Posted on 01/03/2014 7:51:36 PM PST by Colofornian
It is with a grateful heart that I’ve received yet another testimony. This one like so many others, came via an email, and is a great blessing to me and to others who contend for the Gospel in the arena with those who pursue Torah. Many thanks to Mark Smith for the following. Mark’s story is about coming out of the Worldwide Church of God, from which the Hebrew Roots Movement draws much of its doctrine.
This testimony will also appear on the Testimonies Page here at JGIG.
If you have a testimony you’d like to share about coming out of the Hebrew Roots Movement (or a variation of the HRM), please email me at joyfullygrowingingrace at gmail dot com. From talking to those who have come out of Law-keeping sects, I understand that it can be a difficult thing to write about the experience. Many thanks to those who have been willing to take the time and effort to contribute here.
Keep ‘em coming! Testimonies are a powerful witness to the Gospel of Christ! Thank you!
Every blessing, -JGIG
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Mark Smith
The following is my testimonial of 18 long years in the Worldwide Church of God (HRM) Cult founded by Herbert W. Armstrong. For more information on the founder and this cult, simply do some research on Google for more details and the history of the WCG cult. [Exit and Support Network is a great resource. - jgig]
My father heard the founder’s convincing message in 1964 when I was 3 years old and converted wholeheartedly – my mother went along out of love for my father. From the age of 3 years old to 21, I was indoctrinated in following and observing all of the old covenant teachings of the Torah/Mosaic law, the holy days and feast days, the Sabbath, plus extra biblical doctrine the founder imposed on us as further bondages and heavy burdens. As children, we were not allowed to participate in the regular holiday celebrations at school, enjoy birthdays or participate in sports that typically scheduled games on the Sabbath.
While growing up, my father worked hard to support my brothers, sister and I with very little left over after paying income taxes and multiple tithes to the CULT. For years, my mother would cook simple meals and shop at thrift stores, grow gardens and sew clothes for us to make it - and my father made good money - but gave much of it to support the cult’s “iron-fisted” control to OBEY and PAY!
There was 99 percent law mixed with their exclusive (we have the truth) spin within their doctrine claiming to being the ONLY one with the TRUTH while the rest of the world is lost. The other 1 percent was teaching on the work of Jesus Christ and His suffering on the cross for our sins which was quickly diminished and perverted by the other 99 percent false doctrine.
Several magazines, books and correspondence courses were the means of being brainwashed and indoctrinated into their (“The”) way of spiritual growth, including fear based manipulation woven into the writings to compel followers into adhering to all the teachings of the founder. There was the Plain Truth and Good News magazines to pitch to the followers and also to reach out to potential converts on a worldwide scale consisting of modern events, news, prophecy and God’s kingdom to come.
Problem was, there was NO emphasis about salvation in Jesus Christ.
Scripture they used to support the doctrines found in their publications were (TYPICAL OF A CULT) used out of context – and can be clearly discerned and recognized once you DO know the truth that reveals the errant false teachings! Sin and scandals were common among members including leadership as well as the founder which demonstrated to me that their moral benchmark for godly living was skewed by legalism – NOT having the Holy Spirit moving through TRULY converted people demonstrating the power of the TRUE gospel of Jesus Christ.
Their basis for conversion was the required reading of two NON biblical books written by the founder and then water baptism. Keeping the Torah’s dietary laws and paying first, second and third tithes filled the cult’s vaults and fueled the propagation of their doctrine worldwide as well as funding a luxurious lifestyle for the founder. The pastors, deacons and so-called evangelists, did NOT reach people with the “true love of God” but infused control and manipulation that came from the very top – the founder.
The works-based righteousness that I and others tried to walk-in produced the fruit of SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS and a pious, pride-filled life. Looking back at the fruit of people’s lives, it was clear that the Spirit-filled life of love, joy, peace, patience – etc… was null or void of the fruit that IS evident in a converted person demonstrating the love for God and others.
Falling away or leaving the cult equaled a one-way ticket to the eternal lake of fire. Powerful, manipulative preaching kept (me) the followers/members in fear and awe that their teaching was OF GOD and somehow anointed. Once you were a member, you were ensured of salvation within the chosen group of God’s elect, or FACE THE LAKE OF FIRE!!
The real kicker is… their version of the Gospel was what they call the “Good News” – the kingdom of God during the 1000 year millennium to come and that we would all be small gods occupying our own planets - kind of like what the Mormons believe. Yes, the kingdom of God will be an awesome time, but the cult’s primary focus and doctrine of the kingdom is front and center OVER and above the gospel of Jesus Christ our Savior first… AND His kingdom to come!
Truth is, I don’t remember hearing TRUE solid and sound evangelism about the Gospel of Jesus Christ that would be centered on His redemptive work and the gift of salvation and eternal life through Him!
I left the cult in 1983 after suffering serious emotional and mental anguish about whether I should continue to live under that cults heavy hand or leave since my heart was no longer in remaining as a member. Fact is I WAS FED UP, and even though I felt that I was condemned at the same time for leaving, I left out of feeling a need to save and salvage my sanity!
Before leaving though, I asked for counseling with my (cult) pastor, who then proceeded to bash me loudly and harshly about being emotional and showed zero compassion and love. That was all I needed to make my final beeline for the exit door out of that cult once and for all in 1983.
However, my mother went along with it all those years from 1964 until she was fed up and then divorced my father in 1988. Six years later, in 1994, my father committed suicide due to a complete breakdown from guilt and failure of losing a marriage, and felt like he failed his children, including feeling he was a failure in that cult as a deacon. His death was extremely heart-breaking to us all… however we felt compassion on our dear dad who was caught in the destructive teachings of a cult.
I don’t remember any of us (my siblings and myself) condemning our father for our childhood… that’s because we know our dad did the best that he thought he could.
My brothers and sister came out of it shortly after I did. I guess you could say I paved the way to coming out of the cult after many lost years under mind control and manipulation. My mother drank herself to death in 2009. My younger sister is not a believer, my younger brother moves all around the country as a vagabond, and my other brother who was a year and half younger is now gone; he died in 2006 from cancer.
I pray for my two remaining siblings that the Lord would reveal to them His Gospel having mercy and grace on them as He did with me.
Several years later, the Lord brought the gospel to me through coworkers and others in the public (thank God for people not afraid to share Christ), yet I vowed never to listen to any man again, but wanted to hear from GOD and GOD only what the truth was. In August of 1996, I was searching for something to listen to on the radio and heard a man preaching and can’t remember who it was since it was a Christian station with many different teachers and ministers. I broke my vow to not listen to any man and knew that I just had to keep listening to a new message (the gospel) that spoke to my heart.
Little did I know it was the Holy Spirit drawing me to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, our salvation and the forgiveness of sins that weighed so heavy on me! After strong conviction from the Holy Spirit regarding my past and present sins, I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and experienced the NEW BIRTH, and started reading the New Testament learning about OUR SAVIOR, about faith, mercy, grace, redemption, sanctification, justification, fruit of the Spirit, love fulfilling the law, Christian living, eternal life to come, Revelation and the Kingdom of God, the message of the Old Testament and the Messianic line along with prophecies of Jesus and so much more!
Now fast forward to the present at 51 years old…
I praise God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ for His glorious love, mercy and grace upon those of us who receive Him and his Word by faith, revealing the wonderful promises to come – from everlasting to everlasting!
Unfortunately, there are several men online that have persevered [known as 'splinter groups' - info available at link provided above] and are pitching the teachings of the cult I grew up in. THEY ARE MISSING the mark big time leading people into bondage.
As the days are growing more troublesome globally, the Lord has laid it on my heart to reach the lost with the (TRUE) message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I thank God for the TRUE warriors in the faith that are battling against and exposing the lies of false prophets and teachers that are everywhere.
Even though I would love to battle solely against cults and false teaching, I can do MORE damage against the evil one and false teaching by SOLELY focusing on preaching the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ which the evil one hates more than anything!
If you are reading this testimony about my life in a Hebrew Roots/Messianic-type cult and don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior… repent and turn to Him, calling out to Him in His name “LORD and Savior Jesus Christ” and believe that He died for our (your) sins, was buried and rose from the dead three days later.
If you’d like someone to pray with you about receiving Jesus Christ, contact the author of this site, or feel free to comment on this testimony.
After receiving Jesus Christ by faith, you will receive the gift and promise of the Holy Spirit and He will reveal to you the truth in His Holy Scriptures about the Godhead – who our Father in heaven is, who His Son Jesus Christ is, who the Holy Spirit is and MORE. Read the New Testament books to learn about Jesus Christ… the gospel of John is a great place to start and read the other gospel books about Jesus. Read the rest of the New Testament to understand the wonderful truths of Him and His Word.
I believe the Old Testament is best understood after you receive Christ as your Savior where you will become a new creation in Christ through the regeneration power of the Holy Spirit that will open up your spiritual eyes of understanding for His Word and the entire biblical message of God’s salvation plan for humanity.
Thank you Lord GOD of heaven and earth for this website and your glorious Truth and promises.
Love in Christ our Lord,
Mark Smith
The following is my testimonial of 18 long years in the Worldwide Church of God (HRM) Cult founded by Herbert W. Armstrong...While growing up, my father worked hard to support my brothers, sister and I with very little left over after paying income taxes and multiple tithes to the CULT. For years, my mother would cook simple meals and shop at thrift stores, grow gardens and sew clothes for us to make it - and my father made good money - but gave much of it to support the cult’s “iron-fisted” control to OBEY and PAY! There was 99 percent law mixed with their exclusive (we have the truth) spin within their doctrine claiming to being the ONLY one with the TRUTH while the rest of the world is lost. The other 1 percent was teaching on the work of Jesus Christ and His suffering on the cross for our sins which was quickly diminished and perverted by the other 99 percent false doctrine.
The real kicker is… their version of the Gospel was what they call the “Good News” – the kingdom of God during the 1000 year millennium to come and that we would all be small gods occupying our own planets - kind of like what the Mormons believe...However, my mother went along with it all those years from 1964 until she was fed up and then divorced my father in 1988. Six years later, in 1994, my father committed suicide due to a complete breakdown from guilt and failure of losing a marriage, and felt like he failed his children, including feeling he was a failure in that cult as a deacon. His death was extremely heart-breaking to us all… however we felt compassion on our dear dad who was caught in the destructive teachings of a cult...
My brothers and sister came out of it shortly after I did. I guess you could say I paved the way to coming out of the cult after many lost years under mind control and manipulation. My mother drank herself to death in 2009...
Unfortunately, there are several men online that have persevered [known as 'splinter groups' - info available at link provided above] and are pitching the teachings of the cult I grew up in. THEY ARE MISSING the mark big time leading people into bondage.
A brief note on the “Splinter Groups”:
“Most of the splinter cults of Armstrongism retain the name ‘Church of God’ somewhere in their title. They mix legalism, including strict Sabbatarianism, with a variety of Armstrong’s leading doctrines. Two other noteworthy groups among these are the Global Church of God, located in San Diego, California, and the United Church of God in Arcadia, California. The former has a television following on two superstations covering much of the United States, while the latter publishes The Good News magazine and covers thirty television stations with programming.” (Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults, Ed. Hank Hanegraaff. Pg. 472)
Ravenous Wolves.
They’re everywhere.
We have some Hebrew roots people on FR threads. I had never been aware of their teaching before. They very seldom use scripture to back up their views and when they do it’s totally out of context.
I’m not sure if the “Hebrew Roots” people are all members of an Armstrong cult. They have definitely an overlap, but Armstrong taught a lot of things.
For example, Armstrong believed that...
“... biblical truth had been lost from the first century and rediscovered by him in 1927. He wrote about himself as the ‘Elijah’ who would preach before the second advent of Jesus Christ. He also taught that he was unique in the human race as Christ’s new ‘Apostle’ and that he had ‘restored’ essential truths to Christianity. He championed his work in gloating terms... saying, ‘I candidly feel it may be the most important book since the Bible!’” (Walter Martin, Ed. Hank Hanegraaff, The Kingdom of the Cults, pg. 482).
From Armstrong directly:
“I know of no other who has ever become a founder of a religion... who ever came into the truth the way God brought me into it... God brought me through a process that erased former misknowledge — and, as it were, gave me a clear start from ‘scratch.’ I wonder if you realize that every truth of God, accepted as truth doctrine and belief in the Worldwide Church of God, came from Christ through me, or was finally approved and made official through me... I was appointed by Jesus Christ, the head of the church.” (Herbert Armstrong, “Personal From...” The Plain Truth (Feb. 1967): 47.)
On interpreting the scripture, it was “like a jigsaw puzzle that must be assembled piece by biblical piece... and since before AD 70, it has been entirely suppressed.” (H. Armstrong, “How far can you get from being a Prophet of Doom?” The Plain Truth (Oct/Nov 1977): 3.)
Armstrong on becoming “God personages”:
“By a resurrection, we become born God personages — personages just as our God the Father and Christ the Son! We shall have the entire universe put beneath our feet (Hebrews 2:8).” (Herbert Armstrong, The Plain Truth (September 1980): 40)
He also taught Brithish Israelism, and even claimed that he was a descendant of King David on his mother’s side.
Some of the “Hebrew Roots” people might fancy themselves as a brand of Messianic Jew, who also deny that Paul is a legitimate Apostle. They might be Modalists as well, in the ones I have encountered.
Not to confuse all Messianic Jews for these sort. But some of them who claim to be “Messianic Jews” make these sorts of arguments, but the nature of their heresy is different from Armstrong.
According to a recent heretic from UCG we debated,
“UCG and the Worldwide Church of God are two completely different entities, philosophically, legally and organizationally. “
And excerpts from this link below help to provide a brief thumbnail "who's who" re the leaders of Armstrongism's break-off groups:
WHO'S WHO IN BIBLE PROPHECY...
This list includes "...those from pseudo-Christian organizations (so-called Christian groups that adhere to doctrines outside mainstream Christianity). This comprehensive list of individuals is meant to help you identify sound teaching on Bible prophecy and prophecy topics only." [Disclaimer: I haven't fully reviewed this Web site, and likely do not agree with all of its assessments...]
* "Richard F. Ames Television presenter of the Living Church of God (LCG) and co-host of "Tomorrow's World," another so-called end-times TV broadcast and bi-monthly magazine subscription. He is second in command to the organization's head, Roderick C. Meredith. He has eccentric views of Bible prophecy (i.e., LCG followers are "Philadelphians" and will be protected during the great tribulation for 3 1/2 years), usually found in his numerous publications or published online at lcg.org. He has a book about prophecy in the Middle East, and teaches that his church members should not participate in juries, politics or military service. He rejects orthodox beliefs of heaven and hell, the Trinity, salvation by grace alone and the bodily resurrection of Jesus."
* "Herbert W. Armstrong Late founder of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). Prior he was a minister in the Church of God Seventh-Day (COG7) that had splintered from the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) church. When his teachings began to disagree with COG7 doctrine, he started his own denomination called the Radio Church of God, which became the WCG. The organization produced the "Plain Truth" magazine and the "World Tomorrow" radio and TV programs. While his theology was rooted in Seventh-Day Adventism, he also taught the false doctrine of British-Israelism, later known as "Armstrongism" which claims the ten "lost" tribes of Israel were actually Anglo-Saxons. This unbiblical doctrine is not only anti-Semitic, but wrongly contends that Jews are Israelite imposters. He was the self-proclaimed "apostle" of the "only true church on earth," with an emphasis on linking Bible prophecy to contemporary world events, but with his own twist (just as SDAs do today). He regularly predicted specific times for the return of Christ when previous predictions failed. He claimed that he was a fulfillment of prophecy and that he and his "church" alone were preaching the truth. More than 30 splinter groups formed after his death."
* "Garner Ted Armstrong Late founder of the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association, he was removed from the Worldwide Church of God by his father Herbert over control issues and immorality. He then organized the Church Of God International (COGI) where he was also removed by leadership for immorality. He again created a new organization, the Intercontinental Church Of God (ICG) under the umbrella of the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association. He also hosted the Garner Ted Armstrong television broadcast, and was the self-proclaimed "Ezekiel Watchman" (main prophetic spokesman for God on earth). His son, Mark Armstrong, now heads the ICG, and claims it is the only "true" church on earth."
* "Fred R. Coulter Founded the Christian Biblical Church of God (CBCG) in 1983 after he broke off from the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) in 1979. He claims that his organization teaches directly from the Scriptures, not from traditions of men, and restores original Christianity for today. He speaks regularly on end-times events, teaches from the traditions of Seventh-Day Adventists (Sabbath-keeping), and claims the Jews in Israel today are not the same as the Jews described in the Bible. He has studied Greek for many years, eventually producing his own translation of the New Testament in 2007, then publishing the "Second Edition of The Holy Bible In Its Original Order" in 2009. He is working on a similar version for the Old Testament. Apparently the present order, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is not quite right. He also claims the Trinity is a false doctrine, all found at cbcgindianapolis.org."
* "Gerald Flurry Pastor General of the Philadelphia Church of God, founded in 1989 on the doctrines of the late Herbert W. Armstrong. Having served under Armstrong as a minister in the Worldwide Church of God before sweeping doctrinal changes, he never wavered. His wacky prophecy teaching continues on "The Key of David" television broadcast, through the monthly magazine, "The Philadelphia Trumpet," and via booklets. He claims, "God placed me into the office of a prophet," and "I am intimate with God in a way no one else is directly." He also states, "In fact, 'king' and 'counselor' apply to the office I hold." He probably eats manna too."
* "Roderick C. Meredith He founded the Global Church of God (GCG) in 1992 which he claimed was the "true church." He was eventually dismissed over authority issues, and then established the Living Church of God (LCG) in 1998. He was one of the first five evangelists ordained in 1952 by Herbert W. Armstrong. Meredith believes God chose him to "re-establish the true church" and that his members are the "spiritual heirs of the original Jerusalem Church of New Testament time." He denies the doctrine of the Trinity and he follows Armstrong's prophecy teachings. Members must keep Old Testament laws as part of their salvation. He co-hosts the TV program "Tomorrow's World," and publishes a magazine by the same name. Both are used in recruiting potential members for LCG."
* "David C. Pack Pastor General of the Restored Church of God (RCG) which he founded after the Global Church of God (GCG) "disfellowshipped" him. He claims to stand for "precision of doctrine" and claims to know what the "true church" is today. Another offshoot of Herbert Armstrong's Worldwide Church of God, he is another "founder" of a growing number of so-called "true churches" in America. He states that the two witnesses of Revelation will come out of his church, will come under his supervision, and he will train them for their 3½ year mission on earth. He broadcasts the television program "The World to Come" and offers "The Real Truth" magazine at thercg.org."
* "John Ritenbaugh Head of the Church of the Great God (CGG), another breakaway group that formed as a result the disintegration of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) following the death of Herbert Armstrong. The CGG identifies itself as "non-Trinitarian" and "Sabbath-keeping" as do other WCG splinter groups. His organization publishes "Forerunner" magazine, and runs truegospel.org. He focuses on bringing "the true gospel" to the world as God's divine government is shortly going to be established on earth. Like all of the WCG splinter organizations, the CGG makes several claims of having "truth" along with delusional interpretations of end-times events."
* "Ronald Weinland Former minister in the Worldwide Church of God (WCG), then a minister in the United Church of God (UCG), he now heads the Church of God - Preparing for the Kingdom of God (PKG). His church observes the 7th day Sabbath and the seven annual holy days in Leviticus 23, with a purpose to support, educate, and warn the scattered Church that was formerly united in the Worldwide Church of God. Several years ago he declared himself a prophet, and then falsely predicted the end of the world in 2008. He now claims to be the pastor of God's Church on earth, and is appointed to be God's final end-time prophet to the world. He also claims to be one of the two witnesses of Revelation 11, and that he will be slain in Jerusalem. More of this utter nonsense can be found at cog-pkg.org and ronaldweinland.com."
LOL
When Herbert W died, did not other men take over who led his congregation back into Trinitarian Christian beliefs while others took of and tried to continue Armstrong’s beliefs.
Yes, Joseph W. Tkach
Like I said in my post, I’m not that familiar with either cult but had just been doing some research as this thread was posted that indicated there was a tie of some sort. This Herbert Armstrong, is he somehow related to Garner Ted Armstrong?
Are we in it for the long haul???
“All of the Lent and Easter abomination is pagan and God clearly condemned it in scripture.”
“God doesn’t smile down on people who celebrate Easter.”
The words of cultists.
Yes...and here's more info on that:
Here is the transformation of the portion of Armstrong's church that went Christian:
A Short History of Grace Communion International
They say:
(You can go to above link to read a LOT more)
Yes, Garner is his demonic son! Colofornian’s other post mentions him. Here’s the relevant section:
* “Garner Ted Armstrong Late founder of the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association, he was removed from the Worldwide Church of God by his father Herbert over control issues and immorality. He then organized the Church Of God International (COGI) where he was also removed by leadership for immorality. He again created a new organization, the Intercontinental Church Of God (ICG) under the umbrella of the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association. He also hosted the Garner Ted Armstrong television broadcast, and was the self-proclaimed “Ezekiel Watchman” (main prophetic spokesman for God on earth). His son, Mark Armstrong, now heads the ICG, and claims it is the only “true” church on earth.”
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