Jun 20, 2008
CHURCH OF GOD News
Videos Released!
The Restored Church of God has now launched video productions, recorded in our new World to Come television studio! Mr. Pack has produced and posted a series of promotional book introductions. These brief yet powerful video advertisements give viewers a preview of the content of these vital books. Those with a Worldwide Church of God background who view these promotions will immediately be reminded of the impact that Mr. Armstrong brought to video decades ago.
Eight video promotions, plus a hard-hitting video introduction to The Real Truth magazine, have been produced to date, with lengths varying from two to nine minutes.
Eight more shorter videos will be produced beginning early next month. But also keep watching in the coming weeks as we transition into full-length feature broadcasts of The World to Come program!
Here are the links to the videos:
• America and Britain in Prophecy (1:53)
• Tomorrow’s Wonderful World – An Inside View! (2:17)
• The Awesome Potential of Man (2:22)
• Saturday or Sunday – Which is the Sabbath? (3:22)
• The Trinity – Is God Three-in-one? (2:41)
• Sex – Its Unknown Dimension (3:42)
• The Ten Commandments – “Nailed to the Cross” or Required for Salvation? (4:22)
• The History of the True Church – Where Is It Today? (4:08)
• Introduction to The Real Truth magazine (9:03)
God’s Work Advances! The Restored Church of God is moving forward at even greater speed! Seven inspiring new major advancements are underway, each with expansive and far-reaching impact on God’s Work. Adding much to Mr. David Pack’s special two-part January sermon, we have posted another from him in a continuing monthly series—“March 2008 Update: The Vision Grows Grander!” Here is a brief summary of each development
NEW ARTICLE—“RCG: Great Commission Operational Plan”: We have posted a dramatic article for those with a Church of God background. Because so many extraordinary things are happening at once in RCG, Mr. Pack chose to expand Chapter Sixteen of his book THE WORK OF GOD – Its Final Chapter! (We will post another chapter in article form Monday.)
Giant projects are underway! These two articles announce new developments in the Work, including a small school or college, building a state-of-the-art television studio (underway) to produce high-definition videocasts, many books soon available in bookstores, further plans for a stunning Headquarters building to provide for an ever-growing staff, major advancements of our websites, an absolutely incredible explosion of regular and special income—and so much more!
2007 Income: The Restored Church of God’s 2007 income grew by over 77% above 2006, far exceeding our projection of just under 40%!
This continues a pattern of increase: 2002 saw 45% growth—2003 was 3%—2004 was 43%—2005 was 23%—and 2006 saw a 41% increase. In nearly every case, these were well above projections. Of course, and this is the oft-forgotten factor of sustained growth over multiple years, each year’s percentage is derived from a much larger base figure—meaning the long-term raw number growth is phenomenal.
While some organizations struggle to outpace inflation—4.1% just to break even last year—we conservatively project approximately 75% growth in 2008. But we realize the actual rate could, yet again, surpass even this robust figure!
It has been gratifying to see increasing numbers of people cut through the misinformation and see plainly where God is working!
Must-Hear!: The sermon “RCG 2008: The Great Turning Point” has been posted. This annual “State of the Work” message is unlike any other since our inception.
The Work has reached a defining moment, and is about to enter a phase—a many-faceted leap forward—that is beyond anyone’s expectations! Prepare to be stunned at what you will hear!
Understanding the WCG Apostasy & “Splinters”
If you are learning the Bible’s true doctrines for the first time, this section is NOT the place to begin. You cannot possibly understand what is written here. Start here instead.
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 “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.
Church of God brethren should start with the Splinter Explanation Packet (SEP) Cover Letter.
Hardcopy versions of items on this page are available upon request.
Centerpiece Books
All Splinter Explanation Packet Items
- 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
- Watchman to Israel—Messenger to Laodicea! [Part 1] [Part 2]
- 21st-Century Apostle [Part 1] [Part 2]
- [Other Related Sermons]
“ANOINT YOUR EYES” – Christ’s Warning to His People
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!
[FULL BOOK IN HTML] [FULL BOOK IN PDF]
THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD – Understanding Offices and Duties
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, “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!
[FULL BOOK IN HTML] [FULL BOOK IN PDF]
THE WORK OF GOD – Its Final Chapter!
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?
[FULL BOOK IN HTML] [FULL BOOK IN PDF]
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?
[INTRODUCTION] [CHAPTER 1] [CHAPTER 2] [CHAPTER 3] [CHAPTER 4] [CHAPTER 5] [CHAPTER 6] [CHAPTER 7] [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.
[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:
Other SEP-Related Literature
Other Helpful Sermons (Given by David C. Pack) [Help Playing Sermons?]
- The Disappearance of Self-Examination
- Donning the Armor of Light
- The Towering Government Doctrine [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6]
- The One True Church Doctrine [Part 1] [Part 2 - Excuses 1-20] [Part 3 - Excuses 21-50] [Part 4 - The Final Questions]
- 90 Reasons Series
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.