Opening the Sixth Seal

A minister of one of the end-time Churches of God has written and published a book wherein he asserts his belief that the “Sixth Seal” of Revelation has already been opened. As such, he assures us, we only await the opening of the fateful “Seventh Seal.” Can this possibly be true?

Revelation 6:12-13 “I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.”

The following quote is a short excerpt taken from that book:

Quote: “At this point, it should be interesting to the reader to know that six of the seven seals have already been opened, and the seventh seal is very soon to follow.”

Whenever I read or listen to the words of any of our ministers, I try to give them the benefit of the doubt. I listen to what they have to say; then I “search the scriptures” before forming any definite opinion. Nevertheless, my initial reaction to this minister’s statement concerning the “Sixth Seal” was to say the least, incredulous!

We read in Revelation 6:12-13 that the “Sixth Seal” unleashes a “great earthquake”; the “sun becomes black as sackcloth”; the “moon becomes like blood”; and the “stars of heaven fall to the Earth.” As weak as it may seem to be, the minister in question explains his belief this way:

Quote: “Yes, on that day, 9/11, every nation and country, large and small (prophetic mountains and islands), was moved by what happened. They were startled and sobered. It was a prelude to that time which is about to come. Yes, the time for God’s great wrath is about to unfold. Who will be able to stand? That is the announcement of this sixth seal.”

From this, and from the context of the story this passage was taken from, I must assume that “the stars of heaven [which] fell to the earth” were the planes full of passengers the Islamic terrorists flew into the towers of the World Trade Centre. The “sun [became] black as sackcloth” from the dust as the towers fell; and the “great earthquake” was the shocked reaction of the nations and the peoples of the Earth.

I must admit (with great reservation) that I can almost see what this man is getting at. There is at least the hint of a parallel between the “Sixth Seal” of Revelation and the events of 9/11; it may even be that the events of 9/11 will have its duality in the more cataclysmic events foretold by this prophecy. Nevertheless, this does not change my opinion that to teach such a belief as “a revealing of God’s truth” is to trivialize the power and the wisdom of the plan of Almighty God!

Is there a biblical answer to the events described in the opening of the Sixth Seal? I believe there is! And today we’re going to investigate what the Bible may have to tell us about the events described at the opening of the Sixth Seal. Be prepared to see words you have almost certainly read many times before -- but in a completely different way.

Revelation 6:9 “When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.”

There is a consensus within the teaching of the Churches of God that the “Fifth Seal” describes a time of tribulation for the Saints of God. Keep in mind that during the end-time Satan will not only be allowed to “make war with the Saints” -- he will also be allowed to “prevail against them!” Have you ever asked yourself why God would allow Satan and his followers to prevail against those whom God had chosen as His people; His “church”? Are you prepared to believe that God would only allow this to happen if He had a definite purpose in mind?

Q…If God has chosen a specific time for fulfillment of the prophecy of the Tribulation, is He the one who will actually bring about the misfortunes destined to come upon His “church”?

Q…If Satan hates the people who make up the “church” and the Churches of God, why does he not simply go after them now -- why has he not gone after them with more determination before this -- why does he wait?

Satan hates those who try to follow the truths and the commandments of God -- he always has and he always will. I have believed for many years that the reason behind the original rebellion of Lucifer was not only God’s decision to create mankind, but His desire to set before man the awesome destiny which awaits us. Even Mohammed, the Prophet of Islam understood this: he is recorded in the Koran as saying the reason for the fall of “Iblis” [Lucifer] was the creation of mankind; not only their creation, but that the angels would one day be placed in a position of submission to mankind.

From the beginning of man’s history, in the very Garden of Eden, Satan did what he could to disrupt the ongoing plan of God. Following the birth of Jesus, Satan caused King Herod to slaughter every male child in and around Bethlehem, hoping to kill the newborn Christ before he could even begin to follow his destiny.

Following the baptism of Jesus and his begettal as the first-begotten Son of God, Satan once again did all he could to disrupt the plan of God. Each and every time, he failed -- but each and every time he was allowed to try -- what I want you to realize is that Satan’s many failures will not deter him from trying at least one more time!

As often as Satan has tried and failed to disrupt the plans of God, this one fact we must accept as truth -- each time, Satan believed he could succeed! You must also try to understand that at all these times, and in all these ways -- God allowed him to try! Not only was Satan allowed to try -- he was allowed to succeed in a very limited way!

During the soon-coming end of this age, Satan will once again attempt to upset the plans of God; and once again God will allow him to succeed in a very limited way. I believe this illusion of success will lead to the eventual downfall of the Archangel Lucifer -- but not before he has caused great tribulation towards the “Churches” and the people of God!

Q…What does your Church and your minister have to say about the original rebellion of Lucifer? Do you believe that Lucifer led his angels in an assault upon God’s heavenly throne? Do you believe that the angels of God defeated Satan and his angels? Do you believe that the destruction caused by this war was truly awesome? Do you believe that when they were defeated, Satan and his angels were cast down to the Earth, to be kept here in restraint until the time of their judgment?

If you do believe these things then we agree; for I also believe! But have you considered the duality in all this to what you see prophesied for the end-time? Lucifer would not have made the original attempt against the throne of God unless he believed he could succeed. Satan will only make his final assault against God’s throne because he still believes he can succeed.

Towards the end of the movie “The Devil’s Advocate” there is what I consider to be one of the most powerful cinematic speeches ever presented. Al Pacino plays the part of Satan the Devil and proclaims within that speech: “Can anyone doubt that the Twentieth Century was my time?” Now that we are well into the Twenty-First Century -- can anyone doubt that the success of Satan has not only continued, but has increased and prospered?

Revelation 6:9-11 “When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.”

If we can accept that the confidence of Satan has reached a point where he is beginning to believe he can finally fulfill his dreams of omnipotence; what will his confidence be like when God allows him to prevail against the Saints of God’s “church”?

Daniel 7:21 “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.”

Q…Is it your understanding that the “Tribulation of Saints” (the “Fifth Seal”) will come to pass immediately before the “Heavenly Signs” (the “Sixth Seal”); if so, then we agree, for I also believe -- but what are these “Heavenly Signs” and what causes them?

Revelation 12:7 “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, neither was a place found for them in heaven any longer.”

Earlier on this blogsite I discussed my belief that many, (if not most) of the angels that followed Lucifer in his original rebellion have long since repented of their sin and are waiting, as we are waiting, for a day of judgment to arrive. Anyone who wants to read “The Angels that Sinned” will find it in the “Archives” of this blogsite. If what I believe is true, then the end-time war between Satan and the angels of God will not cause the absolute devastation of Lucifer’s original rebellion; however, signs of this final conflict will still be clearly evident in the heavens. Satan and his angels will lose this final battle and will be cast back down to the Earth for the very last time.

Revelation 6:12-13 “I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.”

Q…How much destruction can we expect to see from this final battle of the angels?

Revelation 6:14-17 “Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’”

Will this final heavenly battle of angels rock this Earth of ours so badly it will literally be shifted from its present axis? Will the resulting devastation cause the sun to become black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood? Will Satan and his angels be cast back down to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when shaken by a mighty wind? I do wonder!

So then: Have we uncovered a more perfect explanation for the yet to be fulfilled events referred to as the “Great Tribulation” and the “Heavenly Signs” -- or must we accept that they were already fulfilled by the tragic events of September 11th, 2001?

Note: George W. Bush has little more than one year left in his presidency. When his term in office is over there will be a sigh of relief heard from every corner of America; if not from every corner of the world. And yet, no sigh of relief will be more heartfelt than the one emanating from the President himself that his ordeal is finally over. Why anyone would choose to lead such a congregation of stiff-necked, back-biting, second-guessing complainers, is beyond my comprehension. Next week I hope to offer what I choose to believe are scripturally inspired thoughts in “The Lord’s Anointed.”

The Thief on the Cross

One of the more popular evangelists and leader of one of the end-time Churches of God wrote the following comment concerning the thief who was executed beside Jesus at the time of the crucifixion:

Quote: “The Bible [gives] us an example of a repentant person who was not baptized but was promised that he would be with Christ in the Kingdom of God. It took place during Jesus’ crucifixion. Two thieves were also being crucified at that time. One expressed his belief in Christ and asked if Jesus would remember him when He came into His Kingdom. Jesus replied that the man would see Him in Paradise. Christ obviously promised salvation to the thief beside him at the crucifixion; because the thief was repentant; because he recognized Christ!”

Luke 23:39-43 “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed [Jesus], saying, ‘If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.’ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise’”

It is the statement “Christ obviously promised salvation to the thief beside him...” that I take exception to. There is nothing obvious about it! It may be that Jesus did in fact promise salvation to the thief; but if we were to “search the Scriptures whether these things are so” we may find reason to doubt -- in fact, I think the belief that Jesus promised salvation to the thief is dead wrong!

Before we begin, let’s deal with the problem of sentence structure within this passage; it is a problem which most of you are already well aware of: “And Jesus said to [the thief], ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise’”

As this sentence is punctuated, with the commas placed as they are, Jesus seems to be telling the thief that “today,” (i.e. on the day of their death), the thief would be with Jesus in Paradise. Those who understand and believe that Jesus had to remain buried in his tomb for three days and three nights know he could not have also been in Paradise. Instead, Jesus was telling the thief “on that day” (i.e. at that time -or- on the day of their crucifixion) that “one day” (i.e. on a future day -or- on the day of the thief’s resurrection) he would be with Jesus in Paradise.

The problem is brought about by a misplacement of one of the commas. Notice: “And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say unto you today, you will be with me in Paradise.’” By placing the comma after, instead of before the word “today,” we can know that Jesus was assuring the thief he would “one day” be with Jesus in Paradise. Whether Jesus was referring to the beginning of the Millennium as one of “the Saints,” or the end of the Millennium as one of “the rest of the dead,” is the question which needs to be answered.

Revelation 20:6 “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”

Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection; over these, the second death has no power -- this is what is meant by salvation! But Jesus did not promise the thief salvation! Jesus promised the thief that he would one day be with Him in Paradise!

If there is one thing every member of the many Churches of God should agree upon it is that at the beginning of the Millennium, when the “church” of God (i.e. the “ekklesia” -or- the “called-out-ones”) will rise up to take their place in the Kingdom of God, the Earth will be anything but a Paradise! During the final three-and-a-half years of this present age more than two-thirds of the Earth’s population will die -- as many as nine-tenths of the English-speaking peoples of America and the British Commonwealth may die and those few left alive will be in a truly pathetic state of existence. Most if not all of the cities will be destroyed; the lands will be devastated; the waters fouled to the point of uselessness; and the air will be hardly fit to breath.

Mankind will have proven beyond any doubt that he is incapable of governing himself and the time for the Kingdom and the governance of God will have arrived. But anyone who believes the returned Messiah and His brethren will simply wave a magic wand and make all things new again, does not even begin to understand the awesome wonders of the plan the Almighty God is carrying out within His creation!

God has set aside 1,000 years in which to show mankind how the governance of the Earth could have been; and should have been. This is the Sabbath of rest which God foretold when he created the Sabbath Day almost 6,000 years ago on the seventh day of the re-creation. The soon-coming 1,000 year Sabbath of rest for the Earth will be in prophetic fulfillment of that seventh-day Sabbath; there will be 1,000 years of God’s rejuvenating governance following 6,000 years of Satan’s (and man’s) futility!

Jesus and His brethren will have this time in which to work, and to teach, and to assist mankind in the proper use of God’s laws; to turn this long abused Earth of ours into the Paradise it always should have been. I have no doubt that miracles will be done during these 1,000 years; but miracles will be the exception rather than the rule. The true purpose of the Millennium will be to show what could have been done if mankind had shown the respect, the reverence, and true obedience to the will and the laws of God.

Revelation 20:5 “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.”

Unless there is something about the resurrection of physical Israel which differs from our understanding of the resurrection of “the rest of the dead,’ it will not be until after the Millennium that the thief will rise from the dead. Three thousand years will have passed from the time he suffered and died beside our Saviour; but time will have passed for him like the twinkling of an eye. In one moment of consciousness he was hanging from the stake enduring incredible pain and torment; in his very next moment of consciousness he will behold a new reality. Will that new reality be the Paradise Jesus promised; or will he still have much to learn and to accomplish as his part in its re-creation?

Note: There is much more that needs to be wondered about in our understanding of the Millennium. What will the first day be like? How long will it take to set up the ruling government? Will a working government be immediately set up over every nation of the Earth; or will the nations of the modern-day descendants of Jacob/Israel be given preference in the restoration? These are subjects I hope to discuss more fully at some future time. In the meantime I would like you to consider the following question:

Who will enter the Kingdom of God?

For many years I encountered an element of scriptural confusion in my understanding of those who would, and those who would not enter the Kingdom of God. Notice:

Matthew 5:20 “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.’”
Note: This verse seems to say that the scribes and the Pharisees will not be allowed to enter God’s Kingdom -- can this be true -- do we not believe that even the most grievous sinner will eventually rise up at the resurrection of “the rest of the dead”?

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”
Note: This verse seems to say that only those who do the will of God will enter. Does this mean that those who refuse to do the will of God will not be allowed to enter?

John 3:5 “Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’”
Note: This verse seems to say quite clearly that unless an individual is properly baptized and begotten by the Spirit of God, he or she cannot enter the Kingdom of God -- how then can “the rest of the dead” be resurrected into the Kingdom of God?

What do these three verses say to those of us who believe the majority of mankind will continue to live and die never having been allowed to understand the will and the wonders of Almighty God? Will there or won’t there be a resurrection of “the rest of the dead”? Will they or won’t they be resurrected into the Kingdom of God? Will they or won’t they “see the Kingdom of God” when they are resurrected?

The problem is solved by simply realizing that in almost every instance where the Bible refers to the “Kingdom of God” it is the governing body that is being discussed! Only those whom God has specifically chosen will take part in the government during the first 1,000 years of His Kingdom. The scribes and Pharisees will one day see the Kingdom of God but they will have no position of responsibility in it. The same can be said for those who do not do the will of God in this lifetime; or who have not experienced a heartfelt repentance and conversion followed by water baptism and the baptism of the Spirit.

“All men must die; and after this the judgment...” All who have ever lived and died will be raised from the dead to live again during the time of God’s Kingdom -- no one will be left out! But only a very few will be allowed to enter as part of the Kingdom of God (i.e. as part of the Government of God); whether during the 1,000 year Millennium or on into the limitless depths of eternity.

In an earlier posting to this blogsite I discussed at greater length the difference between God’s gift of salvation, and the rewards we may earn over and above that great gift. It is my belief that all who have experienced a true repentance, a true conversion, a true baptism by water and by the Spirit, and have been truly begotten of the Spirit of God, will be resurrected at the return of the Messiah. However; this does not mean they will all be given a position of honour and responsibility in God’s Kingdom. Notice carefully the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Church of God in Corinth:

1st Corinthians 3:14-15 “If any man’s work abides which he has built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved…!”

Each of you should read all verses from 1st Corinthians 3:1-15 in order to more perfectly understand -- I would also recommend that you go to the “Archives” of this blogsite and find “The Unpardonable Sin -- Part 2” for a more in-depth discussion of this subject.

Post Script: Some important questions remain in my thoughts over where and when “the rest of the dead” will be resurrected. I need to spend far more time with these questions; but when I’ve done so I’ll try to address the entire issue in a future blog. In the meantime, I want to share some of these concerns with you in advance:

Q...Will physical Israel be resurrected as part of “the rest of the dead” following the 1,000 year reign of Jesus and His brethren; or does the Bible suggest that during the Millennium Israel will be dealt with separately and uniquely among the nations?

Q...Does the account of “the valley of dry bones” support the possibility of a separate resurrection of physical Israel?

Q...At the end of the Millennium, can we assume the Earth will have been renewed as a “Paradise” for the resurrection of “the rest of the dead”; or is it destined to be radically cleansed “as if by fire” in preparation for the receiving of New Jerusalem and the throne of God the Father?

Q...If “the rest of the dead” must wait until after the first 1,000 years of God’s Kingdom, and if the Earth is to be cleansed in preparation for the throne of God, will the “rest of the dead” be resurrected to a place other than this place we call the Earth?

Q...When the final fulfillment of the Day of Atonement takes place, Satan is to be removed to a place which is not inhabited -- does this refer to a place which is not inhabited at that time but which one day may become inhabited?

I realize that many (if not all) of these questions border on the fanciful; but I can assure you that a renewed zeal for the truths and understanding of God often comes from such questions. Far too many of our brethren have lost what I have always considered to be “that first love” i.e. the burning desire to understand the truths and the mysteries of God, and the limitless joy in the increased faith that comes with a more perfect understanding.

I must repeat what I’ve said before: “Will you make mistakes? Of course you will! So what? Are we not God’s workmen; rightly dividing the word of truth? There is no shame in being wrong; there is only shame in clinging to the wrong when a more perfect truth has been opened before us. If you even suspect that your spirit of understanding has become little more than lukewarm then I caution you to give heed to the words of God as revealed by to us our Saviour:

Revelation 3:18 “I counsel you to buy from [God] gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”

Note: Next week I hope to answer some of the many questions concerning the opening of the Sixth Seal of Revelation -- at least one of our ministers believes the Sixth Seal has already been opened? Is this what you also believe; or are you still waiting, as I am still waiting, for the events foretold by that fateful seal to be revealed?

Shearing the Sheep -- Part 2

Ezekiel 34:1-6 “And the word of the LORD came to [Ezekiel], saying, ‘Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, [neither] have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered.’”

The Final Few Months

As unrest and controversy began to spread throughout the congregations of the Worldwide Church of God, many of us began to discuss what was happening amongst ourselves. We were brethren, we were friends, and we recognized that problems had arisen within the Church which could affect not only our temporal lives but our very hope of salvation. And yet, Sabbath services were often accompanied by stern warnings from our local ministers not to discuss amongst ourselves that which God had placed in the hands of His ministry.

Were these men speaking to us in God’s name when they told us: “There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the ways thereof are the ways of death”? They directed us “not to look to our own understanding,” in fact, the catchword of the day had become “look to the ministry!” The wonders of “that first love,” the joy I had experienced as truth and understanding was being revealed to me from the very words and mysteries of Almighty God, slowly turned to ashes in my mind and in my heart.

Note: Before continuing with this, there is something you need to understand about the way I perceive my position with regard to those who are the ministers of God. They are God’s ministers! He selected them and set them apart for His holy purpose! They are anointed to His service and have my unequivocal respect for the position they hold and for the words they speak -- when they speak the words of God!

It is my habit today, as it was my habit back in the days of the Worldwide Church, to listen to every word spoken by our leaders and our ministers. It is my habit today, as it was my habit back in the days of the Worldwide Church, to read every word written by our leaders and our ministers. It is my habit today, as it was in my latter days with the Worldwide Church, to “search the Scriptures” whether that which our ministers preach and teach is indeed the word and the truth of God. And now I must ask you a question: “When I am unable to accept their teaching as truth; when I truly believe that what they are teaching is false; is it my duty before God to say nothing -- or am I commanded by the Word of God to speak out?”

I beg you to read the words I used to introduce everyone to this blogsite. I said:

“Please understand that I am not a minister. I was baptized into the “church” of God several decades ago before what can arguably be called the great “falling away.” I am not a teacher, neither am I affiliated with any of the many surviving Churches of God.”

Many years ago, when I read from the book of Ezekiel, one particular passage affected me deeply. The strength of the words and the message they present has never lessened in my mind or in my heart. I recognize there must be at least the appearance of vanity that I should see this passage of Scripture as a direct message to me and to my conduct within the “church” of God; nevertheless, the words represent both a curse and a blessing that I have managed to postpone over the decades -- but could never completely ignore!

Ezekiel 3:18-21 “ When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.’”

So I ask again, and this time I include you in my query: “When [we are] unable to accept [the teaching of our ministers] as truth, is it [our] duty before God to say nothing -- or [are we] commanded by the Word of God to speak out? And if our ministers refuse to heed our concerns, is it not our responsibility to discuss these concerns with our brethren?

For those who would say that our ministers are always ready to listen; I reject your position! It was my experience of long ago that they hear only what they want to hear and reject even the consideration of everything else. It is my experience of today that they are even less willing to hear what they don’t want to hear, and far more willing to reject that which they refuse to even consider (with the possible exception of the previously mentioned “Council of Elders”); and therein lies a principal reason for the continued separation of the many different and differing end-time Churches of God.

Springtime Holy Day 1974

Over the years, as I re-read many of the old “Plain Truth,” Tomorrow’s World,” and “Good News” magazines, I came to realize I had been blind to many of the problems already existing within the Church until my eyes were opened in the latter half of 1973. I have mentioned the rancor which existed over the financial position of the ministry, and I have mentioned the doctrinal disputation over counting the days to Pentecost. Now it is time to finally address the actual problem or problems, as the events unfolded, which led to my separation from the Church.

I want you to read the following excerpt from the “Good News” magazine published in September/October 1970:
“Those at Headquarters [Pasadena California], as well as the ministers in the field, often sacrifice by working long extra hours. They do it willingly because they know they are helping to carry out the greatest Work on earth! They realize they are helping to save humanity from utter destruction, and are proclaiming the reason why God created man. They feel a sense of great accomplishment.
“You can feel this same sense of accomplishment. God in His magnificent generosity has allowed you to help financially support His Work. This is how you sacrifice and serve. Can you comprehend what an honor it really is?”

When I read those words back in 1970 I believed, and agreed with everything that was said. The people in Pasadena, and the ministers in the field, were indeed carrying out the greatest Work on Earth. Those of us, who were privileged to support their efforts in any way we could, considered ourselves truly blessed and honored; and in retrospect I openly admit to feeling that exact same way today! There was no doubt in my mind that we were then, and remain to this day, the begotten children of God -- and as such, at that time we were truly carrying out the greatest Work on the face of the Earth!

From the latter half of 1973 and during the days and weeks that followed, I felt no animosity towards any individual member of the ministry. What did anger me was that my faith in what I had perceived to be the one and only true Church of God had been shaken -- shaken, but in no way destroyed -- unfortunately, that destruction was only a few days away!

During that fateful springtime Holy Day one of the local ministers gave a sermon on the dedication of the ministry and the trials they had to endure in carrying out their service to God and to the brethren. This time there was no mention of their “pumping iron down at the club” or “having to endure smokers while they dined out at one of the better dining-establishments”; (many of the brethren will remember such statements.)

This time the references were of lay-members murmuring and complaining about a luxurious lifestyle among the ministry which this man assured us did not exist. He told us of the many ways these servants of God went far beyond that which they were paid to do -- and then he gave an example -- and my feelings of disapproval and disbelief quickly turned to hurt and an almost palpable anger.

He said: “When most of you are sitting at home with your family, God’s ministers are out visiting the brethren, including the sick and the needy. Many times they have to enter an apartment building where the smell of fish or boiled cabbage hits them as soon as they step off the elevator.”

I, my wife, and our three children lived in such a building. Until that moment we had felt blessed that we had such a home when so many others did not. Those few words, spoken in such a selfish, arrogant, and thoughtless way rotted the very marrow in my bones.

My older children aged 10 and 11 were sitting beside me listening to this; the look on their young faces spoke volumes. I was hurt as I had seldom been hurt before -- and I was ashamed! And then the young man from Pasadena began to preach his sermonette.

As I listened to the same old arguments made in the past to prove a Monday observance for Pentecost; I remarked to myself on the seemingly deliberate omission of the passages pointing to Sunday. Was this young man being used as a sacrificial goat? Was he being made to preach the words the ministry hoped would silence the brooding masses? These thoughts were quickly silenced -- it turned out this young man was a true believer!

As his message drew towards its conclusion he wrapped it up in true Ambassador College and Spokesman Club tradition. He said: “Let me assure you that MY GOD (with great emphasis on ‘My God’) would never allow the Holy Day of Pentecost to fall on Satan’s Day -- Sunday; the day of the Sun!”

My reaction was immediate; and straight from the heart. I said: “I’ve heard more than enough of this s--t!” I turned to my wife and said: “Come on -- we’re leaving!”

A Minister’s Final Visit

Several days later we received a call from a minister requesting a visitation; I had great hopes that he might actually want to openly and fully discuss my concerns -- silly me!

When he arrived, he was accompanied by another of the young ministerial assistants fresh from Pasadena -- let me deal with him first. To my recollection, he said not one word the whole time he was in our home; this is not to say that his presence was not apparent -- it was only too apparent!

This young man had a small vial in his waistcoat pocket; it was no more than a quarter or half an ounce in size and contained what I must believe was a mouthwash of some kind. As we sat there discussing our concerns he would take this vial from his pocket, remove the little rubber stopper, place the open end of the vial against his tongue, then quickly tip it up and down again; he would then replace the stopper and put the vial back in his pocket. It was only after the third or fourth time that I actually began to notice what he was doing.

You must believe me when I tell you that I felt no anger at this; neither was I in any way offended by what I rightly or wrongly perceived as his distaste for our conversation. I did however have a very difficult time holding back my incredulous laughter. This young man was showing me as clearly as if it came directly from God, the spirit of selfishness and arrogance which had begun to manifest itself within the ministry -- and I began to relax and feel at peace with what I believed was taking place.

The minister who came to visit us was a man I both liked and respected. Nevertheless, from the very outset I realized he was not there to discuss anything; he was there to carry out a purpose -- a purpose which I had already surmised and no longer faced with regret.

I was allowed to go over many of the scriptural concerns my studies had brought to my attention; but not once did he exhibit any sign of compassion for these concerns. Neither did he even once try to show me where my understanding was in error; until I mentioned a sermon he himself had given not many Sabbaths before. He had been preaching about flaws in the teaching of other Christian organizations and had singled out the habit of those who take their message to the very homes of the people they are hoping to reach; and in support he had quoted the Scripture which says: “Go not from house to house!”

I brought this up in our discussion; no longer even trying to be diplomatic. I reminded him that when Jesus used these words He did so as a warning to his disciples as He sent them out “as lambs among wolves” to preach the gospel. He warned them not to go looking for better lodgings than that which they would be offered. They were not to go looking for accommodations where the food might be better, or the hospitality, or even with more luxurious surroundings; they were to be satisfied with whatever they received and they were not to go from house to house looking for something better!

To which this minister angrily replied: “You’re right -- but that’s not what we teach!”

The silence probably lasted no more than a few seconds; but it seemed to go on forever. Finally I said to him: “I really don’t think we have anything left to discuss.” To which he answered: “Neither do I.”

If my shock and dismay from earlier in the visit had long since disappeared, it quickly returned in a moment of sheer amazement. He turned to my wife and said: “This of course in no way affects you. You are more than welcome to continue attending services and we’ll look forward to seeing you and the children next Sabbath.”

I had often been very proud of my wife; but never more so than when she replied: “No thank you! I agree with everything my husband has said and I won’t be coming back to Church either.”

What to Do Now

I have no doubt that some of you are wondering why I don’t simply go to this minister who actually came to my home; the one who actually carried out my disfellowship, and discuss this present-day dilemma with him face to face -- man to man. Would that I could...! It is my understanding that he left the Church of God many, many years ago; long before the mass exodus from Worldwide, and not too long after he ejected me from the congregation. This then, leaves only the minister I mentioned before; the one of whom some have assured me actually ordered my expulsion.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been able to listen to several recorded sermons, recently preached by this very minister. From what I can determine, very little has changed over these many years past. What I perceive from his preaching leads me to believe there is little cause for hope that a compromise could be reached between us; I must believe that the differences which still exist in our personal and scriptural understanding would continue to keep us apart.

In order to once again enjoy the fellowship of my brethren, I could simply go to this man with an offer of false repentance; but this I will not do! This I cannot do! Should I go to him with the hope that he would finally, after all these years, be willing to carefully and thoughtfully consider our differing views of scriptural understanding? I can see nothing but stumbling-blocks and stagnation in such a hope. Yet what other choice do I have?

Eventually I must return to where I’ve been for so many years; and where I find myself today. As much as I miss the fellowship of my brethren; and as much as I miss the spiritual strength found each Sabbath day as one of a congregation gathered together in worship and prayer; it may be best for all concerned if I continue in spiritual seclusion until the return of our Saviour and His gathering together of myself and my brethren.

As I have prayed so many times before: “Thy will be done; thy Kingdom come. So be it my Lord and my God: “Thy will be done; thy Kingdom come!”

I have not enjoyed the preparation of these last two messages. Neither do I believe any personal good has come from the purging of these metaphoric poisons of the past. Those of you who understand will realize that my bitterness and condemnation was never towards the ministry, but to that which the ministry allowed to happen within the Church of God. Let me leave you with the words of our Saviour as he sent his disciples out to spread the gospel message -- the wonderful news of the soon-coming Kingdom of God:

Luke 10:3-7 “Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, nor knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.’” -- He, who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Note: Next week I hope to discuss the biblical account of “The Thief on the Cross.” In every sermon where the thief on the cross was mentioned, it was the teaching of the minister that Jesus promised this supposedly “repentant” thief salvation. But did Jesus truly promise him salvation; or is there a more perfect understanding to this story?

Shearing the Sheep -- Part 1

Some time ago I read a quotation which at first glance made me laugh -- not long thereafter, as old memories began to flow, it brought great sorrow. Naming the source of the quote would serve no useful purpose; neither do I have any desire to equate the substance of the message it suggests with the ministry of the present-day Churches of God -- or with any other ministry for that matter. I shall however, use the words of the quotation to discuss a subject that has been a lump in my heart for almost thirty-five years. But first the quotation:

“If God didn’t want them to be sheared, he would not have made them sheep.”

From the time of the inception of the modern-day Church of God, the brethren have had one primary function within the body of Christ; that is to provide the funds necessary to keep the ministry and the “Work” of God alive. This does not prevent them from adding their prayers to those of their brethren for some special need within the congregation or within the Church; or even their setting out chairs to prepare for Sabbath services; but from the outset, certain of the “gifts of the Spirit” have been closely held within the confines of the ministry.

You may read in the Scriptures that in the last days your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your young men shall see visions; and your old men shall dream dreams. If the Churches of God in these latter days are anything like the Worldwide Church of the 1970’s then I caution those sons and daughters who feel the need to prophesy -- they will almost certainly be ridiculed and told to keep quiet in the presence of their elders. Those who begin to see visions will almost certainly be censured for their foolishness -- if not summarily ejected from the congregation. And it is hoped that those old men who dream dreams will have been in the Church long enough to know better than to say anything -- ridicule and censure do have their effect; and are eventually learned -- even by old men.

One of the more successful of the end-time Churches of God makes no apology for their teaching that if God should choose to open up a new or more perfect understanding of Scripture, He will do it through the ministry. Throughout their literature, they make it abundantly clear that God would never allow a new or more perfect understanding of doctrine to pass through anyone who has not first been anointed to His service!

Another of the larger and more successful of the Churches has adopted a more liberal and generous attitude; they allow those who question, or even oppose Church doctrine to submit a study-paper for ministerial consideration. This doctrinal contribution is then studied by a group of 5 ministers who make up what is referred to as a “doctrinal committee”; the men of this “doctrinal committee” are all members of the Church’s 12-man “Council of Elders” and of course, they are all ministers of the Church.

If this 5-man “committee” sees merit in the doctrinal submission they then pass it on to the full “12-man Council of Elders.” This Council of Elders is made up of 12 ministers who have been elected to this position by those who form the entire ministry of the Church. If this 12-man “Council” continues to see merit in the submission it is then passed on to the “General Council of Elders” who are (you guessed it) each and every other minister of the Church!

Where do the lay-members enter the equation? They are the ones who submit their tithes and offerings so that the ministers can effectively perform the “Work of God” and care for the needs of the Church; including the determination of what the Scriptures do or do not say. Other than that, the lay-member has virtually nothing to say regarding any question of doctrine. When (or if) a decision is made on any point of doctrine, the lay-member will be given the decision as a ministerial edict and allowed little or no choice except to follow the edict or reject the authority of the ministry.

I have always believed it was this very attitude which created problems within the Worldwide Church and eventually led to the dissolution of the brethren. When the ministry took it upon themselves to be the sole arbiters of what the Bible did or did not say; when they began to demand that the brethren “look to the ministry” for their scriptural understanding, the Church as we knew it was doomed.

Nevertheless; even if everything I’ve said to this point is both accurate and true, I can see no better way than that which this Church and their Council of Elders has adopted. It may be possible to include some of the lay-brethren in discussions concerning Church doctrine, but in the imperfect world we live in the addition of anyone not absolutely necessary to the functioning of Church organization should be resisted. We who are the “church” of God are therefore left with our constant and comforting prayer: “Thy will be done -- thy Kingdom come!”

Reliving the Past

As I sit here contemplating how to continue with the subject at hand, I realize that the sun has not yet risen to begin a new day. The night which even now seems reluctant to end has been very difficult for me as memories of events long past keep flowing through my troubled mind.

The days and weeks leading up to my separation from the Worldwide Church of God kept replaying in my thoughts with a clarity that was almost overpowering. The memory of my final Sabbath service was almost more than I could bear. Until you have actually experienced the depths of betrayal described by King Solomon in his book of proverbs, you cannot fully appreciate the feeling of rottenness which can literally permeate the very marrow of your bones:

Proverbs 12:4 “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.”

For those of us who experienced what we perceived to be the betrayal of our ministers, the woman who caused this shame was the one we had come to look to as our spiritual Mother; the very Church of God who nourished our minds, our bodies -- our very souls!

It was many years before I came to accept that the secular organization known as the Worldwide Church of God was the source of that betrayal -- not the true “church” of God! But how many of our brethren have since fallen asleep believing they were betrayed by the very God who was, and is, and shall yet be their Heavenly Father?

To relive the memories of that time is to relive the sickness, the shame, the frustration, and the anger. I have never been one to believe in the allegorically therapeutic qualities of opening old wounds that the poisons may drain out -- but in this case it may be that the lessons of the past can help not only myself, but others of my brethren to heal; while still others may learn from the errors of the past and determine that they never be repeated.

My Side of the Story

My final Sabbath Day service with the Worldwide Church of God was held in a large banquette hall in the eastern Canadian city where we lived; it was early spring in the year 1974 and it was an annual High Day. If my memory serves, it may have been the last of the seven Days of Unleavened Bread -- however, the possibility remains that we may have been observing the Feast of Pentecost. In the afternoon, a young man recently graduated from Ambassador College and sent to our local Church as a new ministerial assistant, was just finishing a sermonette on the counting of the days to Pentecost; the anger and frustration which had been building in me long before this day even began, erupted with the words: “I’ve heard more than enough of this s--t!” I turned to my wife and said: “Come on -- we’re leaving!”

It has been my long-time belief that to hear one side of any story is to hear fantasy. This does not suggest that everything you hear in a one-sided story is false; only that it cannot be accepted as truth until that truth has been proven. By relating that which I remember of so long ago I accept that it is only “my side of the story”; but in fairness, I must try to assure you that until today, as far as the brethren are concerned, my side of the story has never been heard!

The year 1973 was a time of great upheaval within the Church of God. The spirit of joy and anticipation which to that point in time had been my experience was being replaced by a spirit of discontent, confusion, and disillusionment. For most of the congregation, a clear understanding of the underlying cause of this unrest was not immediately apparent. Rumor and innuendo filtered down to the brethren from no one knew where, only to add to the confusion and fuel the discontent.

At some point, my eyes were opened to a new reality; from within the spiritual cloud that had allowed me to thrive for more than three wonderful years, I was forced to accept some very human truths -- and those truths filled me with confusion and with shame!

The sacrifice I had willingly accepted on behalf of myself and my family showed definite signs of tarnish. The life we had willingly accepted as children of the Living God began to appear more and more like the pathetic existence of foolish and unsuspecting sheep being led to their slaughter -- while being closely and effectively sheared along the way!

One of the more damaging rumours which had filtered down to the brethren was that the ministers were being paid what many perceived to be an unconscionable amount of money. At a time when I was earning the princely sum of $7,200 each year, it came to my attention that our ministers were earning in excess of $40,000. Even so, I continued to believe that as the chosen ministers of God, they deserved whatever we could do for them.

From the subsequent preaching of Garner Ted Armstrong, Herbert Armstrong’s son, the claim has been made that the actual income of the ministry may have been far greater than the rumored $40,000. Reimbursement of expenses and other fringe-benefits may have increased the overall amount; but I can assure you that at the time, what little we were beginning to learn was more than enough to fuel not only discontent, but anger!

This was the third year since my baptism. Those of you who remember the Church of God of the 1970’s will realize what it means that this was my third year. From my gross income of $7,200 I faithfully tithed 10% to the Church for the “Work” of God. A second tithe of 10% of the gross was put aside to be used only for the Annual Holy days; more specifically, the keeping of the Feast of Tabernacles at one of the many “Feast Sites” scattered throughout the world. This being my third year, a third tithe of 10% of the gross was given to the ministry to be used for the relief of those widows and orphans (and other special needs) amongst those who were our brethren.

From that which remained of our incomes, the brethren were commanded by Scripture to make special “Holy Day Offerings” during each of the seven annual Feast Days. To all this was added our free-will offerings which were actively solicited by what many of the brethren came to regard as “begging-letters” from Pasadena. And then there was the “Building Fund” and the separate but equally demanding “House for God” -- and I readily admit that for me, it was this “House for God” that finally broke my spirit.

Please understand: at that time I was glad to do all that could be done to further the “Work” of God and the workings of His Church and His ministry. The “begging-letters” and the additional pleas for the building of “God’s House” were acknowledged as the part we were privileged to play in what we perceived to be the ongoing plan of God. It was only when my eyes were opened to what was really happening that I realized my dedication was being carried out at the expense of my wife and my children. The tithes, the offerings, and the additional free-will gifts were being taken from the mouths, the feet, and the backs of my family -- and I was ashamed! And with the shame came anger!

Leading up to that Day

At that time in the history of the Church there were many doctrinal issues belaboring the ministry and the congregations. One of the more contentious was the counting of the days from the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Day of Pentecost. From the time Herbert Armstrong first came to understand it was incumbent upon all followers of Christ to not only keep the weekly Sabbath but the annual Holy Days as well, the Church had been keeping the Day of Pentecost on a Monday. Now it was being rumored that some of the ministers (and a few of the brethren) believed it should be observed on a Sunday!

Controversy over when to keep Pentecost had created a growing rift within the ministry; what began as a heated discussion threatened to become a fire-storm when knowledge of the controversy became more widely known amongst the congregations. Many of the brethren went to the Scriptures in search of a more perfect, personal understanding; and I include myself as one whom with much study, meditation, and prayer, chose to search out my own understanding according to that which the Spirit of God gave me direction.

I readily admit that until this trial came upon the Church I had been somewhat naive in accepting whatever the ministry, and especially what the Church leaders Herbert and Garner Ted Armstrong, had to teach me. When I listened to a sermon, or read a booklet or an article on any subject of Scripture, I followed the passages used to support that particular teaching but refrained from actually “searching the Scriptures, whether these things were so.”

With the controversy over Pentecost came the realization that understanding within the ministry was neither a constant nor a mirror to perfection; I therefore began to realize that neither was their preaching nor their teaching a mirror to perfection. In virtually no time at all I began to see flaws in the Church of God which for a time actually shook my faith.

Almost immediately I came to realize we had been wrong to keep the Day of Pentecost on a Monday; in fact, a careful study of the Scriptures made it clear to me that Pentecost should be observed on a Sunday. Eventually, the hierarchy of the Church and the ministry agreed (amongst themselves) that from that time forward, the Church would observe the Holy Day of Pentecost on a Sunday rather than a Monday -- and so it has been since that time in virtually all of the Churches of God.

Unfortunately, (or perhaps not), the change from Monday to Sunday came only after I had been ordered to stay away from the Church and to refrain from any and all contact with those who were my brethren. This ministerial banishment was referred to as my having been “disfellowshipped” -- and I have had no formal contact with any minister of any of the many different and differing Churches of God from that day to this.

My Present Dilemma

And now a minor personal dilemma has presented itself which I would like to share with you. There is no local congregation of any Church of God in the small town where I live; hence, there has been no reasonable opportunity for me to attend Sabbath services with any of the scattered Churches. During the first week of May I hope to be in Las Vegas, Nevada, on my way to Los Angeles, California. I know that one of the more successful end-time Churches of God has a local congregation in Las Vegas and it had been my intention to ask permission to attend Sabbath services -- and thereby the dilemma!

It turns out that the pastor of the local church from which I was disfellowshipped 33 years ago still ministers with this particular Church organization; not in Las Vegas, but I’m not at all sure his geographical location really matters. It has always been my understanding that he was the one who ordered my expulsion from the Worldwide Church; if this is true, and if he did so by the authority and the will of God, it is conceivable that the edict to refrain from any and all contact with the brethren still applies.

In the 33 years since my separation from the Church no minister has ever contacted me in an effort to “bring back that which was driven away”; neither to my knowledge has any minister ever tried to “seek that which was lost.” In fact, from what I’ve been able to determine concerning those of our brethren who either “fell away,” or “were lost,” or “were driven away” so many years ago, it was as if the attitude of the Worldwide Church ministry was “out of sight, out of mind”; no matter the turmoil and the tribulation their actions unleashed on the families of those who were once their brethren.

So the question remains: Do I ignore the events of our distant past and fulfil my desire to attend services in Las Vegas; or do I continue under the ministerial edict to separate myself from the brethren? Then again; is there not a third choice? Can I not simply repent of that which led to my disfellowship? If only it was that simple I would leap at the chance!

Note: What I had hoped to accomplish in one quick (though painful) cleansing of old wounds must of necessity be spread over one more week. I take no pleasure in any of this; and believe that what must be done in the latter part of this message will be even less palatable. There is a need to discuss much I have never before touched upon, and a need to clarify much that has previously been suggested; to that end, next week I shall try to be even more forthcoming as I conclude this work in Part 2 of “Shearing the Sheep.”