. churches honor God in National Day of Pray
"In Pasadena 515 people attended a prayer service in the Ambassador
Auditorium. The keynote speaker was Les Blank, dean of the school of
theology at Azusa Pacific University."
[Others attending: Kent Puls, pastor of Canoga Park Lutheran Church;
Charles Yuill, a major in the Salvation Army; Garner Scott Odell of
Westminster Presbyterian Church; Father Efstathios Mylonas of the St.
Anthony Greek Orthodox church]"
"Mr. Lapacka said: 'This service was a much-needed step for the
Worldwide Church of God in becoming a part of the local Christian
Community.' "
"That morning several headquarters employees attended the annual
Mayor's Prayer Breakfast at the Pasadena Civic Center.
"Dave Smith, director of computer Information Systems for the
church, attended a ceremony near City Hall, dedicating a prayer
monument."
"A. Ebeling, pastor of the Boston, Massachusetts, church took part
in a public prayer session on the steps of city hall in Boston. That
evening Protestant and Catholic clergy met for a prayer banquet."
[WWN April]
Big Sandy church participates in resurrection celebration
Don Mears:
"I joined the Gladewater Ministerial Alliance in January and
received a warm welcome from those pastors who form the active core of
the Alliance."
"We were hosts for the March lunch meeting of the Alliance at the
Church Administration Building on the Ambassador University
campus."
"During that meeting I was invited to participate in two
multi-denominational services sponsored by the Ministerial Alliance…"
"Building Bridges -The March 31 service was at Gladewater Methodist
Church. It was a Service of Tenebrae, or darkness, a traditional format
going back to medieval times. Sixteen readers, from five denominations,
read passages…" [WWN May 21]
87 attend ministerial conference in Europe
AIX-LES-BAINS, France-Taking advantage of the English Channel tunnel,
the church brought British and continental ministers together for a
joint European ministerial conference in the French alpine spa
Aix-les-Bains, April 29, to May 2."
"Eighty-seven attendees from 15 European, Middle Eastern and
African countries took part. In addition to ministers and wives,
administrative personnel from the British and German offices and the
French sub-office attended."
"Those present from Pasadena were Pastor General Joseph Tkach and
his wife, Tammy; Randal Dick, assistant director of Church
Administration International, and his wife, Susie; and Charles Albrecht,
international operations manager in Church Administration, and his wife,
Susi."
"On Tuesday morning, Mr. Tkach answered questions for the
participants before leaving with Mr. Dick for Washington, D.C. to attend
a Mission America Conference."
"They returned to Europe for the weekend to honor commitments made
before the Washington opportunity came up, including a board meeting in
Britain." [nothing mentioned about the expense involved-[WWN May
21]
South African conference
"CAPE TOWN, South Africa-forty-seven ministers and wives from
Southern African region gathered at the regional office April 22 to 25
for a regional ministerial conference."
"Godfried Fritz, a consulting psychologist form Cape Town, gave a
lecture on the second day of the conference titled 'Career Management
and Development of Pastors.' Mr. Fritz said that we often need to go
outside our comfort zone to get results."
"A video by H.B. London of Focus on the Family on the subject of
accountability was shown to the men. They were shown two videos. The
first, by Tammy Tkach, was on women's ministries, and the other, by Ruth
Tucker, author of various books on women's issues, was on, 'Tough
Choices.' "
[WWN May 21]
Regional pastors meet in Pasadena
"…the regional pastors heard Robin Webber, a professor of
theology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois talk about blending
contemporary and traditional worship styles.
" …Earl Grant, a professor in the school of theology at Azusa
Pacific University, spoke about how the pastors can move from a
dependency model to an interdependent model of being a pastor.
Mr. Tkach's address:
"He recommended two books about our identity: Victory Over the
Darkness, by Neil Anderson, and Christ-Esteem, by Don Matzat. He also
recommended two tapes by Hank Hanegraaff of the Christian Research
Institute titled Christianity in Crisis, in which Mr. Hanegraaff uses
audio recordings of ministers' own words to expose their heresies.
"George Mather, a Lutheran scholar, told me, 'I'm jealous of your
Christian journey, because it is nearly identical to the first century
Christians,' "
[WWN May 21]
Church of God leaders seek common ground
"Representatives of the Church of God (Seventh-Day), the parent
organization of the Worldwide Church of God, visited Ambassador campus
April 11-14 to become better acquainted with the university and to seek
common ground between the two church organizations."
" 'It was inspiring to see that the people of our two churches can
forgive and reconcile,' said Benjamin Martinez.
" ' It seems like there are a lot of Christ-centered churches out
there, including us, that want to reconcile with all the other churches
that cling to Christ as Savior and Lord.'"
[WWN May 21]
Plain Truth Ministries Launched
"Plain Truth Ministries Worldwide (PTM) was formed in May as an
affiliated corporation of the Worldwide Church of God."
"PTM plans to focus its media efforts on encouraging believers and
nonbelievers to rise above the issues that often separate Christians.
This will be done through the Plain Truth Magazine, booklets, videos and
radio program."
" 'Media has always been an important part of the Worldwide Church
of God,' Mr. Feazell said. 'Expertise in media is, I believe, a gift God
has given our church, and one that we can and should put to good use in
his service. Something else God has recently given us,' he continued,
'and something much needed in the Christian world, is recognition of the
need for unity in the faith and in the work of the gospel.'"
[Comment: Did God actually give the WCG the gift of media expertise to
spread heresy and deception throughout the Christian world for sixty
years causing death and destruction of thousands of lives???]
" 'Because of our recent history, we have a heightened sense of the
need for Christians of all denominations to rally around the vital, core
doctrines of biblical Christianity-the gospel essentials-while
respecting one another's nonessential, or peripheral, interpretations or
traditions.' "
"Mr. Albrecht said: 'PTM, as a transdenominational ministry, will
be a strong voice for breaking down the artificial walls Christians so
often erect between themselves and for standing together in proclaiming
the gospel to the world, reaching out to nominal Christians, or
Christians in name only, as well as strengthening committed Christians,
will be the hallmark of Plain Truth Ministries.' "
"The Worldwide church of God provides financial subsidy to PTM, as
well as general administrative support, while PTM responds in serving
the church by handling mail processing, some video services,
proofreading, printing and mailing of receipts and letters."
" 'Consultants have informed us, and findings from a survey
conducted by The Barna Research Group show that people who benefit from
our ministry efforts and want to help us share the gospel will be more
inclined to donate to a ministry rather than to a church they do not
attend,' Mr. Wolverton said." [WWN June 18]
Commencement exercises were held on the Ambassador Campus May 20
"Dr. Les Blank, dean of the C.P. Haggard graduate school of
theology at Azusa Pacific University, gave the commencement address
exhorting students to build their lives on Jesus Christ: 'Whoever wants
to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for
the gospel will save it.' "
Hanegraaff lecture
"Before the inauguration ceremony Hendrik 'Hank' Hanegraaff…conducted
a lecture titled 'Back to Basics: Essentials of Christianity.' His
message focused on preparing Christians to communicate what they
believe, why they believe it, and where non-Christians and
pseudo-Christians deviate from historic Christianity."
[WWN June 18]
Pasadena Church members participate in MARCH FOR JESUS May 25
International Directors conference: diversity within Unity
By Joseph Tkach Jr.
" 'Diversity within unity' emerged as a key theme of the
international directories conference in Palm Springs, California, June
10-13." [WWN July 23]
WCG and Seventh-day Adventist Church officials meet
"Silver Spring, Maryland-Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist
Church and the Worldwide Church of God met for the first time at the
Adventist church World Headquarters in Silver Spring, June 26.
"The historic meeting came about because of interest on the part of
the leadership of both denominations to discuss their mutual beliefs in
light of doctrinal changes in the Worldwide Church of God."
"Robert S. Folkenbur, Seventh-day Adventist Church world president,
and Pastor General Joseph Tkach led the delegations, which included
representatives of both church's departments and administrative staff.
Attending with Mr. Tkach were Greg Albrecht, executive director of Plain
Truth Ministries; Randal Dick, assistant director of Church
Administration International, and Tom Lapacka, manager of church
relations."
"In welcoming guests, Pastor Folkenbuerg said: 'It's with a great
deal of Christian compassion that I view what the Worldwide Church of
God has gone through.' "
"We've always thought of the Seventh-day Adventists as spiritual
cousins, Mr. Tkach said, but now we see you as brothers. We share a
mutual church history and we have been so very appreciative of the
welcome and the fellowship we have had with you."
"The one-day meeting included several presentations by
representatives of the two churches covering issues of theology, mission
and organization."
[WWN July 23]
Ralph Woodrow: author of Babylon Mystery Religion
"Pastor General Tkach joined Greg Albrecht, Tom Lapacka on April
19, to talk with Ralph Woodrow, author of Babylon Mystery
Religion-Ancient and Modern, a book that was once read and studied by
the WCG." [Comment: The WWN relates how Woodrow made many changes
to his book about pagan origins. Ralph Woodrow's revision of pagan
understanding aligns him ecumenically with other New Age proponents.]
[WWN July 23]
Christianity Today article features Worldwide Church of God
"The article was written by Ruth Tucker, a visiting professor at
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Dr. Tucker wrote: 'The changes-as
they are referred to by insiders-are truly historic. Never before in the
history of Christianity has there been such a complete move to orthodox
Christianity by an unorthodox fringe church.' " [Comment: see back
issues of OIU regarding Ruth Tucker's secretive association with David
Hulme, current president of the United Church of God.] [WWN July 23]
Pastor speaks to Croatian Adventists
"Munich, Germany-Wilhelm Mandel, WCG pastor of the Nuremberg and
Munich Germany, and Salzburg and Vienna, Austria churches spoke to
Seventh-day Adventist church in Slavonski-Brod, Vroatia, during
Unleavened Bread."
"Mr. Mandel was invited to speak by Pastor Duvhjak, who is
acquainted with the church's doctrines through The Plain Truth and his
visits to the Salzburg church." [WWN July 23]
News From Plain Truth Ministries
Greg Albrecht -"The audience, as you know, was never asked for
money, and they simply continued to receive the magazine and booklets,
and the television program, free of charge. We are in the process of
converting this group of people into paid subscribers and product
buyers." [refer to previous OIU's regarding planned financial
agenda for doctrine changes]
"We also feel that we have both experience and gifts in the mass
media. God has blessed us with human resources as well as background in
both electronic and print media. We are zealous to use this gift and
experience for his glory and to lift up our Lord and Savior."
[Comment: How does God bless HERESY and BLASPHEMY, DECEPTION,
MANIPULATION and FINANCIAL, EMOTIONAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL and
SPIRITUAL CORRUPTION?]
"As you know, Plain Truth Ministries is a transdenominational
ministry. We exist to bring people to Christ, and to bring people who
already enjoy a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior into a
closer walk with him. Therefore, we minister across denominational
barriers, and do not exist to bring members into one denomination
opposed to another."
"…We are building bridges to believers and nonbelievers alike,
helping them focus on the life-changing gospel of our Lord and
Savior."
Press release distributed by Plain Truth Ministry
"We are delighted to announce the formation of Plain Truth
Ministries Worldwide. PTM will proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ
through the mass media-challenging nonbelievers to investigate the claim
of Christianity and leading nominal Christians toward a closer walk with
their Savior, while distributing inspirational Christian resources of
value to all believers."
"A transdenominational ministry, Plain Truth Ministries will
emphasize the historic, core beliefs of Christianity. Affiliated with
the Worldwide Church of God, a church that has recently undergone a
miraculous transformation by the grace of God, PTM will not promote any
denomination over another. PTM will offer a variety of Christian
products, including books and booklets, as well as audio and video
cassettes."
"Reflecting its historic transformation and fresh vision for
faithful Christian ministry, the church has launched PTM as a
semi-autonomous media ministry. Please refer to the seven-page article,
"From the Fringe to the Fold," by Ruth Tucker in the July 15
issue of Christianity Today."
"PTM is a member of the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) and the
Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) [written by Greg
Albrecht - WWN Aug 27]
Racial healing for all
"We are planning to publish and interview with Tom Claus, president
of CHIEF Inc., in Phoenix, Arizona."
"Tom is a Native American pastor to native American pastors. He
believes that the best way to reach Native Americans with the gospel is
through the tribal leadership."
"Tom is becoming known because of his work with Promise Keepers. At
the Promise Keepers Clergy conference in Atlanta in February, more than
90 Native American tribes were represented." [WWN Aug. 27]
Carl George--In an Aug. 17 session, church consultant Carl George (author
of: Prepare Your Church for the Future) said that each movement is
chastened so it can do more. He said that it is through adversity that
God makes us able and competent ministers.
Ruth Tucker teaches at
Ambassador University
"Ruth A. Tucker a visiting professor at Trinity Divinity School in
Deerfield, Illinois, taught History of Christianity at Ambassador July
28 to Aug. 2."
"…she has taught at Calvin College, Fuller Theological Seminary
(Pasadena) and Moffat College of Bible in Kenya." [WWN Aug. 27]
Good Will Tour--Plain Truth
Ministry was invited to meet with Four Square Gospel personnel July 25
[Tkach Jr. was Pastor Helm's
guest on radio in Feb. `96 and was guest speaker at the Pentecostal
tongue-speaking church in April `97. This visit was never publicized to
the ministry, but for those interested in hearing Joseph Tkach speak to
the Four Square members during the tongue-speaking services.]
Promise Keepers: life-changing
experience
By George Kuo
"Having read reports from our ministers who have attended Promise
Keepers conferences, I would like to share the following comments about
the Promise Keepers conference I attended May 24 and 25 in Washington,
D.C."
"I felt uncomfortable in the beginning with the open expression of
worship such as standing up and clapping hands as we sang worship music,
or people raising one hand or two hands during prayers. Since I couldn't
see anything wrong with this kind of worship, I joined the fun and
learned to enjoy it totally."
"One thing that was refreshing for me was the fact that even after
one whole day of participating in the conference, I was not tired or
energy-drained at all. Instead, I was excited, inspired and energized.
These kinds of worship service involve our total being, including our
heads, our minds, our spirits and our emotions. Maybe we can learn
something from these types of worship services and incorporate some of
them into ours."
[WWN Aug. 27]
Lunch Meeting-church officials
meet with Paul Cedar, director of Mission America, Aug. 23. Shown in
picture on back page of WWN -- Randal Dick, superintendent of missions;
Mr. Cedar; Greg Albrecht, director of Media Services; and Pastor General
Joseph Tkach Jr. [WWN Sept. 17] [Comment: Mission America, like the
National Religious Broadcasters is a division of National Association of
Evangelicals (NAE). Ruth Tucker and Trinity Divinity are associates with
the NAE.]
Feast of Tabernacles:
"In Rotorua, New Zealand, Monte Ohio, one of New Zealand's foremost
Maori Christian leaders, spoke of God's guidance in the planned World
Christian Gathering of Indigenous People to take place in Rotorua Nov.
10-17. Mr. Ohia, strategy manager for the Qualifications Authority of
New Zealand, and co-chair of Vision New Zealand, a congress of Christian
leaders from throughout the nation to meet in January-shared his vision
of all people being able to come to God through Jesus Christ not as
white men, but as themselves worshipping him in all their languages,
dances, cultural forms, dress and crafts."
"In Lake Tahoe: Dr. and Mrs. Ron Jenson conducted a two-day seminar
on family relationships. The Jensons are featured presenters with Family
Life Ministries Weekend to Remember seminar. Dr. Jenson is a leadership
trainer for Promise Keepers. [Oct. 29.]
Prayer breakfast: testimony to
what God can do
"More than 200 Los Angeles area ministers of various denominations
met in the Ambassador Auditorium Nov. 5 to pray at the quarterly meeting
of LOVE LA."
"Love LA is a group of pastors who meet regularly to pray for the
city at various host churches."
"One of the co-founders of the group is Jack Hayford, pastor of the
Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California."
"Harold Helms, senior pastor of the Angeles Temple in Los Angeles,
introduced Pastor General Joseph Tkach."
"Pastor Helms said that the changes the church has made have
'blessed us as a Christian community. We are absolutely delighted that
you would call us brothers now.' "
Joseph Tkach: "It grieves my spirit that the picture that
Christianity has presented, especially in Western society, is one of
division. I think the Holy Spirit is starting to deal with that. I think
the Holy Spirit is moving in many people to bring a new spirit of unity
that I think has been lost in the church for too long a time. But praise
God that he is starting to bring it about."
[WWN Nov. 19] [Both pastors listed are Pentecostal. Hayford is on the
board of Promise Keepers.]
PTM: Helping to bring people to
Christ
"The church uses Plain Truth Ministries as a major vehicle for
providing doctrinal and Christian-living instruction for members of the
CG. All doctrinal positions proclaimed by PTM are those of the WCG. Even
though The Plain Truth is transdenominational, leading readers to Jesus
Christ first and foremost and not promoting one church or denomination
over another, the Plain Truth is nevertheless an educational and
instructional tool for promoting the fundamental doctrinal position of
the WCG, which is historical biblical Christian faith in the evangelical
tradition. [WWN Nov. 19]
Plain Truth Ministries
Advertisements
"…Plain Truth Ministries placed ads in a variety of
publications. The advertisement for the creations-evolution video
appears in Christianity Today, Sunday Parade
supplement and Group (a magazine for Christian teens).
Advertisements for subscriptions to the Plain Truth appear in Saturday Evening Post,
Charisma and New Man, while the just-released video
Babylon-Past, Present and Future is advertised in Biblical Archeology
Review." [WWN Nov. 19] [Comment: The New Man is Promise Keeper's publication and
published by Stephen Strang of Charisma magazine. Strang has been
exposed for occult and New Age writings.]
You're half way through this
OIU. Yes, it's lengthy, but worth the effort if you want the untold
story.
"The devil is in the details."
|
A demonstration of Christian co-existence
"Grand Bay, Dominica-Wednesday, June 19, marked a magnificent
demonstration of Christian co-existence in Dominica. The occasion that
brought this about was the burial of Lambert Henderson, deputy principal
of the Grand Bay Secondary School. Mr. Henderson was a member of the
Worldwide Church of God for 22 years until his battle with abdominal
cancer ended June 13, at age 42. Simply put, Henderson was an
exceptional Christian man, whose life was dedicated to the service of
God and fellow humans. These qualities were so visible that Jerome Moody
of the Roman Catholic Church offered the facilities of his church and
cemetery for the burial service and interment in the event of Mr.
Henderson's death."
"This offer could only have been
accepted today because of our understanding that there are Christians in
other churches."
[WWN Nov. 19]
The Church is a priesthood of believers
"In the opening session Mr. Tkach noted that 40,000 former members
of the WCG are not attending anywhere. They have not joined one of the
splinter groups." [This is the first introduction of this myth.
Embellishing the member count helps support and substantiates the
$200,000,000 (average) a year income from 1987 to early 1990s]
Church officials attend Bible Society meeting
"NEW YORK, ??Pastor General Joseph Tkach and Greg Albrecht, Plain
Truth editor, were invited to attend the annual American Bible Society
(ABS) National Church Advisory Council (NAC) meeting in New York City
Dec. 3 and 4. The council addressed the challenges facing denominational
and ministry leaders as they proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ."
"Mr. Tkach and Mr. Albrecht addressed the council, explaining the
historic changes in the Worldwide Church of God."
"Mr. Tkach said: "The American Bible Society does the godly
work of spreading the Word of God to people of various languages. They
are the largest translators of Scripture, and it is our joy to become
associated with their work of making Bibles available to people in all
the world."
"Denominational leaders, pastors and representatives attended the
conference from the following churches: African Methodist Episcopal
Church; Armenian Orthodox Church; Assemblies of God."
"Church of God, Anderson, Indiana; Christian Methodist Episcopal
Church; Church of the Nazarene; Evangelical Congregational Church;
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America."
"Free Methodist Church; Greek Orthodox Church; International Church
of the Foursquare Gospel; Lutheran Church/Missouri Synod; Mennonite
Brethren; Moravian Church; National Baptist Convention."
"North American Baptist Conference; Pentecostal Church of God;
Presbyterian Church (USA); Reform Church in America; Roman Catholic
Church; Seventh-day Adventists; Southern Baptist Convention; United
Brethren in Christ; United Methodist Church; and the Wesleyan
Church."
Mr. Tkach, Mr. Albrecht attend church council
"BEAVER CREEK, Colorado. Pastor General Joseph Tkach and Plain
Truth editor Greg Albrecht attended the North American Ministerial
Council of the Church of God (Seventh Day) in Beaver Creek, Nov. 11-15."
"Mr. Tkach said that 'the invitation to attend as observers is yet
another positive cooperative development between our two fellowships.'
Mr. Albrecht commented: 'We attended all-day meetings that discussed
doctrine and teaching. In addition, we were invited to join in worship
and praise services, as well as a concert of prayer.' "
" 'Not only do we know these fine people as friends, we know many
of them personally, as brothers and sisters in the Lord.'"
"Mr. Tkach and Mr. Albrecht had several lunch and dinner meetings
with Church of God (Seventh Day) officials, including Whaid Rose,
chairman of the board of directors; Calvin Burrell, president of the
General Conference; Jerry Griffin, director of the Summit School of
Theology; and Robert Coulter, coordinator of the Southeastern District,
member of the board of directors, and past president of the General
Conference."
"Worldwide News readers may remember that Mr. Rose spoke at the
Worldwide Church of God fall festival in Myrtle Beach, South
Carolina."
"Both fellowships plan to continue to meet and explore future
cooperative projects. [WWN Dec.17] [Comment: The reader should be aware
that counter-cult evangelicals such as Lorri MacGregor speak strongly
against Adventists, while highly supporting the Tkach propaganda
cover-up!]
1,000-voice choir praises God
"The Worldwide Church of God headquarters choir, with director Ella
Marie Schatz, united with 19 other church choirs to form a 1,000 voice
choir at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, Nov. 24. This event marked the
100th anniversary of the Lake Avenue Church. [Dec. 17 `96]
1996 Regional News from Canada
Regional News is targeted to Canadians in the
WCG. Members from the US are not privy to this publication. US members
are briefed minimally on any Canadian activities. Joseph Tkach Jr. is
president of the Canadian board. Refer to Canadian update for WCG
developments with real estate, investments and reorganization.
Bill Hall appears on Vision TV
Canadian editor answers questions on church's doctrinal changes.
" 'Some members were shocked,' said Mr. Hall. 'But the thing that
Mr. Tkach (Jr.) and the church have been trying to do is to inform
members. As the church is changing he has tried to educate members where
we're going and not leave anything unsaid.' "
"Mr. Opneer noted the WCG has been considered a cult by Christian
leaders, including Walter Martin in his book The Kingdom of the
Cults."
" 'We practiced isolationism, we had a strong leader who was
charismatic and also in some respects we were very intolerant to other
believers. And these things do tend to have us labeled a cultish
practice'"
"Mr. Hall stressed the church's current
teaching that 'Christians are those who have God's Holy Spirit. It's not
the denomination that you belong to.'"
"Noting the WCG's 'enthusiasm and tremendous skill in
communication,' Mr. Opmeer asked if the church is going to throw its
weight behind evangelicals' efforts to preach the gospel to the
world."
[Regional News- Canada Feb. `96]
Building a better Canada
"Liberal Member of Parliament (MP)
thanked Neil Earle for ideas he submitted for a government discussion
paper on national pride. A non-partisan group of MPs plan to publish a
discussion paper containing 40-50 ideas submitted by Canadians. The
paper would then be circulated to all Members of Parliament." [Feb.
`96]
Brownies savor awards
Vancouver-
"The Religion in Life program is open to all Girl Guides and Boy
Scouts in Canada. The program encourages the spiritual growth of
children within the context of their own religious denomination."
[Feb. `96]
Youthquake` 96 rocks Saskatchewan town
"Imagine a chapel filled with 3,500
Christian teens all bursting with energy and anxious to enjoy a 48-hour
retreat with ministry, youth workers and each other."
"Youthquake `96 Christian Teen Retreat was the culmination of 10
months of planning. Buses rolled in from Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal,
Yukon Territories, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and all across
the United States."
"Our teen's words best describe their first experience at a
multi-denominational Christian retreat."
"After registration we walked into the main chapel and saw about
5,000 people, mostly teens. There was an illusionist on stage and he was
talking about what was real and what was an illusion. He told us that
Christ and his works were real and not a cheap magic trick."
"Saturday and Sunday followed with lots of church services and
Bible studies plus great Christian rock bands like PFR, Sixpence, None
the Richer, and the Kry."
"On the last day we had a massive prayer meeting and a couple of
minutes of silence…"
"The one thing that we all had in common was our
Christianity."
"There were so many activities to choose from: garage bands, a
comedy hour, and Operation Underground, which is an activity where you
are taken and placed in a setting from the past-for example, Hitler
persecuting the Jews-to show what it was like years ago not to have
religious freedom."
"Sight for Blind Eyes was the motto for the weekend. We learned how
to help others understand what we are all about, to show them why we are
special and to make them aware of what we believe and why we believe
it." [Regional News May `96]
Neil Earle presents paper in
Seattle
"At the Association for Canadian Studies
in the United States (ACSUS) biennial conference in Seattle Nov. 16,
Plain Truth international editor Neil Earle presented a paper titled
'Three Stories, two visions: the West and the building of the CPR in
Canadian culture.' "
"The paper looked at Canada as a complete nation from the point of
view of three Canadians."
" 'We as Christians must come out of our cocoon and engage the
culture,' Mr. Earle said. [Regional News, May 1`96]
Canada-MARCH FOR JESUS `96
Brampton: Sunshine, banners, music and prayer
"Joy is contagious at this assembly of Christians from churches of
many denominations."
"All along the route the air is ringing with the joyous voices of
Christians of many denominations singing the praises of Jesus with
sounds of music emanating from the speakers atop our vans."
"With cheers, clapping, whistling and waving of banners from the
marchers, the leaders say: 'The Lord has prepared a feast of welcome for
all who will come. Let's take the invitation to the ends of earth.'
"
Pedestrians do about-face; join 4,500 at
march in Ottawa
"Attendance was approximately 4,500 with
145 church groups registered from various denominations."
"Every denomination walked in their assigned order, under homemade
banners declaring Jesus as Lord and Savior. Some had dancers in
costume-with flags, tambourines, etc. who performed along the
route."
"After arriving at Parliament Hill for a celebration service, the
March music was played until every group had arrived, at about 3
p.m."
"Over the next two hours, we enjoyed praise and worship groups from
two Ottawa churches leading us in songs giving glory to Christ, moving
testimonials, prayers and scripture readings, and a time for group
prayer."
"All over the Hill, strangers formed
circles and prayed spontaneously for our political leaders, national
unity, world peace, and freedom to worship, and thanked God for Christ
the Savior of the World, for whom we gathered to honor that day as a
witness to our community."
[Regional News, Oct. `96]
We're not the only ones going through change
By Kevin Armstrong (pastor of the Montreal English congregation):
"It's understandable enough, but you may be surprised to know that
ours is not the only denomination experiencing change-and I'm talking
change with a capital C."
"I first noticed this in recent issues of Faith Today, the national
magazine of Canadian evangelicals."
"Many of their recent cover stories mirror our own progression,
such as 'Retooling the Pastor' and 'Marketing the Church,' both of which
dealt with the church's need to rejuvenate the way it engages society in
this present age."
"Michael Green, in his book Evangelism Through the Local Church,
sums up the net effect this way" 'We Christians have become very
settled in our ways and those ways no longer reach out effectively to
society.' "
"He points out that only those churches that are able to change to
meet the needs of the 21st century will survive. Cell groups,
discipleship training, contemporary worship services-all are part of the
same movement or change within those churches that desire to be God's
messengers in the future."
"It's true that our journey has also included sweeping doctrinal
changes; but I believe that those must be seen in light of this other,
greater change, which is the redefining of the Church in the Western
cultures."
Cornwall hosts worship concert, 650 attend
"Some 650 Christians stood shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand,
launching Cornwall's first Concert of Praise on Oct. 11."
"The free event… was organized by Christians from many
denominations, including Roman Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Anglican,
Christian Reformed, United Church of Canada, Presbyterian, Wesleyan,
Salvation Army, Worldwide Church of God, and other independents."
"It was the inspiration of key organizer Bernie Fortier, a
Pentecostal, who got the idea after participating in Cornwall's third
annual March for Jesus earlier this year."
"The concert brought together some 20 community churches which have
likewise been stirred to re-open to Christ's call for unity within the
body of believers."
"We prayed that the many denominations represented… would unite
in proclaiming Jesus Christ and his gospel of love and salvation for all
humankind."
[Regional News Dec. `96]
Sheridans attend evangelism conference
"More than 600 pastors and wives from 55 denominations, eight
provinces and 33 states shared four days focusing on our Lord's command
to 'go make disciples.'"
"The intensive training focused on the spiritual and physical
preparation necessary for evangelization and the appropriate discipling
of those who put their faith in Christ."
"Some of the statistics given were staggering! Last April, Billy
Graham's global telecast to 200 countries in 20 languages was watched by
2.5 billion people! This is the actual audience, not the potential
audience of five billion."
"A recent crusade at a new football stadium in Charlotte, North
Carolina, attracted 75,000 each night with another 13,000 watching on a
giant screen outside!'
"Over the four nights, 22,249 people walked down the aisle to make
a commitment for Jesus."
"The gifted speakers included: Dr. Joseph Aldrich, President of
Multnomah School of the Bible and author of Lifestyle Evangelism; Dr. H.
Eddie Fox, world director of evangelism for the World Methodist
Council."
"A personal highlight was the message given by Franklin Graham,
oldest son of Billy Graham. He is president of Samaritan's Purse, an
international Christian relief organization that meets emergency needs
around the world."
"Just as our Pastor General Joseph Tkach succeeded his father, so
Franklin Graham is slated to take over when his father, now 78 and
suffering from Parkinson's Disease, chooses to step down."
"Overall it was a thrilling and spiritually exciting time of
personal renewal. The opportunity to spend time with those from other
denominations, ranging from conservative to charismatic, was
priceless." [Regional News, Dec. `96]
1997-FULL BLOWN
ECUMENICISM
In effort to bring readers up to date with
the WCG planned agenda, we will now bullet the organizational changes
that coincide with the WCG partnership with the Catholic/Protestant
Ecumenical one world religion and unification goals of the United
Nations.
The key factors surrounding the WCG division, fragmentation and propagandized transformation are:
- Business--
- Financial--
- Political--
- United Religion-unification of all religions and leaders by 2000 AD
Some reasons for the WCG restructure,
reorganization and downsizing are (not conclusive or in any order of
priority):
- The WCG's mass Marxist message
was
declining since 1969--
- The exposure and expose` of cults drew media and public attention
since the Jonestown Massacre--
- The WCG leaders were widely exposed for
financial, sexual, and
criminal charges starting from the early 1970s--
- The corruption with televangelists drew acute awareness of
duplicities and religious frauds with other TV ministries into the
public eye--
- The international bankers, elite, and governmental agencies behind
the WCG's multimillion-dollar conglomerate, modified investment,
political and global strategies--
- The WCG non-profit church corporation embraced the
New Age religious
global mission in preparation for the coming millennium.
- All cults modify after their leader dies--
- The failing WCG, with less than
40,000 members at the time of Herbert
Armstrong's death, plotted the downsize operation and distribution of
the financial empire. An operation, such as this, takes keen planning
using propaganda, distraction, decoy, manipulation, deception,
diversion, flanking, along with surprise attacks on different fronts or
skirmishes. Any and all tactics of war are used to subvert the real
story behind the event. The WCG perpetrators have used a plethora of
these tactics to liquidate assets and redistribute WCG financial
holdings of the fraudulently acquired multimillion-dollar enterprise as
it prepares for its New Age agenda.
- Switching from "destructive cult" status with aberrant
religious teachings (considered by Catholic and Protestant markets to be
"Satanic"), into the widely growing, prosperous, United
Nations supported, ecumenical, inter-denominational, New Age, evangelical
and Catholic Churches (all of which support the World Council of
Churches) propels the (tax-free) WCG financial and political agenda to
prosper in many ways. The new WCG image has paved the way for acceptance
and penetration into countries once barring any WCG associations. Now
the banking and investing opportunities are endless. While the
"Armstrong cult" had zero products to sell, the New Age
ecumenical package is a gold mine that can serve many associations. And
as far as membership in the "Armstrong cult" was concerned,
few passed the stringent mind-control test of initiation; now, however,
the new global ideology of "collectivism" cemented by New Age
emotionalism, and enforced by auto-suggestion and hypnosis through
prayer, could manipulate thousands into the everlasting web of the WCG.
And just think about all the FREE PR.
- Last but not least--the WCG controllers were given new orders from
their superiors!!!
As the WCG corporate empire, along with its
latest corporate entity, Plain Truth Ministries, functions behind the
guise of a "church," it's necessary to embrace the ecumenical
New Age occultic religious game plan which encompasses Catholic,
Protestant and Jewish denominations along with various sects, such as
Mormons, Unification Church (Moonies), Seventh Day Adventists, Reformed
Churches (such as Robert Schuller) and thousands of other worldly belief
systems. The Ecumenical strategy aims to incorporate a global ideology
of submission, mission, and mass control of the populace. Ecumenism
sells itself under the guise of "love" and "Jesus
Christ." That dear readers, is a BIG LIE! As you will soon see,
sweeping emotionalism, charismatic Pentecostalism and new mass movements
such as Promise Keepers, will replace the Christian church of the 20th
Century. The development and historical account of the post 1950 cults
serves as an excellent declaration to the mind control techniques
currently targeting the entire society under the guise of
"reconciliation and unity."
1997 Ecumenical Timeline
As we continue the WCG ecumenical timeline,
chronology of events is added for discernment. Excerpts are taken from
the WWN.
JANUARY
Pastor General set goals for church in 1997--
Excerpts by Joseph Tkach
Jr:
To increase small groups to 25 percent of church.
"We hope to see at least 25 percent of every congregation actively
involved in a successful and meaningful small group by the end of next
year."
To increase circulation of The Plain Truth to 150,000.
"Our goal is that next year Plain Truth circulation will be 150,00,
and I pray it will be more. It will be more if we work together to
support it."
"I pray that by the end of 1997 everyone will know his or her
spiritual giftedness and begin learning how they can use their gift-mix
to serve the work of God and how he has placed them in the body."
For everyone to discover his or her spiritual
gifts.
"God wants to use us as instruments in his hand, so I urge you to
commit yourself to God, like you never have before, with your new
hearts."
"For all members to be actively involved
in some kind of ministry."
"Pray for the sale of the campus
property. Our goal is that it will be sold by the end of 1997."
Our worldwide family.
"We have about 8,000 members in 122 congregations in 20 countries
in Africa."
"God is performing a miracle there with what is known as a people
movement. More than 4,000 have joined us in the last 18 months."
"In Australia and Asia we have more than 4,600 members in 65
congregations in 10 countries."
"In the Caribbean and Spanish-speaking areas we are in 31 countries
with 74 congregations."
"We're 81,434 people in the WCG. Now given a week as a sample, you
might find that attendance would be about two thirds of that."
[Comment: OIU readers, if you believe the above, contact the ESN for
excellent deals on land in Florida!]
Our core values:
Repentance,
"…we have made doctrinal changes to repent of errors of the past.
God has done something in our church that is unprecedented in the
history of Christianity. He has chosen us, and that is an incredible
thing to consider. What an honor."
[Comment: Ex-members may recall the same words being used when they
entered into Armstrong teaching. Members needed to repent from their
Catholic and Protestant backgrounds. Now they need to repent from the
teachings of Armstrong's ministers so they may embrace Catholicism,
Protestantism and New Age occultism.]
Reaching,
"We all have a goal of serving to spread the gospel, and according
to our spiritual gifts, and to do that in harmony."
"Now, we don't want to abandon the gift God has given us. God has
blessed us with experience in publishing."
"Our international areas are free now to publish the Plain Truth
magazine, although they are going to use names that are more culturally
appropriate in their countries."
"In the United Kingdom the magazine is already the No. 1 Christian
magazine with only a circulation in the mid-30, 000s. I hope to see them
double that, and I hope all our regions will promote Christ in their
literature."
Reconciliation,
"Christ's atoning work has reconciled us to God, and he has given
us the ministry of reconciliation. He commissioned us to preach that
gospel. And sharing the gospel can be done in part through our preaching
and publishing efforts, but the most effective way that people of God
are evangelized is through personal evangelism, friend to friend.
Friends inviting friends. Person to person contact."
"The first step to giving that message of reconciliation is
spiritual renewal for ourselves. We need to express to others what we
believe and feel, and you can't express love for Jesus if you don't feel
it and believe it."
[Comment: Insiders relate to the gospel as being "the kingdom of
God." We recently interviewed several current members of the WCG,
not one related the gospel as "salvation by grace from Jesus
Christ. The trendy method of "church" recruiting is replicated
by the multi-level marketing or "party plan" method of
recruiting new sales people.]
Relationships,
"Miracles happen when people pray together. We have just over 1,000
small prayer groups in the United States in our fellowship."
"We have just over 200 prayer groups in South Africa and more than
200 in Canada."
[The following is excerpted from the WWN in
length as an excellent example of the current spin control, mind control
and manipulation toward the WCG insiders.]
Doing God's bidding
Joseph Tkach Jr.
"God has given me his love for all of you. You are my family. I
pray that he give you that same love for each other and for me."
"God is pleased when his people respond in obedience and faith.
That's what the Worldwide Church of God has done, in doing something
unprecedented in all of church history. And you're a part of that. Every
one of you is a part of that, and it is to God's glory."
"Through what God has done here, he is moving other churches to
take the word of God more seriously. To submit themselves to his will.
To reexamine how they are doing."
"I have heard from hundreds of pastors and denominational leaders
across the country and internationally who say what the WCG has done has
been encouraging to Christians everywhere. It has given them hope."
"We are honored that God used us in this way. God has touched the
hearts of pastors to say that their churches need to grow that way
too."
"God is active here, brethren. What an inspiration to know that he
has used us in such a way, because we are so unworthy of it. What a
blessing to know that he loves us so much."
"On Jesus' behalf I thank all of you for what you've been doing.
For following God's lead in the church. I thank you for staying, for
praying, for donating. For giving your treasures."
"God has acted on our behalf with glory and power. But now how are
we going to respond to his love? Partially or totally?"
"God has used us in a way that is good for all of Christianity.
That's wonderful, but now what are we going to do? Will we allow God to
continue to use us in a profound spiritual way?
"We just had a national election where US citizens voted for a
president, voted for congress and voted for certain issues."
"I ask you to vote today for the kingdom of God. I ask you to vote
with your mind to determine for yourself that God wants you to preach
the gospel. I urge you to commit yourself to God with your new hearts
like you never have before. Let's commit to working together. Let's stop
worrying about our individual disagreements and views about how we think
the church should be run and let's commit to work together."
"I ask you to vote with your hands and feet. We don't want people
to just pay and pray. We want people to pray and pay, yes, but we want
them to participate as well. We all need each other to promote and
advance the kingdom of God."
"I ask you to vote with your checkbook. You are a steward of your
time, your talent, your treasure, your energy and your health. If your
heart is in doing God's work then you will manage your treasures to
properly support these goals for the next year."
"Until we sell the Pasadena property I ask every member who is able
to commit to giving $10.00 more a paycheck to the church. I know
everyone can't do that, but I ask you to commit to what you can give
beyond what you normally give."
"If you can't do that, don't feel guilty. You don't have to write
me. Dozens of people on fixed-incomes write to me and tell me they feel
so guilty, they want to do more. But I am impressed with those widows
who do make sacrifices and give. We're going to see them in the kingdom
of God when it comes in its fullness and they will be the brighter
lights and surprise us all."
Ambassador University
Closes
Tkach: "In recent years, we have all begun to see that a
church-owned and operated university is not absolutely necessary for the
church to be used by God. As an accredited university, Ambassador was
not church-owned and operated, though it did rely on the church for the
major part of its funding, and the majority of its students were and are
church members or children of church members."
"…I can certainly say that I believe God directs our paths and
knows our situation and our needs. I know he is with us, and that when
he closes one door, he opens another."
"We will be investigating ways of partnering with other accredited
Christian institutions to create a place where WCG young people can come
together who want to get a Christian education while being mentored by
WCG professors and ministers." [note below: AU combines with Azusa]
"This would provide an opportunity for our young people to share
their university experience with other WCG youths and be prepared for
Christian service in our church without the church having to bear the
cost of operating its own university. I would appreciate your prayers
that God will open whatever door is according to his will."
Russell Duke: " Several alumni have
asked me why this decision was made so abruptly, sending such a shock
wave through the church, especially since it comes on the heels of my
letter in Dec. 17 Worldwide News, which held out hope for the
independence of Ambassador. Let me rehearse the major difficulties of
the past two years, and then address what has happened since my last
letter was written."
"As church members know, the defections from our church have
greatly impacted the income to the church, limiting its ability to
sustain financial support for auxiliary functions."
"Ambassador Foundations had to be closed in 1995, then Imperial
Schools in 1996. Many employees in Pasadena had to be terminated in
significant downsizing measures."
"Subsidy to Ambassador began to diminish in significant proportion
in 1994, falling from $8 million cash support in `1994-95 to $5 million
cash support in the 1995-96 academic year."
"Continued decreases in income to the church led the church board
to eventually discontinue our cash subsidy for the 1996-97 academic
year."
While the publicity surrounding the "sudden" decision to close
the Ambassador University (AU) focused on losses due to doctrinal
changes, other factors point to the closing as another well-planned
event in liquidating the conglomerate under false pretenses.
Notice how Duke points out that the Pasadena subsidy began to diminish
significantly in 1994. This was one year prior to the Tkach "New
Covenant" sermon which culminated with the expedient development of
the United Church of God under David Hulme. Refer to past OIUs for the
many downsizing accounts that occurred prior to insiders' knowledge of
any "doctrinal changes." In the case of AU, the following must
be noted:
-
The Tkach
regime pushed for accreditation and made the required changes in
effort to pass accreditation. Shortly after receiving an
accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges, all former
Ambassador College graduates were eligible to replace their
"lost diplomas" by sending a payment of $25.00 to the WCG
at which time all would receive a replacement diploma stating that
Ambassador was an accredited institution. Deceptive as that is, many
benefited from the lie.
-
One of the
accreditation stipulations was that the college could not be
subsidized or owned by the church. The WCG was on a subsidies
cutting program due to accreditation requirements.
-
The deceptive
"transformation" PR agenda to the evangelical cult
ministries was implemented as early as 1987. Certainly the
architects knew the AU would be affected after the new evangelical
marketing plan was in effect.
-
Following the
1995 formation of the United Church of God, and departure of 400
ministers and 17,000 members to follow David Hulme, Tkach leaders
created division within the student body by threatening to remove
any student who did not adhere to "the new teachings." If
the future and welfare of the AU were important in any degree,
sabotaging the student body with confusion and duress would not have
occurred. The AU lost many UCG students due to the abusive
management.
-
Little, if
any, recruiting measures for enrollment increase were pursued by
Russell Duke during his appointment.
-
While the AU
received government grants to build a "men's dormitory,"
the corporation derived additional income from cutting, logging, and
selling the vast acreage of pine trees on the Big Sandy grounds.
They never told the members they were destroying the beautiful
age-old pines, nor have they reported the substantial income from
such a profitable sale.
-
AU did not
have an endowment, nor did it receive needed donations from Alumni.
The WCG leaders knew a college future would not be self-sustaining
without adequate tuition revenue.
-
The closing of
AU was no surprise to WCG's wealth benefactors. Neither was the fact
that AU was going to lose its accreditation by 1997 due to a failure
in complying with accreditation criteria. As Duke states:
"Either the church had to reduce or eliminate Ambassador's
financial shortfall and at the same time change the composition of
Ambassador's board (to have a majority of non-WCG members), or it
had to grant much of the Big Sandy property fully to the university
to allow its freedom to realign the board and move to a broader
constituency in the student body. The latter move was viewed as one
that would severely undermine the assets of the church, so the
church chose to review its commitment to education through the
university structure." [the Articles of Incorporation state
Joseph Tkach as the sole asset holder]
-
The AU stopped
advertising in the YOUTH `96 magazine (while the magazine was still
a WCG entity). While the YOUTH magazine advertised other schools, we
found no advertising in any form for AU throughout 1996.
There is so much more detail
describing the events pertaining to the AU during the past ten years;
it's a report in itself. The ESN has tracked the many events with
lawsuits, campus controversies, key figures and repercussions following
the WCG marketing strategy. The story behind Ambassador Farms, the
agricultural department, the fertilizer business, Buck Hammer and the
entire history of the Big Sandy development is another part to the
massive web of the Worldwide Church of God. The closing of AU was just
another moneymaking deception heaped onto the unsuspecting supporters.
And for our Canadian readers, the request for donations for a hockey
field was another deception. According to an inside employee at that
time, there were no plans for a hockey project. Could it be the
deceivers know Canadians love their hockey and would support any measure
attached to the word?
Ambassador University joins
Azusa Pacific
Within a few weeks of the closing announcement, new plans for an
Ambassador Center in conjunction with Azusa College were announced.
Timeline continued:
Churches combine for service in
Huntsville
"Alabama-The Huntsville congregation of the Worldwide Church of God
was host for combined worship services with the Church of God (Seventh
Day) Dec. 28."
"Five hundred people from 13 church areas attended the service,
which took place at the Space Center Marriott Hotel in Huntsville. Guest
speakers were Calvin Burrell, president of the General Conference of the
Church of God (Seventh Day) in Denver, Colorado and Joseph Tkach, pastor
general of the Worldwide Church of God.
"Mr. Burrell expounded on the doctrinal, social and moral test of
Christianity described in 1st John, and Mr. Tkach told the story of a
father who chose to sacrifice the life of his son in order to save the
lives of many other people."
[Comment: The Church of God
(Seventh Day) does not espouse "orthodox doctrine." Herbert
Armstrong was removed from this denomination due to his pursuit in
British Israelism and
for taking money from church accounts. The new
partnerships and relationship between the WCG and COGSD, pose serious
awareness of conflict of interest.]
Patterns of deception
Paid Ministers replace "LAY" ministers
Jan. 1997 Worldwide News introduced many of the planned strategies for
the reorganization of the "it doesn't work anymore" WCG, to
the trendy ecumenical format most ecumenical denominations are
incorporating. When the WCG was highly financed, the church entity
hobbled along year after year as the reclusive, polarized cult it was.
While many business corporations started their downsizing process in the
early 1980s, the WCG found itself way behind the times. Its
church--non-profit--status had to be protected and that could have
caused some delays in restructuring the WCG money tree. Nonetheless,
plenty of documentation establishes early collusion of leaders to
convert the Armstrong entity into an acceptable Christian religious
business shell by the hands of its ecumenical allies. Earlier OIUs
listed the changes the ESN expected to see within the coming months and
years. As we look back on these "predictions," we find we were
right on! The WCG has been re-indoctrinating members into the new
"evangelism" multi-level methods. Those methods consist of the
tactic, "work smarter, not harder," for the leaders, along
with "work harder with no pay," for the members.
Lay pastors equipped in
intensive sessions
" 'We hope to train you, to equip you, to work with you and to help
you so that you in turn can help your congregations to preach the gospel
to the whole world,' Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, told 31
lay pastors (not employed by the church) and wives meeting in Pasadena
Dec. 26 to 31."
"Mr. Feazell encouraged the lay pastors to read two books; The
Spirit of the Disciplines: How God Changes Lives, by Dallas Willard; and
Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster."
"Thursday afternoon, Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, spoke
about The Pastor's Ministry."
"Mr. Rogers said that there are no bench-warmers in the Worldwide
Church of God anymore. Everyone participates."
" 'Don't sit on the sidelines cheering, get in the game,' Mr.
Rogers encouraged pastors and members."
" 'We are working toward headquarters being a support facility that
takes care of the needs of the pastors, who take care of the needs of
the members, who do the gospel work,' said Mr. Rogers."
" 'Headquarters equips, trains and develops the pastoral ministry,'
he said. 'This does not mean that church government has changed.' He
then noted the three types of church government in the New Testament:
Episcopal (government by the hierarchy), Presbyterian (government by a
board of elders) and congregational (government by the congregation).
" 'We have an Episcopal government. The churches that are growing
the fastest tend to be those that can make quick decisions in an
ever-changing, technologically advancing world.' "
" 'The function of the leaders of the church is to serve the
church. And that's how Mr. Tkach and all of us at headquarters see our
roles.' "
" 'This model for church government is given in Ephesians 4:7,
11-15. When Christ ascended into heaven 'he gave gifts to his people.'
'The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some
evangelists, some pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work
of ministry.' "
Bernie Schnippert: " 'Membership has declined, but members are
still scattered over wide areas. What was an inefficient model (to have
full-time pastors serve widely scattered members) from a financial
perspective is now more inefficient. The solution is to have lay
pastors.' "
"Under the media church model it took $40,000 in the United States
to bring someone to become a Plain Truth subscriber and become a member
of the church.' In Italy it cost $400,000, added evangelist Carn
Catherwood." [Comment: about that Florida land deal???]
Greg Albrecht, director of Church Relations:
"He related that sharing the miraculous reformation that God has
worked in our fellowship has helped many pastors to find churches that
will lease their buildings to us for worship."
" 'The growth that God has given PTM these past seven months has
been remarkable, and members of the church have every reason to be
excited and proud about this work in which we are all involved,' Mr.
Albrecht said." [The WCG, prior to its "transformation,"
was literally despised in many avenues. It encountered much difficulty
renting space for "Sabbaths." Although many areas met in
MASONIC buildings, others relied on schools and local rental facilities.
Now that the architects have incorporated a new acceptable religious
product to sell, the opportunities for registering in other countries,
selling religious products, getting free PR, etc., have opened up to the
non-profit/tax free business enterprise.]
S.Y. Tan, "…. a world class psychologist who is director of the
doctor of psychology program at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena.
Dr. Tan spoke about referral counseling, about when and to whom to refer
counselees to professional help." [WWN, Jan. `97]
FEBRUARY 1997
WCG: THE ONE
GLOBAL MISSION
PENETRATES ECUMENICAL WORLD
Personal from Joseph Tkach
Local churches to benefit from evangelical associations
"I want to share some
important news with you that will directly benefit your local
congregation! The Worldwide Church of God is now a partner denomination
of the American Bible Society and Mission America and has been invited
to join the National Association of Evangelicals
(NAE)."
"The NAE, founded in 1942, is a voluntary fellowship of
theologically conservative denominations, churches, organizations,
institutions and individuals."
"The association is comprised of about 42,500 congregations
nationwide from 47 member denominations, individual congregations from
an additional 30 denominations and fellowships, and several hundred
independent churches."
"The membership of the
association includes more than 250 parachurch ministries and educational
institutions. Through the cooperative ministry of these members, NAE
directly and indirectly benefits more than a million people."
"The ministries represent a broad range of theological traditions
(including those as diverse as Calvinist, Arminian, Wesleyan, Anabaptist
and Charismatic), but all describe to the distinctly evangelical NAE
Statement of Faith."
"The association is a nationally recognized entity by the public
sector with a reputation for integrity and effective service. The NAE
demonstration of the unity of believers is Jesus Christ."
"A great scandal of Christianity is the division, the factions, the
gossip, and general disobedience to Jesus' command between denominations
and traditions in the Christian church. The NAE is committed to bringing
Christians of all traditions together in cooperation without
compromising the basic truths of their faith."
*******
This WWN issue dedicates several pages describing the NAE's goals,
beliefs and mission. To clearly understand why the NAE is considered
destructive and apostate by many conservative and fundamental
evangelicals, the reader must embark on a deeper research than the OIU
can offer. Understanding the Tkach/Albrecht/WCG newly formed
partnerships is imperative to understanding the thick layers of deceit
within all the WCG leadership and all its extension off-shoots such as:
the United Church of God, David Hulme; the Global Church of God, Rod
Meredith; and Philadelphia Church of God, Gerald Flurry. We must even
consider the immense propaganda deception permeated into the In
Transition by John Robinson, the Servant's News and the Ambassador
Report. None of these publications attempted to report the reasons
behind the events, or the real issues behind the multimillion-dollar
"one world religion conglomerate."
OIU FIVE offers an outline of historical development and
introduction to the ecumenical web. It is not inclusive but offers an
overview. The researcher must scrutinize the overlapping associations
and key supporters of the WCG hypocrisy to understand that the main
mission is to consolidate and unite with the global United Churches by
2000 A.D. Please expound on the references offered to further educate
your awareness on this vital subject.
The historic document called, The Evangelicals and Catholics Together,
was signed by 20 Catholic leaders and 20 Evangelical leaders including
Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ, Pat Robertson, President
of CBN, J.I Packer of Christianity Today, Richard Land and Larry Lewis
of the Southern Baptist Convention, Jesse Miranda of Assemblies of God,
Dr. John White of the National Association of Evangelicals and President
of Geneva College, Os Guinness of Trinity Forum and Dr. Mark Noll of
Wheaton College.
For additional information on the NAE, contact: National Association of
Evangelicals, PO Box 28, Wheaton, IL 60189, (630) 665-0500, or http://www.nae.net
The association maintains its national offices in Carol Stream, IL and
an office for governmental affairs in the nation's capital.
For critical research and investigative information use the references
provided below, or contact the ESN for additional references.
Tkach continues:
"NAE brings Christians from all traditions together."
"The National Association of Evangelicals is now producing a daily,
60-second radio release to encourage evangelicals with reports of
ongoing revival. These concise radio spots, called Fanning the Flames,
feature revival updates from Don Argue, aired on the USA Radio Network,
potentially reaching 1,200 media affiliates and evangelicals across the
country (from NAE leadership Alert-Nov. 15, 1996).
"Along with the church board of directors, I believe the goals,
values and work of the NAE are in keeping with Jesus' teaching and
commission to his church, For that reason, we are pleased and excited
that the WCG has been invited to become a denominational member of the
association."
"Charisma magazine recently carried an ad by Plain Truth
Ministries. In letter to the editor, one reader complained that the
magazine should not include ads for the Plain Truth.
"The editors responded: 'The WCG has made a dramatic shift away
from heresy since the death of its founder, Herbert W. Armstrong in
1986.'"
[Charisma magazine, along with
New Man (Promise Keepers publication), is published by Stephen Strang.
Strang is highly criticized in numerous Christian research documents as
heretical and New Age.]
Tkach:
"I am also pleased to announce that the WCG was invited to join and
is now a partner denomination of Mission America. Mission America is
also a coalition of local churches, denominations, ministry networks and
ministries, committed to working together for the renewal of the church
and the evangelization of the United States. Mission America is a member
of the Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability." [Update
from ESN: It has been alleged that The Evangelical Council of
Financial Accountability (ECFA) "purports to work on behalf of the
donor but in reality exists for the spenders." The
Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability - Con Artists!]
"Paul Cedar is the chairperson of Mission America. Bill Bright,
John Perkins and Billy Graham are honorary chairpersons."
"In addition, the WCG is now a partner denomination of the American
Bible Society (ABS).
[Mission America and American
Bible Society are united with Catholic denominations as well as
evangelical and are fully ecumenical.]
PTM welcomed with open arms at
NRB convention.
"Plain Truth Ministries was host to a breakfast at the National
Religious Broadcasters (NRB) annual convention Jan. 27 at the Anaheim
Hilton."
"Mr. Tkach related that under his father's direction one of the
duties he performed, along with Plain Truth editor Greg Albrecht and
Mike Feazell, director of church Administration, was to answer questions
that came into church headquarters challenging the doctrinal teaching of
Mr. Armstrong."
" 'As we assumed these roles, Mr. Tkach said, 'new questions were
coming in. Challenges were being made with questions that had never been
posed to us before.' "
" 'We were doing our own individual study, and at first we were
afraid to talk to each other about what our discoveries were.' "
" 'Eventually we began to share notes and found that we were all on
the same page. With each new explanation of what was wrong with our
previous teachings it was like an earthquake would occur, which resulted
in three major denominational splits.' "
[Comment: This spin propaganda
blatantly insults hundreds of Christians who witnessed and confronted
the WCG leadership for decades. Hundreds of papers and books exposed the
WCG heresies. The WCG literature of the past serves as proof text that
the above statement is false. On one recorded meeting with ministers,
Tkach claims his father was inspired with all the changes and requested
that Tkach Jr. and Feazell research the "inspirations."]
COMING SOON IN THE PLAIN TRUTH
"Mar-Apr cover story: In
an exclusive interview with evangelist Billy Graham, The Plain Truth
shares insights on Dr. Graham's family, his ministry and his dedication
to proclaiming the gospel to all corners of the world."
"Off the Air With the
Bible Answer Man: Hank Hanegraaff's 'Bible Answer Man' broadcast is
heard daily around the world. He explores the importance of apologetics
(defense of Christianity) in a Christian's life." [WWN Feb. 18]
What you do to the least of
these, you do to Christ
Mike Feazell
"Some of us in the WCG have for so long been content and even
thrilled to be part of a work that sent out magazines 'into all the
world' and broadcast television and radio programs 'into all the world,'
yet never called on ourselves as the people of God to go personally
'into all the world' to minister the grace of God in the face of Jesus
Christ."
"As you know, our church is struggling for identity, for our niche
in the 'Christian marketplace.' Many of our members are looking for what
this church can give them, what the return is 'on their investment.'
"
"Just like any good `90s consumer, we want to put our time and
energy and money where they will get us the most return. Is it possible
that is not the right goals?"
"Pastor General Tkach has focused on our new identity in Christ.
This new identity isn't like other identities, because with Christ, it's
all or nothing."
"What will Christ ultimately do with our church? What trails will
he use us to blaze? What blazes of the Spirit will he use our little
sparks to ignite?"
"One thing is for sure. Whatever his plan for us, he wants all of
us. He wants all of all of us. All of you. All of me. All of all of us.
Nothing less will do."
"It means there are sacrifices ahead I haven't thought of yet. It
means I have to die to self so I can live for him. I'm not sure I'm
ready for that. I'm not sure I even know what that really means
yet."
"Mr. Tkach has developed a habit of measuring the potential of the
worldwide church by the number of active small groups. That's because he
knows that when God's people pray, mighty things happen. And when God's
people don't pray, things take their natural downward spiral."
Glendora
celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
"Glendora, California-the Jan. 18 worship service here commemorated
the birthday of the late civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Visitors from the community and other congregations swelled Glendora's
usual attendance from 160 to 262."
"In a sermon titled Perspectives on Racial Healing, Herman Hoeh
said: 'We need to understand the behavior and cultural differences of
others. We need to try to do whatever we can to reach out to other
groups.' "
[WWN Feb. 18,]
[Comment: Neil
Earle, International Editor of the Plain Truth also Pastors this local
congregations. Services have been held at the Glendora Masonic
Temple for the past 25 years.]
Acquire the
Fire: every teen should attend
"Longview Texas-Ten young people and two adults from the Longview
and Lufkin churches attended an Acquire the Fire (ATF) teen convention
in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10 and 11."
"The building was filled beyond capacity with more than 3,500 teens
eager to learn more about their Father, their Savior and their Comforter
and to commit to recommit their lives to following God."
The convention included alter calls, where the teens were encouraged to
acknowledge their need for Jesus and affirm a commitment to following
his way of life."
"Ron Luce, president of Teen Mania Ministries, the organization
that presents the conventions, explained the purpose of ATF teen
conventions: 'God is doing something profound in the lives of young
people in our generation.' "
"The teens were challenged to become world changers, and they were
motivated to make a difference in their lives and the lives of
others."
"Cheri Ray, who was leery about attending, called it a
life-changing experience. Others said they would never look at things in
life the way they had before."
[WWN Feb. 18]
Give me the
heart of a world changer
"Long Beach, CA-Twenty-one teens from the Pasadena churches locked
arms with more than 3,000 other youths at an Acquire the Fire
teen convention at the Long Beach Convention Center."
"Energy filled the air as young believers joined in spirit-filled
worship. These teens, from many churches, poured their hearts out in
praise toward the Savior."
"Hundreds, including most in our group, made life-changing
commitments, taking up the Acquire the Fire challenge to be world
changers."
"Our group experienced a reconciliation, bonding and renewal that
can only be explained as the powerful working of the Holy Spirit."
"Relationships skits, live upbeats music and videos interspersed
the sessions. Words were on overhead projection screens, which was great
for interactive worship."
[Comment:
Acquire the Fire conventions target interdenominational teens for the
purpose of pushing the interfaith agenda. Attendance requires ticket
charges and travel expenses. The programs are highly emotional and
charged by open praying, singing, bands or videos, and altar calls. This
endeavor is the teen's equivalent to Promise Keepers.]
Our Children: a
major part of the body of Christ
"Children ministry is touching children's hearts with the good news
of who Jesus is and what he has done for them. It's helping them to get
to know their Best Friend for life."
"Children are not merely a resource for the future. They are a
major part of the body of Christ now. They need to be nurtured in the
gospel as do teens and adults, and, given age-appropriate opportunity
for spreading the good news to others."
[WWN Feb. 97] [Comment: Who was it that said, "Give me a child
before the age of five, and he will be a Catholic for the rest of his
life." Was it the Pope?]
Church officials on Christian
talk show
"Rancho Santa Margarita, CA-Pastor General Joseph Tkach and Greg
Albrecht, Plain Truth editor, were interviewed on Hank Hanegraaff's
'Bible Answer Man' Christian talk radio
Feb. 7."
[COMMENT: Despite Hank Hanegraaff's grave financial difficulties due to
the many allegations surrounding corruptive behavior starting in 1994,
Hanegraaff has acquired a new building as CRI headquarters. Several have
asked ESN about how Hanegraaff found the money to move into a new
building. The ESN is puzzled about this, too, and upon visiting the
location early in 1997 we found it odd that:
1. A telephone number was
not listed
2. There were no signs directing to CRI location, nor were
there any visible signs on the building stating it was Christian
Research Institute and
3. The building is located in an industrial type
park. Our visit left many more questions surrounding Hank Hanegraaff's
real purpose and agenda along with his involvement with WCG, so the ESN
will continue to explore and report.]
Northwest members join in fast
"Spokane, Washington-Inland Northwest churches are participating in
a 4 day fast this spring. The idea for the fast, launched by Bill Bright
of Campus Crusade for Christ, is for Christians to humble themselves in
repentance and reconciliation so God can restore, refresh and empower
the people of God."
"A few years ago Mr. Bright went on a 40-day fast and felt moved by
God to call America to fast. He and others felt moved to ask two million
people to do a 40-day fast by the turn of the century. They hope to have
100,000 participate this spring." [WWN Feb. 18]
[Comment: Bill Bright's Campus Crusade for Christ ministry is listed on
the top five non-profit fund-raisers in the US]
Promise Keepers at
Ambassador--Promise Keepers conducted a Keyman-Ambassador Wake-Up Call at
the Ambassador Auditorium Feb. 9."
[Comment: Dave Wardell, cofounder of Promise Keepers along with Luis
Madrigal, a field representative for Promise Keepers attended.]
*************
1997 WCG Ecumenical Timeline,
To Be Continued in OIU SEVEN
Tune in to the amazing
developments with WCG and the apostate Promise Keepers. Learn what is
happening in Canada region. Read for yourself how Tkach/Albrecht/
Feazell/Schnippert slowly transformed the Armstrong multimillion-dollar
corporate empire into the Ecumenical multimillion-dollar machine. Find
out why over 400 hundred ministers and evangelists passively abandoned
their "one true church" as they gave it away to the Global
ecumenical associations. Discover why the WCG architects are not
challenged or confronted for their transgressions. Find out the reasons
behind the events.
Past Present and Future
As the Tkach/Albrecht, et al.
team, gear up for another exciting year of "transformation"
developments, we can only imagine what is in store. In just ten short
years the WCG developers and advancers implemented a stratagem that
deceived thousands, inside and outside the Christian arena.
The "little flock":
-
Lost Herbert Armstrong as God's earthly representative
-
Adjusted to Joseph Tkach Sr.
-
Endured approximately eight years of contradictions duplicity,
distortions, and confusion over doctrinal issues
-
Was subjected to abusive, destructive, authoritarian pastoring
-
Was intentionally, psychologically coerced into cognitive dissonance
causing emotional, psychological trauma and related illnesses such as,
severe depression, and for some, suicide
-
Was victim to the divide and conquer plan of church fragmentation
with Global and United Church of God
-
Suffered losses from family and friends due to the division
-
Was quickly manipulated into New Age ecumenicalism
-
Became enmeshed in spiritualistic New Age agenda
This list could be
lengthened greatly by those who were part of the scene over the last ten
years. Although the Tkachites have restructured the remnants of what was
once called the church, about 5000 members continue to support the
agenda. Ironically, Tkach Sr. was heard stating he didn't care if the
membership fell to 5000. What counts now, is how the multimillion-dollar
conglomerate will participate in the one world global religion and
government mission. One can only imagine who will occupy the real
estate? What ecumenical message will pass through the printing machines?
How will WCG's technology system be used to advance the one world
kingdom? How will the ecumenical cabal use the AS/400 computer? The
massive computer worth millions financially, tracks every minute detail
with membership, business, church activities, etc. What about the
millions of names accumulated on the mainframe from every Plain Truth
recipient and past member? Who is receiving the profit from selling the
mailing list to religious hawkers? So many questions as we watch the
transformers ride the beast!!
Business -- NOT-- as usual
WCG's way of doing business has
been under grave renovation over the past few years. Interestingly, the
publicity propaganda doesn't announce the behavior modifications
incorporated into the Tkach/Albrecht cabal. The propagandists cleverly
keep the focus on "legalism" or, "pork" freedom. In
effort to bring our readers up to date (and not have to wait until OIU
SEVEN), we provide this "behavioral transition" summary as a
useful tool toward understanding the reasons behind the events.
From: Total submission to ministers and WCG leaders
To: Personal relationship with God
From: Whites sit on the right; "Negroes" sit on the left
To: Inter-racial marriages
From: Can NOT marry outside of the church
To: Marrying outside of the church
From: Plagiarized monotone hymns
To: Rock music and gospel revival
From: God, and God alone, does all the calling
To: Personal evangelism
From: No advertising, and high-level secrecy
To: Open Houses
From: God imparts knowledge and discernment
To: Feast of Tabernacles training seminars
From: Large congregations
To: Small groups (cells)
From: Private prayer
To: Speaking in tongues and prayer groups
From: Don't judge your neighbor
To: Discipleship
From: Unemotional/intellectual
To: Total emotionalism, and "slain in the spirit"
From: Conservative and reserved
To: Hand waving - feet stomping
From: Anti-Catholic
To: PRO -Catholic
From: Psychology is evil
To: Psychology is good
From: The gospel of the soon coming Kingdom of God
To: The gospel of enhancing the Kingdom of God
From: Everything is FREE, "you'll never be charged"
To: Nothing is FREE, everything has a price tag!
From: Paid ministers
To: Lay ministers
From: Come out of the world
To: Go INTO the world
From: Don't make promises
To: Promise Keepers -Stand In The Gap
From: Icons
To: Wearing crosses
From: Sabbath services
To: Worship services
From: Prophecy
To: Spiritual Weirdo
From: The LION and LAMB logo
To: A Cross, a triangle and other Masonic symbols
Let's stop right here, as the
list can go on for pages. The point being, while the Tkach propaganda is
selling "orthodox Christianity" to the ecumenicals, the real
WCG centers around behavioral changes necessary to convert residual
members into the new religious party plan method of recruiting. You
know, you tell a friend, and they'll tell a friend, and they'll tell
another friend, and on and on. While true Christians rejoice in
spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, impostors combine methods of
evangelism, pieces of the Bible, crowd manipulation, subliminal
techniques, mind-control, the occult, and a host of other methods to
recruit workers into servicing the goal of the institution. True, much
of the behavioral flip-flop appears positive, but the reasons for the
WCG overhaul point toward enhancing and protecting the decades old,
TAX-FREE multimillion-dollar empire that masks as a church as it upholds
its power based cabal. Little do the vulnerable supporters realize they
are being conditioned into another web of deception for profit and a
self-serving, collectivist agenda. They are putting on the whole armor
of a "god" as they embrace the 21st Century, one world
religion and government. There is nothing unifying about it!!! It is
slavery!!!
A word about PROMISE KEEPERS
The next OIU will feature this subject as it significantly relates to
the latest WCG developments. Readers should avail themselves to the list
of references from OIU FIVE. Promise Keepers is a dangerous movement,
as
many are learning, but few realize its interconnections and roots in
Pasadena. It is a story to behold, and we shall tell it! Each 1997 issue
of the WWN glorifies the works of Promise Keepers. WCG ministers have
been ushered to the football stadium extravaganzas, and now members are
attending combined meetings with Promise Keepers cell groups. Joe Tkach,
with a flock of WCG men, proudly Stood In The Gap under the biggest
phallic symbol in America, the Washington obelisk, as they waved their
$12.95 caps for the Promise Keepers mission. WCG members are now
attending Promise Keepers training sessions and much of the WCG behavior
mimics the Promise Keepers "way of life." Where is all this
going? Considering the fact that Promise Keepers also trains military
men, the destiny looks ghastly.
Where did Promise Keeper's come from and how did it grow so fast? What
are the reasons behind this movement? How is the Worldwide Church of God
involved, and why have hundreds of (Armstrong supporting) ministers
remained silent about the Tkach/Albrecht activities? Could it be UCG,
GCG, PCG, actually support the "one world religion/government
mission"? And what about Samule Bacchiocchi? Does his silence
indicate approval of the Catholics and Protestants unity? Why are WCG
and Seventh Day Adventists holding planning meetings? All this and more
will be explored in future updates. [Expose`
links on Promise Keepers]
Shining the light of day on the
dark doers
|
Is the Ecumenical brigade attracted to Tkach???
Or does it have its eye
on the prize?
Pasadena history is rich in
religious history and "historic events." Adopted on April 22,
1875, as Chippewa (Indian language for "Crown of the Valley,")
this once considered west coast haven attracted millionaires from around
the country as an unspoiled retirement refuge. As Pasadena grew with
prestige, so did the eclectic and occultic atmosphere. A little research
divulges activities and associations of occultists: John Whitened
Parsons, one of America's foremost explosive experts; L. Ron Hubbard,
founder of Scientology; Alister Crowley, father of Black Magick; Anton
LeVey, founder of the Church of Satan; and David J. DuPlessis,
"father of American Pentecostalism," just to name a few
significant Pasadenian influences.
As we continue to explore the reasons behind the WCG events, we must
consider the many historical attachments to the founding and evolution
of the Worldwide Church of God. Members were often imbued with the
understanding that, "God placed his headquarters in Pasadena,
California." But as the ESN unravels the rat's nest of ecumenical
associations, we find there may be other reasons leading to Herbert
Armstrong's acquisition of the famed Orange Grove real estate.
As you shall soon see, the current WCG transition aligns with the New
Age Revival, United Religion Mission, which is being brought about
through the art of Pentecostalism and interfaith movements.
No wonder Nikita Khrushchev
declared
"History is dangerous. We must redirect it."
|
From Living Waters…
Taking a stroll down Pasadena Lane offers a romantic view of how an
Indian colony laced with Quakers developed into what some call the heart
of the modern day occult (things hidden). In the book, California
Yankee, the author describes the many growth problems with Pasadena.
Water development proved a major difficulty.
"To the modern thousands who have parked their cars beside the Rose
Bowl in the present day dry Arroyo, few could fathom the disputes that
raged between settlers in the late 1800s over flowing waters from
Devil's Gate."
"From the very beginning (of Pasadena development) there had been
trouble over the ownership of water rights. When colonists purchased
their lands, their deeds included rights to two undeveloped springs,
'Sheep Corral' and 'Adobe' in the lower Arroyo, as well as a portion of
the waters flowing through 'Devil's Gate' from the high springs so vital
and so troublesome in Pasadena's water history."
We find it ironic that over 130 years later, water distribution remains
a major problem for the sale of the Pasadena church acreage. The whole
WCG acreage has only two main pipes feeding the entire complex making
subdivision unlikely.
One does wonder then if the old
Devil's Gate still controls the 'Sheep Corral.'
Satanic graffiti
Author of Cults That Kill,
Larry Kahaner, quotes Detective Pat Metoyer:
"By the Pasadena Freeway there are drainage ditches that drain into
the arroyo. If you walk there you'll see satanic graffiti, evidence of
red candle wax, white and black, and some sort of sacrificial offering
evidence, the bones of some small animal of some kind. They may go out
and buy a small white rat for all I know. They're probably involved in
some kind of satanic offerings. If I wanted to truly honor the devil,
where do you think I would go? I'd go some place that was slimy, that
stinks like hell; that was secretive. Where better could I go than some
drainage ditch?"
Pasadena-an origin for many
bizarre movements--
a few examples…
Pasadena was home to many
architects of the British-Israelism system. J.H. Allen (1847-1930), vice
patron of the British-Israel World Federation and author of one of the
movement's central texts, Judah's Sceptre and Joseph's Birthright,
resided and evangelized in Pasadena in the early part of this century
giving rise to the Identity Movement throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
Fuller Seminary - one of the New Age WCG mentors, houses the extensive
archive of David J. DuPlessis (1905-1987). DuPlessis, a South African
British agent, was head of the imperial "cultmaster" Apostolic
Faith Mission denomination, who came to America and supervised the
creation of Pentecostalism. He was consultant to International
Missionary Council and World Council of Churches. DuPlessis was
characterized as "Mr. Pentecostalism" for his success in
infiltrating American denominational churches with charismatic
Pentecostalism and British-Israelism. The World Council of Churches put
their stamp of approval on DuPlessis, as the designated-by them-world
representative of the new, "improved" Pentecostalism. [refer
to article: Who is wagging your neighbor's tongue? The militias and
Pentecostalism, by Anton Chaikin, EIR, August 22, 1997]
Tkach's "good tongue-speaking friend" Jack Hayford, pastor of
Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California, got his start from Dennis
Bennet, an English-born Episcopal priest, who in May of 1960, told his
parishioners that he had begun speaking in tongues after baptism in the
Holy Spirit.
Pasadena is home of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship, a denomination
founded by hyper-charismatic, signs and wonders "healer" John
Wimber [now deceased]. This now famed church is credited for starting
the Holy Laughter phenomenon. Many Promise Keeper leaders are actively
involved with the Vineyard Church.
Los Angeles Azusa Street Revival of 1906 was spearheaded by Charles Fox
Parham. Parham is credited for introducing speaking in tongues
throughout the California Pentecostal community.
Pasadena -
home of the Fallen Angels?
The New Age WCG is
streaming full speed ahead as it prepares for the coming millennium. Few
are monitoring the incredible ecumenical events. Without the knowledge
of Pasadena's history and current ties to British-Israelism,
hyper-charismatic Pentecostalism, the Vineyard movement, Billy Graham's
Evangelistic Association, Promise Keepers, the occult, Rosicrucianism,
Knight's Templar and other Masonic secret societies (just to name a few
in the brotherhood), one cannot realize the current horrific deception
of "one world religion" under United Religions. This is a big,
complicated story involving a major portion of the New Age Evangelicals;
cult groups; fraternal orders; the Worldwide Church of God (along with
its extension groups--United Church of
God, Global Church of God,
Philadelphia Church of God, etc.) and its propaganda newsprint, the
former In Transition, the current Journal of the Churches of
God, and
yes, Ambassador Report.
This lengthy OIU introduces the tangled web. What may seem confusing now
will continue to be clarified throughout each issue. We look forward to
continuing the exposé in OIU SEVEN.
The Tkach/Albrecht
PR men have publicly aligned with the one world government through the
one world religion political machine. We will NOT be surprised if the
Worldwide Church of God real estate empire becomes the future
headquarters of a newly organized "ecumenical monstrosity."
Replacing the Herman Hoehs and Gerald Waterhouses of yesteryear, will be
hyper-charismatic Pentecostals such as Joe Tkach's "good speaker of
tongues friend," and Promise Keeper leader, Jack Hayford and
evangelist, Luis Palau. Remember--it was the OIU that warned you.
CULT CUTS
"Pat Boone
dumps milk for metal-It's true America, Boone-the milk-sipping,
church-going, whitest of white-bread singers-is in a head banging mood
these days, cruising Hollywood with Black Sabbath and Megalith blaring
from the stereo of his muscle car." [Associated Press] [Comment:
Let's not forget his support from the Tkach/Albrecht cabal.]
George Mather teamed
up with (New Age) InterVaristy Press to launch a newly published pro-WCG
book. Mather's close association with Joe Tkach Jr. first surfaced
following the death of Tkach Sr.:
Dear Pastor General Tkach,
I just heard the news of your father's passing. The members of Sherman
Oaks Lutheran Church and Children's Center wish to be among those
offering sincerest sympathy at this time.
One did not have to know your father personally to realize how much he
will be missed and mourned in the religious community for which he did
so much. His mantle has now been passed on and it is with our many
prayers for your leadership and church this letter is sent. As you may
already know, he will always be remembered in history as the central
figure who brought your church into the truth found in Jesus Christ
alone.
In the love and friendship of Christ.
Reverend George
Mather, Pastor
Sherman Oaks Lutheran Church and Children's Center
In Transformed
by Truth, Tkach states: "George was introduced to us about the
same time we were getting to know our Foursquare Gospel friends. George
was so moved by what he saw happening among us that he started telling
his Lutheran colleagues. Soon we received a call from Al Barry,
president of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. He wanted to meet us.
We flew to St. Louis, where we met with Dr. Barry and other church
leaders. We also appeared as guest on Don Matzat's radio program,
Issues, Etc., broadcast on the Jubilee Radio Network based in St.
Louis."
George Mather,
along with co-author Larry Nichols, are currently peddling a 104 page
PR/Tkach account called: "Discovering the Plain Truth: How the
Worldwide Church of God Embraced the Gospel of Grace" The
words, "Plain Truth" leap out in big white letters on black on
the book cover. It says: "If you've ever doubted God's willingness
to make the *impossible* things in your life *possible*, read this
stunning account! For the first time in church history, the Lord has
turned an entire fringe movement-the Worldwide Church of God--toward
biblical Christianity. Discover how he did it, and share in the wonder
of God's awesome power. InterVarsity."
George A. Mather
also authored: Masonic Lodge, 1995, distributed and
catalogued at the British Library in England. Mather's bias toward
freemasonry is illuminated through his writings. Masonic Lodge is:
"Dedicated to the loving memory of Harold T. Dodge, who was a past
Massachusetts district Deputy Grand master and a 32° Consistory Order
of the Eastern Star. More important, he was a loving father and faithful
husband who now rests in Christ."
WCG Financial
accountability
Not any factual evidence of financial accountability on behalf of
Tkach/Albrecht/Schnippert/Feazell has been made public other than
hearsay. The Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA)
was founded in 1979. It is comprised of over 850 charitable, religious,
missionary, social and educational tax-exempt nonprofit [501c(3)]
organizations. The Worldwide Church of God is not (as of Dec. 1997) one
of them. More on this hot topic very soon. For further
information contact:
ECFA, P.O. Box 17456, Washington, DC 20041-0456. Tel. (703)
713-1414, email: ecfa@aol.com. Or, visit their web at http://www.christcom.net/efca/contact.htm
National Charities Information: 800-501-6242. California Government
Records: an excellent website with much information is Center for
Responsive Politics, http://www.crp.org.
[Update
from ESN: It has been alleged that The Evangelical Council of
Financial Accountability (ECFA) "purports to work on behalf of the
donor but in reality exists for the spenders." The
Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability - Con Artists!]
Where is all
the money going?
Over the past few
years, Victor Kubic from UCG and WCG has been involved in collecting
donations for many Third World countries. Much caution is advised from
the California Attorney General (http://caag.state.ca.us/press/96char.html)
to get the facts before giving money to any non-profit fund-raising
endeavor under the heading: "needy causes."
"For the past
seven years, the Montreal area French churches have been involved in
marketing vanilla, produced in Haiti, where we have a small active
congregation. Profits from sales have been ploughed back into Haiti,
where Worldwide Church of God members have started a training program to
help Haitians acquire skill in masonry, welding and electronics, leading
to job opportunities in that severely depressed country."
"In Victoria,
about 40 individuals are participating in Plan International, which
provides assistance to villages and communities in Third World
countries. Our members make financial donations every month and
correspond with villagers in Third World countries three of four times a
year." [Spring 1996 National Update-Canada]
Real Estate
Purchases:
The Winnipeg
congregation secured a mortgage and took possession of their own church
building. This is the second building purchase following North
Battleford, SK congregation which purchased their building in early
1995.
Gary Moore, Alberta Regional Pastor, reports the purchase of an 80-acre
parcel of land for a provincial camp. He says, "We will focus on
the needs of our youth, but hope the camp will eventually serve all WCG
youth-and hopefully even those outside our fellowship. We hope to
gradually develop our land purchase into a multi-use regional camp. We
also hope for at least one local church building in Alberta this year. I
would also like to help develop specific plans for the camp, and see to
it that any attractive proposals for building purchases are presented to
Vancouver for decision." [Comment: The
exact location of the 80-acre parcel is not mentioned. Several Canadians
have voiced concern over what they consider to be, suspicious purchases
at a time when finances are supposedly at an all time low.]
Commercial real
estate transactions over $35,000 recorded in Duval County December
1-5. #32299:
Worldwide Church of God purchased property at 7216 Old Middleburg Road
from Martin Davey for $170,000.
In the spring
of 1996 the Canadian WCG learned the following details:
"Since the church is a charitable organization, it has a Board of
Directors. The officers and members of the Board of Directors are:
Joseph Tkach, pastor general and president; Frank Brown, director and
vice-president; Ely Ventura, director and secretary-treasurer; Keith
Stoner, director; Bert Burback director; Richard Rice, director; and
Joseph Locke, director."
Ford's Motto?
Ford Burden works in the Canadian office. He was profiled in the WCG
Canadian National Update.
"His aversion to red tape can be traced back to his stint at the
Italian office in Bergamo, where he worked from 1988 to 1993.
"…Ford has worked in the computer information systems (CIS)
department since 1993. His first task was to help Guy Moss coordinate
the yearlong transition from a mainframe system to the quicker AS/400
computer in Pasadena. Since then he has focused on making the AS/400 a
valuable tool for the Canadian office staff."
"Change is as fast-paced as ever. Ford (and Mike) are constantly
striving to provide effective solutions within the context of a
non-profit environment. 'Our job title might not change,' said Ford,
"but what we support changes quite often. New programming is
constantly coming out.' "
"Ford's Motto? 'No matter who you are in the Worldwide Church of
God, never forget that your job is to give people a spiritual glass of
water.' " [Excerpts from Office Profile]
BETRAYED
That is the term
some people used on CNN to describe how they felt about their President
of the United States following the allegations of sex, lies, and
audiotape. As I watch the whole scenario play itself out, this writer
can't help but think of how much it relates to what thousands have gone
through as their church leaders betrayed them. The public is, without
doubt, in pain. Surveys indicated that many Americans were willing to
ignore or dismiss President Clinton's proclivity toward sexual
promiscuity. Few, however, would be willing to ignore the lies or
obstruction of justice. You may have heard voices indicating that the
President should be held accountable for his actions just like any other
corporate head. Whatever one's political leaning, most would agree that
one's life is not safe in the hands of a President who might have
betrayed them with lies and deception. Why then, are so many Christians
willing to submit to the abuses perpetrated by leaders of church
organizations? Silence actually legitimizes the abuse. Lies are truth
until they are confronted and refuted.
WCG Town Meeting
The ESN receives many letters and testimonies. Here is just a sample of
some of the Email ESN receives. The OIU has many postal letters to
share. Names are withheld unless specified otherwise. If you wish your
letter not to be used, just note that when you write. Join us at the
cracker-barrel and share your thoughts.
WCG
members now speaking in tongues?
Letter to ESN:
I just finished reading June 24, 1997 Worldwide News. I'm shocked!
Tkach's "Personal" prepares us for more tongues-speaking in
the WCG. He says it just "may be" an "authentic gift of the Holy
Spirit," and some have even started doing it "in
private." But they do admit that people can be ("like
hypnotized people") "psychologically susceptible to such
suggestions." (pg.6)
Tkach goes back and forth in his DOUBLE TALK. First, saying things like,
speaking in tongues occurs in a "pleasant" psychological state
and is "liberating for those who practice this to get rid of
inhibitions;" and it "encourages to put oneself in a
responsive states," and it "encourages people in their walk
with the Lord." Then he goes on to say (in a different vein)
"tongues causes the most problems, and needs the most
caution." But still "affirms" it as a legitimate gift and
it is "therefore good." He tells them that they are
"spiritually worthless" if they don't have love.
He says his "friend" Jack Hayford (who has spoken at Promise
Keepers, by the way) says "he speaks in tongues in his prayers
every day."
He says in one Pasadena church that he knows of, people can speak in
tongues, but only in "their own small group meeting if two or more
interpreters are present." The interpreters have to write down the
interpretation, and then see "if the interpretations match."
(pg.14)
He mentions how he loves "our Pentecostal brothers,"
especially "The Four Square denomination in particular."
"Pentecostal churches are the fastest-growing part of
Christianity." "Pentecostal churches encourage people to
express their emotions…"
In this article, one is left wondering whether Tkach is for or against
tongues. First, he says it can be good for those who are "spiritually
yearning," and an "enormous spiritual boost," and
"has happened in the WCG," but then he turns around and says
it "doesn't mean it
is true," or that everyone "should have the same
experience."
"He emphasizes that, "We are not slowly turning
Pentecostal." In the closing, he calls Jesus not only our Redeemer,
but "our Owner."
This writer concludes: I found this article very upsetting and
even angering in parts. We should walk by faith, not by feeling!
POSTINGS FROM THE NET:
The Worldwide Church of God is
an incompetent ministry. The ministers of the Worldwide Church of God
are new to the game of orthodox Christianity. Ministers in other
churches do it better. Many WCG ministers don't understand the New
Covenant. Since they don't know the new theology, and they can't preach
the old, they preach dull, middle of the road sermons that don't teach
very much. About the only people helped by their sermons are insomniacs.
The WCG leadership will not own up to the sins of the past. True, Joe
Tkach, Jr. has apologized, but he has apologized to the evangelical
Christian world. His apology was more for external consumption, not for
the membership of the church he leads. In his book Transformed by Truth,
he stated he cannot prove some of the stories circulating about
Armstrong and his minions, and he will not bother to investigate. This
answer is not good enough, especially for those who have suffered under
abuses of the Armstrong ministry. Most of us will not be satisfied until
the WCG leadership comes clean about the past. Even Nikita Khrushchev
revealed the sins of Stalin in his Secret Speech after the Soviet
Union's Twentieth Party Congress. No such confession has come from
Herbert Armstrong's successors. In Transformed by Truth, Joe Tkach, Jr.
paints a picture of Herbert as a well-meaning heretic whose heart was in
the right place. Armstrong haters will view this as a whitewash.
Armstrong lovers will be offended by this portrayal. In his attempt to
appease everybody, Joe Tkach pleases nobody.
The WCG's half-assed approach to Christianity will appeal to very few.
The WCG still observes the Old Testament holy days, and pays very little
attention to traditional Christian celebrations like Christmas and
Easter. Why would a Christian join a church that rejects Christian
customs and traditions? The WCG is trying to sell a product that is half
Christian and half Armstrongism. It's true that half a loaf is better
than none. But why settle for half a loaf when you can easily have a
whole one? Even worse, why settle for a loaf that is half rotten? The
WCG's hybrid version of Christianity will have very little appeal to a
Christian, and it will have no appeal to an Armstrongist. A church that
is half Christian and half cult is still a cult.
Denial among the WCG ministry. I sat in dumbfounded amazement when a WCG
minister told me that the WCG was never a cult, Herbert W. Armstrong was
not a heretic and the WCG never practiced mind control. This was in
1997, not 1987 or 1977. He was willing to admit there were abuses, but
he believes the system was fundamentally sound. In one recent sermon, he
said that the Worldwide Church of God has a history the members can be
proud of. Perhaps I should not be so surprised. He is a minister, after
all. He is a member of the abuser class. The ministers had it pretty
good, so it is no wonder that they failed to notice that anything was
wrong.
HERBERT DUMPTY
Herbert Dumpty sat above us all
Herbert Dumpty had a great fall
Herbert Dumpty is now dead and gone
But before he died he passed the baton
Who's got it now? We haven't a clue
Could it be Joe, Dave, Rod or you?
Every Tom, Dick and Harry climbs out of the tree
Saying, "I'm God's minister, tithe to me"
They give many quotes by HWA
"Follow me if you want to obey"
All the dumb sheep have gone astray
If you're not a team player get out of the way
Some claim to be apostles, God sent
While Dave sits on top as president
They tell you they're the ministers of right
Until they're finally brought into the light
Rod says, "Submit to government, don't do the thinking"
Dave counts his money while UCG is sinking
Joe's turned Protestant, but he's paying the price
Ted's losing members because of his vice
They waited too long to leave WCG
The paycheck's important, you see
All of Herbert's horses and all of Herbert's men
Can't put Herbert back together again (by Steve K)
Thought you'd like to hear about WCG Feast 1997. Sad news from the
South. WCG disfellowshipped most of the Meridian congregation this last
spring. Of course, WCG doesn't call it being disfellowshipped. The WCG
word used was "disbanded" and members were told that they are
not allowed to attend any WCG services -- if they show up they will be
tossed out. The break came when WCG told members that in order to remain
in WCG they would have to sign a document attesting belief that Tkach,
Jr. and their pastor are being led by the Holy Spirit. The people could
not sign it (why should they have to?) and WCG booted 'em out.
In other news, some liberals in WCG woke up during the last 5 months.
Quoting one of them, "We got a fast forward look at where this is
headed. . . . It was really hard to have to admit that our minister was
being led by Satan. I kept trying to defend him, but then . . ."
The "but then" occurred one morning after a bizarre incident
in a small group wherein the minister held another church member hostage
until this person would allow the minister to lay hands on him. Two days
later, the individual physically (and spiritually) woke up. They took
their spouse and held a big family meeting. That minister since resigned
and left, but their current pastor is headed (albeit slowly) in the same
direction. They are hanging in there.
At the Feast itself, services were heavy on emotionalism, not much basis
in Scripture at all and even blatantly contradictory with Scripture. The
people are not encouraged to read the Bible. All Scriptures used are put
up on a big screen and citations are not always given or accurate, so
the people (unless motivated to verify the statements) are more inclined
to rely on what the minister says. The emotional tactics used grew more
and more during the course of the Feast. Regarding music, no hymnals
were used. All song lyrics were projected onto the screen and many of
the songs were used over and over again. The musical accompaniment was
reminiscent of a 60's band - tambourines, electric guitar, with
nauseatingly sanctimonious worship leaders. A group of church youth
(teens) was less than moved by the spectacle (finding it ridiculous).
Some adults seemed nonplused; and others even commented that they felt
the church had "gone too far." Someone was carried out of the
services on a stretcher and another individual had a heart attack in the
parking lot -- no announcements were made in either case.
[Read: Why
I Didn't Like the New Music in WCG]
At the bottom of the ditch is a
fluffy layer of millions of dollars from the sale of assets to ease the
crash for the leaders and their paid. Do you get the point? They will
prove themselves righteous.
With cognitively dissonant members falling away like fall leaves, what
choice will the leaders and ministers have but to award themselves
comforting pensions with the spoils?
After all, the sheep refused to hear their voice and fled to other
folds. It is not the leaders fault. Who would be so cold to deny them
their due? Who would want to throw these loyal employees out and force
them to work for their keep?
So, the demise of WCG approaches as day follows night. But, the leaders
will escape the pain. They have a plan. They will use the tithes of
Christians made over many decades of self-sacrifice to soothe their
feeling of failure and avoid sacrifice themselves.
These same blind members thought they were called to help fund the
preaching of a powerful Gospel message and provide a Bible-centered
college for young people and disciples to learn God's way of life.
I screamed when AC sought the accreditation of the world. It all went
downhill as soon as the blind took control.
As a realist, especially regarding the manner of incorporated
organizations, history teaches that some things are more likely than
others. Incorporated organizations have legal immunity from bad
judgment. They all operate on the world's law of "Show me the
money!" When the roof caves in; when there are no sheep left in the
flock and the money is gone (the last often used for pensions and golden
parachutes), they file, reorganize and combine with another
organization.
This preserves their personal reputation of the blind leaders and gives
them security. The entity and body of members, once filled with life,
dies a miserable, agonizing death with nothing to show from their
sacrifices except perhaps some memories and lessons learned.
Problem is that the blind, who remain loyal to the blind to the end,
often remain blind and can't see what the Lord was trying to get them to
see. To seek Him, not tax exemptions. There is nothing new under the sun
when it comes to the heart and mind of man. The sign of Christians is
their love, not their sales or membership or circulation list. Only the
HS can change the heart and mind of men. Without the HS, we all fall off
the narrow road into the ditch.
Heaven help us! God grant us mercy. Christ said to forgive them that
killed him, those leaders who knew not what they did. Pray for the
leaders of WCG that their eyes may be opened and the ditch of
antinomianism is avoided.
Just the other day I listened
to a sermon on cassette tape. The sermon was given by a WCG minister in
Europe about two months ago. He said that the current ecumenical
movement underway in Europe, with its goal of presenting a unified
church to Jesus on his supposed birthday in the year 2000, is a movement
to be dominated by the anti-Christ. He also said that the identity of
WCG could be preserved by not being a part of this or other similar
movements, since the WCG really believes Jesus (the un-stated conclusion
being that the others don't).
The WCG minister also quoted extensively from the book of Revelation. Am
I missing something in the official literature of the WCG that is being
passed on "low profile" to WCG ministers for sermon material?
Is anyone else aware of similar sermons having been given recently? ~ Germany
For recent
emails to ESN, click here.
*********
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