Understanding the Worldwide Church of God Apostasy & “Splinters”

Aug 14, 2010
CHURCH OF GOD News
Date: 2010-08-14

A special brochure has been prepared for those with a background in the Worldwide Church of God. Titled “The Church, Work, Truth & Government of God – In the Words of Herbert W. Armstrong,” this document contains quotes from Mr. Armstrong that clearly reveal what he taught on a number of crucial doctrines, excerpted from books in our Splinter Explanation Packet. These were assembled for those who want Mr. Armstrong’s words, without explanation from others, to guide their thinking. They show the ringing clarity of what he consistently taught on central truths so many have forgotten.

Date: 2010-08-02

Radio Interview: Mr. David C. Pack has been interviewed on the “Bill Martinez Live” radio program, carried by Los Angeles’s KBRT 740 AM. The program aired twice (July 24 and July 31) and is now accessible on the show’s archive page.

During the interview, Mr. Pack discussed the coming kingdom of God and signs of the end time.

This station is available to 18-20 million listeners in the L.A./San Diego areas, and worldwide on its website.

Date: 2010-07-09

New World to Come Website: After many months of designing and development, the new World to Come website has been launched!

Visitors to the new site will be able to browse the catalog of video broadcasts and access a massive literature library. In addition, it employs the latest Internet content-sharing and distribution technologies.

In August, daily audio broadcasts will be added, in which Mr. Pack will analyze world trends in light of Bible prophecy.

Explore the new site at www.worldtocome.org.

Date: 2010-07-07

“Nightline” Interview Update: In the absence of the producer who conducted the interview (who was on vacation), the direction of the “Nightline” segment changed. Hence, Mr. David Pack’s comments were no longer relevant to the topic, and in retrospect, it was fitting and desirable that they were not included. In any case, the recorded interview footage may prove useful in the future.

Date: 2010-06-23

David C. Pack Interviewed by ABC’s “Nightline”: The Pastor General of The Restored Church of God and voice of The World to Come program has been interviewed for ABC’s “Nightline,” which airs at 11:30 P.M. (Eastern Time) on ABC affiliate television stations across the United States. (It is also available in Canada, and around the world by satellite.)

“Nightline” is ranked #1 in national ratings for its time slot, drawing an average of 3.5 million viewers nightly in the U.S. alone. The most recent Nielsen ratings place ABC as the top television network in the country.

Date: 2010-04-30

Ministerial Conference/Commencement: The Restored Church of God is hosting its annual Headquarters Ministerial Conference from April 30 through May 9, welcoming leaders from around the world. As a part of this historic event, Ambassador Training Center’s first Commencement will take place on May 2, with a graduating class of 94 men and women.

Date: 2010-04-23

Open Letter: David C. Pack has written an open letter to the members and ministers of The United Church of God.

Date: 2010-04-02

News of the Work:
12 “Measures” of Unprecedented Growth

The Restored Church of God is experiencing spectacular growth in virtually all areas...

  1. Church Inquiries—Up 230.3%
  2. Church Attendance—Up 27.0%
  3. Regular Tithes and Offerings—Up 37.2%
  4. The World to Come Broadcast Views—Up 1,076.7%
  5. Total Website Downloads—Up 58.5% [more…]

Read the full announcement to learn more about all that is being accomplished in God’s Work.

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.

David C. Pack has written an open letter to the members
and ministers of The United Church of God.

Video Messages (Begin Here)

Splinter Explanation Books

ANOINT YOUR EYES - Christ's Warning to His People

“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

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!

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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

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]

Related Literature

Splinter Explanation Packet Sermons (Given by David C. Pack) Help

Selected Sermons (Given by David C. Pack unless otherwise noted) 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.