Understanding the Worldwide Church of God Apostasy & “Splinters”
Jun 11, 2009
CHURCH OF GOD News
Expanded Fulltime Ministry: The Restored Church of God is experiencing unprecedented growth in membership! To address an ever-growing need to effectively serve God’s rapidly expanding flock, beginning September 1 a number of ministers will be hired and transferred across the United States and other parts of the world. By the end of 2010, there will be as many as 30-plus trained fulltime ministers in place. Maps below show the location of these pastorates across the globe.
New World to Come Studio Complete!
The World to Come program is now being produced in a newly redesigned studio. With a new introductory “network opening” and major improvements to both audio and video infrastructure, all future World to Come broadcasts will reflect a quality far exceeding our viewers’ expectations!
Watch for the striking new look in future broadcasts, to be posted weekly.
Member Services Updated: To assist the Church Administration Department in serving RCG’s membership, a renovated Member Services section of the website has been launched.
The most noticeable upgrade is the regular posting of videos. Starting this week, selected Ambassador Training Center lectures, Headquarters Bible Studies, Regional Ministerial Reports, lectures from Ambassador Youth Camp, and more will be posted for all RCG brethren to view in streaming video format. (Audio versions will also be available.) It is our hope that an updated Member Services will help members, especially those in more isolated areas, to feel more “connected.”
Later this year, Member Services will undergo an additional upgrade.
New RealTruth.org Site: After more than a year of development and testing, the new, vastly improved realtruth.org website is now live! The following list of new features will help visitors explore the redesigned site:
1. Every page features a more streamlined, user-friendly and attractive design. Enhancements are most noticeable on the homepage, archive pages and literature items.
2. The size of The World to Come video player has been expanded, enabling most users to watch broadcasts without needing to use the full screen. (The full-screen option is still available for those who prefer it.)
3. Videos, articles, “Personals” (editorials from the publisher/editor-in-chief), and full PDF issues of the magazine are featured on their own pages and offer users a wide and precise array of options.
4. The site now assigns a category to every “product,” allowing users to search, to group or to research particular subjects—and quickly access related items. We anticipate this will become one of the site’s most popular features.
5. Articles now feature much larger and more detailed images.
This is the briefest glimpse of the dramatic changes found on realtruth.org. Visit the site and see all that it offers!
Biography Released: The Authorized Biography of David C. Pack – Volume One reveals the fascinating family history, formative years and Ambassador College experience of The Restored Church of God’s Pastor General. It chronicles Mr. Pack’s extraordinary journey over his nearly 40-year ministry, presenting stories, experiences, trials, lessons—and unique training.
At over 600 pages (with photographs), this compelling narrative dispels myths, answers questions, clarifies history, and brings unprecedented perspective to events over the last 35 years. A must-read for all with a Worldwide Church of God background!
Volume Two will be released soon.
The true Church of God suffered the prophesied “falling away” (II Thes. 2:3) beginning in the late 1980s and continuing into the 90s. This ushered in the seventh and final era of God’s Church, with many members scattering into compromising “splinters” of varying beliefs. The materials here carefully explain the details and implications of what occurred—and the looming questions and choices confronting those who are deciding what to do next. Start with the Brief Overview video.
Start here if you do not have a Worldwide Church of God background.
Hardcopy versions available upon request.
Video Messages (Begin Here)
Splinter Explanation Packet – A Brief Overview (5:44)- “Anoint Your Eyes” – Christ’s Warning to His People (18:17)
- Today’s “Evil Men and Seducers” Exposed! (58:11)
- The Government of God – Understanding Offices and Duties (19:01)
- The Work of God – Its Final Chapter! (28:39)
- I Will Send Elijah to Restore All Things (24:47)
- Should Accusers Be Answered – Do You Believe Obvious Lies? (17:57)
Splinter Explanation Books
“ANOINT YOUR EYES” – Christ’s Warning to His People (Centerpiece Book)
Christ warns Laodiceans to “anoint your eyes”—WHY? What did He mean? WHO did He mean—and how can you know? This all-important instruction, to all Christians living in the last days, must be understood. This extensive book—the most crucial written to the WCG splinters—thoroughly covers things never before explained, and in extraordinary detail. For those hoping to escape the Great Tribulation, it reveals exactly what Christ meant and how to apply this most critical warning!
[VIDEO INTRODUCTION] [FULL BOOK IN HTML] [FULL BOOK IN PDF] [FREE HARDCOPY]
THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD – Understanding Offices and Duties (Centerpiece Book)
Christ’s Church and Body is not divided, and is the only place with the government of God. Christ has placed offices and assigned special duties within it. All the splinters have rejected God’s government—and Christ’s lead! Mass confusion has resulted. What is a deacon, local elder, preaching elder, pastor, evangelist, prophet, apostle or “teacher”? Who are the “messengers” (Rev. 2; 3) and the “watchman” (Ezek. 33:7)? Who are the Two Witnesses (Rev. 11)? Who has authority to “bind and loose”—make Church-wide judgments—ordain—supervise all congregations—bring truth and traditions? This vital book answers these and other questions!
[VIDEO INTRODUCTION] [FULL BOOK IN HTML] [FULL BOOK IN PDF] [FREE HARDCOPY]
THE WORK OF GOD – Its Final Chapter! (Centerpiece Book)
Herbert W. Armstrong announced the kingdom of God to the world and proclaimed the special warning to the modern nations of Israel for 52 years! Did he teach that his death would end this commission, believing both duties to be his own “private work”? How did he instruct his successor? Does “the kingdom shall be preached in all the world” (Matt. 24:14) before the “end come” still apply? What of “go…and teach all nations…all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20)? What about “prophesy again” in Revelation 10:11? What is the gospel? Is Christ part of it? Did Mr. Armstrong teach—or does the Bible—that God’s people should give to relief organizations and disaster victims? What did Jesus say? Also, what about “local” or “personal evangelism”? Why has The Restored Church of God rewritten all the literature of the Worldwide Church of God? What was our strategic plan? What are our two operational plans? What does prophecy say about the final Work of God?
[VIDEO INTRODUCTION] [FULL BOOK IN HTML] [FULL BOOK IN PDF] [FREE HARDCOPY]
I WILL SEND ELIJAH TO RESTORE ALL THINGS
Christ prophesied, “I will send you Elijah…before the…day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5), and that this man would “restore all things” (Matt. 17:11). What—and who—did Christ mean? Was he Mr. Armstrong? Will he be one of the Witnesses—or someone else? Can he be identified?—is there proof? How vital is this issue?—and what implications derive from it?
[VIDEO INTRODUCTION] [FULL BOOK IN HTML] [FULL BOOK IN PDF]
SHOULD ACCUSERS BE ANSWERED? – Do You Believe Obvious Lies?
Christ described our time as the age of hatred, betrayal, offense and lawlessness (Matt. 24:10-12). Many today use and promote innuendo, rumors, outright lies and other forms of deception to confuse and divide God’s people, and defeat their confidence in Christ’s ability to govern His Church. When presented with such information, what do—what will—you do? Christ said, “If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you!” This means attacks, sometimes vicious, are a fact of life for God’s people. The true Church and especially its leaders stand squarely in Satan’s crosshairs. It will receive the brunt of persecution prior to the Tribulation, when Satan will turn on the “remnant” Church of Laodicea (Rev. 12:17). Certain questions arise: Should accusers be answered? What spirit motivates them? Did Jesus answer His accusers? Mr. Armstrong was attacked throughout his ministry. Did he answer accusers? Should I? What did Mr. Armstrong teach about this? What does God’s Word say? This book reveals the answers—and is the policy statement of The Restored Church of God about persecution and accusation, and our response to them.
[VIDEO INTRODUCTION] [INTRODUCTION] [SECTION I] [SECTION II] [SECTION III] [SECTION IV] [FULL BOOK IN PDF]
IS “THAT PROPHET” ALIVE TODAY? – The Rise of False Prophets
Moses foretold the coming of one called “That Prophet.” Was this John the Baptist? Is it a modern church leader?—someone yet to come?—Christ? Jesus warns of false prophets at the end. Can you recognize them and resist their seduction? Are there prophets today? Who are the Two Witnesses, called “prophets”? What did Mr. Armstrong teach?
[INTRODUCTION] [SECTION I] [SECTION II] [SECTION III] [SECTION IV] [FULL BOOK IN PDF]
WHY THE RESTORED CHURCH OF GOD? – Should You Join?
There are over 300 splinters of the WCG. Most believe there is already “something for everyone.” With many seeking to reunify the groups, was another one necessary? This introduces The Restored Church of God and answers commonly-asked questions. Its two parts are the starting and ending points of our Splinter Explanation Packet.
[INTRODUCTION] [SECTION I] [SECTION II] [SECTION III] [FULL BOOK IN PDF]
THERE CAME A FALLING AWAY
Mr. Armstrong led the WCG for 52 years, teaching hundreds of true doctrines. He proved them from the Bible and told God’s people to do the same. His successors changed them all. Have you recognized these changes? Do you think some of them were correct? Do you realize that all were wrong? Here are 280 documented doctrinal changes!
[FULL BOOK IN HTML] [FULL BOOK IN PDF]
EXCEPT THE LORD BUILD THE HOUSE
Do you recall what Mr. Armstrong taught about government, voting, division, heresy, Laodicea, doing the Work, the synagogue of Satan, disfellowshipment, training to be rulers, the Council of Elders, and other vital topics? Here is each subject in his own words. Prepare to be surprised by how much you have forgotten!
[FULL BOOK IN HTML] [FULL BOOK IN PDF]
SURVIVING “PERILOUS TIMES”
Civilization has entered the “last days” – II Timothy 3:1. The context through chapter 4, verse 4, reveals that “perilous times” have come upon both the world and the Church. There are now many kinds of deception and “sleight of men” (Eph. 4:14) being foisted on unsuspecting and gullible brethren. This volume addresses some of the worst of those deceptions, and assists in helping you survive them all!
[FULL BOOK IN PDF]SURVIVING “PERILOUS TIMES” Article Listing:
Splinter Explanation Packet Sermons (Given by David C. Pack) Help
- The Body of Christ: Why Most Are No Longer in It—But Assume They Are! [Part 1] [Part 2]
- God’s Way: Small, Little, Few
Related Sermons (Given by David C. Pack) Help
Other Literature
Many organizations have reduced, changed or discarded doctrines revealed by God through Mr. Armstrong. We have rewritten all the literature produced by the WCG explaining those teachings. If you wish to compare what Mr. Armstrong taught—and we teach—to your organization, please visit the literature section.