The Authors are Uneducated

T his argument is a classic. In it, David C. Pack claims that unlike the the authors of A Sabbath Test, even the religious leaders of Jesus' day were smart enough to know that the Messiah's apostles did not violate God's injunction in Exodus 16 when they gleaned on the Sabbath. However, he offers absolutely no proof for this assertion. On the contrary, he actually distorts what really took place during this event in order to prove his argument. Furthermore, this distortion is very calculated and is employed in other arguments as well. Such a tactic reveals both moral and intellectual weakness. Sadly, it is very typical of Dave Pack's overall approach in this debate. Here is how this COG leader orchestrates this deception followed by our response. There are two such distortions in this paragraph. Can you spot them?

This phase of Mr. Pack's argument is totally contrived. He offers it because he wants you to believe that there is no moral difference between what the disciples did and what he advocates today. This is because he knows that the real issue is about him, not them. However, even when advancing this phase of his case, Dave Pack offers two very subtle distortions of the Biblical record. First, he claims that Christ AND His disciples gleaned on the Sabbath when the scriptures specifically state that Christ NEVER gleaned nor ate anything. This is a fact that the Pharisees knew as expressed in their accusation, "Behold, Your disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day" (Mt. 12:2). Were just curious, but why didn't Dave Pack know this? Or, did he?

The second distortion is Mr. Pack's contention that the Pharisees never considered Exodus 16 in their accusation of Jesus' disciples. In truth, Mr. Pack has no idea what these men were thinking because they never mentioned any specific trespass. Their accusation was simply that Jesus' disciples did that which was "not lawful" (Mt. 12:2). However, in reality it is very possible that they were invoking both Exodus16 and Exodus 20 in their accusation. For a more detailed explanation of this extraordinary event and how Dave Pack manipulates the Biblical facts pertaining to it, see: "No More Manna." It's a real eye-opener.

With respect to Mr. Pack's insult of Messrs. Braidic and Fischer we offer the following:

This COG leader is free to call these men stupid (uneducated) if he wants, however, we would strongly recommend against it. We offer this advice because this COG leader does not shine when it comes to Biblical smarts in this issue. Quite frankly, he has demonstrated a remarkable lack of acumen when presenting his case. If you doubt this read on...

Throughout his essay this COG leader has consistently misrepresented both the scriptural and historical record by offering a host of theories he claims to be "Biblical facts." These are not small boo boos, but rather world class blunders. Below are just some examples.

What follows is a short list of Mr. Pack's attempts to advance his case at the expense of truth. Each distortion is presented directly to Mr. Pack and is followed by a question we have for a man who has the audacity to challenge the education of the authors of A Sabbath Test.

You claim that Levitical chefs in ancient Israel prepared great meals on the weekly Sabbath for God's people (see: Millennial Restaurants). You make this assertion despite the fact that both history and the scriptures state no such thing ever took place. There isn't even a hint that anything close to it ever occurred. Our question for you is this: Where did you learn this "Biblical fact"?

You claim that God's people brought sacrifices to the temple on the weekly Sabbath (see: Millennial Sacrifices). However, that is totally FALSE. It NEVER happened. Furthermore, well established Jewish history bears this out. Our question for you is this: Where did you learn this "Biblical fact"?
You claim that Jesus AND His disciples picked grain on the Sabbath when the scriptures specifically state that Jesus never picked, nor ate anything Himself, only the disciples did (see: Jesus Condoned It & No More Manna). Our question for you is this: Where did you learn this "Biblical fact"?
You claim that the Pharisees never considered Exodus 16 in their indictment of Jesus' disciples when the scriptures only say that they accused these men of doing "that which was unlawful" (see: No More Manna). Our question for you is this: Where did you learn that the Pharisee excluded Exodus 16 in their accusation? After all, it came from you so it must be a "Biblical fact."
You claim that restaurant personnel actually perform a levitical function when they serve God's people and therefore should be held guiltless just like the priests who served in the temple (see: Millennial Restaurants). This despite the fact that God Almighty prohibited His people from preparing their Sabbath meals on the seventh day (Ex. 16:23-25). Furthermore, their Sabbath labor was considered a CAPITAL CRIME by God (Ex. 31:14-15). Our question for you is this: Where did you learn this "Biblical fact"?

You claim that God's prohibition against gathering food on the Sabbath was limited to manna. Therefore, God permitted the children of Israel to go outside their place and acquire other food stuffs (see: No More Manna). This despite the fact that God Almighty specifically forbade the Israelites from "going outside their place" on the Sabbath (Ex. 16:29). Our question for you is this: Where did you glean this "Biblical fact"? Or, is it just an "educated" guess?

You claim that God's people spent money on the Sabbath when they traveled to the Feast of Tabernacles, when both the scriptures and history say no such thing ever took place (see: Hiding Behind the Feast). Our question for you is this: Where did you learn this "Biblical fact"

You claim that you bear no responsibility for the Sabbath labor restaurant workers perform on your behalf. You contend that even though you specifically sought it out and paid for it you are not complicit in that sin (see; I'm Not Responsible). Our question for you is this: Where did you learn this "Biblical fact"

Mr. Pack may proclaim that what he advocates as appropriate Sabbath behavior is no different that what Jesus' disciples did once in their life. However, this is just wishful thinking disguised as wisdom. Furthermore, this COG leader may call Fischer and Braidic idiots if he wants. However, if he thinks this strategy is working we encourage him to think again. By the way, why doesn't Mr. Pack debate these men and expose their stupidity. We have a theory as to why he won't.