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NEWS WATCH FOR the CHURCH OF GOD
News in the world and church — to give warning and help for God’s people — by Ron Weinland December 1998
THE DEATH OF OUTRAGE
The Death of Outrage is the title of a Matters of morality and right judgments for us and tell us what is
new book by William J. Bennett, judgment are not well received by the right and wrong. There is a tendency
former U.S. Secretary of Education American public. Lacking moral to derive a sense of comfort from the
and well-known editor of The Book of strength and a clear understanding of size of an organization and to trust in
Virtues. The title also seems right and wrong, most feel no sense of the credentials of those who preach to
appropriate for this month's N e w s outrage over the reprehensible conduct us. Yet those are some of the very
Watch. of their president. pitfalls that our experience in the
The following quotation from the The spirit of pride and complacency Worldwide Church of God should
jacket of this new book summarizes that grips this nation also has a have taught us to avoid. The
Dr. Bennett's message: "Explosive and powerful grip on the Church. When credentials of an individual (or a group
hard-hitting, powerful in its logic, we are under its sway we have a hard of leaders) or the size of an
carefully reasoned in its conclusions, time seeing or admitting the problem. organization are no substitute for
'The Death of Outrage' is directed at a Nevertheless, it is a spirit that we must following the Word of God. The
shameful chapter of American history. all recognize and repent of. This gets mistake of the past was to place those
It is an urgent call for American to the heart and core of why the very things above God's clear
citizens to repudiate the deep Church is been spewed out and instructions.
corruption of Bill Clinton, and the scattered in so many directions. It is a In too many cases we have been
corrupting arguments made in his shameful chapter in our history, yet taught "what" to think, not "how" to
defense." few seem willing to acknowledge the think. As a result, when individuals do
The purpose of this column is not to truth of what is happening. As a result, begin to accept their personal
promote William Bennett's book, but the victims of this spiritual malady are responsibility to exercise judgment,
rather to draw attention to several unable to zealously and steadfastly they can lose their bearings and go off
striking statements from the book that uphold God's righteous ways. on unbalanced and doctrinally-errant
are relevant for the Church today. tangents. This newfound responsibility
The attitude and spirit prevalent in JUDGMENT often begets a false sense of freedom,
the United States can also be found in "Judgment is a word that is out of which in turn can lead to other deadly
the Church. We too are experiencing a favor these days, but it remains a traps. Of course, we have always been
shameful chapter in our history. It is cornerstone of democratic self- personally and individually respon-
indeed urgent for all brethren to government. It is what enables us to sible for exercising judgment, but
acknowledge our scattered and hold ourselves, and our leaders, to pride and complacency led us to
weakening condition, as well as the high standards. It is how we abdicate this vital spiritual obligation.
unrighteousness that has led to our distinguish between right and wrong, Judging righteous judgment is an
current state. noble and base, honor and dishonor. integral part of God's government
Sad to say, we find many within the We cannot ignore that responsibility, working in our lives. It is the exercise
scattered organizations who are or foist it on others. It is the price-- of righteous judgment--in agreement
coming to the defense of "the church sometimes the exacting price--of with God's Word--that enables us to
of their choice," justifying and citizenship in a democracy" (Bennett, truly distinguish between right and
excusing the errors, false teachings, page 9). wrong, noble and base, honor and
unrighteous behavior, and corruption We must not fail to discern the dishonor. Indeed, such judgment
of some of their leaders. Our condition spiritual parallels between what is within the Church would enable us to
has deteriorated to the point that many happening in the nation and the hold ourselves and our leaders to high
brethren not only justify, but also lend condition of the Church. Exercising standards, the high standards of a truly
strong support that enables such righteous judgment is not easy, but it converted life, led and empowered by
leaders to strengthen their hold and is a vital part of our duty before God. the very Spirit of God.
become more deeply entrenched in We are in training to become kings Such judgment by God's people has
their wrong practices. This is not a and priests. One day we shall judge been proving almost null and void. It
small thing before God, and He holds angels! is easier to ignore personal
both the supported and supporter It is easy to let others, especially responsibility, choosing to be ignorant
responsible. ministers or other leaders, make our of misdeeds or to simply excuse them
December 1998 NEWS WATCH Page 2
for the greater good, which is often Have you noticed over the past you may wish to request the sermon
called "the Work." When this happens, several months, especially since the tape "Attesting to Revelation 12:17.")
the death of outrage becomes a reality Feast, the messages trumpeted by a Is the Church witnessing "the death
as brethren surrender their will to number of groups? They say "peace, of outrage" on a spiritual plane? Has
complacency and oppression. Over peace." We are asked to believe that the obstinacy of pride become so
time our ability to repent diminishes everyone is finding more peace and deeply ingrained that complacency
and God's punishment, as a loving that the organizations are becoming now reigns among the people of God?
Father, must be even stronger. stronger than ever. That is a lie! Such Because of pride and rebellion
Through Isaiah God issues a stern tactics should kindle righteous against God, more and more brethren
warning: "Therefore thus says the indignation! There is a time for are going to be confronted with two
Holy One of Israel: Because you outrage over unrighteousness, lying choices. One will be to take personal
despise this word, and trust in and deception. Yet many hardly flinch responsibility for their relationship
oppression [Hebrew: extortion, as they casually overlook or with God, listen to His warnings and
oppression, fraud] and perversity magnanimously excuse such matters. repent. The other choice will be to
[Hebrew: craftiness, cunning, lies], Just as William Bennett urges our listen to lies and suffer more for it.
and rely on them", punishment will nation to repudiate corruption, it is To whom do you choose to listen?
come (Isa. 30:12, NKJ). also high time for the people of God to Do you listen to a loving God who
There is a cause for every effect. repudiate spiritual corruption and the warns you of real danger so you can
The fruit of oppression and perversity deceptive arguments made in its repent and receive His help and
is continued fragmentation and further defense. To repudiate means to refuse strength in these troubled times? Or do
scattering. But who will admit that this to accept or support, disown, cast off, you listen to fables that gloss over the
condition is the result of disobedience avoid all contact. reality of our troubled times so you
and being in disfavor with God? The truth is, we are not at peace. can live in your own world that
Righteous living produces blessings Brethren continue to be scattered and appears more trouble free and
and direct involvement by a loving often abandon the faith in prosperous? That is exactly what
Father, with the result being strength disillusionment and despair. physical Israel is doing. It is like those
and stability. So what is the truth? Are we going who prop up the stock market,
to see peace, prosperity and growth, or choosing to bolster their world with a
OUTRAGED BY LIES? will there be further scattering with false sense of security and prosperity.
Brethren need to analyze events that more downsizing? What have we seen It is not real! It will not last! One day
have been occurring in some of the to this point? What has proven to be it will come crashing down. Too many
larger church organizations over the true thus far? Will God's people admit in the Church prop up their own
past few months. News Watch has that we are in a time of great artificial world, not wanting to hear
been saying for some time that tribulation and lamentation for the what God really says.
scattering and continuing troubles will Church? When will leaders stop News Watch has said it before, but it
beset the Church, but that brethren will promoting personal and corporate bears repeating: "Now go, write it
be hearing a message of "peace, agendas and address the true condition before them on a tablet, and note it on
peace." of the Church? Do the overwhelming a scroll, that it may be for the time to
Brethren are not being told the numbers of people who have given up come [margin—Hebrew: ‘for the latter
truth! Instead they are being lied to by completely or returned to spiritual day’], forever and ever: that this is a
leaders who seem to put corporate Egypt mean nothing to them? rebellious people, lying children,
concerns ahead of Godly principles. We may be at the juncture where children who will not hear the law of
There have been repeated assurances only 10 to 15 percent of the brethren the Lord; who say to the seers, 'Do not
that leaders are in agreement and are still holding to the commandments see,' and to the prophets, 'Do not
working well together to serve the of God and being faithful to the prophesy to us right things; speak to
brethren. Planning, growth, peace and testimony of Jesus Christ. Does the us smooth things, prophesy deceits'"
unity are described in glowing terms. possibility of such a figure reflect (Is. 30:8-10, NKJ). The language in
Yet brethren continue to be dismayed peace and prosperity for the Church of the Living Bible is quite direct and
as they learn that peace is an illusion, God? Now, of all times, brethren conveys the sense very well: "They tell
and that instead of growth, attrition should be able to see our poor my prophets, 'Shut up -- we don't want
and further scattering are the harsh condition, but many choose to focus any more of your reports!' Or they
reality. on a false prosperity and false hopes. say, 'Don't tell us the truth; tell us nice
(If you have not already received it, things; tell us lies. Forget all this
December 1998 NEWS WATCH Page 3
gloom; we've heard more than enough is light. Therefore He says: "Awake, physical Israel. The message is not one
about your "Holy One of Israel" and you who sleep, arise from the dead, of "peace, peace." Notice the wording
all he says.' This is the reply of the and Christ will give you light." See in the Living Bible: "He unrolled it,
Holy One of Israel: Because you then that you walk circumspectly, not and I saw that it was full of warnings,
despise what I tell you and trust as fools but as wise, redeeming the and sorrows, and pronouncements of
instead in frauds [Heb: ‘extortion, time, because the days are evil. doom." This message is not popular in
oppression, fraud’] and lies [Heb: Therefore do not be unwise, but Israel and it is not popular in the
‘craftiness, cunning, lies’] and won't understand what the will of the Lord Church, but it is true and it is applies
repent, therefore calamity will come is" (Ephesians 5:8-17, NKJ). to the Church now!
upon you suddenly, as upon a bulging "And thou shalt speak my words It is vitally important for brethren to
wall that bursts and falls; in one unto them, whether they will hear, or judge what is true, and to embrace and
moment it comes crashing down" (Is. whether they will forbear: for they are support it. The time has come to
30:10-13). most rebellious. But thou, son of man, repudiate the lying and stop supporting
In the Church, as in the nation, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou it. Will you enable lies to be
people do not want to hear God's rebellious like that rebellious house: perpetuated? Can you discern clearly
instruction, but choose to listen to lies open thy mouth, and eat that I give between what is true and false? What
and live in their own artificial world. It thee" (Ezekiel 2:7-8, KJV). Will you will you embrace and what will you
seems easier. Addressing reality hear what God tells you concerning repudiate? We should have learned our
means we must address personal the Church and the time in which we lessons long ago in the Worldwide
responsibility and that means making live or will you believe lies that Church of God, but sadly, many have
uncomfortable changes in our lives. contradict God's clear warnings. We not learned them yet. Meanwhile, the
Let's make it perfectly clear! There should open our mouths wide and let Church continues to scatter and shrink.
is only one message that is true within God feed us His true words.
the Church. God's message to us today The warning being quoted here is IT IS TIME TO JUDGE
is either one of peace and prosperity or from Ezekiel. Some understand there William Bennett's words, quoted
of troubles and woes. What does the is an Ezekiel warning that must go out, earlier, are just as applicable to the
Holy One of Israel truly say? Either but focus entirely on the physical Church as they are to the nation. He
News Watch is carrying a message that while overlooking the spiritual. There said, "Judgment is a word that is out
is true or one that is false. It cannot be is also an Ezekiel warning that must of favor these days." In his new book
both. Conversely, either some minis- go to the Church of God at this very he shows how people are quick to
ters are delivering a message to God's time. We can receive it and help give justify, ignore, or even condone lies
people that is true or one that is false! it or we can reject it altogether by within the presidency of the United
It cannot be both. As God's people it is believing and supporting lies. States. People have become so
now time to accept our responsibility Brethren, please analyze carefully and immoral or amoral that lying simply
to judge these matters. Time is not on judge righteously. There is an Ezekiel does not incense them; or they claim
our side! warning that must go out to spiritual we should not judge our leaders so
Paul's words could not be truer than Israel now. When God's time comes, harshly, but should be quick to
what they are for right now! "For you the message will also be given quickly forgive. Others advocate overlooking
were once darkness, but now you are and powerfully to physical Israel and the evils for what they perceive to be
light in the Lord. Walk as children of they will receive their warning. God's the greater good of the nation.
light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all word is true and He will perform it! It is much the same in the Church.
goodness, righteousness, and truth), "And when I looked, behold, an For some, lying is apparently
proving what is acceptable to the hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll justifiable if it is deemed to be for the
Lord. And have no fellowship with the of a book was therein; and he spread greater good of an organization, for
unfruitful works of darkness, but it before me; and it was written within unity, or for the sake of "the Work."
rather expose them. [TLB: 'Take no and without: and there was written Some abdicate all responsibility
part in the worthless pleasures of evil therein lamentations, and mourning, saying it is not our place to judge our
and darkness, but instead, rebuke and and woe" (Ez. 2:9-10, KJV). Ezekiel's leaders, regardless of their actions. Of
expose them.'] For it is shameful even prophecies concerning both physical course, complacency is so prevalent
to speak of those things which are Israel and the spiritual Israel of God that many are unconcerned about lies
done by them in secret. But all things are for the end of this age. These and either are unable to see them or
that are exposed are made manifest by prophecies will first be accomplished choose not to see them. Some simply
the light, for whatever makes manifest upon the Church and afterward upon give blind support.
December 1998 NEWS WATCH Page 4
For many brethren, the mere know what true peace is, nor what it habits, their friends, teachers, and
suggestion that some ministers per- means to be just and good; you babysitters, their manners and appear-
petuate or preach lies is unthinkable. continually do wrong and those who ance, their deportment and language.
False ministers? Yes, Scriptures warn follow you won't experience any …People judge fallibly, with un-
repeatedly about false ministers, peace, either." certainty, on the basis of the facts; but
especially in the end of this age. Some "For our transgressions are multi- if they will not judge, they can be
church leaders would rather believe plied before You, and our sins testify rightly suspected of being without
their troubles and continual attrition against us; for our transgressions are convictions. And people without
are attributable only to Satan. This with us, and as for our iniquities, we convictions cannot be counted on. And
rationale depicts the devil as being know them: in transgressing and lying a democracy, more than any other
more powerful than God or His ability against the Lord, and departing from form of government, needs a people on
to preserve and bless His people. our God, speaking oppression and whom you can count" (pp. 122-123).
Is it any wonder we continue to be revolt, conceiving and uttering from A growing number of brethren also
punished for our sins and stubborn the heart words of falsehood. Justice is hold the view it is imperious or
pride? God is not unable to strengthen turned back, and righteousness stands arrogant to exercise judgment. The
His people! God's ears are not too afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, tendency is to look down on others
heavy to hear the prayers of the and equity cannot enter. So truth fails, who are willing to stand up and stand
righteous and lift them up. Our and he who departs from evil makes firm, seeking to uphold integrity, truth,
problem is our own unrighteousness, himself a prey [NIV—‘and whoever and strong moral principles within the
not that Satan is greater than God! shuns evil becomes a prey’]. Then the Church. When some brethren refuse to
How hideous to think that some would Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that accept, support or fellowship with
support politics, lying, and there was no justice" (Is 59:12-15, others who are tearing down the moral
unrighteous behavior of ministers, and NKJ). fiber and sound biblical teachings,
at the same time, diminish and Righteous judgment seems to have they are often considered self-
denigrate the great power of our escaped God's people. Can we repent righteous, insensitive or intolerant,
loving Father and God! and receive the power of God that perhaps even exclusive. Bennett's
"Behold, the Lord's hand is not enables clear and sound judgment— comment is very apropos for the
shortened, that it cannot save [TLB – that gives true peace of mind even in Church. For a spiritually-free people
'Listen now! The Lord isn't too weak troubled times? "the ordeal of judgment cannot be
to save you.']; nor His ear heavy, that Let's consider another relevant shirked. To try to shirk it is not to be
it cannot hear. But your iniquities quotation from William Bennett's sensitive or tolerant, it is to avoid
have separated you from your God; book. "To the contrary, we live in an responsibility." Brethren, we need to
and your sins have hidden His face era when it has become unfashionable be alert, because it is very true that
from you, so that He will not hear. For to make judgments on a whole range "tolerance may just be another term
your hands are defiled with blood [A of very consequential behaviors and for indifference."
failure to love others is to hate and attitudes. . . . In the view of many How much more should we,
hate is the spirit of murder. – 1 John people today, it is imperious to be begotten children of God, be able to
4:20-21 & 3:14-15], and your fingers judgmental. But judgment is not clearly and righteously judge what is
with iniquity; your lips have spoken bigotry; and tolerance may just be true? How much more does God's
lies, your tongue has muttered another term for indifference. If to government need a people who can be
perversity. No one calls for justice, make judgments of better and worse, counted on?
nor does any plead for truth [NIV – good and bad, fit and unfit, sound and It is an absolute reality that we
'no one pleads his case with integrity']. unsound, competent and incompetent become known for the convictions we
They trust in empty words and speak is to be judgmental, then there is a hold. This is a time of refining, sifting,
lies; they conceive evil and bring forth need to be judgmental and no need to and testing for God's people. Our
iniquity" (Isaiah 59:1-4, NKJ). apologize for it. For a free people, the convictions—or lack thereof—will be
"The way of peace they have not ordeal of judgment cannot be shirked. made manifest. Lies, double-speak and
known, and there is no justice in their To try to shirk it is not to be sensitive compromise will be shown for what
ways; they have made themselves or tolerant, it is to avoid responsi- they are; nothing will remain hidden.
crooked paths; whoever takes that way bility. Teachers judge the work of their What we are, what we believe, how
shall not know peace" (Isaiah 59:8, students, and students the work of we live, and how we judge will all be
NKJ). The Living Bible captures this their teachers. Parents judge their revealed. None of us will escape our
same verse quite well: "You don't children's study habits and viewing personal responsibility before God for
December 1998 NEWS WATCH Page 5
the judgments we make. We are being Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the our lives right with God. Let's beseech
compelled to exercise judgment! foreheads of the men that sigh and that Him in repentance and humility and
We would be wise to take look at cry for all the abominations that be ask Him to reveal His will to us more
the state of our nation and the parallels done in the midst thereof" (KJV). clearly. Our sins, individual and
for us. We are witnessing "the death of We should all be able to sigh and collective, are hindering clear vision.
outrage" both in this country and in cry for what continues to happen to the Consider the spiritual implication
the Church. William Bennett's words Church. In hope there are many who for the Church when reading
on page 133 are sobering when we share that same love and concern for Nehemiah's concern over physical
consider their application for us: "One the Church, brethren are being asked Jerusalem. How much more should
temptation, the very modern tempta- to accept an invitation to join together these words ring true for us?
tion, is not to care, or at least pretend in a day of fasting for the scattered "And they said to me, 'The
not to care; to suspend judgment, body. To allow time for study and survivors who are left from the
avert our gaze, minimize what is preparation, the Sabbath of January captivity in the province are there in
happening, hope the . . . scandals will 30, 1999 has been set aside for great distress and reproach. The wall
soon pass, having wrought minimal brethren to humbly come together in of Jerusalem is also broken down, and
damage. But that is something we fasting before our great God. its gates are burned with fire.' So it
ought not allow. It is a flight from This is not a fast to ask corporate was, when I heard these words, that I
reality." He continues by saying his efforts to be blessed, but to ask God to sat down and wept, and mourned for
hope for the American people is that forgive our sins which have brought many days; I was fasting and praying
"they will declare, with confidence, such destruction upon us. Our sins before the God of heaven. And I said:
that a lie is a lie, an oath is an oath, have separated us from the favor and 'I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great
corruption is corruption. And truth blessing of our Father. and awesome God, You who keep
matters." The parable of the 10 virgins should Your covenant and mercy with those
What are the chances of that ring in our ears. All 10 were either who love You and observe Your
happening in this nation? Brethren, nodding off or already fast asleep. No commandments, please let Your ear be
let's wake up and recognize the spirit one did as they were charged. All had attentive and Your eyes open, that You
that is affecting the Church of God. failed to keep watch. They were not may hear the prayer of Your servant
Ezekiel 22:30 says that God is looking ready! As Matthew 24:45 shows, we which I pray before You now, day and
for men and women who will stand in are to be faithful and wise servants. night, for the children of Israel Your
the gap before Him. What about you? We must be faithful to the charge God servants, and confess the sins of the
Are you lending your voice and efforts gave each of us when we were invited children of Israel which we have
to support what is true? How much to the marriage of the Lamb. We are to sinned against You. Both my father's
does truth matter to you? NW be making ourselves ready, but we house and I have sinned. We have
have slumbered and slept. From time acted very corruptly against You, and
INVITATION TO FAST to time we have been jolted awake, but have not kept the commandments, the
In writing this issue of News Watch, I much of the Church is now falling into statutes, nor the ordinances which You
have had a heavy heart, and I know deeper sleep than ever. Jolts and commanded Your servant Moses.
that many brethren share those chastening do not seem to be Remember, I pray, the word that You
feelings when considering the awakening brethren any longer. commanded Your servant Moses,
condition of the Church. It is truly The Church needs deliverance. God saying, "If you are unfaithful, I will
disheartening when you think about has promised there will be a faithful scatter you among the nations, but if
the majority of brethren who are no remnant, but has made it clear it will you return to Me, and keep My
longer in fellowship. Remembering be a people who humble themselves commandments and do them, though
those friends is sobering and painful, and repent of their sins. Can we some of you were cast out to the
and is not lessened as we look at the recognize and admit our sins and our farthest part of the heavens, yet I will
condition of the rest of the Church. guilt? gather them from there, and bring
Something would be very wrong if we Please invite others to join in this them to the place which I have chosen
did not have such feelings, especially fast. We need each other more than as a dwelling for My name"'"
upon reading Ezekiel 9:4: "And the ever! (Nehemiah 1:3-9, NKJ). NW
Lord said unto him, Go through the The Temple of God needs
midst of the city, through the midst of cleansing! We must focus on getting
