Vol. 4, No. 8 A newsletter for servants of the Almighty Eternal Creator, wherever they may be November 1998 Herbert W. Armstrong: How Do We Regard His Teaching? Servants’ News has received many words are true (Deut 18:22; Matt 7:15- explaining them). The difficulty comes letters and calls asking the above ques- 23; 1Cor 14:29; 1Jn 4:1; Rev 2:2). We with more obscure doctrines and tion. Was Herbert Armstrong the proph- need to evaluate Armstrong’s teachings prophetic interpretation. For example, esied Elijah to come and restore all from a biblical perspective not so we Herbert Armstrong taught that there things? (Matt 17:11.) Was he the apos- can judge him, but so we can know were three resurrections based on his tle of the twentieth century? Was he a what we should believe of his teach- understanding of Revelation 20, but “phony”, using religion as a way to live ing and what we should do now! there is no Scripture that specifically the good life? Or, was he a teacher used This issue is not so important for mentions “three resurrections” or a by the Eternal who made a number of many of Armstrong’s basic teachings “third resurrection”. Also, there are significant mistakes? such as the Sabbath and the millennial other scriptures that indicate that good The purpose of this and the next reign of Christ. These doctrines can be and evil unbelievers will be raised at the Servants’ News issue is not to eternally demonstrated from the Scripture almost same time (Matt 3:12; 25:32-33). judge Herbert Armstrong. Christ will as easily as they can be from Should believers today believe and do that (John 5:22). However, believers Armstrong’s writings (Armstrong did teach three resurrections only because are commanded to judge their apostles, do a good job of putting many of the Armstrong taught it, even if they cannot teachers and prophets to see if their related scriptures in one place and Continued on page 33

Why This Issue? Also In This Issue: HWA Research If you ask a doctrinal question to 2 Truckers’ Bible Study, Part 8 a friend and he or she answers by 3 Local Congregation News Tools Now quoting the teaching of Martin 5 Works & Fruits, the Same? Luther, Dwight Moody, Ellen G. Available to All White or some other deceased the- 8 UCG-IA Rejects Christians? We would like to thank Don Tiger ologian, are you impressed? Or, do 9 Contact Scattered Brethren! you think: “I would rather hear their and the small group of brethren who understanding of the Bible than a 9 Today’s COGs Invoke HWA work with him for making these writ- quote from a human whom I can no 10 Life with no Church Organization ings of Herbert Armstrong available on computer CD-ROM. These are clearly longer question”? Why then, should 11 Local TV Production Works we expect others to treat us differ- the best facilities available for research- ently if we respond to their questions 13 Learn Lessons From GCG ing the writings of Mr. Armstrong. The by quoting the teachings of Herbert 18 Example for Christmas Keepers? three most useful CD-ROMs are photo Armstrong? images of the 1951-1969 Good News, 19 US&BC in Prophecy vs Allen If we cannot explain a doctrine photo images of the 1934-1960 Plain from the Bible without citing the 23 Has Time Been Lost? & Found? Truth, and computer searchable text of all of Mr. Armstrong’s books and teachings of Armstrong, should we 25 Letters and Responses teach that doctrine at all? Mr. coworker letters. Armstrong did not have even a 36 Plan Now for Feast 1999 You may obtain a set of these CD- near-perfect record in prophecy and ROMs free of charge from the Web- site www.herbertwarmstrong.org or by doctrine. If we repeat his teachings In the Next Issue: rather than those which Christ leads writing Don Tiger, 1163 E Ogden No Was HWA a Prophet? us to prove from the Scripture, then 705-261, Naperville Illinois, 60563. are not we following a man, Was “Pay and Pray” the Way? (See also Oct 30, p. 1 story in The rather than Christ? “18 RestoredTruths” Report Card Journal, News of the Churches of God.) Trucker’s Bible Study Vol. 4, No. 8 November 1998 Oak Grove, Mo., Part 8 Servants’ News is a ministry to help others under- stand the Creator’s will, obey Him, and teach others. We The Trucker’s Bible Study is conducted weekly at the Texaco truck stop on believe that the Bible contains the foundation of knowl- I-70, Oak Grove, Missouri by Arlo Gieselman, often assisted by Lenny Cacchio. edge about our Creator and that He is actively working through people today. Our focus is to help the Sabbath- November 1, 1998: Today’s study was a “keeper”. Both truckers who keeping brethren who believe Yeshua (Jesus) is the Messiah, but we realize that the Eternal works with many attended had embarked on a project of reading the entire Bible. The first man groups and individuals. was in the book of Hosea and had some questions about it. Hosea is a won- We believe the gospel should be given freely—you derful book because it shows clearly the mercy of the God of the Old may copy this newsletter and give it to others. Servants’’ News has nothing to sell and has no financial ties with Testament—that He was not the vengeful, angry God as so many assume. other organizations, but is supported by those who per- The discussion lead naturally to God’s plan for all mankind and how only sonally decide to help this ministry. We do not have IRS a very few will likely be condemned to the lake of fire. He believed that those tax exempt status, but the IRS accepts some charitable who are not converted in this life will be judged based on what they do know— deductions without such status (see IRS Publication 557, p. 16, col. 1). which is more merciful than the common teaching of an ever-burning hell. We explored the judgment in Revelation 20 and he seemed to be glad to hear it. Editor & Publisher: Norman S. Edwards He asked for a copy of the “Second Chance” study from CEM and Lesson 1 Associate Editors: Tim & Jeanice Davis, Marleen Edwards, Missi Lara, Lee Lisman, Jon D. Pike, of their correspondence course. Anne Wibbelsmann We spent some time on spiritual gifts. The man said he had a terrible time Technical Services: George Dewey trying to show people what he understands about scripture, as sometimes it is Office Administrator: Pam Dewey met by hostility. He wants desperately to share what he understands, but, first, Contributors: Many! Thanks to everyone! does not know how, and secondly, does not want to have his ego swell at any NOTICE: The people listed above do not necessarily success—a very humble and gentle attitude. He wonders where his gifts are, endorse every article in this newsletter. and wonders if he has a gift to lead him to the ministry. Servants’ News accepts articles for publication. I believe that God gave great favor to this morning’s study. These men Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for items that have humbled themselves before God and walk in His way as best they under- you want returned. We are happy to print corrections for stand it. I came home with ideas for sermons. Truly a blessing for all involved. any significant errors. Address articles, letters and sub- scription, literature or change of address requests to: November 22, 1998: Wow! These studies have some of the highest highs Servants’ News PO Box 220 and lowest lows, but today’s surpassed them all. We had five men today, one Charlotte, Michigan 48813-0220 of whom was a repeat customer who came specifically looking for us. Phone: 517-543-5544 The first gentleman to arrive today wanted some personal help in con- Fax: 517-543-8899 necting with God not only for himself but, also for his “daughter” (not really E-Mail: [email protected] his daughter but his son’s girlfriend). The other men were able to contribute Internet: http://www.best.com/~oasis7/sn/ to this discussion. Much of helping others come to God is in living a life wor- Subscription and literature requests may be sent to thy of our calling and setting the right example, not by arguing them into it. the following addresses. Contributions received at these Some people (such as Job) follow God just by their nature, while others (such locations will be used for duplicating and mailing. Please as Jacob) need a significant emotional experience before they begin to seek make checks out to the name shown with the address: God. Two of the men today were able to relate addiction problems that they Australia: Dale Heslin, 9 Alice Jackson were able to overcome, and they attributed the strength to overcome to the Crescent, Gilmore, ACT 2905 Canada: Cherie Zimmerman, 268 Pennswood power of God—but they had to hit bottom first. Way SE, Calgary, AB T2A 4T3 We read Luke 4, where Jesus stood up in the synagogue in Nazareth and read Europe: Servants’ News, Gulpen 122, from Isaiah, and how the gospel is about healing the brokenhearted and setting 4852 Hombourg, Belgium people free. That is the good news that we can offer people looking for answers. U.K.: Jenny Whiteman, 2 Warren Rd, The current situation in Washington is on people’s minds these days, and Narborough, Leicester, LE9 5DR even though the polls show that people are tired of hearing about it, we should Most scripture quotations are from the New not interpret that to mean that people don’t care about it and what it por- King James Version unless otherwise noted. tends. Not all people who claim Christianity come down on the same Circulation: 2100 Oops! Servants’ News is published monthly except for com- The two side of the issue, as was evident today. I pointed out that the bottom bined January-February, March-April and September- Trucker’s line for our society is to relate what has happened to the nation’s October issues. Subscriptions are free to people who Bible studies in concept of right and wrong. Sure, there has been question- request the publication and are genuinely interested in it. our previous issue able moral behavior in times past. Today, however, we Servants’ News is published by Norman S. Edwards, 202 have no moral certainty. In days gone by, the people Pearl St, Charlotte, Michigan 48813. He reserves the were numbered “5 & right to refuse subscriptions for any reason. Periodical 6” when they should recognized standards, and while everyone didn’t postage paid at Charlotte, Michigan, USPS 016-995. have been “6 & 7”. We come up to standards, at least people knew Postmaster: send address changes to Servants’ News, resume the sequence with “8”. Continued on page 3 PO Box 220, Charlotte, Michigan 48813-0220. Page 2 November 1998

News from Local

nizing a midwinter spiritual refreshing Pillars of Truth”. The first pillar involves Building Bridges in PhoenixCongregationsweekend on January 23 and 24, 1999, to the understanding of what the church is, a Everyone is invited to hear the be held at a resort on a 300-acre farm near spiritual organism, not any one corporate Building Bridges guest speaker Norman Hamilton, Ontario. organization. All who have God’s Spirit Edwards at 10:30 A.M. on the Sabbath of The price is a very reasonable $12.50 are part of Christ’s body. The second pil- January 23, 1999. The meeting will be per person per day, and this includes one lar is an understanding of what a minister followed by a question & answer session, night sleep over. Each person will bring is. He emphasized that a minister is a a potluck, and evening fellowship. his/her own bed linens and towels. Meals helper of our joy, not one who has domin- Building Bridges is not a church. Its are available, or you can bring your own. ion over our faith. The rank system is not goal is to book speakers that people in the For more information, call Dennis Biblical, he added, and we don’t need to Phoenix, Arizona area would like to hear. Horlick at 905-831-6308 in evenings, or ask a minister’s permission to serve God It holds meetings once per month and is the CCG office at 416-531-9701. or our fellow man. Mr. Havir also said intended only as a supplement to Sabbath Sponsor: Canadian Church of God; that he has no desire to build an empire, services. The organizers represent a vari- PO Box 476; Don Mills Station; Don publish a magazine, or get involved in ety of corporate and independent congre- Mills, Ontario M3C 2T4; Canada. televangelism. gations. Previous speakers have been Ron Following services, most of the group Weinland, Dave Havir and Ray Wooten. adjourned to the home of local pastor Ken Ron Dart is scheduled for February 6 and Dave Havir Speaks on Sabbath Svehla and his wife Trisha for several Jim Rector for some time in March. On a pleasant sunny Sabbath, Dec. hours of feasting and fellowship. This Location: North Town Meeting Hall, 12, 1998, 75 to 80 people from several brings to mind the words of Psalms 2202 Waltann Ln, Phoenix. For overnight fellowships in central Illinois, the 133:1—”Behold, how good and how housing or more information, call Wayne Chicago area, and Wisconsin gathered in pleasant it is for brethren to dwell togeth- Speed at 602-465-0418 or Jon Pike at suburban Oak Brook to hear guest speak- er in unity.” —Larry Evans 602-759-6606. —Claudia Speed er Dave Havir, pastor of the United Church of God, Big Sandy. After a brief description of the outreach work the Big Seventh Day Christian Assembly Ontario Midwinter Weekend Sandy congregation is performing, Mr. The Seventh Day Christian Assembly The Canadian Church of God is orga- Havir gave a sermon on the topic of “Two of the Church of God in Knoxville, Tennessee would like to let you know of “Trucker’s Study” from page 2 God’s warning about a nation’s sins is our new web site. The address is: what the standards were. Today we don’t often followed by a millennial picture of http://www.korrnet.org/sdca recognize any standards at all. That is the God’s blessings. The point: God assures Our group is composed of believers problem. We looked at Isaiah 5, where us that in the end we win. So don’t get from the east Tennessee area, although God says: “Woe unto them that call evil too discouraged if things look bleak in we can count on guests from more distant good, and good evil; that put darkness for our country. God never leaves us without places on a fairly frequent basis. The light, and light for darkness; that put bit- hope, and the light of the Gospel is that group is not affiliated with any organiza- ter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe Christ is going to return and bring the tion, conference, etc. Our belief is that unto them that are wise in their own eyes, world peace, and all the world will one the Eternal works through independent and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto day seek God. That message of hope bodies of believers with Jesus Christ as them that are mighty to drink wine, and seemed to strike a vibrant chord. I our head. We seek continued growth in men of strength to mingle strong drink: believe that this is the best way in today’s truth, spirit, and grace and welcome all Which justify the wicked for reward, and society to present the wonderful message who diligently seek the face of God. take away the righteousness of the right- of the Kingdom of God. We strive to get along with those eous from him!” What happened next surprised me. called out by God, despite our differ- I suggested that they read the We closed with prayer, and the men ences, with the belief that He will lead us prophets. Their writings can be lifted came forward and started handing me to truth if we earnestly contend for the word for word, published in the editorial money (a fairly substantial amount), faith. page of a newspaper, and they would which I’ll put in the account to buy We invite the readers of Servant’s describe our nation’s condition to a “T”. more Bibles. News to stop by our site and browse. It Having said that, I told them something —Lenny Cacchio has just been started, but we hope to add we hear too little of today. We went 705 NE Bryant Dr, Lees Summit, MO 64086 much more information, especially in the through several passages in Isaiah where [email protected] next month. So check back often. Of November 1998 Page 3 SERVANTS’ NEWS course, we would love to hear your com- some Christians believe the Bible says about studies, and seminars on a wide variety of ments or answer any questions. The site the end times. Though Mr. Sims struggled to topics. On Thursday night we had a great has ways to get in touch with us whether follow the discussion of tribal wars, the fun show. Other events included some it be by mail, e-mail, phone, or our European Union, the stock market, and how brethren going on a deep sea fishing expe- favorite...a visit to our congregation dur- it all fits into God’s plan, the architect from dition and bringing back a great catch. The ing a Sabbath. Duncanville was clear about the message. fish were cooked just outside the meeting We feel that it is a blessing from the “You’ve got to be prepared,” Mr. Sims said. rooms and eaten with home cooked hush Eternal that we have been provided this For six weeks this fall, large crowds are puppies and all the trimmings. There were new way of offering the gospel message. flocking to a Bible conference sponsored by classes and activities for the youth. Finally, It has cost us no money at all, just some the Dallas Theological Seminary. Hand-hold- one of the most exciting events was the time. And so we encourage all brethren ing young couples with children, retirees, immersion of 28 people. We watched one everywhere to look for ways to express physicians in scrubs, teenagers and busi- elder immerse his own daughter which their views in a positive, productive, and ness people wearing pagers—they’re all was very special and touching. efficient way, so that people can access here looking for answers. Of special interest was a congrega- information that will help them in their In the waning days of the millennium, tional presentation of calendar issues cov- daily walk. We truly believe that this apocalyptic interest is at an all-time high. ering a culmination of much research by spreading of information will strengthen Christian bookstores are selling books with many men and women. The purpose and the faith of the saints. Information that is such titles as End-Time Visions: The Road to intent of the calendar study is/was to open to the public and not hidden in Armageddon? and Final Dawn Over understand the scripturally defined calen- secret in a file cabinet at headquarters, or Jerusalem. Producers of a new evangelical dar and the specific times (Feast Days, or in the minds of a few “qualified” leaders video called Apocalypse promise to shake the Hebrew word “mow’eds”) YHWH will be subjected to thought and discus- believers and save souls. In one survey, 20 commanded in Scripture by YHWH to be sion and the truth will emerge just as iron percent of Americans said the Second observed. sharpens iron. —Brad Dunn Coming will happen around 2000. There was basic agreement on several [large section omitted] key calendar items: Since the 1970s, in part because of Mr. 1. It was agreed that neither the BSA Needs Part-time Editors [Hal] Lindsey’s work, these beliefs have Jews, nor any man, has ever been given The Bible Sabbath Association is seeped into popular books, movies and tele- the authority to set up their own calendar looking for part-time editors for its vision. or to pick and choose which days are Sabbath Sentinel magazine. It has a con- According to a 1994 survey, Dr. Wojcik commanded to be observed, period. tinuous 50-year existence with many fine said, 61 percent of Americans believe Jesus 2. The Postponement Rules of the articles by various Sabbatarians on a will return; 44 percent believe in the Battle of Jews were rejected as non-scriptural. range of topics. It has had a subscription Armageddon; 49 percent believe an 3. That the only accepted authority price in the past, but will soon be offered Antichrist will arise; and 44 percent believe in defining a calendar is YHWH and His free of charge. If you would like to help, the Rapture. inspired Word. even if it is just working on one or two Such ideas are comforting, he said, The study material was made avail- issues per year, please contact Richard because they help people believe history is able, upon request, to anyone who want- Nickels; 3316 Alberta Dr; Gillette, WY following a specific path. ed to study the issue further. This research 82718-6217; phone 307-686-5191. If Sabbatarians are going to reach the is still available, upon request, and is world with a prophetic message, we totally open to scrutiny. must stand out. We need more than a We believe we share in the under- Preaching Prophecy Not Unique general message or the setting of dates standing of all who worship and serve Decades ago, almost any TV ministry that do not come to pass. We, like Daniel YHWH, the Father, that we all are to that preached prophecy would attract an (Dan 2:28), need to ask the Eternal to prove all things and live our faith. The audience. Prophecy preaching was rare in reveal the meaning of prophecies to us. bottom line is that our Father has given us the days when many people looked to sci- —Norman S. Edwards instructions on how to live and is the final ence to solve the problems of the world. judge. These points were the basic Now, most people can read about prophe- premise for the calendar study. The entire cy in their local paper. Articles have Ft. Walton Beach Feast Report congregation agreed to set aside a day for appeared in many papers, big and small. The Congregation of YHWH a voluntary fast for the purpose of asking We quote from an article entitled observed the Feast Of Tabernacles at Ft. YHWH for His guidance in understand- Apocalypse Now? from the Dallas Walton Beach, Florida. The weather was ing His will and His truth on calendar Morning News, October 24, 1998: wonderful for the entire Feast providing questions. An announcement was made, Sherman Sims walked out of plenty of time for fellowship and rejoicing contingent upon any new insight, that Prestonwood Baptist Church one night, a before YHWH. It was so convenient to many would be observing the Feast one four-page outline called “The Future have the meeting rooms in the same hotel month later than the Jews in 1999. Program of God” in his hand. The topic was as many were staying allowing much more Everyone was encouraged to study the the end of the world. time to studying, sharing and really being issue for themselves and make their own He was one of 3,000 people who’d gone “together”. There were many interesting individual choice. to the Far North Dallas church to hear what and thought provoking sermons, Bible —Marv & Renetta Wilson & Page 4 November 1998 miracles, the healings, the teachings and all His other works on His own authori- ty, but rather because the Father was in Works and Him and the Father was doing the works Fruit... through Him. Jesus tells us that He could do nothing of Himself, and then tells us Are They The Same? here that all His mighty works were done by the Father. If Jesus could not do works When the Bible talks of works and Jesus had performed? He had per- of Himself, but only through the Father fruits, are the words interchangeable? formed many miracles, cast out demons doing them through Him, how can we do When we do “works”, are we also pro- and healed the multitudes that came. good works any other way? If we are ducing fruit? The two are not inter- These were the works that Jesus was truly doing a “good work” then it will be changeable, but quite different from talking about: the work that He did serv- God doing it through us, not our efforts each other as we will see in this article. ing the people and teaching the people. to do a work. Jesus tells us the world’s Works are talked about far more in Jesus warns us that we are not to be works are evil and they hated Him the Bible and especially in the New doing works to be seen by men, but because He testified of it to them (John Testament than are fruits and it seems works to glorify God: 7:7). Jesus finishes about the Father quite easy for us to understand works. Therefore whatever they tell you doing works through Him by telling us Let’s examine some verses that describe to observe, that observe and do, but that those who believe in Him will do the works and tell us about works to make do not do according to their works; works He did, because God and Jesus is sure that we all understand the impor- for they say, and do not do. For they in us also, and greater works than He did tance of works before we go on to see bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, because He went back to the Father. what the Bible has to say about fruit. and lay them on men’s shoulders; Today there are many Christians, but In the Greek, works comes from but they themselves will not move there are not many of the works such as Strong’s #2041 (ergon) which is trans- them with one of their fingers. But all Jesus did being done today. We talk lated: to work, toil, an act, deed, doing, their works they do to be seen by about our works for God and our service labor or work. Jesus had the most to say men. They make their phylacteries to mankind, but the works such as Jesus about works so we will look at some of broad and enlarge the borders of did, where are they? They are not often those scriptures and then at some from their garments (Matt 23:3-5). evident in the world today? Why? the rest of the apostles’ writings. The leaders of that time, only did Our works are nothing without God First, in Matthew 5:16 Jesus tells us works that made them look good before in them. How many of our works glori- to “Let your light so shine before men, men, to be raised in stature themselves, fy God and how many of our supposed that they may see your good works and but would not lift a finger, according to works glorify us or our group? We all glorify your Father in heaven.” Our Jesus, to truly serve the people they have to ask ourselves these hard ques- works are to glorify God, not to be done were to be serving. tions and then repent of our selfish for people to say good things about us or Jesus tells us also that the works He desires and our sins and lack of faith, to that we would get “a raise in rank or did bore witness of Himself and there- trust God to do His works through us stature,” but our works should be done fore when we do true works they bear realizing that in our efforts our works in such a manner as to bring glory to witness of us also that Jesus the Christ are useless to God. If Jesus had to rely God and Jesus, not ourselves. After lives within us, that we are a child of on God to do the works through Him, doing many works that glorified God in God. “But I have a greater witness than how much more do we? several cities, Jesus turned to rebuke the John’s; for the works which the Father For by grace you have been people of those cities for not repenting. has given Me to finish, the very works saved through faith, and that not of Then He (Jesus) began to upbraid that I do, bear witness of Me, that the yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of the cities in which most of His mighty Father has sent Me.” (John 5:36) One works, lest anyone should boast. For works had been done, because they more quote about works from Jesus we are His workmanship, created in did not repent: Woe to you, Chorazin! comes from John 14:10-12: Christ Jesus for good works, which Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the Do you not believe that I am in God has prepared beforehand that mighty works which were done in you the Father, and the Father in Me? we should walk in them (Eph 2:8-10). had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they The words that I speak to you I do We should all realize that we are would have repented long ago in sack- not speak on My own authority; but saved by God’s grace through our faith in cloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will the Father who dwells in Me does His Son Jesus Christ. He tells us not to be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the works. Believe Me that I am in think that we are saved by our works, the the day of judgment than for you. And the Father and the Father in Me, or deeds that we do, because then someone you, Capernaum, who are exalted to else believe Me for the sake of the could boast about how good they were. heaven, will be brought down to works themselves. Most assuredly, I Our works are nothing, but any work that Hades; for if the mighty works which say to you, he who believes in Me, we do that glorifies God and is of true were done in you had been done in the works that I do he will do also; service to God is done by God anyway. Sodom, it would have remained until and greater works than these he will The good works that we do are not this day (Matt 11:20-23). do, because I go to My Father. our own, but rather the works that we What were the “mighty works” that Jesus said that He was not doing the allow God to do through us. We are November 1998 Page 5 SERVANTS’ NEWS rewarded for the works that we allow apart from God are all going to affect us There are several scenarios that could God to do through us. (Matt 16:27) But and all those around us in quite negative have taken place. First, the man really we are saved from our sins and given and harmful ways. They are the works cared about the blind man and wanted to eternal life by grace alone, not by any or deeds of the flesh. But when we help him, to serve him in just this little work that we do. The true works that we allow God to do His works through us, way. Second, the man could have known do, God did through us anyway, we did then people see the glory of God and that his boss was behind and he wanted not do them on our own. God tells us they glorify God for the things that He the boss to see what a good guy he was. that we were created in Jesus Christ to did through us. Naturally, these are the Third, he could have felt sorry for the do good works and that we should walk works that we want to be allowing to be blind man and helped him out of pity for in them. But we are not saved by any done through us, without doing the him. Fourth, he could have been a pick- work that we do or do not do. works of the flesh also. pocket and by wrapping his arm around In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul under The works of the flesh destroy our the blind man, to supposedly help him, inspiration listed the works of the flesh, witness for God, the good works we he robbed the blind man unknowingly. they are not pretty, but we are all famil- allow God to do through us boister His Fifth, the man could have been the blind iar with many of them. They have been kingdom and the work He is doing on man’s son who had just had a fight with parts of our lives at certain points, and this earth. Jesus tells us what God’s him, but loved him enough that he we have had to turn from them and put work on earth is. helped him across the street, but then just our faith in Jesus Christ to come out of Then they (the disciples) said to left him immediately on the other side. that way of life. The works of the flesh Him, “What shall we do, that we may The point is that we can see works are all things that we can see in people work the works of God?” Jesus done, but we do not know if they rep- and too often in ourselves, they happen answered and said to them, “This is resent fruits of the Spirit or not. We everyday and we see the results of these the work of God, that you believe in can only know this if we spend time with actions. Unhappiness and misery, not Him whom He sent” (John 6:28-29). and get to know the person well enough the results that all people want, yet they What is the work of God? That we to see their character. You can not know and we continue to do the works of the allow God to do works through us that if someone displays a fruit of the Spirit flesh, these are the things we can do. will bring others to believe, put their by seeing a work that they do. It is only Now the works of the flesh are evi- faith and trust in, Jesus Christ the Son through works that are done, that we can dent [we can see them], which are: of God. That is the work of God and see the fruits displayed, but every human adultery, fornication, uncleanness, that is why God works through us. Do being has the capacity to do what looks licentiousness [means the disregard people see Jesus Christ in you by your like a good work, for the wrong reason, for accepted rules or standards], idol- works? If not, repent and give God to get something for themselves. Hindus, atry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jeal- place to do works through you. People Buddhists, atheists or anyone can do a ousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish see our works and they should glorify work that appears to be good on the sur- ambitions, dissentions, heresies [“fac- God. Can people see fruits? face. But we learned before that true tions” in NIV and others—dividing up The fruits of the Spirit come right good works glorify God and are done into competing sects], envy, murders, after the works of the flesh in Galatians through us by God. God can do a good drunkenness, revelries [means noisy 5. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, work through a Buddhist and receive merry making, or boisterous festivi- peace, longsuffering, kindness, good- glory from a Christian, but the fruits of ties], and the like, ... (Gal 5:19-21). ness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-con- the Spirit are only possible if you have These are the works that we are able trol. Against such there is no law.” (Gal the Holy Spirit. Someone who does not to do, and most of us know this too well, 5:22-23) Are any of these things that can believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God, we see ourselves mentioned too often in be touched or things that you can do? does not have the Holy Spirit and there- this list. These are not the works that These are all things that you see in peo- fore the work did not show a fruit of the God did through Jesus, that Jesus said ple, they are not things that they have Spirit. They are not the same. we would do and more. Good works can done. Let’s take an example of a scene Beware of false prophets, who only be done by allowing God to work we see and a work that was done. come to you in sheep’s clothing, but through us, our efforts produce the We look out our window of our office inwardly they are ravenous wolves. works in the list above. “Who has saved and we see a blind man standing on the You will know them by their fruits. Do us and called us with a holy calling, not corner ready to cross the street. We see a men gather grapes from thornbushes according to our works, but according to well-dressed, nice looking man come up or figs from thistles? Even so, every His own purpose and grace which was beside the blind man. As the walk sign good tree bears good fruit, but a bad given to us in Christ Jesus before time appears, the well dressed man puts an tree bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear began.” (2Tim 1:9) None of us were or arm around the blind man and leads him bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good can do good works, and God saved us by across the street to the other side. You see fruit. Every tree that does not bear His grace anyway, not by our works. the blind man thank the other and they good fruit is cut down and thrown into We can understand from these scrip- part. What have you seen? You would the fire. Therefore by their fruits you tures that works, good or bad, are things guess you had just seen a good work done will know them (Matt 7:15-20). that we can see, they happen and they by this nice man. But did you? You saw a Jesus tells us that when there are false affect us, either good or bad. But we see work done, that we know, but you can not prophets around that we will know them, that the works that we are able to do know why the man helped the blind man. not by the lack of works they do, but by Page 6 November 1998 SERVANTS’ NEWS their lack of fruit. They can still do the God. Jesus tells us how fruit is produced:. lifted up off the ground and then it will be works that look good, that people tend to 1 I am the vine, and My Father is able to produce fruit. There are times in like, but He tells us we can not discern the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me our lives that we are not bearing fruit and from the works, because they look like that does not bear fruit He takes away; God lifts us up, encourages us that we sheep. But we can discern by their fruits, and every branch that bears fruit He may bear fruit. But these branches were or in this case lack of fruits. A good prunes, that it may bear more fruit. abiding in the vine, they were not like the prophet or teacher will have fruits that 3 You are already clean because of the branches that were cast into the fire that we can see produced in him, but a false word which I have spoken to you. were not abiding in the vine. We know teacher will not have fruits as we can not 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the that those branches have no capacity to produce of ourselves the fruits of the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, produce fruit, by themselves they can do Spirit, they are from God alone. In order unless it abides in the vine, neither nothing. Therefore they are cast into the to discern if someone has fruit we have to can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I fire and destroyed. know them personally and see their am the vine, you are the branches. “Being filled with the fruits of right- character, the reasons that they are He who abides in Me and I in him, eousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the doing the things they do. We can not bears much fruit; for without Me glory and praise of God.” (Phil 1:11) We tell by their works; their works can look you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does are to bear fruit and that fruit is displayed good, but the fruit is not there. not abide in Me, he is cast out as a through our works, but true good works Today, unfortunately, fruit seems to branch and is withered; and they gath- and true fruits of the Spirit both come be very lacking in the church. People are er them and throw them into the fire, from God, we are unable to do either. He judging and condemning by the works or and they are burned up. 7 If you abide does the works and Jesus bears the fruit lack of works, and Jesus said you could in Me, and My words abide in you, you through us. But the fruits of the Spirit are not tell a false teacher by their works, but will ask what you desire, and it shall be the characteristics of God that we should their fruits. Who do you know in your done for you. 8 By this My Father is be allowing God to develop and bear in Christian life that God is producing fruit glorified, that you bear much fruit; so us. The good works are the deeds that we in? For most of us, it is probably hard to you will be My disciples (John 15:1-8) should allow God to do through us, that come up with names of really “fruitful Jesus said He was the vine and His glorify Him. Our fruit can be displayed trees”. The fruit just is not there. Many Father the vinedresser and we are the by the works that we do, but the works have works that appear good, but we do branches. If we (the branches) abide in are not the same as fruit. The fruit we not see the fruit in them. Can we produce Him (the vine) then we will be bear fruit. bear should help people see Jesus and the fruit? We have seen that God does And if we bear fruit, God (the vinedress- God in us, but it needs to be our charac- any true good work through us, but can er) will prune (test and try) us that we ter, just like the fruits of the Spirit are the we produce fruit? Can we learn and grow bear more fruit. Do the branches pro- characteristics of God. People should see in love, joy, peace, etc.? duce fruit? They are a part of fruit pro- God in us by the fruits that Christ bears It is a good experience for us to decide duction, but they can do nothing without through us. If we have true fruit we will that we are going to be more loving to the nourishment from the vine! Only by also have good works, but you can have everyone around us from now on. Try it. abiding in Jesus can we produce fruit. “good works” and not have fruit. That is Try to love everyone unconditionally Verse 6 indicates that those who do why we have to discern false teachers around you, in every situation. How long not abide in Christ will be cast out. Verse by their fruits, not by their works, we does it last before someone upsets you 2 in nearly every translation seems to say can be deceived by the works. But to and you do not show them love? Maybe that those not bearing fruit, even though discern the fruit we have to know the per- about as long as it takes to get to work the they may be abiding in Christ, are also son well enough to know their character. next morning when the first person cuts “taken away”. The problem here may be Let’s all allow Jesus to bear fruit in us. you off in traffic and causes you to have in the translation of “takes away.” If we are a branch that needs lifting up, to slam on your brakes to keep from hit- According to Strong’s it comes from we know that God will lift us up and ting him. We of ourselves cannot grow in word #142, airo, which means “to lift, to encourage us that we can allow Jesus to unconditional love as that of the Holy take up or away, to raise, away with, bear bear fruit in us, and if we are bearing fruit, Spirit, but rather we have to submit our- (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, then we also know that God will prune us selves to God and allow Him to display put away, remove, take (away, up)”. By that we allow Jesus to bear even more His love through us. An outburst of looking at other uses of this word in the fruit through us. We also have to be will- wrath at the “ignorant” driver that cut you Bible (Matt 16:24; Mark 8:3; 10:21; ing to allow God to do good works off is not the fruit of love, or joy, or peace, Luke 9:23 are some), it is possible that through us, to have the faith to allow Him or self-control, or kindness, or patience, Jesus was not talking about cutting the control of our lives and to take ourselves or gentleness, or meekness, or goodness, branch off and casting it away as with the and our desires out of the works that we or faithfulness to God. Does that mean if branches that did not abide in Him, but are doing and truly allow them to be good we do this that there is no fruit of the was rather talking about lifting it up, or works. —Ron Wilson Spirit in us? Absolutely not! It simply raising it up, bearing it up so that it would This article was reprinted from the free news- means we have failed, sinned and fallen bear fruit. The passage is about bearing letter: Learning Together, 7807 North Illinois, short of what we should have done. Our fruit, much fruit and more fruit. If a Caseyville, IL 62232; [email protected] focus was on ourselves, not of our Lord branch of a grape vine is lying on the Or, ask Servants’ News for a free sample. Jesus Christ and God and the things of ground it will not bear fruit, it has to be November 1998 Page 7 and prepared for this meeting weeks in UCG-IA Rejects Christians? advance and paid for a non-refundable by Alan Ruth ticket to Cincinnati!

No doubt the title of this article end. Initially, the local organizer seemed Further Evidence of The Mindset sounds pretty provocative. The answer happy to try and include this type of dis- Barnabas Ministries has a large Web is, “no,” you may say, “I cannot believe cussion on the schedule. This person site on the Internet at www.biblestudy.org that a group such as the United Church seemed to sincerely desire to have some- that has articles and audio messages by a of God-International Association would thing of a Church of God “family large selection of WCG split groups. Late reject Christians that have the same reunion” that last December weekend. in 1997 we exchanged “links” (a link is a essential beliefs as they do.” Strange as Unfortunately, his best intention aside, referral to another person’s Web site) with it may seem, it has happened! the organizer would soon learn that one someone on the UCG’s Council of Elders Since my 1994 research paper on the cannot assume your leaders will act at who has a Web site. He was initially Worldwide Church of God (WCG) least as Christian as you do. happy to both receive referrals and to splits, I have stood on the sidelines and In late November an E-mail arrived refer people to the Bible study site. not commented much in writing about stating that the seminar weekend was However, in a short time, overzealous the situation in the Church of God. restricted and that the Y2K discussion UCG people (some of whom would later Though tempted many times to write, I would not be held. Was it because the go with David Hulme’s split group from openly wondered whether such com- Year 2000 bug is some great heresy? UCG) began to lambaste this council ments would be beneficial or would fall No. The invitation to all non-United member for having non-UCG links on his on deaf ears. Something recently hap- speakers at this family weekend was Web site. As the pressure to be “100% pened, however, that so illustrates the unacceptable to some UCG-IA leaders. United” built, the link to the Bible study major unresolved problem UCG-IA and The organizer was told that the speakers site (and others) was taken off. a host of other splits possess that I was would be restricted to only UCG-IA The link was removed under the compelled to comment. elders! It became painfully apparent that umbrella of “maintaining unity” and Here’s the situation that got my blood to the UCG-IA, a person’s corporate (quoting directly from the E-mail sent on boiling. Ron Dart, founder of Christian affiliation is far superior to the the link removal) “We (UCG-IA) are still, Educational Ministries, was asked to Christianity they practice. as an organization, trying to find our way speak at a UCG-IA seminar in Cincinnati as to how we work with other Christians.” to be held December 25-27. Mr. Dart was Carnality reigns supreme Other Christians? Is this talking about approached to speak before the Feast by Someone once told me that under working with Baptists, Methodists, a local UCG-IA organizer and had pur- the canopy of truth carnality reigns Lutherans or even the Worldwide Church chased a non-refundable airline ticket. supreme. How true! Out of the more than of God? No! It has to do with working Mr. Les McCullough, president of UCG- 150 WCG splits, Mr. Dart is one of the with those who, like them, left the WCG IA, initially approved of his talk at the least controversial or obnoxious speakers and who share many common beliefs! family weekend. you will find. He is a “safe” speaker, My jaw dropped when I got this e- As time drew closer to the meeting, someone who has a gift for preaching mail. Can you imagine a church elder, some elders in UCG-IA did not like Ron God’s word and tries to do so with integri- someone who has been a Christian for speaking at the seminar. In late ty. To reject Ron simply because he’s not many years, needing some kind of orga- November, Mr. Dart was informed he one of “us”, not nizational policy to know how was rejected as a speaker. Why, you in our organiza- to treat other Christians—to may ask? Was it because Ron was going tional clan is “We (UCG-IA) are know how to be a Christian? to preach heresy? Or was it because he ridiculous, fool- still, as an organiza- Is corporate obedience more would actively try to suck out members ish and down- tion, trying to find our important than a person’s con- and money from UCG-IA? Or that he right carnal. version? What good is it to be would criticize and lambaste their lead- For the way as to how we work a council member, one who is ership? CEM’s Web site and letter to record I con- with other Christians.” supposedly spiritually mature their mailing list states that Ron was sider myself an enough to help guide thou- asked not to speak because “The orga- “independent”, one who is independent sands of people, if you easily cave into nizers (of the event) requested that Mr. of organizations but fully dependent on the unbiblical requests of others? Dart not participate, due to objections God. I am not a “member” of CEM. from some members of the UCG-IA Ron is discussed here because he hap- The Conclusion Council of Elders and Ministerial ser- pens to be a recent example of what, Why are there splits in the Church of vices.” That’s a fine statement, but what sadly, goes on on a regular basis in the God? Why are people leaving the bigger is the real reason Ron was rejected? Church of God! groups to form the fastest growing and As if to add vinegar to this unpleasant largest part of the church known as The REAL Reason situation, as of the middle of December, home fellowships? After Ron mentioned in October he Mr. Dart had not been offered an apolo- It is because brethren are fed up would speak in Cincinnati, I offered to gy by either Mr. McCullough or any with the silliness and immaturity of the give a seminar on preparing for the Year UCG elders. No apology has been deliv- organizations they attend and the “lead- 2000 computer bug at this family week- ered in spite of the fact that Ron planned Continued on page 9 Page 8 November 1998 You Can Contact Scattered Brethren! Today’s “Church of God” Are you interested in finding scattered brethren, home fellow- Groups Use HWA’s Authority ships or other believers who live near you? You can do these Since Herbert Armstrong is dead and most of things by requesting our Scattered Brethren Contact List. his writing is not being printed, why do we need Servants’ News will send you a list of the cities where all of our to dig up his mistakes? It probably would be bet- subscribers live. You decide which cities are near enough to you ter if all of the groups just “let him be”, but many that you might want to establish a friendship. You can then write as groups still base their operations directly on many cards or letters as will be required for the number of people Armstrong. If they do not understand his errors, in the cities of your interest. When you send them to Servants’ they will probably repeat them. Notice: News, we will add the complete name and address to your cards Les McCullough, UCG Ministerial letter or envelopes, and mail them for you. This allows people to receive of 6/19/98: your correspondance without us giving away anyone’s name and I am not Mr. Armstrong nor do I in any way address. Most brethren respond to a sincere letter—then you will consider myself in that category. I do however have their address, phone number or whatever else they send you. have the responsibility to inform all of you and the In previous years, Servants’ News printed the list of cities in a brethren of the problems we face. To help keep a regular issue. Now, the list is 7 pages long. Since less than 100 focus, I am going to quote part of an article from people typically write Scattered Brethren Contact Letters, it seems the 1968 Good News: “How often just in the more efficient to send the information only to those who need it. course of this past year have we had to read such If you are interested (we have over 200 international cities), please words as ‘delay,’ ‘postpone,’ ‘fail,’ ‘go backward,’ ask for the Scattered Brethren Contact List. Phone: 517-543-5544, and ‘MOUNTAINOUS SETBACK’ in the Member fax: 517-543-8899, e-mail: [email protected], or write: and Co-worker letters? Time and again Mr. PO Box 220, Charlotte, Michigan 48813-0220 USA. Armstrong has been forced to use such words to describe the lack of progress in God’s work....” “UCG-IA Rejects” from page 8 this is what I am doing,” he will be in How I wish this letter wasn’t needed. ers” that say they represent God. trouble if his organization has a dif- Perhaps we need to remember Mr. Armstrong’s They have borne with the clueless ferent policy. cocking of the gun for the greater push forward. ministry long enough. They are So why doesn’t UCG-IA have a Rod Meredith letter of November, 1998: weary of the spiritual food fight policy for dealing with “other Remember, the Bible NEVER speaks of going on between those who say Christians”? Because any such poli- “Government by Committee.” Rather, as Mr. they are shepherds in God’s flock. cy they would write would be clearly Herbert W. Armstrong explained again and again, The power-hungriness, zest to be contrary to scripture. Paul clearly God has ALWAYS worked primarily thorough one “in-charge” and rule, arrogance instructs believers not to form fac- man—Moses, David, Peter, Paul, etc.... and vanity of quite a few Church of tions (1Cor 1 & 3) around individual However, brethren, I know personally that God ministers is a marvel to leaders. Furthermore, the clear thousands of you DO CARE about the Church behold. It is under the canopy of acknowledgment that true believers governmental structure. You do want to have and Christianity that those who say need not be in their organization to follow a strong, dedicated leader. You do want they are mature have committed greatly diminishes the authority that leader to basically follow in the footsteps of the most carnal actions. Do you which they think the UCG-IA has. If God’s apostle, Herbert W. Armstrong. need permission from someone or there are Christians outside of the A Personal Perspective on Governance. something before you act UCG-IA, how can they fault UCG- David Hulme, August 1998: Christian? Our challenge is not to IA members for attending other ser- They wanted to see strong central direction and repeat the mistakes of our leaders. vices, sending money to other min- a continuation of the work on the pattern estab- Are we up to the task? istries, or discussing doctrines held lished through Herbert W. Armstrong, with use of by other groups? How can their mass media including printing and broadcasting.... Norman Edwards’ Comments headquarters assert authority over a I would like to quote some comments from a Most of the UCG-IA members I local minister or congregation if he man whom I have come to respect even more high- have met do not reject other or they can resign from the UCG-IA ly in recent months. Autobiography of Herbert W. Christians. I feel more welcome in and still be considered Christian by Armstrong, Volume 1, pp. 411-412:.. the local Lansing UCG-IA congrega- everyone? Press release from Garner Ted Armstrong tion than I have in some home-fellow- Nearly all of the leaders of giving his background, March 1998: ships. I would guess that the UCG-IA Church of God organizations were Armstrong, 68, is the son of the late Herbert leaders do not want to reject other “trained” in the Worldwide W. Armstrong, founder of the “Worldwide Church Christians, but they are not sure how Church of God, which claimed to of God” of Pasadena, California, and to go about it. When men have be the one and only true church. Ambassador Colleges, with three campuses: worked in a hierarchical corporation Much of its doctrine and practice Pasadena, California; Big Sandy, Texas, and for years and have a problem, they utterly relied on this claim. Most of Bricket Wood, St. Albans, Herts., England. The ask for an organizational policy these leaders have not really elder Armstrong died at age 93 in 1986. rather than going to the Bible. If a thought through all that is involved If we included every small group whose minister tells his headquarters, “this when they admit that there are “work” is based on Herbert Armstrong’s, we is what I understand from the Bible so “other Christians”. & would need many more pages. & November 1998 Page 9 If Participating in a Church Group Is Not the Main Part of a Christian Life, What Is? To many people, it seems pointless to try to make a significant impact on the world by themselves. If they are going to accomplish something for Christ, they believe they need to join with many others so they can preach the Gospel effective- ly in a “big work”. But this is completely contrary to New Testament teaching! None of the New Testament writers talk about “getting enough believers together to preach the Gospel effectively”. Those who preached were those who were called to preach, and they did it whether the people supported them or not. When the number of believers increased, they rejoiced because there were more people living the right way of life—not because they would now be able to “do a work”. What can an individual do if he or she is alone or in a small group? Everyone should do the following things: 1. Love the Eternal with all your heart. Treat others as you would want to be treated. These are the greatest commands. 2. Study the Bible and pray frequently. Practice those things that you understand from the Scripture. 3. Be ready to explain your life in Christ to anyone who asks. But is that all there is to it? Are we only to quietly develop the fruit of the Spirit and then just hope someone notices? No, there is more. What we do will depend upon the spiritual and physical gifts that we have, and our position in life. Obviously, you should pray and ask the Eternal to show you. But to help you, we have included some ideas below: above aspects, and take time to make a Teen Years Young Single Adults good marriage, also. Numerous scriptures Many teens see the adult problems of The teen-year goals should continue mention a successful family life as the the world—wars, disease, divorce, lying, into the young adult years, but now work requirement for congregational leadership hypocrisy, etc.—but feel powerless to do or full-time school is “for real”. It is positions. It is a mistake to “serve God so much about them because “they are not always good to better oneself at a current much” that family life is destroyed. adults yet”. This is generally true with job, or prepare for a more advanced one. Married people have many service one big exception: a teenager has a Money should not be the ultimate goal in opportunities that are simply not avail- greater opportunity to influence his or life, but it is very helpful for raising a able to others. Most people will be com- her own life than people in almost any family or serving the Eternal. Young fortable if invited to their homes, they can other age group. Choices in these years adult years are a good time to fulfill trav- encourage or counsel others about mar- can make the difference beween a loving el and other goals that will be much more riage and child-rearing problems, and life or a miserable mess. difficult with a family. they will naturally interact with the com- Excelling at school work, sports, This is also a good time for each per- munity as their children make friends. music, or other interests is solid prepa- son to think and pray about which spiritu- Married people have the built-in evange- ration for the future. Teens can seek al gifts they have and what they can do to listic responsibility of teaching their chil- opportunities to travel and meet new serve. If someone has dedicated their life dren—the principles of which can some- people. Try to get any kind of real work to God, they should be doing something times be extended to the outside world. experience, even if it is just “training” more significant for Him than attending a without pay—stores, offices, construc- service or study for a few hours per week. tion, day-care, landscaping, restaurants, At this age, you will probably be “doing Older and/or Single Adults janitorial, etc. Most people spend their things” more than organizing, managing As people grow older, their gifts lives working for someone else—it is or teaching, but follow where the Eternal change. They often are less able to do good to start learning to work early in leads. Older people are often hesitant to physical work, and better able to lead life, rather than later. ask younger people, not knowing their and guide others. After children leave At this age, establishing habits of desire or skill. If a fellowship is holding a home, and especially after retirement, regular prayer, Bible study, good diet, public meeting, a younger person can older adults often have a lot of discre- sufficient sleep and respect for others volunteer to help with the advertising tionary time. Long-time single adults will be invaluable throughout life. mailing, setup the chairs, clean the hall also sometimes have a lot of discre- Learn to pray through trouble rather when it is over, prepare refreshments for tionary time—they do not have a family than fight—especially when others are the meeting—according to your abilities. to care for, and their job and dwelling mistreating you. Spend time with peo- If your volunteer offer is rejected, do not place is often efficiently managed. ple of the opposite sex, but remain sex- give up, keep trying. Many use this time to devote to ually pure to avoid the diseases and Those who are not able to serve the study, hobbies, or entertainment. This is divorces that plague so many people Eternal with a significant portion of a good time to seek the Eternal’s will today. Learn not to be ashamed of God their time, can do so with their money. and see if there is some kind of ministry and being different in order to live His Be sure that any ministry you contribute that He wants you to perform. It may be way. Talk about Him to those who ask. to is doing the kind of work that you helping the poor, teaching the young, or Around the end of the teen years, believe the Eternal wants done. conducting a Bible study. each person should repent, accept Each person will be rewarded accord- Christ’s sacrifice for their sins, and be ing to their works. We need to work for baptized—commit their entire life to Married Adults our Father, before our bodies are too frail serving the Eternal. Married adults must continue in the to work. —Norman S. Edwards Page 10 November 1998 Local TV Production Works! This report was not written specifically for Servants’ News, but we feel it is of benefit to believers every- where. This group of Sabbath-keepers has had suc- cess with locally originated TV through two different organizations, the WCG and now the UCG-IA. Their emphasis is on using the spiritual gifts of all involved, not on making a name for a very few individuals. (Revelation 3:10), we have had one sig- access in Portland, Oregon America Tomorrow Community nificant criteria, beside the abundant tal- one year before United’s founding. ent of Church members and ministry: Our experience under Worldwide Television Continues Success God would have to provide, at minimal Church of God was a preparation to by Howard Davis cost, airtime, as well the technical facil- God’s work with America Tomorrow Originating in Portland, Oregon, ities with free training and support. now. Although no doctrinal heresy was America Tomorrow television achieves Behold, use of these facilities are allowed, as I functioned as executive remarkable results while airing on only a free! The three-camera studio and con- producer, we then had a vast array of lit- few of the 1,000 cable television access trol room have been recently converted erature to offer and our responses on stations using free or low-cost air times to digital format. And to our astonish- free cable access channels outper- in U.S. communities. With exposure in ment, MCTV has just purchased three of formed the CBS network affiliate airing about one percent of cable-connected the most advanced digital non-linear The World Tomorrow in it’s last year. households in the United States, America post production editing systems appro- Under United we are only now develop- Tomorrow has been blessed with 2,400 priate for our kind of programming in ing a significant literature base which calls requesting Good News subscrip- the world, worth $250,000. These brand generates greater responses as our inter- tions, plus approximately 4,500 pieces of new Sony ES-7 systems are being nal television ads develop within literature since the first Good News was installed this month and our brethren are America Tomorrow programming. published in November 1995. Thirty-five now being trained. No other free facili- people have attended services in ties currently exist in the United States, Contemporary Style Presenting Olympia and Spokane, Washington; or the world, with these capabilities. We New Testament Approach Portland, Oregon; and Idaho Falls, will be able to continuously produce the With a backdrop of the history of The Idaho. There have been two baptisms. most advanced graphics like PBS, CNN, World Tomorrow program for 50 years, The quality of response is very and the major American networks do, America Tomorrow is a weekly one-hour good, because when people call for which would cost hundreds of dollars PBS/CNN Charlie Rose and Crossfire advertised literature within the program per hour if purchased commercially. interview-format television program they have watched a program with But it is apparent that America used to preach the gospel of the king- already heavy biblical content. They Tomorrow has developed with providen- dom of God in a 1990s style. Each hour already know what sort of publication tial guidance from the beginning. In my has six segments of seven minutes each, or booklet they will receive. Some say first experience with producing televi- with advertising of The Good News and they have watched several hours of pro- sion I filmed and wrote a documentary booklets between segments. We also gramming by their first call to our toll- in 1993, And Still Climbing, about have 30-minute programs produced free line. Remarkably, many more autism, to help parents and professionals from the one hour content and format. scores of people have asked for specific with lessons we had learned with our Typically, programs will have a topical information about how to attend church son Benjamin. After being aired many opening and segment montages to services, although only a small propor- times in Portland, it was awarded first heighten and maintain interest. tion of these have actually attended. place in the American Film Institute’s The outstanding volunteer production national award for locally-originated staff of 25 church members from the Providential Circumstances documentary television. After I attended Portland and Olympia congregations Portland has more advanced facili- the award ceremony with Benjamin in work together with the pastoral ministry ties for creation and airing of free com- Hollywood, California, in February from various church areas in an approach munity television than any other city in 1994, I suggested to Victor Kubik, then to challenge the public with Christ’s orig- the United States. Multnomah assistant director of Church Admini- inal New Testament gospel. We intention- Community Television (MCTV), where stration, that community television ally use the same current events, biblical members of the United Church of God could offer Christ’s ministry an opportu- doctrine, prophecy, and Christian living produce America Tomorrow, has had nity to preach the gospel. It would be a approach toward content that Jesus Christ annual budgets of $1,000,000 for many way for God to reach more people as the and the apostles used in their ministry. years and offers elaborate studio and cost of commercial television skyrocket- Taking our cues from Christ’s technical facilities for producing out- ed in the early 1990s. Victor Kubik, now example in using a variety of Christ- standing television. Since only God can chairman of the Communications trained individuals with the calling and provide the truly “open doors” like He Committee of the Council of Elders, gifts to preach the gospel in the New promised the church in Philadelphia obtained permission for us to use cable Testament, I and several ministers, November 1998 Page 11 SERVANTS’ NEWS including fellow UCGIA pastors Randy trained volunteers. Standards are now much better set for them. Might our Stiver and Noel Hornor, met to develop going to get much higher as the facili- Father be most interested in what kind of program content and approach along with ties and experience now allow. attitude His children have when produc- brethren in Portland. Since the program’s As part of God’s work, the program ing a TV program? Would He let them beginning, many pastors in United have has aired in a few cities in the Northwest, start on cheaper equipment and then pro- appeared as guests of America Tomorrow Michigan and the Southwest. For a short vide better if He liked their attitude? including Bill Bradford, Bill Jacobs, Glen time it aired in the San Francisco area What would He think of someone who White, Melvin Rhodes, Matthew with good results. The Media Committee insisted on having the best equipment Fenchel, David Treybig, Dr. Donald of the Council of Elders has asked before even beginning to do any work? As Ward, Robert Dick, Larry Walker and America Tomorrow and a group of mid- is evident from Howard Davis’ report, the John Cafourek. John Cafourek and west ministers to develop a common Eternal has provided them with the best Randy Stiver often serve as hosts as well “wrap-around” identity for United, which equipment, without cost. He can do it! as guests of the program. will introduce locally produced program- I was happy to see that the dedicated Program content is developed, ming. This programming can then be dis- brethren in Oregon have continued pro- delivered and evaluated by a team of seminated throughout the United States ducing their program even though they ministers, with an annual plan for pro- under Media Committee oversight. The had to change organizations (WCG to gramming. We use seasonal emphasis “wrap-around” will be presented in the UCG-IA). Some Servants’ News readers and quick response to major news sto- November Council of Elders meeting. might question the wisdom of exclusively ries which dominate public awareness associating the current program with the to keep the topics regarding the king- Local Distribution UCG-IA, it’s congregations and its liter- dom of God relevant in a way similar to Local distribution and airing of ature. If more organizational changes The Good News magazine editorial America Tomorrow, like other locally rock the UCG-IA, might they find them- approach. Pastors develop working dis- originated programming anywhere in selves unable to use their own pro- cussion outlines by e-mail before the the United States, is possible through the grams? (This just happened to Rod programs and deliver them in a sponta- modest local sponsorship by individuals Meredith, see article on page 13). This is neous, but highly planned, discussion and congregations within communities not too much of a danger as America delivery formula. Content is now peri- with free community television airtime. Tomorrow is primarily a news program odically reviewed by the Media Beloit, Wisconsin, is now developing and reruns are of less value. The main Committee of the Council of Elders. locally originated programming. value built up is in the experience of the Although some other areas could begin team producing the programs. I spoke Internet Broadcasting locally originated programming, it takes a with Howard Davis for over an hour by Recently, computer professional certain level of production talent and min- phone and he assured me that he and the and Portland deacon, Chip Chuprinko, isterial coordination to use television Oregon team are committed to following implemented America Tomorrow to be effectively. Many areas do not have facil- where Christ leads in spite of what hap- seen on the Worldwide Web via the ities or large enough congregations to sup- pens to organizations. Mr. Davis said: Internet. Our full programming can be port production. We ask the brethren to “God will use any truly called min- viewed anywhere in the world on the pray that we will be effective in using ister and member of the spiritual Church Web, in video and audio, at this site: these open doors Christ has given. of God as long as they remember and www.tomorrow-ucg.org honor His preeminence in all things as the Head of the Church. At this time, Media Committee Oversight Comments by Norman Edwards: God’s converted ministry and member- America Tomorrow has never been I was very happy to see the history ship are scattered in various settings. It asked by the United Church of God home and production approach of these TV is our challenge of the future to retain office and the Council of Elders to dis- programs. They certainly seem to be Christ’s lordship and also work towards band, as has been rumored. It has encour- centered around the direction of Christ, spiritual unity. The apostle Paul is very aged the Council to develop collaborative individual gifts and service to people. clear in his teaching that ‘there is one oversight and this has now been achieved This is so much different than organiza- body and one Spirit,... one Lord, one through the Media Committee under Dr. tions that are continually telling their faith, one baptism; one God and Father Donald Ward’s chairmanship and Victor members what a great work could be of all, who is above all, and through all, Kubik’s co-chairmanship. Program input done if they only had more money. and in you all’ (Eph 4:4-6).” from the United Council of Elders is Several times, I have heard church “Non-UCG groups may sponsor the facilitated through this means. leaders say that community access televi- 58-minute program by sending $500 The design of the program is based sion could never amount to anything per year to the Portland church to pay on an “open architecture” format, because the studios have inferior equip- for 52 SVHS video masters to be sent allowing Christ’s ministry with the ment. I am a father with three sons who each week of the year. At his time, there talents to preach to the public, and play a drum set. I started them with the is no provision for any alteration—the ministers from throughout the United least expensive, but real set that I could UCG literature and 800-number pro- States, to participate. The quality stan- find. When they showed a good attitude motion must be aired as is. For more dards have always been high within the and worked hard, I improved the set. information call 800-466-7556 or context of older equipment and newly When finances allow, I hope to get a access: www.tomorrow-ucg.org.” & Page 12 November 1998 Learn Lessons About Church Organizations from the Global Church of God or What Happens When Protecting “the Work” is More Important than Living by the Bible During the latter half of 1998, planning to concentrate our efforts on people would know that it is only Roderick C. Meredith and the Board turning inward—not striving first of all “yucky” people who oppose the govern- members of the Global Church of God to go through the "open doors" that ment. Hitler, Stalin, and Saddam traveled to many congregations and Christ shows Philadelphians will do. I Hussein all used these tactics in their Feast sites to assure the GCG members can tell you very definitely, brethren, governments. We are not saying that that there was unity at headquarters and that this approach would destroy the church leaders of today are bad in all the that “the work” was going forward. Rod Work of God as we have known it, ways that worldly dictators are, but their Meredith gave a sermon on the Sabbath and would slowly but surely turn us method of approaching unity is very of August 1 to the GCG Tulsa congre- into a kind of "social club," thinking similar: declare the organization to be in gation (see The Journal, News of the only of ourselves.... You would have unity, never publicly talk about difficul- Churches of God, Aug 31, 1998, p.1). In to experience the atmosphere of pro- ties, and remove people who openly dis- that sermon, Meredith assured his lis- found disrespect, envy, jealousy and agree. These leaders do not mean to do teners that there was no takeover threat- open hostility displayed in some of evil when they try to enforce unity— ening the GCG. According to The our Council and Board meetings to indeed they think they are “protecting Journal, “But liars don’t enter the really grasp the impact of what I am the work” by not mentioning problems Kingdom of God he said, and he’s not talking about. to the brethren. lying when he says that no conspiracy to No, the GCG has not had total But the result of this kind of false remove him is afoot and that rumors harmony for the last two years, they unity is exactly the cause of the difficul- people are spreading to that effect are just claimed they had harmony to “pro- ty in transition of leadership in both dic- ‘silly’.” Later Meredith said: “No one tect the work.” Similarly, the WCG tatorships and Church of God organiza- has hinted such a thing [a takeover], never really had total harmony during tions. As one example, V. I. Lenin was even in the last couple or three months the many years that Herbert Armstrong the founder of communism in Russia. since we've had all these discussions. claimed it. People who worked at His close comrades were Leon Trotsky We've been in total harmony.” “headquarters” knew that. This writer and Joseph Stalin. They worked togeth- Yet in his November 21 “emergency worked at the WCG headquarters for er for thousands of days. When Lenin letter” to GCG brethren, Rod Meredith 13 years and the GCG headquarters for died, did Trotsky and Stalin continue to wrote (underscoring by SN editor): two years. The leaders wanted true work closely together to run the coun- But, other men came on [Meredith unity, but often would not live by the try? No, Stalin quickly seized control appointed them] the Board and the commands of Scripture which would and Trotsky fled to Mexico, where he Council—men I have now come to produce it. Sometimes, headquarters was later assassinated. They had differ- realize had a great deal of personal brethren would seek Christ’s will above ences all along which they suppressed ambition and a completely different all and submit one to another to resolve while Lenin was alive. view of how we should conduct the disagreements, but other times, leaders Similarly, there are many differences Work of God. So trouble began to did not want to go to their brother, among leaders of the Church of God that brew. For over the last year or two, admit their own mistakes, punish the are kept suppressed for years because some of these men have tried to guilty, and clear the righteous. They these men believe in the appearance of "push" me into going completely off often picked the quickest and most con- unity. (If they do not appear unified, the WGN—our only major television out- venient solution and told anyone who “sheep” might not believe that their’s is let in the United States! They have disagreed that they were defying the “true church”.) Numerous ministers directly pushed for a completely dif- “church government.” They stayed uni- and members have been made into “non- ferent approach to doing the Work— fied, but it was a false unity. persons” in Church of God groups because they began to teach or practice What is False Unity? some doctrine slightly different than Long ago, human dictatorships mas- their headquarters—the correctness of The Journal tered the art of generating an apparent the doctrine was often never discussed. News of the Churches of God unity. They controlled the press and all Members often heard that a certain min- I consider this monthly newspa- other news media. They controlled pub- ister (or member) who was in good per the best source of news of the lic gatherings and speaking. Humble standing last week is now marked and Church of God groups. It costs people with valid complaints must be disfellowshipped and loyal members only $18.00 for 12 issues ($24 if quietly silenced so that others do not should not communicate with him. mailed internationally). Write: learn that the government is really doing Herbert Armstrong appointed The Journal, PO Box 1020, something wrong. Unlikeable people or Joseph Tkach as his successor. Tkach Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A. people with wrong or foolish disagree- taught Armstrong’s doctrines for nearly —NSE ments were eliminated publicly—so 30 years, then reversed himself on many November 1998 Page 13 SERVANTS’ NEWS doctrines in just a few years, bewilder- later (Gal 2:12; Titus 1:10, NIV). Not they will have to either reject their new ing most of the members of the WCG much later, Paul and Barnabas had an knowledge or leave their organization. (including myself at the time). In administrative dispute about whether or The Bible mentions no secret laws November of 1997 David Hulme signed not to take John Mark with them (Acts or knowledge given only to leaders. The a unity statement with other leaders of 15:36-39). They never did agree, so they Old Testament Law—even that pertain- the UCG-IA and presented it to the went their separate ways—but still ing only to the priests—was written for brethren. Five months later he started regarded each other as brethren. everyone to read. Each person is his own church organization. There Apparently, they did not believe that responsible for obeying it, whether their have been many sudden changes in “one man” had to be in charge to make leaders teach it or not. leadership among the smaller “Church such decisions. When Paul strongly of God” groups—too numerous to men- urged Apollos to come at a certain time, What Happened to the GCG tion here. And now, after years of Apollos declined, and was not “put out of The Global Church of God began “unity”, Rod Meredith and the GCG the Ministry”. Even when Paul was on with Rod Meredith, his wife and Don Board of Directors have separated and trial for his life, and none of the brethren Davis as the Board of Directors. This disfellowshipped each other. stood with Him, he did not disfellowship writer was a member of the GCG board The “Church of God” pattern is them, but said “May it not be charged during most of 1993 and 1994 and much like the dictatorships: apparent against them” (2Tim 4:16). remembers that nearly all board votes unity followed by small and large In Romans 14, we see an excellent were simply a “rubber stamp” after the “explosions” when differences erupt. Is example where Paul deliberately does not decision was already made by Mr. this the way of the New Testament? try to solve a problem among brethren, Meredith. (He usually did listen to the but teaches them not to offend each other. opinions of others, but nothing was ever Unity in the New Testament The issue at hand was whether or not decided by taking a vote.) Over the Most Church of God leaders would believers should eat meat. Obviously, years, Mr. Meredith appointed other like the kind of unity that we see in the Paul and the other apostles knew both the long-time ministers to the board, and New Testament. Many people worked Old Testament teaching on this subject, Don Davis, then Mrs. Meredith were together cheerfully with a common pur- and the practices of Christ. He could have removed for apparently reasonable rea- pose. There were very few “orders” given told them what was right. But he said: sons—Rod Meredith voted for their by men, and not one case where one “Therefore let us not judge one another removal. During the last few years, leader said to another. “follow this order anymore, but rather resolve this, not to Board members Raymond McNair, or you are fired—or out of the church.” put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in Edwin Pope and Larry Salyer began to Christ prayed that his followers our brother's way.... for the kingdom of see some issues differently than Mr. might be one as He and the Father are God is not eating and drinking, but right- Meredith and they sometimes had the one (John 17:11). When Christ prayed eousness and peace and joy in the Holy votes required to make some of their to “take this cup from me” (Mark 14:6) Spirit” (Rom 14:13,17). decisions binding according to the cor- did the Father threaten to fire Christ if We could find other examples where porate bylaws. He didn’t finish the job? When Paul diversity of opinions were tolerated in the On November 25th, the Board ter- urged the Corinthians to all “speak the New Testament. But the ultimate exam- minated Rod Meredith from employ- same thing”, did he threaten to disfel- ple is Jesus Christ. Was He afraid to admit ment at the GCG, and eventually disfel- lowship anyone who didn’t speak the that his congregations did not have per- lowshipped him. Their reason was same thing? Or did he recognize in the fect unity? No! Revelation 2 & 3 detail Meredith’s unauthorized use of the cor- same letter that the Eternal sometimes differences between seven congregations porate mailing list and his solicitation of allows differences and sometimes uses in Asia Minor—some have major doctri- the brethren for funds to be sent to his them to show who is really seeking Him nal problems. Every congregation was new organization, now officially named and who is not? “For there must also be told to read the letters to every other con- the Living Church of God. factions among you, that those who are gregation. John was told to write down Both Rod Meredith, and the GCG approved may be recognized among the problems for millions to read! Christ Board of Directors have written several you” (1Cor 11:19). did not instruct John or any other leader letters explaining the correctness of Actually, there are many cases in the to disfellowship anyone for these prob- their position and the error of the others. New Testament where members and lems. Rather, he commanded all individ- Global field ministers have written let- leaders let their differences be known. uals hearing these letters to repent. ters favoring each side of the split. By The meeting between men from Antioch If leaders of church organizations now, there are over 50 pages in circula- and Jerusalem in Acts 15 was a doctrinal could acknowledge a diversity of views tion—too much for Servants’ News to question about the need to circumcise inside and outside of their organization, print in a regular issue. Those interested Gentiles. It was open to all believers (v serious believers would study their in the letters may obtain them directly 4,22)—not just elders—all of which Bibles and try to find which things were from the church organizations: The heard the “much disputing” (v. 7). Even true (Acts 17:11). With the common sys- Global Church of God, PO Box 501111, after the decision was made, did they dis- tem of false unity, it pays little to study San Diego, Calif 92150 and The Living fellowship those who did not agree? No. one’s Bible because if a person does dis- Church of God, Box 501304, San There were still people “in the church” of cover something that disagrees with Diego, Calif 92150. the “circumcision group” many years their organization’s doctrinal statement, The letters contain mostly truth pre- Page 14 November 1998 SERVANTS’ NEWS sented from a specific point of view, but Meredith’s new Living Church of each group. The GCG owns all of the some of the presentation is designed to God has regional pastors consisting of: assets of the corporation—equipment, stir up emotion rather than deal with the Charles Bryce, Southeastern U.S.; computers, office furniture, etc. They facts. For example, Mr Meredith on Lambert Greer, Northeast; John Ogwyn, have efficient systems in place for maga- more than one occasion identified a man South Central; Gerald Weston, North zine production mailing, subscription recently added to the GCG board only Central; Douglas Winnail, Western maintenance, field-church assistance, etc. as “a lawyer”—with no indication that region. The LCG Council consists of all The GCG technically owns most of the he was even a GCG member. Readers the above men plus Richard Ames, song books, sound equipment and other had to wait for a letter from Larry Dibar Apartian, Don Davis, Jeff Fall, property in local church areas—will they Salyer to find out that the “lawyer” was Mario Hernandez, Carl McNair and ask for all of that back from the new LCG Norbert Link, a GCG minister and head Rod Meredith. Other “notable" former congregations? The problem is, they only of its “German Work”. There are other Global ministers publically aligning need a fraction of these things for their similar problems on both sides. All in themselves with Meredith include: Karl own greatly-decreased numbers. all, it is rather depressing to read—are Beyersdorfer, Syd Hull (South Africa), The GCG also still “owns” all of the these the Christian leaders of the world? Bob Letham and Bob Storrier debt that it had before. There are many This writer makes no effort to try (Scotland), Jonathan McNair; Rod outstanding loans to members which are to determine which side was “right” or McNair (Philippines), Laurie Nyhus now LCG members. There is a long- “wrong”. Each side is doing what they (Canada), Kinnear Penman (New term lease to pay on the Headquarters believe is vital to preserve “the work” as Zealand) and Bruce Tyler (Australia). building which is much larger than they they see it. Numerous times, both need. The GCG owns all of the copy- Meredith and the Board refer to the GCG What is the Effect of This Split? rights to The World Ahead Magazine, corporation as “the Church” (with a cap- About 70% to 80% of the ministry their booklets, their TV programs, etc. ital “C”). Now that Meredith is out of the and brethren seemed to have joined the Will they have enough money to contin- GCG and now that the GCG Board has Living Church of God. The GCG fired ue producing all of these at the current some fraction of the members that it did all of the field ministers who would not level? Will LCG members still write to a month ago, we would hope that they commit to staying with them. The LCG the GCG for the old free literature, but would realize that the GCG is not “the hopes to hire most of the fired GCG never send the GCG another dime? Will Church”, but one of many church orga- ministers as funds are available. Most of new people who were attracted to nizations. This writer sees little chance the brethren seem to be going (or stay- Meredith’s telecast and magazine be that these problems will subside until ing) in the same group as their local min- willing to accept Harold Smith, the new these similar church organizations see ister. This is logical, since this split is not GCG TV presenter? (Or might they like themselves for what they are—similar about any significant doctrine, but about him better?) The biggest problem for the church organizations! administrative decisions primarily GCG will be continuing to pay the exist- Even though nearly all the men known only to the ministry. (Some doc- ing staff salaries, minister salaries, rental involved in this split worked together trinal issues were raised, one example contracts, and other obligations. for years in the WCG and the GCG, the being whether there are 3 or 5 resurrec- The LCG, on the other hand, has split appears now to be beyond any pos- tions. But since neither number appears very few expenses right now, and appar- sible resolution. Each side is quickly in the Bible, and since there are several ently substantial contributions are com- adding members to their own boards “limited” resurrections—Christ’s and ing in. Unfortunately, they have no liter- and councils, and insisting that minis- the other saints (Matt 27:52)—with no ature to offer, and no systems in place. ters either support one side or the other. standard way to count them, this and the Mr. Meredith cannot even air reruns of The Global Church of God added other doctrines are hardly issues to his old programs or reprint his old book- Board of Directors member Norbert divide a church over.) lets—he does not own them. Writings Link just before Meredith left, and has So, it is a benefit to local congrega- and systems that were set up over a peri- since added Rex Sexton, Harold Smith tions to stay together as many are very od of years cannot be redone in days, and Warren Zehrung. (Raymond small already. However, this manner of especially with nearly all different McNair, Edwin Pope and Larry Salyer splitting has created a “swiss cheese employees. It would seem beneficial to are still on the board, bringing the total effect” for both organizations. There are both groups if the LCG would pay some to 7). The GCG Council still has mem- now major sections of the country (and reasonable amount to the GCG for some bers Raymond McNair (Chairman), Jean the world) where they do not have any of the equipment they no longer need, Carion, George Meeker, David Pack ministers or members. If they receive and for the right to use some of the lit- (now reinstated), Edwin Pope and Larry requests to attend services resulting erature, programs, internal systems, etc. Salyer, plus new appointees Norbert from their mass-evangelism in an area The LCG could purchase these things Link, Rex Sexton, Harold Smith and where they have no corporate ministers that they are familiar with more cheaply Warren Zehrung. Other ministers still in or members, will they refer them to than they could redevelop them on their the Global Church of God include Eric another organization, or will they sim- own, and the GCG probably needs the Evans, Jack Hendren, Frank McCrady ply tell them that there is no place to money. But practical cooperation of this Jr. and Bill Swanson. Most of the non- attend nearby? type does not seem to be on the minds ministerial headquarters employees con- It is still not clear at this time exactly of any of the leaders. tinue to work for the GCG. how much money will be available to Before the split occurred, Meredith November 1998 Page 15 SERVANTS’ NEWS was trying to spend more money on leave the Global Church of God and pay Gospel, but that is not so. The first cen- evangelism, and the Board was trying no attention to his former heads of min- tury Church could have incorporated, to be financially more conservative in istry (Salyer), editorial (McNair), and but they did not. The Romans had cor- order to assure the long-term continu- finance (Pope). Similarly, these men are porations, some of which paid workers ance of the organization. Now, it writing to this new member asking them and bought and sold merchandise appears that both groups are much fur- to pay no attention to Meredith, the for- throughout the empire. But Christ and ther away from meeting these goals mer Presiding Evangelist of the GCG. his apostles were not interested in that. than they were before the split. The “If Christian leaders get along like They were teaching about a way of life, split was a major setback for the this, why should I be a Christian?” the not about an organization to join or an preaching of the Gospel and for the new convert might ask. “They are not administration to set up. local brethren. Now, the LCG has preaching any greatly differing doc- Today, as soon as people with com- money but little literature or capability trines. Furthermore, I met people at the mon goals get together to form a “church to send it; the GCG has the literature Feast who also attend yet other Sabbath- group”, they usually want to form a cor- and capability, but not enough money. keeping congregations that teach nearly poration and set up a governing structure Would not it have been better for either the same thing. Why do they discourage for it—sometimes before they have one side to “give in” to the other and take me from fellowshipping with them?” service or do one good work in Christ’s the issue to the Eternal in prayer and The “Church of God” organiza- name. They believe they need a corpora- ask Him to restore whom He wants? tions of today have no good answers tion for at least these reasons: Would it be a sin to have the local to these questions. If they realized their 1. To make contributions tax congregations vote on paper for the similarity in doctrine, and realized that deductible. leadership they wanted, rather than they were simply degenerating into the 2. To collect money in a central forcing them to vote with their feet factions that Paul condemned (1Cor 1 & place to purchase things and to pay men and wallets for one split or the other? 3), then they would tell their new to preach the Gospel and feed the flock. Are the politics of church splits some- believers that there are many groups 3. To allow the organization to con- how superior to the politics of fair elec- who teach the same basic truths. But tinue on after the death of its current tions? The only thing that this split these leaders are still working with the leader(s)—also called “perpetuity” helped was the ego of the leaders. mentality of years ago, when the WCG 4. To limit the liability of those run- was the only group known to them that ning the corporation—if the corporation Why Did This Happen? preached these doctrines, and when they goes bankrupt or injures people, the per- This writer believes it is most could tell members that they had to sonal wealth of the corporate leaders is important that all “Church of God” “like it” or “leave the one true Church”. protected (unless it can be proved that believers understand why this has Most leaders believe that “running the the board was negligent or broke laws). happened. Nearly all of the various work” at the top is the highest priority, At first glance, these might seem “Church of God” groups are continuing even if it means proclaiming great like good things. But if we look at these to get smaller and smaller. They are things about “the work” that they know items in detail and see what has hap- splitting faster than they are growing. are not true, and lying about problems pened with the GCG, LCG and other After each split, there are more people so the members will not find out. church groups, we find a number of who leave all of the “Church of God” things that would work much better groups for good. Each of these groups Church Organizations, In Bible? without corporations. believes that it is the main instrument of Does God work through Church 1. Tax deductibility and tax exemp- God to warn the world and preach the Organizations? Does the Bible say any- tion are possible without a corporation. Gospel before the “end” comes. But thing about church organizations? Do As an example the Bible Sabbath because these leaders have such a strong Peter or Paul ever talk about spending Association is not a corporation, but has belief that “they are doing the Work” “church money”, building a church “tax exempt status”. According to IRS and that they must do whatever neces- building, or administering “church poli- publication 557, churches are tax exempt sary to “protect their Work”, they con- cy”? No. The Bible uses the term ekkle- without applying for any such status. The tinue to operate in the same way. Yet, sia sometimes for all believers and some- details of these matters exceed the scope these actions are putting these groups in times for believers in a specific geo- of this article, but actual practice shows the position where they may be unable graphic location. The term used for an that a variety of small groups are tax to effectively evangelize at all. organization of some brethren with dis- deductible without incorporation. Can you imagine the bewilderment tinct leaders or doctrines is called a “fac- 2. Collecting money in a central of a new convert who has just begun tion” or “sect” (hairesis). Christians were place to do a big work sounds like a great attending the Global Church of God considered a “sect” of the Jews by some, idea until someone with different ideas as the result of their TV program? but “sects” within the Church were con- gets control of a corporation and uses its Maybe they attended the Feast for the demned in the New Testament (see 1Cor assets for his own purpose. A court first time this year, and heard the con- 11:19; Gal 5:20; 2 Pet. 2:1 NRSV of appointed receiver spent WCG funds his cluding remark of Meredith’s Last Great NASB; all other uses of hairesis:Acts way in 1979—corporations are creations Day video sermon: “Thank you for sup- 5:17; 15:5; 24:5; 24:14; 26:5; 28:22). of the state so states have the right to porting the Global Church of God.” People claim that in this modern age investigate them. (The Constitution pro- Now, the same man is asking them to corporations are necessary to preach the tects churches, not church corporations. Page 16 November 1998 SERVANTS’ NEWS The WCG case was not ended on consti- brethren would simply disappear—few ferent responsible individuals? Each tutional merit, but by a California law individuals or local groups would send would have been able to decide how to passed preventing the Attorney General money to a national organization that was continue to use the resources to teach from investigating church corporations.) not producing something of value. what they believed to be right, rather than After Mr. Armstrong’s death, Joseph But how can any nation-wide work allow one person to channel all of these Tkach Sr & Jr were able to use the assets be done unless a large group of people resources to his own ends. Furthermore, of the WCG corporation to proclaim send their money to one place? Christ locally self-supporting congregations many doctrines nearly opposite to those certainly knows how to do it! Modern would refuse to send money to or read lit- that Armstrong taught. Similarly, Rod technology has made small operations erature from national organizations that Meredith lost to the GCG board all of the possible. There are numerous they believed to be preaching heresy. assets that he built up, even though he and Sabbatarian publications today, some 4. Does anyone believe that Paul or a high percentage of GCG members very good ones are produced by one the other apostles were worried about would have preferred to keep them. congregation or just a few people. There “limited liability”? Were they con- Corporations also separate writings are dozens of tape ministries. Ron Dart’s cerned that they might lose their person- from those who want to use them. The radio program has tremendous cover- al fortunes because someone sued them WCG eventually stopped printing all of age—and many of his stations are paid for what they were preaching? Of Armstrong’s writings, and challenged in for by individuals or small groups. Yes, course not. They knew that they could court those who wanted to print them. even a high-quality television program be killed almost at any time for what David Hulme wrote a TV program script is being produced with no full-time peo- they were preaching. They had faith that before joining the UCG-IA, then UCG-IA ple by UCG-IA minister Howard Davis the Eternal would provide their needs. spent the money to produce it. Therefore, in Oregon. (see article on page 11). Do church leaders today need to be the script belongs to Hulme but the pro- How would anyone even recognize legally protected from lawsuits? Or are duced video belongs to the UCG-IA. national or worldwide church leaders the courts of the land sometimes the Hulme, having left that group, is not unless they are the head of a large cor- place where the Eternal chooses to send allowed to use it—he will have to produce poration? Remember that Herbert his servants to witness to governments it again. The UCG-IA will not use a video Armstrong’s followers stayed with him and leaders? The apostle Paul spent sev- by someone no longer in their corpora- through the WCG, to the HWA eral years as a prisoner due to false tion. After hundreds of hours of work and Corporation Sole based in Arizona, charges (Acts chapters 22-28). many thousands of dollars, neither group back to the WCG, and then left to a vari- is close to airing their first TV program. ety of “HWA-following” organizations Conclusion Lastly, the GCG will probably prevent when the WCG repudiated his writings. This writer believes it should be obvi- Meredith (LCG) from using his own writ- Those who liked Ron Dart went with ous to anyone that neither the LCG, the ings. None of these things would have him from the CGI to CEM; those who GCG, nor any other “CG” is anywhere happened if those writings would have liked GTA went with him from the CGI close to doing a “work” like Herbert been placed in the public domain. Anyone to the ICG. Most of Meredith’s follow- Armstrong did. After reading the rest of could have access to the writings without ers followed him from the GCG to the this issue and the next Servants’ News any court fights. Yes, it would be possible LCG. People will stay with a leader issue, we think you will see why the that other groups could take these public they support in spite of corporations. Eternal does not want the “work” of domain writings and use them to promote There is no doubt that without strong Herbert Armstrong repeated. their own church group and doctrines. But central leadership, some local congrega- We need to realize that no man or cannot we rejoice that Christ is preached, tions would experience the disharmony organization either is or owns the Work even if it is out of selfish ambition? (Phil associated with self-serving local lead- of God. Christ’s Body is the Church and 1:16-18.) Is it not good that at least the ers. But it is much better for a few indi- He is in charge of the Work. He certain- KJV Bible is public domain, and no-one vidual congregations to have this trouble, ly has worked with individuals who can stop anyone from printing it! than it is for entire groups of churches to were members or leaders in corpora- If local congregations took care of have it when a headquarters goes awry. tions. But if He is not now emphasizing their own needs, arranged for their own 3. The ability of a church corpora- that kind of work, it is the duty of all halls, paid their own ministers if neces- tion to continue on after its founder dies is believers to find out how He is working. sary, bought their own equipment, and not always a good thing. Those who rise Christ can get the attention of the world sponsored their own gospel preaching in corporations tend to be those who do in a few minutes with a few miracles. efforts, the entire “Church of God” pic- whatever they are told. Often, they do not Will he grant those miracles to men who ture would be so much more stable. Local make good leaders. Or, rely upon the will “do anything” to protect their view groups could continue serving new con- advice of someone with a completely dif- of “their work” in spite of its impact on verts and long-time believers no matter ferent orientation than the founders. Not the brethren? Or will He grant miracles what happened to the various national one leader in the New Testament ever to those who live the way that He says organizations. They could use teaching named a successor, even though some to live, even though doing so means materials and associate with brethren knew they were about to die! How much working in small groups with an atmos- from several or all organizations, rather better off would the WCG brethren have phere of true brotherly love, but with lit- than just one. Actually, national organiza- been if various TV, printed media and tle money and only a little strength? tions that are not really serving the other resources were each owned by dif- —Norman S. Edwards November 1998 Page 17 Are We Setting an Example for Christmas-Keepers? I have been a "non-Christmas- I’m not all that convinced that God’s tics”. It was even more puzzling for my observer" since 1965. I have written on “greatest disappointment” is that the friends to discover that many of the the subject as well as shared the truth of ignorant masses don’t worship Him in groups who were observing the Holy its origins with others many times. But I spirit and in truth. He reveals His truth Days would have nothing to do with one am a little puzzled at the attitude that not because of our own right- another. These groups would many anti-Christmas sermons and arti- eousness but because of His hold “rival” feast sites within cles seem to have. Rather than expose plans, His grace and His miles of one another and the history, or condemn the “system” or mercy. The vast majority punish or disfellowship the “deception of Satan”, they condemn of Sabbatarian Holy members caught attend- the people who are involved in the prac- Day keepers, who have ing the other group! tice. As far as I can tell, most of the peo- been given the blessing I sincerely believe ple who observe this celebration (includ- of being called to be that it is this situation ing myself in my “unconverted days”) witnesses of His truth that is of more concern do not do so out of “willful rebellion” have all too often not to our Father than what against God, nor out of conscious disre- been a “light on the hill” those who have “never spect for our Savior, nor out of an atti- for His truth. For they have known” the truth about His tude of defiance—but out of ignorance. either been secluded by their ways and days are doing. No, They were born into a world and society own exclusivism (“hiding their there will be no Christmas in the where these things had been ignorantly light under a bushel”), or they have been Kingdom. But neither will there be the perpetuated for generations. The vast obnoxiously arrogant rather than loving- internecene squabbles and foolishness majority do not know any better. ly reaching out to others. Some do shine that there have been for so long among So why the frequent anger, condem- their light for the world, but when the those who claim the name of Yashua the nation and ridicule by so many toward the world comes to look they are repelled by Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. And neither ignorant masses? Can we remember the smell of infighting amongst the will there be any “honor” for the kind of when we were one of those in the igno- Sabbatarians over minor points of doc- carnal men whom “Church of God” rant masses ourselves? Most of us proba- trine—treating each other not as brethren members seem to keep wanting to put bly were, unless were were born into a but as enemies! A few have given a rot- on pedestals as “God’s Anointed”. Amos family that attended with a “Church of ten name (an “evil report” to those “out- 5:21-26 (NIV) speaks of idoatry on Feast God”, the Jehovah’s Witnesses or other side”) to the “ways” of God by the scan- days. Is it possible that these verses are group that rejects Christmas observance. dalous behavior of some in their leader- more of a warning about idolizing Most WCG folks were always taught that ship. How are all these ignorant masses “church leaders” than they are about “only God could open a mind” to under- to hear a clear witness about Christmas keeping Christmas? stand the truth on this, as well as many and other issues when those who bring I hate, I despise your religious other issues. I certainly know that, at least the message have such an “uncertain feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. in my case, He didn’t open my mind sound”? Even though you bring me burnt offer- because I was seeking Him at the start, During the years from 1988 through ings and grain offerings, I will not nor because I was a deep student of the 1995, our family was “in the wilder- accept them. Though you bring choice Bible, or any such thing. It was His sov- ness”—totally cut off from my brethren fellowship offerings, I will have no ereign act of reaching out to me in my in the COG movement. (We were reject- regard for them. Away with the noise of ignorance. ed from one group for mailing one per- your songs! I will not listen to the music From what I can tell in the Old son one piece of literature, and from of your harps. But let justice roll on like Testament scriptures, the reason for another for refusing to say its leader was a river, righteousness like a never-fail- severe condemnation by God toward the the Ezekiel watchman.) Many times I ing stream! “Did you bring me sacri- backsliding Israelites who went to “mix- spoke with others about the observance fices and offerings forty years in the ing” true worship with Baal worship... of the Holy Days, Feast of Tabernacles, desert, O house of Israel? You have lift- was that they had the truth right in front and so on. These were sincere folks ed up the shrine of your king, the of them! Their nation’s and society’s wanting to know more. They have often pedestal of your idols, the star of your traditions for many years were based on shown fascination—not disgust—at my god—which you made for yourselves. the truth. They had the Tabernacle or beliefs and wanted to know more. But it It may be that the “star”—the idoliz- Temple. They had the priesthood. They was always puzzling to them when they ing of human church leaders by peo- had the annual Holy Days. And yet they got around to commenting, “Wow, that ple—is more repulsive to God than the craved the other. Thus it was the fact that sounds really neat. So where will you be ones folks ignorantly put on the tops of they willfully, with full knowledge of keeping the Feast of Tabernacles this fir trees in their houses each December! what they were doing, turned from the year?” And I had to tell them that my —Pam Dewey truth to a heathen system, that brought family could not go to a Feast site where To help someone understand the the wrath of God on them. there were any other folks of “like mind” errors of Christmas, write Servant’s News This is not to indicate that Christmas on these observances. We were not wel- for our free article The Reason for the celebration is acceptable to God. Of come at any of them—not because of Season or read it on-line at Alan Ruth’s course it is not. It is just to indicate that some sin, but because of “church poli- website: www.biblestudy.org. & Page 18 November 1998 Did Herbert Armstrong Plagiarize J.H. Allen’s Judah’s Sceptre and Joseph’s Birthright in The US&BC in Prophecy? An evaluation by Dave Medici, February, 1996

What Is Plagiarism? ent why the source must be referenced plagiarism provided at the beginning of First, I wish to restate the definition in the author’s own book. The US&BC this post, plagiarism consists of an of plagiarism from Black’s Law enjoyed a distribution of several mil- unfair use of a substantial portion anoth- Dictionary, 5th edition, page 1035: lion copies (15 million if I remember er’s work, even if not exactly duplicat- Plagiarism: The act of appropri- correctly). If HWA had orally informed ed, passing another’s work off as one’s ating the literary composition of every member of the WCG of his use of own. How do we determine if indeed an another, or parts or passages of his Allen that would only amount to 1% of author used a substantial portion of writings, or the ideas or language of his reading public. Point (1) is proved. another’s work when there is no exact the same, and passing them off as duplication of text? the product of one’s own mind. To be As to point (2), please consult the I put that question to the legal liable for plagiarism it is not neces- Jan-Feb 1996 issue of the Global department of the publisher for sary to exactly duplicate another’s lit- Church News. In the text box on page whom I work. erary work, it being sufficient if unfair 11, an unnamed author writes: They replied that in such a case pla- use of such work is made by lifting of In the late 1920s, Mr. Herbert W. giarism is proved by demonstrating that substantial portion thereof, but even Armstrong became acquainted with the work in question evidences a an exact counterpart of another’s Allen’s book and subsequently incor- remarkable similarity to another work’s work does not constitute plagiarism if porated some of Allen’s ideas in a arrangement of material, development such counterpart was arrived at inde- book which he later published. It is, of argument, proofs adduced and, if pendently. however, quite untrue that Mr. possible, use of peculiar phraseology. Please reread that definition. Since I Armstrong in any way plagiarized The arrangement of material is consid- am in the publishing industry material from Allen’s book. I possess ered not at the level of the entire book (employed by the world’s third largest copies of Judah’s Scepter and but at the level of a section or subsec- publisher of textbooks), that is the def- Joseph’s Birthright, as well as vari- tion. Since there are innumerable ways inition I had in mind when I made this ous versions of Mr. Armstrong’s U.S. to present a subject, and it is assumed analysis of Armstrong’s work. and Britain in Prophecy. But I have that different authors will naturally never seen so much as a single have different modes of presentation, How to Prove Plagiarism instance in any of the numerous ver- the development of the argument is To demonstrate that Herbert plagia- sions of Mr. Armstrong’s work that examined to determine if one author’s rized J. H. Allen’s “Judah’s Scepter and plagiarized even one sentence from argument proceeds substantially as Joseph’s Birthright” in writing his Allen’s book. On numerous occa- another’s. Examination of proofs book, The United States and British sions, Mr. Armstrong freely acknowl- adduced to support an argument pro- Commonwealth in Prophecy (hereafter edged his indebtedness to Allen for ceeds along similar lines. The nature of US&BC), I must demonstrate: having clearly explained the biblical the subject must be considered when (1) that HWA never cited Allen as a identity of the Anglo-American peo- examining development of argument source; ples—ideas which later helped and proof’s adduced, for discussions of (2) that HWA had knowledge of inspire him to write his own 300-page hard science (mathematics, physics, Allen’s book and thus did not arrive at paper on ‘Anglo-Israelism’. chemistry) will, by their very nature, his opinions independently; Therefore, HWA did have prior proceed similarly; such is not the case (3) that parts, passages or the lan- knowledge of Allen’s book before he with soft sciences or philosophy. guage of Allen’s work is duplicated by wrote the US&BC and one cannot argue As to peculiar phraseology, I was HWA even if not quoted verbatim (the that HWA arrived at his ideas indepen- told that only significant words are popular conception of plagiarism). dent of Allen. Point (2) is proved. examined. Where an author is found to In regard to point (1), an examina- have used an uncommon word or tion of the US&BC. Allen is nowhere Incidentally, we shall see that the phrase, and where that word or phrase mentioned as a source. writer of the above quote obviously has can be shown to be within a section of It is not enough for an author to not examined Armstrong and Allen close- text whose arrangement and develop- orally reveal a source for a significant ly, for if he did he would not have written ment of argument are substantially that portion of his own book. The acknowl- “I have never seen so much as a single of another author, it is considered to be edgment must accompany the author’s instance in any of the numerous version of presumptive evidence of ‘prior knowl- book so that his readers are informed Mr. Armstrong’s work that plagiarized edge’ and hence plagiarism. of the source. Since a book may enjoy a even one sentence from Allen’s book.” A final point made by the legal depart- printing of thousands or even millions We shall find that statement to be entirely ment was this: plagiarism is proved by the of copies, and since an author could in untrue and quite unfortunate. cumulative weight of evidence, not by the no way orally reveal his source to that As to point (3), consider the follow- individual proofs adduced. many people, it is immediately appar- ing: According to the legal definition of That is, it could be remotely possi- November 1998 Page 19 SERVANTS’ NEWS ble that two authors coincidentally sections in Allen. Watch how the page 37:2-3 demonstrate similarity in a handful of numbers for each author advance forward Armstrong discusses the promises expressions, ideas or presentations, but in all cases with but a few exceptions. in relation to Abraham, Ishmael and as the number of coincidences grow so When reading Armstrong, we will find Isaac, Esau and Jacob. Allen discusses does the likelihood of plagiarism. the same subject presented in Allen, albeit the promises in relation to Abraham, It is very important for the reader with perhaps more detail. We will see that Isaac, Esau and Jacob, omitting men- to keep in the forefront of his mind the as Armstrong is writing US&BC he is tion of Ishmael. definition of legal plagiarism and the reading Allen. It will be quite evident. (7) HWA 45:3 = JHA 41:2 criteria for its determination as the To begin with, I would point out that Armstrong and Allen discuss the reader progresses through this post. Armstrong’s illustrated book runs for meaning of the name Israel. The reader will not see the plagiarism if roughly 212 pages, whereas Allen’s non- (8) HWA 45:5ff = JHA 41:3–42:3 the reader loses sight of what plagia- illustrated book runs for roughly 377 The rejection of Rueben. rism is and how to recognize it. pages. Hence we can immediately (9) HWA 48:8 = JHA 43:4 deduce that whether or not there is pla- Armstrong: “At the time of Jacob’s Text Used in Analysis giarism Armstrong will omit quite a lot death, he and his sons were living in For my texts I am using the 1967 edition of Allen’s material, and where there is an Egypt.” of the US&BC and the 19th edition of identity of subject Armstrong’s work will Allen: “At the time of Jacob’s Allen’s 1917 work (available from Destiny exhibit considerable compression. Thus, death, all Israel was in Egypt living in Publishers, Merrimac, Massachusetts). I am we should not expect to find long the land of Goshen.” comfortable using the 1967 edition for two excerpts from Allen. By the same token, As we move through Armstrong reasons: (1) it was one of the most widely however, such compression will render this pattern will repeat; Armstrong will circulated editions and is still in the posses- the similarities between Armstrong and follow Allen’s argument and proofs, sion of many members and (2) it is an edi- Allen that much more conspicuous. and then quote directly from Allen. tion which I read and immediately saw the This demonstrates that as Armstrong remarkable similarity to Allen’s book. US&BC Chapter 1 was writing, he was reading Allen. I have also read editions of the (1) HWA 3:1-3, 4:1-2, 6-7 = JHA 79:1 (10) HWA 49:2ff = JHA 43:4-44:1 US&BC subsequent to the 1967 edition. Armstrong and Allen cite Israel Armstrong: “It was reported to identity as a ‘key’ to correct under- Joseph that Jacob, his father, was ill. He Notation Convention standing of the Scripture. Armstrong took with him his two sons, Manasseh So that the reader may prove the writes that prophecy is ‘closed’ without and Ephraim, sons of an Egyptian plagiarism for himself, I shall adhere to it, and Allen writes the Scripture is mother, and hastened to the dying patri- the following notation: References will ‘shut’ to one’s understanding. arch’s bedside.” cite the author (HWA: Herbert W. Allen: “When it was reported to Armstrong, JHA: J. H. Allen), page and US&BC Chapter 3 Joseph that his father was dying, he took paragraph upon the indicated page, (2) HWA 20:5-6 = JHA chapter 2 with him his two sons, and hastened to the including paragraphs carried over from Armstrong’s famous ‘race vs. grace’ bedside of the dying patriarch.” a preceding page. Hence, or ‘race and grace’ concept is taken (11) HWA 49:5 = JHA 44:1 HWA 57:3 means Armstrong’s directly from Allen, who more fully Armstrong quotes Genesis 48:2-4; 1967 US&BC, page 57, paragraph 3 develops the idea. Allen references it. as one counts whole or partial para- (3) HWA 22 ‘How much land?— (12) HWA 49:9 = JHA 44:2 graphs from the top of page 57. What size nations??’ = JHA 23:2–24:1 Jacob adopts Joseph’s sons In some instances I will cite section Armstrong argues that Israel would (13) HWA 49:9–52:1 = JHA 44:3 or chapter headings, such as HWA 22 spread around the world, eventually Ephraim is put before Manasseh. ‘How much land? / What size nations’. becoming ‘heir of the world,’ 30:2. Allen Armstrong writes ‘supernatural guid- I cannot state too emphatically that argues that the bounds of the nations were ance,’ whereas Allen writes ‘Holy for the reader to fully appreciate the evi- set from the foundation of the world Ghost.’ Coincidence? The Scripture dence brought forward below he must according to God’s foreknowledge of makes no mention of supernatural read Armstrong and then read Allen. Israel’s multitudinous size, and that Israel guidance by the Holy Ghost—it is The few notes I will provide with the was fated to embrace the entire world. Jacob that does the guiding. Armstrong references will not convey to the read- borrowed from Allen. er’s mind the evidence of plagiarism as US&BC Chapter 4 (14) HWA 52:3-10 = JHA dramatically as will the reading. (4) HWA chapter 4 = JHA chapter 3 45:2–46:1 Armstrong and Allen devote a chap- Jacob says, ‘Bless the lads,’ guiding General Comments ter to distinguishing between the his hands wittingly by crossing them. I will proceed now to examine Scepter and Birthright promises. Note that Armstrong and Allen labor Armstrong and Allen’s books. I will work (5) HWA 35:11 upon the detailed actions of both Joseph methodically through Armstrong, refer- Armstrong’s famous ‘all Jews are and Jacob. Armstrong and Allen take encing Allen, and the reader should note Israelites, most Israelites are not Jews.’ great pains to point out these actions. that as we move through Armstrong we See (27) below. Armstrong refers to the blessing as also move naturally through the relevant (6) HWA 39-41 = JHA 28:4–29:2, being ‘jointly’ received; Allen says the Page 20 November 1998 SERVANTS’ NEWS blessing is ‘collective.’ Same thought. bring forth the different names by (34) HWA 100:10–101:1 = JHA (15) HWA 53:11 = JHA 46:1 which each kingdom was known. 191:2–193:1 Armstrong and Allen: “collective (26) HWA 83:6 = JHA 67:6–69:3 Armstrong and Allen relate the blessings”. Armstrong and Allen emphasize assassination of Gedeliah and the carry- (16) HWA 53:12 = JHA 46:2 that the two kingdoms are referred to ing away of the people of Mizpah by Armstrong: “But at this juncture sometimes by their respective capitols. Ishmael. Special note is made of Joseph noticed that Jacob’s right hand (27) HWA 82:5 = JHA 71:2 Jeremiah and the king’s daughters. was not resting upon the head of the Armstrong: “Jews are Israelites, (35) HWA 101:5–102:5 = JHA firstborn. He endeavored to remove it.” just as Californians are Americans. But 193:4–195:2 Notice Allen: “At this juncture MOST Israelites are not Jews, just as Armstrong and Allen relate Joseph noticed that Jacob’s right hand most Americans are not Californians.” Johanan’s flight to Egypt. was not resting on Manasseh’s head, Allen: “Understand us: we do not (36) HWA 102:6 = JHA 195:3 and he wanted to remove it...” say that the Jews are not Israelites; they Armstrong and Allen relate how (17) HWA 56:1 = JHA 46:6 belong to the posterity of Jacob, who Baruch’s life is safeguarded by God. Armstrong and Allen both say: was called Israel; hence they are (37) HWA 102:9 = JHA 197:4 “separate blessings”. Israelites. But the great bulk of Israelites Armstrong and Allen refer to the (18) HWA 57:3 = JHA 47:3 are not the Jews, just as the great bulk of daughters of Zedekiah as “royal material.” Armstrong: “While still in the spirit Americans are not Californians, and yet of prophecy, Jacob called his twelve sons all Californians are Americans...” US&BC Chapter 9 together to tell them what their posterity This similarity is important for I (38) HWA 112:1 = JHA 223:3 should become in the last days.” cannot recall any other British-Israel Armstrong and Allen relate that Israel Allen: “While the spirit of prophecy author making the analogy between was to abide many days without a king. was still upon Jacob, he called all his sons Jew-Israelite and Californian-American (39) HWA 112:2 = JHA 223:2 together to tell them what their posterity (although my memory may err) before Armstrong and Allen quote the should become in the last days.” Allen. Allen borrowed this idea from prophecy in 2 Samuel 7:10 saying, Rev. W. H. Poole who wrote in his “Moreover I will appoint a place for my US&BC Chapter 6 1880’s Anglo-Israel; or the Saxon Race people Israel, and will plant them...” (19) HWA 76:1–79:4 = JHA Proved to be the Lost Tribes of Israel in (40) HWA 113:4 = JHA 225:3 49:1–55:3 Nine Lectures the following: “All Jews Armstrong and Allen refer to Hosea Armstrong and Allen relate the are Israelites but not all Israelites are 12:1, “Ephraim... follows after an east story of what preceded the rupture Jews, just as all Englishmen are Britons wind.” between Israel and Judah. but not all Britons are Englishmen.” (41) HWA 113:5 = JHA 226:2 (20) HWA 78:5 = JHA 54:1 Allen Americanized Poole. Armstrong and Allen quote Psalm Armstrong and Allen call Jeroboam 89:25 northern Israel’s “spokesman”. US&BC Chapter 7 (42) HWA 114:4 = JHA 227:1-2 (21) HWA 79:2 = JHA 55:1 (28) HWA 94:7 = JHA 164:3 Armstrong and Allen refer to Isaiah Armstrong: “The challenge to the Armstrong and Allen point out that 49:3, 6, 12 royal family was, ‘Now see to thine Jeremiah was one of only three men the (43) HWA 114:7 = JHA 226:3 own house!’” Scripture declares to have been sancti- Armstrong and Allen refer to Isaiah Allen: “The challenge to the royal fied before their births. 49:1-3. family was, ‘Now see to thy own (29) HWA 94:8-95:2 = JHA 165:3-6 (44) HWA 114:8 = JHA 226:2 house!’” Armstrong and Allen describe Armstrong and Allen refer to (22) HWA 79:3-4 = JHA 55:3 Jeremiah’s calling. Jeremiah 31:9. Israel rebels from David; God says, (30) HWA 95:3 = JHA 166:1 (45) HWA 114:9 = JHA 227:3 ‘This is of Me.’ Armstrong compresses Armstrong and Allen state that Armstrong and Allen refer to Isaiah Allen. Jeremiah was placed over “nations”. 41:1. (23) HWA 79:5-6 = JHA 56:2 (31) HWA 95:6–96:7 = JHA (46) HWA 116 “Dan A Serpent’s Armstrong and Allen emphasize the 166:2–167:1 Trail” = JHA 250 “Dan—The Serpent’s distinction between ‘House of Israel’ Armstrong and Allen state that it is Trail” and ‘House of Judah.’ “well known” that Jeremiah was used Armstrong and Allen use a similar (24) HWA 79:5-82:2 = JHA to pull down the Davidic throne and chapter/section heading 56:3–61:1 replant it in Israel. (47) HWA 116:9 = JHA 250:2 Armstrong and Allen labor to (32) HWA 100:5-9 = JHA Armstrong and Allen quote Genesis emphasize that Israel and Judah are 190:3–191:1 49:17 separate and distinct. Armstrong and Allen relate that (48) HWA 117:2 = JHA 250:3 (25) HWA 82:2-83:9 = JHA Jeremiah was freed from prison and went Armstrong and Allen discuss Dan’s 62:1–78:2 to Mizpah. Notice: “Where did he go?” allotted territory in Palestine Armstrong and Allen labor to (33) HWA 100:10 = JHA 191:2 (49) HWA 117:2 = JHA 260:2 emphasize that Israel and Judah are Armstrong: “Now this Gedeliah...” Armstrong and Allen mention how separate and distinct, and both authors Allen: “This Gedeliah...” Dan took Mahaneh-dan. November 1998 Page 21 SERVANTS’ NEWS (50) HWA 117:3 = JHA 260:3 other Dan placename. underlying musical forms were substan- Armstrong and Allen mention how (54) HWA 118:1 = JHA 267:1 tially different for the other songs, and 600 Danites took Laish and called it Dan. Armstrong and Allen relate that only Harrison’s song demonstrated such a (51) HWA 118:34 = JHA 263:3 Dunn in Irish means judge, just as Dan close affinity to He’s So Fine. The com- Armstrong and Allen give lists of in Hebrew means judge. poser prevailed against Harrison. Dan-type place names. (55) HWA 118:5 = JHA 267:2 Therefore, to settle the question as to Allen’s list: Armstrong’s list: More Dan-type place names. Armstrong’s plagiarism of Allen, in addi- Danube Allen’s list: Armstrong’s list: tion to the material presented above we Dniester Dniester Dundee Dundee must ask ourselves one final question: Don Dunkirk Does any other British-Israel writing Danau Danau Dunbar demonstrate as close a relationship with Dan-inn Dan-inn Dunraven Dunraven Allen as does Armstrong? I have about 30 Dan-aster Dan-aster See comment for (51) and (53). British-Israel books in my private library, Dan-dari Dan-dari (56) HWA 121:1 = JHA 228:4 and I have read an additional 50 or so Dan-ez Dan-ez In relating how Jeremiah came to other works at various libraries around the Daci Ireland, both authors give the different country. I have never found one book that Davi names by which Baruch is known in demonstrates such a remarkable similarity Don Dan various histories. to Allen as does Armstrong. I challenge Dan Don Armstrong: “Simon Brach, Breck, anyone to find another British-Israel book Udon Udon Berech, Brach, Berach” that so closely resembles Allen. Eridon Eridon Allen: “Simon Brach, Breck, Brack, In my opinion, point (3), from the Danes Danes Barech, Berach” beginning of this article, is proved. The Denmark Dan-emerke (57) HWA 121:3 = JHA 228:4 only honest conclusion is that This list of place names is very impor- Armstrong: “Jeremiah brought with Armstrong plagiarized Allen. tant for it clearly demonstrates that them some remarkable things, including a Armstrong was copying out of Allen. harp, an ark, and a wonderful stone called What Does It Matter? Notice that the lists differ only in what ‘lia-fail’ or ‘stone of destiny.’” Now for the obvious question: does Armstrong omits! This is quite important, Allen: “This royal party brought the plagiarism matter? for the argument that both authors are mak- with them many remarkable things. My answer is, “no”. Armstrong’s pla- ing is that Europe and the British Isles are Among these was the harp, an ark, and giarism does not diminish the truth of literally filled with Dan-type place names the wonderful stone called Lia-fail, or what he wrote. It does not affect our which mark the movement of the tribe of stone of destiny...” responsibility to that truth. It does not alter Dan. Yet Armstrong does not add any new our work. It does not change the fact, in Dan-type place name to his list despite the Conclusion my opinion, that God used him to restore alleged abundance from which to choose. I must admit that at this point in the many vital truths to His Church. (52) HWA 117:8 = JHA 266:1 analysis I thoroughly lost interest in Did Armstrong intentionally plagia- Armstrong and Allen discuss the continuing. While it might be possible rize? Yes. Armstrong may have had a lim- Tuatha de Danaan. that one or two of the previous 57 points ited formal education, but it is inconceiv- (53) HWA 117:8–118:1 = JHA could be attributed to coincidence, it is able that a man who was capable of run- 266:4–267:2 unbelievable that all of the parallels of ning his own advertising business, and More Dan-type place names. arguments and the numerous exact who later ran a $200-million-a-year Allen’s list: Armstrong’s list: wordings could be coincidence. church, was too dull to know what he was Dan Laugh Dans-Lough The conclusion I reach, as I think the doing. Mr. Armstrong was quite intelligent San Sower Dan Sower reader shall also reach, is that significant and very capable. Dan Monism portions of Armstrong’s work were taken Moreover, we are all familiar with his Dan dalke Dan Dalke from Allen’s work. Armstrong follows “six-month, intensive, day and night Dun drum Dun drum Allen’s arrangement of material, devel- study” at the Portland library while he was Don-egal Bay Don-egal Bay opment of argument and, occasionally, trying to disprove several doctrines. Don-egal City Don-egal City even Allen’s wording. Armstrong omits Surely during that six month study he Dun-glow Dun-glow most of the historical material in Allen. encountered things known as footnotes Lon-don-derry Lon-don-derry But is this plagiarism? Former mem- and bibliographies. But perhaps citing Dingle Dingle ber of The Beatles, George Harrison, was sources was not as critical then as now, Dun-garven sued for plagiarism because his song My someone will argue. That is simply not Duns-more Duns-more Sweet Lord closely resembled the much true—literary conventions regarding Again, Armstrong only subtracts earlier song He’s So Fine. To determine if recognition of another’s work and appro- from the list—does not add any new Harrison plagiarized the earlier song, My priate citation have not changed that dra- names in spite of the declared abun- Sweet Lord was compared to other songs matically in 60 years, and if they had dance. Note also that both authors relate that appeared to sound like He’s So Fine. Armstrong had opportunity to properly that Duns-more means ‘More Dans’ It was determined that although there cite Allen with each new edition of the without explaining the meaning of any may have been a surface similarity, the US&BC. & Page 22 November 1998 Has Time Been Lost? & Found? In 1965, an attorney representing Ambassador College from publishing the If a person claims to be the author of Ambassador College wrote a letter to the booklet, as long as AC did not try to stop a book, it is valid to assume that he did Church of God (Seventh Day) asking them from publishing their own booklet. the research required to write the book, them to stop publishing the booklet, Has Although this information is not well- and that he has a larger knowledge of Time Been Lost, since Ambassador known, LeRoy Dais, still a member of the the subject—the book being derived College had a copyright on a booklet of Church of God (Seventh Day) remem- from that larger body of knowledge. He the same name and subject. The Church bers it quite well. (If anyone would like should be able to answer questions of God (Seventh Day) dug into their files documentation, Servants’ News will pro- about the subject. A person who copies and found that they had a copy of the vide copies of the Bible Advocate litera- a book, and just changes some words booklet dating back into the early 1930s. ture list and the associated letters.) here and there may not have near the A literature list in the February 10, The two booklets are word-for-word understanding—they may not even 1925 Bible Advocate included Has identical in about half of the places. understand what they copied. Time Been Lost. It was clearly written Armstrong did add some things, but in This issue is particularly important before Herbert Armstrong ever began many places he simply dropped out because Herbert Armstrong often his ministry. LeRoy Dais, a young man information—such as the 1910 dates of claimed to be “the one” whom God was working for the Church of God (Seventh encyclopedias which, if included, would using to restore most truth at the end Day) sent a letter with copies of this doc- make the booklet look “old” (see p. 24). time. The extent of his writings was umentation to Ambassador College. Herbert Armstrong never gave credit to sometimes used as evidence that he was That was the end of the dispute. The the Church of God (Seventh Day) or “God’s apostle”. How can these things Church of God (Seventh Day) did not put changed the booklet to more correctly be evidence of such, if some of the writ- copyright notices in their literature as say “edited by Herbert Armstrong”. The ings were simply borrowed from other they were happy for their teaching to be original author of the booklet never filed Bible teachers? Furthermore, since Mr. copied and published in any manner. a suit, so Mr Armstrong had no legal Armstrong has never publicly acknowl- They were not interested in preventing problems. But was his practice honest? edged (as far as we know) either this pla- giarism or that of The United States and Title page of Herbert Armstrong’s version (reduced 20%). Note copyright date. British Commonwealth in Prophecy, we have no way to know how many other of his teachings were also borrowed from somewhere else. Continued on page 24

Title page the of Church of God (Seventh Day) version (reduced 10%) from the mid-1960s, lit- tle-changed since the 1930s. No copyright date.

November 1998 Page 23 SERVANTS’ NEWS To say that “we would certainly access to Herbert Armstrong’s know” if he copied doctrines from archives and knows of any other writ- others is not true. Most WCG mem- ings from which he borrowed.) bers do not know about these two Whether or not a truth is bor- instances of plagiarism, even though rowed does not make it any less true. they have been written about for 30 It is better to copy the truth than it is years. If Mr. Armstrong borrowed to copy a lie—the world already has teachings from lesser-known teachers, enough lies. However, this copying their original writings or lectures may without giving credit does tell us be completely lost. Before modern something about the character of photo-copiers, printing a hundred Herbert Armstrong. With the copies of a document was prohibitive- exception of Nehemiah in a few ly expensive. Many Bible teachers places, nearly all of the Bible writers simply gave lectures and encouraged are very humble—they say that they hearers to take notes—thus producing are conveying a message because a number of copies of their teaching. they were told to, or because they G.G. Rupert taught many of the know that it needs to be done. Many same doctrines as Herbert Armstrong do not even put their name on their in Pasadena, California from 1915 to work. But Herbert Armstrong made 1929 (for more on Rupert, write us frequent claims about the greatness for the paper, The Remnant of Israel). of what he was doing. It is not our While we know of no specific proof place to eternally condemn him. But that Mr. Armstrong borrowed from we need to realize that if he stretched Mr. Rupert, it is likely that Armstrong the truth to benefit himself in one borrowed from those who heard area, he may have done it in others. Rupert and outlived him. (The We should not believe a doctrine Servants’ News staff would appreci- only because Armstrong taught it. ate hearing from anyone who has —Norman S. Edwards

Although the introductory paragraph is different, the first page of Herbert Above and below, pages from Has Time Been Armstrong’s book, below, is largely the same as the two pages at right. Lost, Church of God (Seventh Day) version.

Page 24 November 1998 SERVANTS’ NEWS Many are free to study and believe as the Holy Spirit guides them—free from the pressure and intimidation to conform to “a religion of man”. —A Reader Letters RESPONSE: Having worked with Rod Meredith, I know that he believes that the & Responses only way to “do a work” is to try to do what Mr. Armstrong did. When difficult ques- We print a representative sampling of Forge, Tennessee Global Feast site this year tions come up, he has a hard time going to our mail—both positive and negative. We and were amazed by the hypocrisy and dis- the scripture to see what it says—he often do not include names unless we are fairly tortions on the Feast video of Rod Meredith. said “Herbert Armstrong did it this way, and sure that the writer would not object. To He completely distorted the real situation look at what a big work he had”. I would avoid any difficulty, writers should specify about the former WCG members, those not hope that he would look at the big split how much of their name and address they with him in the Global Church of God. which just occurred in his own group and would like us to print. Meredith presented these splinter realize that he is in as much confusion as groups in an overly, negative light by say- almost any other group. But since he starts ing that people in these groups are “isolat- with the premise that his is the group that Is GCG Start-Up Story True? ed, confused, and in rebellion against God is using, he seems to interpret every- LETTER: December 1, 1998 God”. He said that there are “tens of thou- thing that goes wrong with it as Satan’s Are you the same Norm Edwards that sands out there” who have given up their attack or the sins of others. He just never helped start the Global Church of God? Is faith and hope and are hopelessly “lost”. seems to acknowledge that problems are a it true that Mr. Meredith would have stayed Meredith said we must get them back result of his variance from the scriptures. in the WCG if he was made a writer, elder under the “umbrella of the real church and —NSE or a youth coordinator? the real government”. Was he manipulating Thanks for your help. his members by putting fear into their —DPA minds? (They will be fearful to leave Global Seeks Likeminded Friends Yes, I am the Norm Edwards that and become one of these “lost”. They don’t LETTER: September 3, 1998 helped Rod Meredith start Global. I am not know of anywhere else to go). It may seem Dear Norm, aware of a request on the part of Rod scary to leave your familiar church. Thank you so much for the Servants’ Meredith to be a “writer, elder, or youth However, many have experienced a new News. I appreciate the answer to my letter. coordinator” in order to stay in the WCG. sense of peace and freedom, including a The article How Does God Govern He never mentioned that to me. whole world of new experiences and Through Humans was helpful. However, from 1989 to 1992 he essen- knowledge that they never realized was I had been very disturbed and heart- tially worked at home as a writer, and gave out there before. Do the GCG members broken over my past experiences going to a few senior citizens Bible studies. During (and others) really believe that God is Sabbath meetings expecting to be joyful in this time, others were encouraging him to exclusively involved with Global (or their the Lord, then leaving with an emptiness leave the WCG and start a new group. John particular church)? Can we all honestly beyond belief. Maybe I wanted too much. I Ritenbaugh was one of them—but he did admit that we can’t put God in a box? needed to hear brethren talking about dif- not wait and started the Church of the Great In reality, these thousands of people are ferent points of the Bible. God on his own. It was not until the fall of all in various and diverse situations. Some People that are fortunate enough to live 1992 when the Leona McNair trial was set- of them are in United Church of God (which close to one another should really take it as tled out of court that the WCG gave Mr. Meredith never mentioned in the video, per- a great blessing. They should use every Meredith two choices: haps because United is Global’s biggest opportunity to get together. I’ve seen the 1. Preach the new “Tkach” doctrines or rival?). Some members attend with the ones that live close together huddle togeth- 2. Move away from headquarters and many off-shoots of the WCG. Some people er to catch up on the latest of what hap- no longer be an elder of any kind. glean spiritual food from audio tapes pro- pened last week, when they were a local It was then that he began his new group. vided by the many available ministries. phone call away from each other. How long he “would have stayed” if he Many people are thriving and growing in At various services there would be were given more opportunities in the WCG understanding via home fellowships. Jesus brethren there that have driven two or more is a question that will never be answered— Christ, our High Priest and Intermediary is hours to hear God’s word and to fellowship he did not stay. I have a 20-page document our captain and He has put His people about God (and discuss the service exclu- that describes my relationship with the where He wants them. Can some of these sively). I am hungry for God’s word, spirit, Global Church of God. It is copies of letters “leaders” be jealous of this? How can they and fellowship with likeminded brethren. that we exchanged. I do not have it in e-mail condemn what Christ is doing and also I continually pray for the groups that format, but would be glad to send it to you. claim they represent Him? send me literature and tapes and I pray that —NSE The point is God is providing, as He I may never become lukewarm. I love all the always has, for the individuals who truly seek brethren and can hardly wait for the king- Him. He has not abandoned His followers. dom so we can finally be together, as one. Is Global God’s Exclusive Church? No, not all the thousands who are “non- —SM, Mississippi LETTER: October 30, 1998 Global” people are lost, in confusion and in RESPONSE: The problem you mention Dear Servants’ News, rebellion as Meredith says. Many are grow- is the difficulty of most religion. People get My family and I attended the Pigeon ing and thriving in the freedom of Christ. too comfortable and their religion becomes November 1998 Page 25 SERVANTS’ NEWS more like a social club. The Eternal some- work, Herbert Armstrong furnished few plagiarized some of his material in his The times has to bring persecution or some details of how he spent the money he United States and Britain in Prophecy other difficulty in order to shake people up. received. Millions of dollars were spent on booklet from another source. I recall that The Jerusalem church was so persecuted real estate, art, and other things that had lit- the alleged source was the work by J. H. that they all had to flee—and “went every- tle direct bearing on “the Work”. However, Allen (which I have never seen myself). where preaching the word” (Acts 8:1,4). Mr. Armstrong was not deceptive if one The notice said without equivocation Those who feel “on fire for God” believes what he said about contributions. that Mr. Armstrong denied any plagiarism. should continue to talk to others about it. He continually taught that once money was The notice said that Mr. Herbert Armstrong You may stir others in your fellowship or “given to God”, the believer’s obligation denied ever seeing or reading the book by they may ask you to attend somewhere else. was over—God would supervise how the the author. Either result is good for you. If the people money was used. Gerald Waterhouse went Was somebody lying here? you are with now are not edifying, the as far as saying that Herbert Armstrong I mention this above to you because of Eternal will eventually provide others. could just burn the money if he wanted to, the “For Further Study” inset on page 12 of People earnestly seeking the Eternal, even and it was still the member’s job to give it. May 1997 issue of Servants’ News. though they presently have significant doc- This idea is clearly unbiblical. When a col- Judah’s Scepter & Joseph’s Birthright by J. trinal differences can often fellowship bet- lection was made to help poor brethren, Paul H. Allen (1902 version) is listed. ter together than those who are closer in encouraged those who gave to send some- Immediately after that, The United States doctrine, but not stirred to action. one with the collection to make sure that it and Britain in Prophecy (1945 version) —NSE was used properly (2Cor 8:16-21). offered by the Philadelphia Church of God, Stanley Rader was an attorney for the has a note in parentheses saying: “Note WCG for many years, and also served in the many paragraphs of this book that Questions on HWA and JWT many other financial capacities. He was were copied from J.H. Allen’s book above.” LETTER: August 28, 1996 “ordained” an “evangelist” for some brief Was Herbert W. Armstrong both a pla- Dear Sir, period of time before he left the WCG. He giarist and a liar? Hello, my name is Ed George, a former has been accused of all manner of impropri- —Bruce Lyon, California member of the WCG. I would like to ety by many people—some of which accu- RESPONSE: We were in error when we request your help in my understanding of sations are provably false and most of which stated that there were many paragraphs that certain things in regard to the man HWA. would be difficult to prove true. The idea were identical between the 1945 Gerald There are different sides to the issue of that he completely controlled Herbert Flurry version and J. H. Allen’s book. The the projects or specific activities instituted Armstrong is obviously false because Mr. content of numerous paragraphs are largely by HWA. The same activities that were sup- Armstrong ultimately did fire him. Calling the same. This falls within the legal defini- ported by the church funds, which was him an “evangelist” was obviously a mis- tion of plagiarism (see article on page 19 of actually the tithes of the members that paid take, as I do not know of one time when he this issue). Others have told us that there for such activities as the creation and oper- publicly taught salvation or any basic doc- was a version of The US&BC in Prophecy ation of the Ambassador International trine to unconverted people. (The WCG had prior to 1945 that does contain numerous Cultural Foundation, and the archeological other evangelists in that category.) We find duplicate paragraphs, but we have not seen projects that had helped open the meetings little need to try to evaluate Stanley Rader’s it. We “back-burnered” our research on this of HWA’s world travels to leaders of foreign fruits or motives as we know of nobody who project after receiving David Medici’s arti- nations. This was claimed to be deceptive- regards him as a religious leader today. cle showing that even the common 1960’s ly done under the guise of preaching the Elaine Tkach definitely had mental versions of the book would still be consid- gospel as the last phase of the work. problems. She never participated in any ered plagiarism. Could you give me your opinion to church activities during the 80s or 90s, but We do not have a copy of the notice whether this was a legitimate practice I and numerous friends would see her wan- which you mention, but we have heard HWA was involved in. Also who was dering the campus and streets of Pasadena. about it from others. If Mr. Armstrong ever Stanley Rader, and his involvement with I’ve heard numerous reasons how it hap- denied reading J. H. Allen, it is either a lie, the financial affairs of the WCG and HWA? pened, several attributed directly to her hus- or Armstrong should have claimed that it I am asking for the sake of getting all band, but nothing that can be proved. was a miracle that God inspired him to the facts before believing another person’s —NSE write his own book so similar to Allen’s views on a particular issue. I would truly be that he could have been sued for it. grateful for your assistance in this matter. —NSE One last issue is the situation of the Was HWA a Plagiarist? wife of the late Mr. Joseph Tkach. I have LETTER: June 12, 1997 been told that Mrs. Tkach had a mental Dear Servants’ News, Was HWA the End-time Elijah? breakdown and that it was the result of the I have been keenly interested in the US LETTER: August 19, 1997 stress in the WCG during the 1970’s. I just and Britain Manasseh/Ephraim in prophe- Dear Mr. Edwards, would like to know the truth of the matter cy subject since 1966 when I first became I would like to be put on your mailing list instead of rumors. attracted to God’s truth. It was not the sole for Servants’ News. I was given some back I only ask because I don’t know what is attraction, but it was a big one. issues by a friend of mine and have really true data or not, in regard to the specific I distinctly remember within the first enjoyed reading them. issues. several years I was in the Worldwide I was never in the WCG, but three Sincerely, in the humility of Christ, Church of God (attended 1967-95) that a years ago I became a member of one of —Ed George, Michigan notice went out to the Church counteract- the break off groups. I joined because I had RESPONSE: In the earlier years of his ing a rumor that Mr. Herbert Armstrong had heard of Mr. Armstrong and had read many Page 26 November 1998 SERVANTS’ NEWS of his books and magazines. I have studied still intend to do. from the apparent greed of the organization. his teaching for quite some time and find As a child growing up, I was warned by While it may be popular today in some most of them to be the truth. However after my grandmother about Herbert Armstrong-- “church of God” groups to closely identify being in the group, I learned that I am sup- not to ever get involved with that church. I oneself with Herbert Armstrong, many do posed to know that HWA was the end-time had heard the church had changed, and was not realize that his name can be a liability Elijah. My “salvation depends on it”! somewhat surprised to read in Servants’ when trying to reach the world. He may have been the end-time Elijah, News so much about the breakup of the Thank you for your comment on our I don’t know for sure, I do believe the things church. Add to that the following: I have founding national leaders. While they were he taught, but I don’t base my salvation on cousins who are Foursquare pastors. One not perfect, they seemed to have far more whether he was or not. I would like to hear wrote me months ago about the Church of respect for the Bible and the Golden Rule your thoughts on this. Is there a scripture to God, that there had been a big change, and than most of our leaders today. Certainly that effect? I know God said he would send that they were actually planning to attend a the Eternal has taken notice. an end-time Elijah, but does our salvation large gathering of this group. —NSE depend on whether or not we recognize Who could have ever thought such a him as such? thing would happen? Nothing is impossible. I am enclosing my tithes for this week I have enjoyed the Servant’s News. I m My Experience With WCG as I’m no longer attending services any- writing with a question: I’m interested in LETTER: October 2, 1998 where. (I can’t until I begin to see things dif- finding a more New Testament type of Dear Friends at Servants’ News, ferent). I miss fellowshipping with the church situation, particularly house church. Yes, please continue my subscription. I brethren. I am only getting “fed” by reading I have been on the lookout for such a group am sorry it took me so long to write and let God’s word and your newspaper. Thanks. in my area--then read the Servant’s News you know what a blessing your publication —BG, Tennessee today and wonder if your group might have is to me, and what a positive impact it has RESPONSE: I do not believe that home meetings in my area. If you know of been on my life. I look forward to receiving Herbert Armstrong was the end time Elijah. any in the Palm Bay, Florida area, and each issue, and read it all. (We are sending you a copy of an article by would let me know, I’d appreciate it. That I was a member of WCG for 18 years, Richard Nickels on this subject). But in would mean Palm Bay, Malabar, Valkaria, until 1994 when I left the fellowship of that summary, I believe that Mr. Armstrong did Grant, Micco, Little Hollywood, Roseland, organization because of what it had become not restore all things--he taught errors on Sebastian, and Fellsmere. I’m not interest- after the death of Herbert Armstrong. There government and other doctrines. I do not ed in a group meeting in a home while plan- were certain attitudes and practices that I believed he turned the hearts of children to ning to build an institutional organization-- privately didn’t agree with, but I never doubt- fathers and fathers to children. The last but would be interested in a group that was ed that it was “God’s true church”, until my eight years of his life he spent estranged just gathering around Jesus and fellowship. last few years as a member. from his own family and his church fami- Thanks again for the newsletter. I agree Then for the next year or so, I was affili- ly—he rarely ever saw them. with those who write you saying you’re ated with the CGI, which I felt was a big The only scripture that I have ever seen dong a good job. And please ignore those improvement over WCG in many ways. Until used to support the idea that we must who who would like to silence you regard- I found out that that, too, was an illusion. believe in a man to be saved is John 6:29: ing our national leadership. It was godly I felt so stunned that something I could “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is men who gave us the wonderful freedom believe in with all my being turned out to be the work of God, that you believe in Him that we have enjoyed for over 200 years— a lie. As the picture became clearer of just whom He sent.’” The context of this scrip- and if it is to be saved at all, it will be exactly what it was that I had been involved ture is obviously Christ referring to himself. through the same. God bless you! in, I felt so hurt at the way I had been used. No human leaders were mentioned in this Sincerely, All those years I sacrificed financially in chapter at all. Later, Paul clearly condemns —Arlean Kelley, [email protected] tithes and offerings from my meager people looking to human leaders rather than RESPONSE: We will send you our income, feeling privileged to do my small Christ (1Cor 1:13). Numerous scriptures Scattered Brethren Contact List, and you part for “God’s work”, only to realize that tell us belief in Christ is required for salva- can write the Servants’ News subscribers in most of the money collected went to tion, none say we need to believe in a your area. If you ask each of them which finance a luxurious lifestyle for the “elite” human leader for salvation (though we groups they know about in your area, you minority (ministers, etc.). Coming from a should obviously cooperate with those will get far more information than you poor family, I was awestruck at the fabu- leaders whom the Eternal sets up). would from any directory. Small groups lous home our local minister lived in when We will send you other literature that change frequently and some make no effort I first saw it. It was so much more than will help you find a local congregation. to list themselves in directories. most of the congregation could ever hope —NSE While the Worldwide Church of God left to live in. And the shiny, new car he drove a positive influence upon many thousands of was impressive, too. I remember him people (not its members) through their TV telling us that the reason for the ministers “Warned” About HWA Years Ago and radio programs and printed literature, to have such nice things was to set the LETTER: December 2, 1998 they also left thousands like you who have a right example to the world, so that God’s I first contacted you via e-mail several negative impression. Some of these negative church would be respected, because God months ago (perhaps a year!!) regarding impressions are due to WCG doctrine, but it is a “God of quality”. the Sabbath and have been receiving the seems that the majority of non-WCG-mem- It was such a shock to realize how I had Servants’ News ever since. I’d set aside bers whom I have met with a negative view been controlled and manipulated by that the envelope last issue to remind me to of the WCG got that view because of some- organization. A lot of things began to make send something to defray costs--which I one whom they knew who was mistreated or sense. November 1998 Page 27 SERVANTS’ NEWS I was left wondering if anyone could be (Jude 8), and no longer receive the words trusted, and whether the Bible really was of the man God sent (Jn 13:20). HWA Followers: You Chose Him God’s Word, or even if there was a God, at all. Look back in history where God was LETTER: May 31, 1998 Mercifully, our Father never gave up on blessing the church. Who was in charge? Dear Norman Edwards, me, but led me through some of the dark- What did he teach? We honor him with our We must tell you how delighted we est times of my life. Through this whole lips, but we don’t believe what he told us. were with the two lead articles in the experience, I have come to know what a He was the Elijah to come. How else can March/April 98 Servants’ News. Finally, wonderful, merciful, and loving God I wor- you explain the admonition in Rev 3:11? someone who dares tell the truth about ship. I feel closer to Him than I ever have People are not holding to what was given HWA (even though you did it very careful- before, and the fruits are beginning to show and are letting men take their crowns. ly.) That’s good and OK. We like those in my life. I see everything so differently None of these efforts will be blessed putting out information to be very careful. than I previously did. I feel so much more a and we will continue to splinter till not one We have a question that we wish part of what God is doing on earth, now stone will be left upon another. someone would address. You might be the that I have the freedom to use the spiritual —DK, Arizona person. In our many years in Worldwide gifts that He has given me. RESPONSE: I agree that the efforts of and now the Churches of God, we never Servants’ News has been, for me, a these groups are not being blessed, though heard anyone do a clear cut sermon or arti- bright light shining in the darkness to help some will probably continue until the return cle on “the difference between a Wolf and me find the way out of pain and confusion. of Christ. There are hundreds of little reli- a Shepherd.” It seems to us the Bible is You have been an important source of infor- gious groups that consider themselves the clear-cut on this. It also seems you can’t be mation to help me understand what I’ve successor of some “great teacher” of the one part of the time and cross over a line been through, and what the COG’s are all past. The main thing they do is preserve his and be the other part of the time. We, as a about; also, the value of small groups of memory, they rarely do the same works that Church, have hashed over the What-hap- equals in Home Fellowships (of which I am the “great teacher” did. pened and “Whys”. The reasons for now a part). How do we judge the time when “God divorce and remarriage rules of the church I know that some would rather not hear was blessing the Church” (which means the while we were in Pasadena in the 60’s that about happenings in the COG’s (past and WCG to you, I assume). Do we judge it by devastated many families. We saw present), but this information is essential to leaders who were full of the Holy Spirit and Steuben Crystal, Egrets at the fountain, others who are looking for answers that dealt fairly with the brethren? Do we look very, very expensive bottles of wine, and they may not be able to find elsewhere. for a time when the leaders sacrificed and heard the brethren referred to as “nobod- Many of us were in the dark about a great went without physical needs in order to help ies” and worse. All this while we, with most many things for many years. It seemed that the poor brethren (Acts 20:33-35). Do we of the brethren went to the Good Will for unless one had friends in Pasadena, much look for a time when brethren were encour- things we or our children needed. We of what was going on behind the scenes aged to study the scriptures, even though always got used to hand me down furniture was unknown. they may have found things different than and thankful to do so. Many times if not Thank you so much for all you do, and the WCG doctrine? Do we look for a time most of the time there was not enough food God bless you always. You are in my when Herbert Armstrong told the truth to get through the month. prayers. Here is a small donation. God will- about his sources for all of his writings? I As you said in your article, we found ing, I will send more later. am not sure when I can find a time when pearls of truth which were sprinkled from Sincerely, those things were true. Though material HWA teachings despite his lifestyle. But —Marilyn Cushman, Michigan wealth is not a sin, I do not believe that it is when he stood up and told us he was tak- RESPONSE: Thanks for your encourag- the sign that God was blessing the Church. ing 99% of the songs about Jesus Christ ing letter. We are making an effort to make Numerous religions of today have had great out of the Hymnal because they were too the provable truth (not unprovable accusa- material wealth, the early apostles never did. worldly, I wanted to cry. Yet, I allowed tions) known to people who want to know Herbert Armstrong taught that those in myself to be weaned away from Jesus how the WCG actually operated. There is his congregations would be teachers in the Christ and my allegiance was transferred more and more interest in this subject as the Millennium, but he refused to let anyone to the Organization. It seemed the Holy WCG splinter groups become smaller and teach outside of his hierarchical structure. Days with other truth took the place of Our more numerous. People were discouraged even from teach- Savior. Oh, of course, Jesus was given lip- —NSE ing their neighbors about Christ. There was service and we did have sermons out of no effort from headquarters to recognize or the New Testament once in a while. Now use spiritual gifts which Christ placed we do not hold HWA totally responsible for Misapplies Rev 3 to HWA among the believers (Eph 4:11). us “getting away” from Jesus Christ. We LETTER: June 19, 1998 We make no effort to judge Mr. know by the word of God that we made Dear Norman Edwards, Armstrong—to determine if errors he made choices. We could choose to follow a I respectfully take offense to your list of were intentional, mistakes or a simple lack Shepherd or a Wolf. “errors” of HWA. Yes, the church is not of paying attention to what was important. We hope someone is brave enough to ready for new members and none of any However, the brethren in Revelation 2:2 make the lines “clear-cut” so all the folks significance will be provided. found some apostles to be liars, so we must we are helping, and trying to lead to Jesus We were told on many occasions that examine the works and fruits of those today Christ in these last days, will not make we need to become ready to be teachers. who claim to be apostles and see if they some of our time wasting mistakes and We didn’t listen. Your list of “errors” is inac- were telling the truth. painful lessons we’ve had to live through. curate. Apparently you didn’t listen. Be —NSE So, Norm, keep leading the damaged careful when you speak ill of dignitaries. and injured world and “World-widers” to Page 28 November 1998 SERVANTS’ NEWS Jesus Christ. After all, isn’t that the com- where HWA chose to place God’s name. There are absolutely no instructions at mission? Isn’t that what a deep faith is all Worship in Spirit all from God to “keep” these feasts in any about? Jesus stated that the time was coming way other than the way they were institut- —Barbara Morris,Texas and was already there, that true believers ed. We find no scriptural evidence that the RESPONSE: I do not believe that would not go up to Jerusalem to worship apostles or brethren changed them at all. Herbert Armstrong was a “wolf”—a wolf God, but would worship in spirit. So, if the early church did not implement never pretends to help the sheep, nor will a As we know, the festivals centered anything “radically different” and God sure- wolf raise sheep (even so he could eat them around temple sacrifices and offerings of ly didn’t and they did not always go up to later). Mr. Armstrong certainly helped which the participants were to feast (eat). Jerusalem (as is evident in the case of Paul some brethren and usually pretended to be Jesus’ sacrifice eradicated all of that. and others), then how can we claim the helping them. However, the scripture does There was only one place God chose right to implement something different—i.e. talk about a “foolish shepherd”: to place His name. The command for Israel local assembly and going up where we And the LORD said to me, "Next, was for them to go up to this one place to choose—and claim it is mandatory? take for yourself the implements of a keep three appointments with God. They Good and Bad Fruits of Feast Keeping foolish shepherd. For indeed I will raise were to go up to His dwelling, His habita- I agree in part, that there were good up a shepherd in the land who will not tion. They were to bring lots of food and fruits in our festival gatherings, good fun. care for those who are cut off, nor seek drink and feast. Yet, there were some not so good fruits as the young, nor heal those that are bro- Jesus knew that His Father would soon well. People lost their livelihoods, children ken, nor feed those that still stand. But make His dwelling place in the individuals, had to spend months catching up in their he will eat the flesh of the fat and tear no longer requiring them to make these pil- school work. Much money was spent to try their hooves in pieces. Woe to the grimages. Rather, He would come to them. to capture the 1,000 year reign of Christ. worthless shepherd, Who leaves the It has been stated by “church leaders”, Much money was handed over to a ruling flock! A sword shall be against his arm that when we go to “church”, we are com- class of people to spend however they And against his right eye; His arm shall ing into the very presence of God. I beg to wished. The main focus of the sermons completely wither, And his right eye differ. We go nowhere to meet with God. was government. shall be totally blinded (Zech 11:15-17). His very presence has come to us. Truly The main question: Is what we have Herbert Armstrong was always seeking our worship is in the spirit. done of God? Has He given us instructions a bigger flock, but the most common com- Is Feast Keeping Commanded? to assemble three times a year anywhere plaint against him was that he dealt harshly Your response to her comments con- we desire? Are we to bring offerings so as with those who were having trouble, and cerning the feasts locally was also of inter- not to appear before Him empty? that he used those who were loyal to him. est to me. And I quote, “I agree with you Since when have the offerings of the For the last half of his ministry, he spent that the early Apostles and brethren did not sacrificial altar, which pictured many virtually no time with “his flock” In his always keep the Feast in Jerusalem every aspects of Christ’s sacrifice, been turned early days, Herbert Armstrong would hold year. As far as I know, there was no Jewish into money given at festivals? his arm up and say “his name was tradition of getting together in regional Ancient Feast Keeping Armstrong” and talk about “the strength of areas—they either went to Jerusalem or In ancient Israel, when someone lived his arm”—He lost nearly all strength in the they stayed home. If the Apostles imple- far from the tabernacle, they could sell their last ten years of his ministry and stopped mented something radically different, we 10% and offering items and take the saying that. Finally, he was blind in his would expect to find something of it in the money to the feast. But once they were right eye for the last 20 years of his ministry NT…there is no command for any kind of there, what would they have done with the (see coworker letter, July 25, 1967). regional Feast gathering.” money? Run around to all the fine restau- —NSE At this point, I’d like to add a thought rants and places of entertainment in the you may or may not have considered. The area? Well, what did those people do with modern day “church” under HWA has their sacrificial items of animals and grain Is Feast Keeping Mandatory? indeed done something that the early and vegetables if they lived close and did LETTER: September 23, 1998 believers, including the Apostles, did not not turn theirs into money? They sacrificed Dear Norman, do. WCG did implement something “radi- these items and ate. They feasted. I would like to respond to a letter from cally different” all under the guise of “bind- Those who lived a long distance were one of your readers and your response to ing and loosing authority”. to sell theirs, so as to not have the burden it. Was it not HWA, instead of scripture, of carrying everything up. Once there, they Jean Colgrove made some observa- that chose the place (places-many of them) would surely have brought back items tions concerning the festivals that I agree where God chose to place His name? Was equivalent to their original items so they with. (SN June 1998) She is right that the it not HWA who chose to instill the second could continue their sacrificing and feast- festivals—all of them—were pilgrimage tithe and the tithe of the tithe? Not scripture! ing. How else would they have kept them feasts (to Jerusalem). She commented Was it not HWA that decided two or more of as God instructed? that if one could be kept locally, then all the feasts were to be done locally whereas Do We Obey God or Man? could be. She is absolutely right. Why is it the One (Tabernacles) was to be kept off I do believe that people who do observe that no one thinks it odd that WCG under somewhere? Was it not HWA who decided the festivals as it has been done believe HWA okayed keeping some locally, but all of the details concerning the festivals, they are obeying God and those who don’t, made it mandatory (if at all possible— none of which were scriptural, all because are disobeying Him. But, what we do and regardless of hardships such as risking our he was the one man in charge under Jesus teach others as mandatory, should be livelihoods and disrupting our children in and had “authority” to do so? Was it not scriptural. Anything other than this, school) for us to “go up” to some place HWA who decided what each feast meant? boils down to it being personal choice November 1998 Page 29 SERVANTS’ NEWS which should be respected. slaves had to run away from their masters This was the subject of their inquiry. They It bothers me when I hear judgmental and risk death in order to keep the Feasts. did not know when Jesus would return and statements such as “those who do not 2. I have children and know a lot of they questioned Him on that as well. As keep the feasts somewhere, somehow are them and have never heard of a child taking Jesus knew He would not return at that trying to do as little as they have to in obey- months to catch up from the Feast. time, He cautioned them not to be fooled if ing God”. This has been said of those who 3. I do not believe that the Bible teach- someone claimed He was in the desert or have studied the subject of the festivals es that the Feast is a time of lavish spending some other place. He then informed them and don’t see God in these assemblages, or for organizations to collect money. The that when He did come, it would be like (at least, no more than any other assem- offerings mentioned in Deut 16:16 were ani- lightning for all to see. blage of believers). mals to be sacrificed. Christ was our sacri- Matthew 24 Summary fice, and we no longer do this. Collections at In viewing Matthew 24 as prophecy, we To summarize: In today’s churches, we the Feast should be only for Feast expenses. have failed to understand that Jesus was decide which days to observe, by what cal- 4. The focus of the Feast should be on talking to these people about their own endar we choose. We decide what consti- sharing physical and spiritual food, not on time and circumstance. He was warning tutes a new moon or new month. We sermons and “government”. them about such a horrific destruction that decide where God chooses to place His We do not have specific commands in unless God cut it short, no one would sur- name (His habitation) and we decide what the scripture for how to keep the Feast away vive. He warned them to flee the country to do when we get there. We decide what from Jerusalem. What we do today is based when they saw armies surrounding these days actually mean and that they are part on the commands to assemble and not to Jerusalem. All the warnings in Matthew 24 mandatory to assemble upon. We decide do unnecessary work on those days, and were for them. money replaces Jesus’ sacrifice of which partly on our own understanding. If you have Was He also telling them that after the the sacrificial offerings represented. And never been to a Feast where all the brethren events in Matthew 24 occurred, He would we must not appear before God without participate, rather than just a few preach, I come? Was He going back and forth from this money to give to someone else. would encourage you to try it once. We their generation to ours? Or were all these Certainly God isn’t getting it. would like to have you come to our things to happen to them as He warned It is my estimation that these assem- Kentucky site this year. If you still believe them including “great tribulation” (trouble) blages of ours are neither commanded nor that the Eternal does not want you to keep such as was not from the beginning of are they wrong necessarily. Some fruits are the Feasts away from home, then I do not time. Or was this part not referring to them? good, some are not so good. think you should do it. But nor do I think you Jesus told them this same destruction HWA made a statement years ago con- should discourage people who assemble for would occur after they had taken the good cerning the Sabbath command in relation the Feasts and spiritually gain much from it. news, the eye-witness of Jesus, to the to Sunday assemblage. “You can’t keep —NSE uttermost parts of the world. cold water hot”. So it is with all the different They accomplished their commission days that WCG’ers have proclaimed to be and the horrible holocaust, of which He holy. They can’t be kept in any way other HWA and the WCG Hierarchy warned, did occur. than the way God instituted them. We find LETTER: September 15, 1998 Is Matthew 24 dual, just because Jesus no instructions from God, where they were Dear Norman, explained how His coming would be? We changed from temple worship in Jerusalem Thanks very much for SN. I really enjoy have attributed this description of destruc- to merely assembling. We find no evidence your publication, especially the letters from tion to our generation as there can be only that the early church changed them either. the readers. one “great tribulation”. If His coming was to This should give pause for thought. I wanted to share a few thoughts with follow the good news being taken to the Maybe this letter will help those who still you that have been on my mind lately. world, why did He not come? What was to believe, to one degree or another, with the Certainly, these opinions are my own and happen after the apostles completed their way HWA taught, not to be so quick to thank God for the freedom to express them. mission was the destruction Jesus warned judge others who have also studied the The mentality of the old WCG and now them about. issue and believe differently. most of the offshoot groups and individuals The eyewitness of Jesus complete with Thanks for being our sounding board. is that we must “preach the gospel to the signs of God’s confirmation went to the —Tawanda Ray, Alabama world” and then the end will come and uttermost parts of the world at that time. RESPONSE: I don’t think that any Jesus will return. There are a few aspects The end the disciples were concerned believer has the right to tell another believ- of this that troubles me. about, came. Yet, Jesus did not come. er than anything is mandatory. One can Jesus gave to the apostles (those sent) Was Jesus mixing prophecy in with His explain his or her reason to the other, and the commission of taking the good news as warnings to them? Was He talking to us, then the other is responsible to the Eternal. eye-witnesses to the uttermost parts of the not them? I have not said that the Feasts are mandato- earth. He told them that when this was Matthew 24 has been the focal point ry, only that the fruit of them has been done, the end would come. They fulfilled and the basis of the WCG and its “com- good. Most of the “bad fruit” you mention this commission and Christ worked with mission”. HWA never ceased to tell the should not occur at the feasts: them confirming their words with signs and members that this was the only reason we 1. If people will lose their job at the wonders. existed as a “church”. Feast and do not believe that the Eternal What was to happen afterwards? The Yet, how many times has Matthew 23 will provide them another one, they should end! The end of what? What end were they been read and studied in conjunction with work during the Feast. We do not have our concerned about? Matthew 24? The generation spoken of in own land as ancient Israel did—we are in The disciples were concerned with the Matthew 23 has been jetted forward to our some ways, slaves. Paul did not say that destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. generation, yet it is pretty close as to what Page 30 November 1998 SERVANTS’ NEWS generation Jesus was indicting. delivered the gospel to the masses. After about people sharing their understanding I know all the arguments concerning all, it was “in God’s sight, the responsibility of scripture. This is very helpful and “the great tribulation” and how there can’t of the leaders to teach the common peo- encouraging especially when we experi- be more than one. I submit that this partic- ple”. Compare that idea with how Jesus ence the freedom of the Spirit. I am con- ular “great” trouble Jesus warned about and the disciples worked. vinced that this form of teaching is neces- was to happen and did happen to them. God’s backing in great signs and power sary and edifying. Otherwise, He was misleading them in is required today to be true witnesses of I am referring to the old mentality that their inquiries. Jesus and God to the whole world. It will not, only “a few have this saving knowledge” When Jesus told them that unless God and can not, be done by little church groups and must be about the commission of cut short this time that no one would sur- relying on money to spread a message. telling everybody else. It is my summation vive, was He not talking to them? God’s Work Is In Us that much time and money has been spent So, now, is Matthew 24 dual which will So what are we to be doing? Do we in the guise of doing God’s work for Him. result in Jesus’ coming? No doubt the have a work to do? Surely! On Ourselves! Sure, we have learned some truth under earth will be in turmoil when Jesus returns. We have the responsibility to live by the the regime of HWA, but would we have Revelation tells us that. Wars have rav- words that have been preserved for us. We learned them also by studying ourselves? aged the earth and will continue to do so. have the responsibility to treat our fellow- We also learned error from him and now, False prophets are plentiful (even in WCG man as we want to be treated. We have have to unlearn it through our own study. and off-shoots). Famine and disease have knowledge of salvation preserved for us Confirmation is Needed been and will continue. But it is “the great through scripture. Most people have this I’m sure, if we had attended other tribulation” Jesus warned the early church same access. Is it our responsibility to groups other than HWA’s, we would have about. Are the events of Matthew 24 going teach others these things when they can learned some truths through them. Others, to lead up to the return of Jesus? read it for themselves? never having belonged to a group, have Will the “good news” be preached to No one in the early church era had the learned truths by studying on their own. the world as a witness by a group of “wit- New Testament scriptures. Everything had Everyone who feels they have a mis- nesses” as we have been taught? Is this to be spread by word of mouth. sion to spread the gospel, feels that God is the WORK of God for us to be doing Many Different Opinions with them (and no one else). Yet, we see today? Have we inherited the commission Most of what we have today is people confusion in and disagreements of what is of the apostles at this “end” time? preaching their own understandings of taught. If Christ is leading such teaching Two Witnesses these preserved scriptures. Hence, we and it is confusing and differing, then it The only indication of anyone “preach- have the many differing churches that hold doesn’t say much for His leadership. ing” as witnesses, complete with God’s the many differing opinions of dos and If there is only one group that is the true power and miracles as confirmation, is the don’ts. Are we to be teaching the world? If church, who has “the full truth” and has the work of the two anointed ones. so, what are we to be teaching —our own commission of the apostles, then it would Several groups and individuals today interpretation of the preserved record, the seem like Christ would “work with them claim this commission. A lot of time and Bible? Anyone, who cares to, has access and confirm their word by signs following”. money has been spent in doing “the Work”. to this same book. Why does God need us Do I feel that to be a member of the Yet, what has really been accomplished? to “explain” it to others who can, if they will, body of Christ, there must be signs, won- HWA claimed years ago that he had read it themselves. Other nations who do ders, and miraculous happenings? No. Do taken the gospel to the whole world. Yet, not believe in the God of the Bible will not I feel that if we have inherited the special there were no signs from God to confirm profit from anyone teaching it as long as commission of the apostles to go out and him. His “gospel” consisted of hobnobbing the power and signs of God are not there. witness to “every creature” that signs and with the rich, spending money (not his We have been taught that today God calls wonders must be there? Yes. It can be own) on his many excursions and receiving a very few to whom He gives understand- done no other way. The two anointed ones many honors and awards from God-reject- ing and the few must spread it merely as a will have that benefit. So far, none of us ing leaders all over the world. Many times, “witness”. Before the scriptures were com- have. he would not even speak Jesus’ name. piled, this word of mouth was all they had. WCG: Only True Church? How’s that for being a witness of Jesus? If we honestly examine what is being From talking to people and reading Compare his “work” to the apostles’ work. spread today, we see confusion. We see comments in publications, I glean that Compare his life to the lives of the apos- no confirmation from God. many of us who have stemmed from WCG, tles, who were actual witnesses of Jesus Bible Only Available to “The Few”? feel that we (WCG) were the one and only and were actually confirmed by Jesus. The simplicity of Christ and His church (true church) of God on earth. Many HWA died in 1986. He claimed he had redemption is plain for anyone to read. It is still feel that now the off-shoots, however completed the mission of taking the gospel when we get off on the many dos and divided, are still the one and only true to the world. Yet Jesus has not come. His don’ts of modern religion that it gets con- church with the exclusion of all other (HWA) church has split into many “church- fusing and frustrating. groups who have never affiliated with es” depleting a large revenue for any group The point I am making is that the pre- WCG. The main reason? Because we to do a big work. served witness of scripture is here for all to assembled on the seventh day. The Think of what it will entail today to read. We don’t need to interpret it for anyone. Sabbath has long been held up as a sign “preach the gospel to every creature”. If someone is studying this record, can today of who the real church is. Yet, there Many countries will not allow such preach- God give them understanding necessary were thousands of others who also recog- ing to their people. HWA claimed that when for their salvation or must “the few” be out nized the seventh day, but were readily dis- he spoke of the “strong unseen hand from there explaining it to them? I would like to missed because they were not under HWA someplace” to the leaders, he had actually stress at this point that I am not talking and his “truth”. Jews, Seventh Day November 1998 Page 31 SERVANTS’ NEWS Adventists, Seventh Day Baptists, Sacred the hierarchy—was forbidden. Local ones. Name Groups, Church of God Seventh assembly without a member of the ruling Our Job Now Day have also had this sign. hierarchy in charge might result in people In the meantime, what are we to be Yet, when we examine the command- actually thinking and asking questions. doing? Work on ourselves mainly. Share ments in light of WCG and its hierarchy, it’s What better way to keep in control. understandings and fellowship with our fel- not hard to see how they were repeatedly Any money to be given might actually lowman. Teach by example, lead by exam- broken right and left. Yet, because we rec- do some real good, instead of being sent to ple. Explain our beliefs when called upon to ognized the seventh day and had “the a headquarters in order for them to spend do so. truth”, we were it. it as they wish. Teaching anything “to the world” is going Commandments 1 and 2 Did we truly rest on the seventh day as to require a lot more than what we have. Take the first commandment for exam- God created it to be? By the end of the Until God, Himself, sets in to do it, via the two ple. “You shall have no other gods before Sabbath, after we were dutifully He sends, it simply will not be done. It will not me”. Anything we place between us and “churched”, most of us were exhausted. be done by our puny efforts. Only the power God breaks this command. Anytime we I have not even touched the last six com- of God, complete with signs, wonders, and allow a man or a group (hierarchy) of men to mands in relation to the hierarchy of WCG, destruction (as seen in Revelation) will get dictate spiritually, to bind and loose at will, to but a careful examination of the WCG under the attention of the world. control our lives (and even if they are wrong, HWA and some of the splintered leaderships With the vast wealth of WCG under God will back them up), we have broken the shows us these commands have been fla- HWA, it was not done. It will not be done first and most important command. grantly broken. Yet, they claim to be the true through the many splinter groups. If we have bowed down to the image church of God because “nobody’s perfect”. I know you probably will not agree with and idol of false government (hierarchy), After all, look at David. everything I have written. I do not claim to we will have broken the second command. Use Good Judgment have the truth in these matters. These are This very image of false government Can we not see that something is terri- simply my understandings at this time which became the central theme of HWA’s bly amiss? Are we not to judge the actions are, however, always subject to change. “gospel”. Some good news! of those who say they are sent (apostles) I feel your publication is about sharing Commandment 3 of Christ? understandings and that is about all I Consider the third command. “You shall One of the seven churches was com- desire at this point. not take my name in vain”. What really mended for doing that. They did not say (to Thanks again. does this mean? Speaking the phonetic my knowledge), “well, nobody’s perfect”. Sincerely, sound of God’s name in an unruly manner? Actions must be judged. When we see —Tawanda Ray, Alabama I submit that this command goes much hypocrisy and lies, we must judge. When RESPONSE: I agree with most of what deeper than this. we see abuses, and dictatorships in Jesus’ you said about the WCG and its splinter Consider that in every letter from HWA, name, we must judge. When we see evil groups. I do not think that the true Church the closing always read “In Jesus’ Name”. fruits of evil actions, we must judge. consists of only those groups. Yes, preaching The pleas for more money (of which he lav- Teaching Others the Gospel seems to be their “reason” for ask- ishly spent) were always in Jesus’ Name. So, back to the subject of teaching oth- ing that money be sent to their headquarters. Everything he did, he did stating that it was ers. What we teach as being from God’s I do not think any one group needs to manage Christ doing it. Every path he traveled, he lips to the ears of others, will be required of the preaching of the Gospel. However, I think claimed Jesus was leading Him. The “work” us. We can claim Jesus’ commission to His each believer should ask the Eternal where he was involved with, he claimed was God’s Apostles, whom He really did send, as our and when they are to help preach the Gospel, work. The mistakes, false and misleading own (but Christ is not confirming it). Christ and then let Christ manage the preaching prophecies, abuses of authority, creating definitely will confirm His two witnesses by worldwide. Is it possible that Christ uses paupers among the membership, mishan- great power in the future. An interesting big organizations along with their errors dling of funds, living lavishly, controlling every note I feel I should make here is the fact because individuals and small groups with aspect of people’s lives (even down to make- that during His earthly walk, He, at various understanding are not looking to Christ to up, hairstyles, dress and even sex between times, sent out disciples to prepare the use them in preaching? mates) were all done in Jesus’ name! cities for His visits. It is interesting that prior Obviously, if we do not have miraculous The same is true for his hierarchy. to entering these towns, He sent “witness- spiritual gifts, we should not pretend to have Horror stories have surfaced and have es” into them by twos. They healed the sick them. I think the two witnesses will have been personally experienced at the hands and did wonders. They also told that the them and will reach many. But I am glad that of these “men of God”. All were done in Messiah was on His way to them. some people cared enough to teach me, even Jesus’ name. Vanity of vanities! God states In the future, there will be the two wit- though they did not have miracles. If I were that He will not hold those guiltless who nesses, two anointed ones, two apostles somehow allowed to get back all of the take His Name upon them in vain. (those sent) who will once more do great money I gave to the WCG in exchange for Commandment 4 wonders and prepare the world for the losing all the knowledge I obtained there, I The fourth command tells us to rest on coming of the Messiah. They, of course, would not do it. Certainly the Eternal can, the Sabbath. The word sabbath means will not be received with open arms. and sometimes does reveal truth to people rest. Yet, the corporate churches have The disciples were told that if the cities from the scripture alone, but there is so much emphasized church assembling and only in in which they traveled, would not receive “Christian tradition” that colors the truth of their groups. If we did not assemble before them, they were to leave wiping the dust the Scripture in our mind that it is very help- the feet of the minister to be instructed, we from their feet. ful to have someone else point out the truth did not “keep the sabbath”. Assembly with- Much more will happen, in the future, to of what it says. Christ said that His faithful out the benefit of the minister–a member of those who will not receive the two anointed Continued on page 36 Page 32 November 1998 SERVANTS’ NEWS “Armstrong’s Teaching” from page 1 Bible than those who were doing the contradicted at a later date. We must be really prove it from the Bible? The area “governing”. I also realized that I had willing to examine the testimony of of prophecy is full of similar questions. almost never applied these verses credible witnesses—those with clear Must we believe that the “mark of the though I had rendered judgments in my knowledge of situations and without a Beast” is Sunday-keeping, or could it be mind about other people: personal agenda to satisfy. Most of us a government identification of some The first one to plead his cause simply do not have time to study every- kind, or something else? seems right, until his neighbor thing that Mr. Armstrong wrote and The important issue is this: when comes and examines him (Prov everything that was written about him. teachings or prophetic interpreta- 18:17). But if we are not willing to consider tions of Herbert Armstrong cannot He who answers a matter before even some of these things, we might as be proven directly from the Bible, he hears it, it is folly and shame to well admit that we are following a man how should we regard them? If him (Prov 18:13). and that we refuse to “try the apostles Herbert Armstrong was the “Elijah to The Worldwide Church of God near- (Rev 2:2)”. come” or “the twentieth century apos- ly always printed only the facts most tle,” then it would make sense to regard favorable to itself in its publications. Herbert Armstrong’s Claims all of his teachings and interpretations Most other “Church of God” groups For many people, the very idea of as “inspired”. On the other hand, if a have done the same. For example, thinking anything negative about significant number of his teachings and numerous letters were printed about Herbert Armstrong sounds like a sin. interpretations are in error and/or if his people who began tithing and were Herbert Armstrong himself made some life was not exemplary of a “man of blessed for it. None were printed about rather outstanding claims, and chal- God”, then it is very difficult to accept people who began tithing, lost their lenged his readers to either accept him his teachings as “inspired”. home, and went bankrupt. Yet this hap- or reject him. Notice his statement in his It took this writer many years to pened. Also, big headlines announced article entitled Must God’s Ministers Be come to grips with these issues. I attend- “new truth” when Herbert Armstrong Ordained BY THE HAND OF MAN? ed Ambassador College right after leav- corrected some of his old doctrine. Yet appearing in the January 1960 Good ing high-school (1974), and then there was no apology or even a mention News magazine. worked for the Worldwide Church of of members or ministers who had come Either the Church of God with God and its affiliated corporations until to believe or practice that doctrine headquarters in Pasadena is the 1992. I enjoyed most of this time very before Armstrong did and were disfel- ONE AND ONLY true Body of much. I have seen many lives changed lowshipped for doing it. Christ, thru whom Christ carries on through Christ, changes which were ini- While this method of one-sided HIS WORK, or else it is deceived, or tiated by teaching from people in the reporting produces a much more “peace- it is a fraud. There is no other pos- Worldwide Church of God. I worked in ful” atmosphere than a free press where sibility. You MUST FACE IT, and various technical areas and was almost many people each present their view of DECIDE WHICH ALTERNATIVE IS never the receiver of any direct “minis- an issue, one-sided reporting often sup- TRUE. If it IS the Body thru whom terial commands”. From time to time, presses truth. Dictatorships from Hitler, Christ works in carrying on HIS people I knew would disappear from to the former U.S.S.R to Saddam WORK to the world for this time, employment and church membership, Hussein have had apparent unity in their then it is THE ONLY BODY that is and the leaders would say that “they had media, but at the cost of many errors being used of Christ. CHRIST IS a problem with Church government”. I reported as truth. When Christ walked NOT DIVIDED! believed the leaders and avoided talking the earth. He did not teach His truth by Herbert Armstrong said that either to these “mixed up” departed people. I having one-sided meetings where only his organization was “the one and only believed (probably like most of you at He was allowed to speak. Most of the true Body of Christ...or else it is that time) that if there was a problem in Gospels consist of His answers to ques- deceived”. Do you believe that it still is? the church government, the Eternal tions—questions from those who want- If not, do you believe some other orga- would take care of it from the top. ed to know more, and tricky questions nization has replaced it today? If so, But after Herbert Armstrong died, from those who hoped to trap Him. exactly which date did it change? If and new leaders began to reverse many Christ could answer them both, and so people did not switch organizations on of his doctrines, it became clear that the should his servants, today. the right date, do they need to be re-bap- Eternal does not always correct the If anyone is going to make a person- tized? If a range of “switchover” dates man “at the top”. I saw other bad and al judgment as to how he or she will is possible, how long can that time be? unjust decisions being made, and the regard the teachings of Herbert How does one prove these lengths of Eternal just letting them happen. I Armstrong, can he or she do it only time from the scriptures? Could there be looked into the Bible and discovered based on the latest words of people who converted people in the Seventh Day that most of the kings of Israel died as were fervent Armstrong supporters? We Adventist Church whom God is still bad leaders, misleading the people. I must be willing to hear the matter—not waiting upon to switch to a Church of began talking to others who had diffi- assume that since we already have an God group? As you can see, these ques- culties with “church government” in the opinion, we already know. We must be tions have no simple answers, yet we past and found that some of them were willing to look at all of Armstrong’s are talking about the very issues of sal- more concerned with following the writings—including the ones that he vation itself. If we must be in a certain November 1998 Page 33 SERVANTS’ NEWS organization to be a part of the body of recommend that the “Christ’s job” be God overlooked them, so we should, Christ, then these obscure questions eliminated. Obviously, the problem is too”. However, David was a man “after desperately need answers. not with Christ, but with the chart. His own heart”, yet when he sinned, his Can anyone show from the Bible When Christ was on Earth, he managed sins were recorded forever for everyone how all converted people had to be part twelve apostles, 120 disciples, and to see. God did not deal privately with of Armstrong’s organization during the answered questions of thousands. The David’s sin, but he sent another man, 1930’s to 1980’, but that now the Bible clearly says He is the Head of the Nathan the prophet, to him (2Sam 12:1). Eternal allows converted people to be in Church (Eph 5:23), managing all of it. He also gave David a punishment, that multiple organizations? Each believer has access to Christ. The “the sword shall never depart from Notice the organization chart below. Bible never mentions a “human head” your house” (v 10). As later chapters It makes a difference between the spiritu- of the Church. show, some of David’s children killed al organism (the Church of God), and the Armstrong’s teaching apparently and raped each other. Absalom and various corporations that Herbert conflicts with the teaching in Revelation Adonijah died trying to take over the Armstrong used. But it shows Herbert chapters 1 through 3. There were seven kingdom. Armstrong to be the head of both! This actual churches in Asia Minor to whom But was Herbert Armstrong like clearly shows Sabbath keepers in the John was to deliver the book of David, or was he more like Ukraine or China did not have access to Revelation (Rev 1:11). Every church Solomon? Christ because they did not have access (congregation) had different character- Before we answer that question, let to Herbert Armstrong. It also leaves out a istics—some had very serious prob- us first summarize the life of number of other Sabbath-keeping groups lems. Yet, Christ calls all of them His which had contact with Armstrong, but churches. John was not told to issue Solomon. Solomon was given the would not join his organization because orders to “kick out” those who were lax commission of building the temple by of unbiblical aspects that they perceived or preaching false doctrines, but every David, his father (1Chr 29). Solomon in it (see next Servants’ News issue for member of every church was told to didn’t seem to have much choice in an article on this subject). hear the messages and to repent of their the matter. The material was voluntar- One aspect of this chart really needs individual error. ily donated ahead of time for to be noticed. The job of Jesus Christ Solomon—he did not have to collect seems to be only relaying messages The Bible Analyzes Leaders’ taxes to build the Temple. When from the Father in Heaven to Herbert Strengths and Weaknesses Solomon first became king, he asked Armstrong on Earth. He apparently has Many have compared Herbert the Eternal for wisdom and the ability only one human to manage. Almost any Armstrong to David. Their reasoning to judge such a great people (2Chr management consultant who reviewed often goes like this: “They were both 1:7-12). The Eternal granted him this the organizational chart would probably good men, but they both had sins, and wisdom, and also gave him great wealth. But that was not enough for Solomon. He imposed heavy work [as printed in the Worldwide News, March 6, 1981] and tax burdens on the people as well (2Chr 1:7-12). Solomon took 7 years to build the temple, but 13 years to build his own house (1Ki 6:38-7:1). All of this was very use- ful for impressing foreign rulers like the Queen of Sheba (1Kngs 10, 2Chr 9), but there is no record of all these foreign peoples turning to the Eternal because of Solomon’s works. Please read the Eternal’s conclusion on Solomon: 6Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not fully follow the LORD, as did his father David. 7Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the people of Ammon. 8And he did likewise for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. 9So the LORD became angry Page 34 November 1998 SERVANTS’ NEWS with Solomon, because his heart studio has been gutted. His great vol- of Herbert Armstrong, from 1934 until had turned from the LORD God of ume of books and articles are virtual- his death, and you can judge for your- Israel, who had appeared to him ly all out of print. self if it is reasonable to ask others to twice, 10and had commanded him If new people are to learn the Bible rely on his prophetic understanding. We concerning this thing, that he should truth that we know, how should it be will also have an analysis of the “18 not go after other gods; but he did presented to them—as “truth from the Restored Truths” that Herbert not keep what the LORD had com- Bible”, or as the teachings of a man Armstrong spoke of in his last days. The manded. 11Therefore the LORD said now dead, from an organization now first “truth” is “church government”— to Solomon, “Because you have largely defunct? Mr. Armstrong’s did Mr. Armstrong actually restore the done this, and have not kept My accomplishments impressed a great truth here? We will also analyze which covenant and My statutes, which I teachings he actually restored and many people when he was alive. But have commanded you, I will surely which were taught by others. that is history that is becoming more tear the kingdom away from you and This issue has articles on The United give it to your servant. and more ancient. States and British Commonwealth in 12Nevertheless I will not do it in your Furthermore, it is very important Prophecy and the older booklet Has days, for the sake of your father to recognize the difference between Time Been Lost? These articles are both David; I will tear it out of the hand of works and fruits. Did Mr. Armstrong valuable in understanding whether all of your son” (2Kngs 11:6-12). have great fruits, or great works? The Mr. Armstrong’s teaching was inspired Notice it said that Solomon “did article beginning on page 5 of this issue from God or possibly borrowed from not fully follow the Lord”. It is possi- discusses the difference between fruits others. ble to follow the Eternal in some ways and works. There is an important differ- and not in others. Solomon built the ence. Works are the outward things we Personal Reflection Temple of the Lord and executed do, whereas fruits are things that come It was not easy doing all of this from the heart. Some of the Pharisees of righteous judgment among the people. research. I spent my younger years Jesus’ day had great works, but they did believing I was in the “One True But he also followed after foreign not have good fruit. Herbert Armstrong women and their false gods. Of Church or God”, and that we had had great works. But all of the buildings Christ’s direct guidance through His course, he needed money from the and organization he built are clearly just people to support all his palace activi- Apostle. The Worldwide Church of God works. The New Testament never was big enough that this idea seemed ties. Similarly, Herbert Armstrong teaches wealth as a sign of conversion believable. We had “the best” and of built up the temple (the church) of the or righteousness. Rather it teaches that course God, the owner of the universe Eternal, but at the same time continu- those who preach the Gospel should had “the best”. But was that what the ally asked people to give money so he not seek wealth by it (1Tim 3:3,8; 6:5; apostle Paul taught were the “signs of could live a wealthy life-style. (The Titus 1:11; Jude 1:11). The New an apostle”? No. He described the suf- next Servants’ News will have an arti- Testament does not even mention so ferings and difficulty he went through to cle covering this subject.) much as a humble church building help others as his qualifications (2Cor Solomon’s successor, Rehoboam, that was owned by the Church or its 11-12—two good chapters to read). did not have near the wisdom of leaders. It was a “letdown” to realize that I Solomon, and not long after he took Judging whether or not Mr. was not a member of an elite group that over, he offended people, and the Armstrong had great fruits is much was somehow “special” to the Eternal. I northern kingdom of Israel departed. more difficult. Most of us never spent finally came to the realization that Mr. The Eternal said that the division was any time with him, so we do not know Armstrong, like Solomon, did some from Him and could not be stopped (I why he did what he did, and the attitude incredible things. But he also did some Kings 12:24). The kingdom never he had. This author has spent no signif- things contrary to scripture. And when regained its wealth or strength to this icant amount of time with Herbert his work was tried by fire, it seemed to day. Similarly, a couple of years after Armstrong, but has spent many hours catch fire and burn (1Cor 3:13-15). Armstrong died, it became clear that talking to people who have, and also has Obviously, God is not interested in his successors had much less skill than numerous writings from people who which men we follow, but how well we he at keeping a group together. In this have worked closely with him. Much of follow Him. Christ is the one who case, they have split off into many this information was not common promised never to leave us or forsake us. If there is any lesson we can learn, it competing groups, and the prospect of knowledge to Worldwide Church of God brethren. The next issue will cover is that our trust must be in Christ and more splits seems much better than this subject. We will try to present only not in man. the chance of any of them getting those things that can be documented or We have already mentioned many together. Most of the physical things confirmed by more than one living wit- things that we will cover in our next that Herbert Armstrong built in his ness. (We intend to avoid some of the issue. We will also have some conclud- lifetime are already gone. Two of his wilder rumors which we have no way of ing comments about what we believe colleges have been sold and a third is proving.) the Eternal expects of His people now. in disrepair. His “House for God” In the next issue we also will have We hope you will read them. (auditorium) is little used and his TV an article quoting the many prophecies —Norman S. Edwards November 1998 Page 35 SERVANTS’ NEWS “Letters” from page 32 Armstrong—a man whose work (the servants would be feeding others when He WCG), was tried, caught fire, and burned! returns (Luke 12:42-43). —NSE Plan Now for I believe Matthew 24 applied both to the first century and also to our day. Butler State Herbert Armstrong made his error when he Learned Truth in Many Places said he “was going to do it” or “did it”. If LETTER: December 2, 1998 Park Feast! the vast majority of people in the world Mr. Edwards, The Edwards family made a have no idea that they have “been warned”, I have a varied religious background. recent trip to Butler State Park in then have they been warned? I say, “No!” When I came to the Lord for my salvation I Carrollton, Kentucky. The Park has —NSE was worshiping with a group that had no fine facilities for outdoor recreation, religious label but I believe they were picnics and meetings if we desire. mostly Protestants. I then moved to Finding Difficulty With Groups Mississippi and was baptized in a Those interested in staying at the state park should make reservations LETTER: November 25, 1998 Missionary Baptist Church. Since then I My husband and I go around to a num- have learned many things, one of which is soon as it is a popular place and we ber of different splinter groups. that some of the things in the Old cannot keep our reserved rooms and One week we’ll go to United, another Testament were not just “thrown away”. cabins indefinitely. The reservation week Global, and once in a blue moon we One of those “things” is the belief that God number is 800-325-0078. use to go to John Ritenbaugh’s church. If did not just change the way He viewed cer- We visited the four motels (3 you do this, one thing becomes very tain types of animals that could be eaten. miles away). All include a continental noticeable. Everybody believes he is the In the last year I have ceased eating pork breakfast and are similar in quality. designated leader. Flurry believes with all and scavenger type animals such as lob- Super 8 had the least features, but the his heart that he is the true leader of ster, oyster, clams, and catfish. I have also largest rooms. Only Hampton Inn has HWA’s church. Meredith believes with all discovered that the Sabbath is actually a heated pool. Prices including tax: his heart that the baton has been passed Saturday and not Sunday. Since I learned Days’ Inn, 502-732-9301 $53.50 to him. John Ritenbaugh believes he has this I have given up or not taken many jobs Super 8 Motel, 502-732-0252 $53.50 been called to lead his church. United because of their requirements of working Hampton Inn, 502-732-0700 $60.00 believes that they are the remnant of on Saturday. Unfortunately my wife does Holiday Inn, 502-732-6661 $57.87 HWA’s legacy. not share my belief. I have not found a If you are interested in helping After going to these different groups for place to worship here in my area and actu- to plan this Feast, please contact awhile, it all starts to look really foolish. ally hope that through your newsletter I Servants’ News soon! Children need strict rules and regulations. may find one. I hope this helps....technical- Adults shouldn’t! I am quite frankly sick of ly I am still on the rolls of Lebanon Baptist hearing it. From now on I think I’m going to Church in Laurel, Mississippi. attend in small family groups where people When I first learned of this, that God had Free Literature List don’t fight about who’s in charge. They just not given permission to eat these types of You may call, write, or send e-mail come together on the Sabbath and sing food and the scripture relating to it was more to obtain our free Literature List. It and fellowship and talk scripture. They do or less a type of parable to Peter regarding contains a complete list and index to a smaller work, but better to do a smaller the conversion of the gentiles, is when an e- work where peace exists, then a larger mail friend in Michigan told me of your all of our Basic Literature, Mature work where contentions roar. newsletter. I had signed up with Servants’ Literature, Study Resources and —Terrie McCord, Colorado News earlier in 1997 but moved from the Information, and all back issues of RESPONSE: I certainly agree with your address where I lived to here and could not Servants’ News. All items are free. thinking here. Why are any of these big remember how to get your newsletter. See contact information, below. groups evangelizing? If someone does Yours in Christ, Our goal is to bring worthwhile become interested in the truths that they —Mr. Shannon Challender, [email protected] information to as many people as teach, will they want to come to one of their RESPONSE: Thanks for sharing your want it at the lowest practical services? If this new person does come, will story. For many years the Worldwide Church they find more arguing about “which group of God refused to acknowledge that there cost. The loose-leaf format used is the greatest” than they will find interest were people who had learned many of the for Servants’ News and most of in what the Bible says? The Bible says same truths from other places. We have met our other literature is inexpensive absolutely nothing about successors to many others. We hope everyone will see and easy to copy (most literature apostles. If nothing is recorded about the Christ continuing to work everywhere, not is public domain). You might wish successors of these men who were certain- just the narrow world of those primarily fol- to hold the pages together with a ly chosen by Christ, why should we care lowing the teachings of a man now dead. 3-ring binder, staples, brads or a about finding a successor to Herbert —NSE & paper clip. Servants’ News, PO Box 220, Charlotte, Michigan 48813-0220 tel: 517-543-5544, fax: 517-543-8899, email: [email protected] Page 36 November 1998