The Churches of God

[TLFisher]

"In the first meeting of the conference, November 25th, Brother Lee was in a fighting spirit, fighting against "autonomy" and "federation." He referred to some books authored by George Henry Lang, a servant of the Lord in England during the latter part of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th. In one of his books, entitled The Churches of God, Lang emphasized the need for local administration in the churches. This was the book that troubled Brother Lee. (I had read this book, and being deeply impressed with its strong scriptural basis and timely application to our present need, I had recommended it to others.) Brother Lee called Lang’s book heretical and told the saints if they had them to burn them. I consider this kind of talk reckless and lawless. Brother Lee in years past had commended Lang for his insight and writing on the truth of the kingdom. His books have been recently reprinted and are available today."

Speaking the Truth in Love Page 54

It was this reference to The Churches of God than prompted me to buy a copy. I found mine used on Ebay. As time permits over the following months I intend to post where in Lang's book is a timely word in regard to the Recovery.
If Lee found it helpful at one time, perhaps by 1988 Lee opposed the book because it contradicted what was happening in the Recovery.

[TLFisher]

Following are five points from chapter 5 of The Churches of God. Quotes of G.H. Lang are italicized.

1. danger of humility and God-dependence being lost in pride of organization
2. "Organization begets a man a sense of power eminently perilous to the work of God."
3. "Another chief peril to be pondered is the undue influence that church affiliation put into the hands of a few masterful men."
4. Development of factions. "This is not the affiliating of local assemblies as a whole, of a group of persons in an assembly with similar groups in other assemblies. For example, in a certain local church there was formed an organization for assisting in retaining and developing young Christians. The plan adopted approved itself, and presently was copied by another and another church; and shortly these local groups were affiliated into a society. The result is a society within a society. Within the church of God, as represented by the local churches concerned, there is a sectional circle, a segment of which intersects each and all of those local churches.
Then as such a society becomes greater its claims upon the interest, time, and funds of its members increase. Special literature must be read, and paid for; Society conferences must be attended, and paid for; "
5. Spiritual autocracy rises to control churches. "It may be a formal bench of bishops, a committee elected by an annual conference, or a "brother's meeting," as among Exclusive Brethren." But the issue will always be the spiritual bondage of the community to these few leaders and the regulations imposed. Against this there will duly come revolt, and then division."

[JJ]

Originally Posted by Terry

Following are five points from chapter 5 of The Churches of God. Quotes of G.H. Lang are italicized.

1. danger of humility and God-dependence being lost in pride of organization
2. "Organization begets a man a sense of power eminently perilous to the work of God."
3. "Another chief peril to be pondered is the undue influence that church affiliation put into the hands of a few masterful men."
4. Development of factions. "This is not the affiliating of local assemblies as a whole, of a group of persons in an assembly with similar groups in other assemblies. For example, in a certain local church there was formed an organization for assisting in retaining and developing young Christians. The plan adopted approved itself, and presently was copied by another and another church; and shortly these local groups were affiliated into a society. The result is a society within a society. Within the church of God, as represented by the local churches concerned, there is a sectional circle, a segment of which intersects each and all of those local churches.
Then as such a society becomes greater its claims upon the interest, time, and funds of its members increase. Special literature must be read, and paid for; Society conferences must be attended, and paid for; "
5. Spiritual autocracy rises to control churches. "It may be a formal bench of bishops, a committee elected by an annual conference, or a "brother's meeting," as among Exclusive Brethren." But the issue will always be the spiritual bondage of the community to these few leaders and the regulations imposed. Against this there will duly come revolt, and then division."

Exactly describes LSM LCs and (many other groups) chief problems!

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Terry

"In the first meeting of the conference, November 25th, Brother Lee was in a fighting spirit, fighting against "autonomy" and "federation." He referred to some books authored by George Henry Lang, a servant of the Lord in England during the latter part of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th. In one of his books, entitled The Churches of God, Lang emphasized the need for local administration in the churches. This was the book that troubled Brother Lee. (I had read this book, and being deeply impressed with its strong scriptural basis and timely application to our present need, I had recommended it to others.) Brother Lee called Lang’s book heretical and told the saints if they had them to burn them. I consider this kind of talk reckless and lawless. Brother Lee in years past had commended Lang for his insight and writing on the truth of the kingdom. His books have been recently reprinted and are available today."

If ever there was a book written to rebut Lee's takeover and subjection of the LC's in the 1980's it was Lang's book The Churches of God. Early-Lee espoused the book, while later-Lee hated the book.

[NewManLiving]

To have allegedly spit on the book is fleshly. Lang is a true servant of Christ who faithfully served the Lord for decades. His books can be found at
http://www.schoettlepublishing.com/catalog/lang.htm
I highly recommend Firstborn Sons.

[OBW]

Originally Posted by NewManLiving

To have allegedly spit on the book is fleshly.

I am not defending Lee, but the fact of spitting on a book is not necessarily fleshly. There are many ways that true disdain can be expressed. Or other emotions or ideas. Just as referring to any particular ones as whitewashed sepulchers. We are too prone to labeling based on our preferences. We like the book so spitting on it is "fleshly." But if we thought it was the equivalent of the Book of Mormon, how would you react?

But in the particular case, it is a huge window into the thinking of Lee. He wanted that book to be so thoroughly "out" that no one would read it and consider what it said. And it would appear that he got the desired outcome.

I have said before that despite the shtick that he is some poor Chinese preacher with limited English skills, he was instead a well-trained manipulator of people. Yes, he was not being spiritual when he spit on that book. He was busy trying to manipulate a situation. And he mostly succeeded.

Was what he did fleshly? probably. But was it because of what he did? No. It was because of why he did it. For personal advancement and glory.