Thirty Deceptions
"The Sixth and Final set of Five Lies"
The Twenty-Sixth RCG Deception:
Once again, we cite a particular comment from the book, A Sabbath Test, page 30: “There are some who have suggested that Nehemiah’s indictment is against those doing business with merchants selling food in open markets, not specifically restaurants. Therefore in a very technical sense, God appears to be silent on the subject of dining out on the Sabbath” (emphasis ours).
Notice their admission that God is silent in prohibiting Sabbath dining out. God is not only silent on this, but He also says nothing that relates it to the Mark of the Beast.
Response from Dennis Fischer:
Once again the RCG writers make another representation that is NOT TRUE.
It is the people who engage in going to restaurants on the Sabbath that are contending that “in a very technical sense, God appears to be silent on the subject of dining out on this day,” not the authors of A Sabbath Test. The RCG writers keep suggesting that my co-author and I are claiming this, but it just isn’t true. Perhaps I can illustrate what we mean a different way. Suppose Mr. Pack is asked during a question and answer Bible study why he goes to restaurants on the Sabbath in light of what Nehemiah says. Mr. Pack then answers:
“Nehemiah’s indictment is against those doing business with merchants selling food in open markets, not specifically restaurants. So technically the Bible doesn’t address the issue one way or the other. Next question please!”
Once again it is not us saying the comment is technically true, It is those who make it. These words are not an admission they are an indictment.
With respect to Nehemiah and the Mark of the Beast, which you dismiss so flippantly, here is what God’s word does say. 1) Nehemiah issued a scathing indictment against God’s people for breaking the Sabbath—specifically for buying and selling on that day (Neh. 10:31;13:15-21). 2) Nehemiah made a direct link between this practice (buying and selling on the Sabbath) and CAPTIVITY (Neh. 13:17-18). 3) Although the great tribulation represents Satan’s wrath on the earth, it also represents God’s judgement. God actually calls Assyria “the rod of my anger” (Isa. 10:5-6). 4) The book of Revelation declares that those who have the Mark of the Beast will suffer God’s judgement (Rev. 14:9-10). 5) The Mark of the Beast is also directly linked to buying and selling just as is God’s Sabbath Rev. 13:17).
You can proclaim that there is no connection between God warning the nobles of Judah through Nehemiah and Him warning His people through the apostle John all you want. You dismiss it because you don’t believe seeking out unbelievers on holy time and paying them for their Sabbath labor profanes the day. YOU’RE WRONG!
The Twenty-Seventh RCG Deception:
The Bible is explicit and straightforward about what is allowed and what is forbidden. Some attempt to attain a new threshold of “righteousness” by setting up a unique hurdle of their devising. Such is the case with this recently-contrived issue of avoiding restaurants on the Sabbath. We have seen that it was necessary for the advocates of this belief to subtly trash Mr. Armstrong, since he was “out of step” with their newly established definition of righteousness.
Ironically, the same scriptures upon which these modern critics base their beliefs were also in the hands of Paul and all other apostles and ministers of the early Church. When people traveled in those times, they did not always bring all their food along with them. The modern critics might consider Paul and other ordained leaders guilty of negligence for not addressing such issues in their letters.
Response From Dennis Fischer:
This is a bizarre stream of logic. Did it ever occur to these RCG writers that Paul didn’t write about it because people weren’t practicing it? Let’s ask this question another way. Can you cite one example where people purchased food on the Sabbath and were not indicted for it?
The Twenty-Eighth RCG Deception:
Likewise, the majority of those who have bought into these cunning restaurant-Sabbath arguments appear to be relatively new brethren—and thus candidates to be more easily confused and fooled by seductive thinking (II Tim. 3:13). Many of them have turned away from the truth even before becoming grounded in the most basic understandings. The “modern Pharisees” have come across as “wonderfully” righteous to such unsuspecting novices. These teachers usually state facts and present them in an accurate manner, but proceed to draw their crafty conclusions by weaving webs of convincing deception.
It usually turns out that false teachers who raise the bar to the highest level of conduct do so in the most hypocritical fashion. This is because their own personal track record falls abysmally short of what they expect of others. For example, those demanding the highest level of expectations of others have rarely attained that level in their personal lives or in their past inconsistent track record with the Church. Yet they readily set the bar for others to follow their projected image of righteousness while they live by a different standard. False teachers have consistently followed this type of pattern. Again, Christ says of them, “…for you laden men with burdens grievous to be borne, and you yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers” (Luke 11:46).
Response From Dennis Fischer:
I am personally thankful that these RCG writers chose to express their sentiments this way. It declares what is wrong in God’s Church today more powerfully than anything I could utter. The last time I read anything like this it was spoken in a prayer by Pharisee (Lk. 18:10-14).
I’m just curious, but I wonder what these men think about people like Peter, who forsook the Messiah during the last hours of his life. Or, King David who stole the wife of a loyal soldier then orchestrated his death in one of the most cynical orders ever given by a leader. What about him? What about Samson, who brought shame on his country? Or the prodigal son who brought shame on his family? What do you think of these people? What about the disciples who turned and ran when Jesus was being arrested in Gethsemane? Or Jonah who ran when his God chose him to be the instrument of His mercy?
What do you think about men like Abraham who lied about his wife in order to protect his own skin, or, Moses who struck a stone in anger? How about Jacob who resorted to stealth and guile to gain his birthright? And what about Paul who confessed that he struggled with sin his entire life (Rom. 7: 15-25)
I’m just curious here, but based on your comment, who do you think loves God more, you or my co-author? Jesus asked that question once to a man not unlike these RCG writers (Lk. 7: 36-50). That man was a Pharisee by the way.
It strikes me as strange that men who are so profoundly dishonest in this essay would present this kind of an argument. These words are more than cruel; they are sadistic and perverse. The fact of the matter is that they don’t have a clue who we are. But being that they brought it up, here is my answer.
I, Dennis Fischer left God’s Church for about six years (1975-1981). I am profoundly sorry I did. There are other things I have done that also disappoint me. I would guess that my list of personal sins would fill volumes.
But my life has also been blessed with wonderful friends and great experiences. I have spoken before two Supreme Court justices. I have addressed two political conventions. I have met and spoken at length with one Lieutenant Governor, as well as scores of congressmen, state senators and mayors. I was actively recruited by a major political party to run for a seat in the House of Representatives and was virtually assured that I would win. I declined the invitation. I have met people that have met kings and I don’t mean Mr. Armstrong. I know an Ambassador of a foreign government so well that if it were possible, he would take my call at a minute’s notice. Furthermore, I have worked personally with numerous leaders of fortune 500 companies, at their invitation—and was compensated handsomely for it.
However, I have also had my share of failures. I have disappointed people I greatly respected, betrayed friends I deeply loved, and lost huge sums of money. I have lived in large estates and have been homeless. If I don’t measure up to the standards of the Restored Church of God, then so be it. If they want to take bows for their righteousness, I will not object. Personally, I can do no such thing—for obvious reasons.
With respect to Mr. Art Braidic I will say this: I have never known a man I respected or admired more, including Mr. Armstrong, or even my own father for that matter. This highly flawed Christian is more than decent. He is good. I have watched him humble himself in ways that would terrify self-righteous hypocrites like those who would rather slander him than forgive him. I for one would bet a fortune that he has even moved God Himself to tears of joy.
Art Braidic has quietly comforted the weak, cared for the poor, counseled scores of disenfranchised casualties of God’s Church, and has never asked for anything in return. In addition to that he has been my friend beyond measure. To say that I love him is an immense understatement.
I realize that this is just my opinion, but I think Art Braidic is made of something worthy of kings. I know he will beg me to delete my words regarding him, but he will just have to stand down on this. Sorry, my friend.
The Twenty-Ninth Deception:
Articles produced by The Restored Church of God that do not indicate an author—do not carry a byline—are usually written by several staff writers, with one primary author. Such is the case with this article.
Books, booklets and articles written by Mr. David C. Pack always bear his name. This alone declares that he did not author this article. The authors of A Sabbath Test already knew by other means that Mr. Pack did not write this article, and privately admitted this to us in an e-mail sent to point out their rebuttal, lampooning and ridiculing Mr. Pack. Yet, in the fury of having been exposed by a staff of writers in The Restored Church of God, they deceitfully attributed the article to Mr. Pack and chose to assassinate his character—even though they knew he did not write it. They recognized that most people could never learn what they knew!
Response From Dennis Fischer:
The claim that I or my co-author sent an Email to the RCG admitting that we knew David Pack did not write the article condemning A Sabbath Test IS NOT TRUE! Let me repeat this. It is categorically FALSE! There isn’t one gram of evidence to support this claim. And there is definitely no Email. Despite this fact, the RCG writers declare it boldly.
Note From Blow the Trumpet
In a striking turn of events, Mr. Pack removes the disclaimer denying his authorship of the RCG article. He then places his name on it as its author. He gives no explanation for why he did this in light of the RCG's adamant assertion that he had nothing to with it other than modest edits.
The Thirtieth RCG Deception:
The article you have just read was written to give people—both older brethren and those new to God’s truth—an advance warning, so that they will not be captured by the cunning arguments of those who appear to be standing fast for the truth. In reality, the advocates against eating out on the Sabbath are teaching a new form of bondage that appears to follow the letter of the law, while ignoring the weightier matters. As the apostle James wrote, the Law of God is not a surrender of liberty; it allows us to continue in God-given liberty (Jms. 1:25; 2:12).
Response From Dennis Fischer:
This is a very interesting observation. There is only one thing wrong with it. IT ISN”T TRUE! These RCG writers can shout this accusation until the cows come home but it will not add one ounce to its voracity. Notice their comment again. It offers no evidence to support their claim. It is just a tirade cloaked as a voice of authority. However, being that they brought it up, lets see who is teaching bondage and who is teaching liberty. And when we do, let’s present REAL PROOF.
Here is our argument.
A Sabbath Test
Today, those who work on the Sabbath, whether in a restaurant or anywhere else, are truly in bondage. However, it is a very unique bondage. They are slaves to sin (Rom. 6:16)—a sin that has been sold by mankind’s greatest enemy (2 Cor. 4:4, Rev. 12:9). This being the case we believe it is reasonable to conclude that those in God’s Church who avail themselves of this sin are condoning both the slavery and the SLAVE MASTER. This is what God was conveying when He gave the fourth commandment.
This Great Lawgiver actually explained why His people were to release their servants from labor on the Sabbath. Notice the commandment:
But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shall not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor your ox, nor your ass, nor any of your cattle, nor the stranger that is within your gates; that your manservant and your maidservant may rest as well as you. And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day. (Deut. 5:14-15)
Here, God is telling His people that labor on the Sabbath is a form of bondage. This is the very bondage He freed them from when He delivered them out of Egypt. This being the case, it is hard to understand why anyone would want to return to that bondage-even to look at it. Now think of this in terms of our own lives and what is being taught by these RCG writers.
The scriptures reveal that just as the children of Israel were enslaved in Egypt until God miraculously delivered them, those whom He has called in this present age were also once enslaved in “spiritual” Egypt. God’s people today were once in bondage. We once believed the things the world believed, taught the things the world taught, and practiced the things the world practiced. We even profaned God’s Sabbath and holy days. We did so because we served the same Slave Master the world serves today.
However, our calling reveals that a Great Deliverer has again rescued His people from a world that does not know Him or His way. For this reason, God’s people today should never compel the unbeliever (a slave in Egypt) to work on their behalf on the Sabbath. We must refrain from this practice because we were miraculously delivered from this very practice ourselves. Remember, YOU were once a SLAVE in Egypt.
With this in mind, God’s people must understand that their Great Deliverer would no more permit His people today to return to this world and avail themselves of its sin, than He would permit the Israelites of yesterday to return to Egypt and avail themselves of their sin. As much as some may want to go back to Egypt, God forbids it and warns of its consequences. Notice what He says.
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues. (Rev. 18:4)
Consider these words in the context of dining out on the Sabbath. In order to engage in this practice, God’s people must literally return to a world that does not know Him—a world that tramples on this great day. In the Old Testament that world was called Egypt. In the New Testament it is called Babylon. But make no mistake about it; these worlds are one and the same.
When God commanded His people to cease from working on the Sabbath and to not compel others to work on their behalf, He was making a powerful statement. He was commanding His people to COME OUT OF EGYPT, to COME OUT OF BABYLON! In other words, God’s people are not to be a part of the very sin that once gripped their lives. This is because they are now FREE! TO TEACH OTHERWISE IS TO PROMOTE BONDAGE!
Although the world today is truly in bondage, God’s people stand as proof that it will not always be that way. By refusing to allow the slave of this world to labor for them on God’s Sabbath, His people are proclaiming a great hope – a hope that one day all who are enslaved will be FREE. At that time they, too, will “remember the Sabbath and keep it HOLY.”
Unfortunately, those who think that people like me and my co-author are leading God’s people back into bondage, are actually doing that very thing themselves. They are teaching God’s people that it is acceptable with God for them to go back to Egypt. We on the other hand want them to COME OUT OF EGYPT!
God’s plan is that all mankind will ultimately be free from the tyranny of ignorance and sin. The Sabbath pictures that freedom. It is not by accident that when giving the fourth commandment, God reminded His people that they were once slaves in Egypt (Dt. 5:15). It is for this very reason that every Sabbath God’s people are to be liberators. In other words, they are to declare everyone they come in contact with FREE. Nowhere in the commandment does it remotely hint that God condones His people going back into “Egypt” to avail themselves of the very sin they were once a part of (Dt. 5:14-15). The Sabbath is about liberty, not slavery.
Whether one is a believer or a skeptic, bond or free, rich or poor, young or old, God’s people are not to compel them to labor on their behalf on His day. Those who are ignorant of God’s law may not understand why the faithful would be so considerate of them. But God’s people do understand. By releasing the unbeliever from labor on the Sabbath, they are acting out what their King will ultimately do when He returns to earth.
They declare all the slaves free
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