Letter to the Brethren: October 24, 2024

Posted on October 24, 2024 by CCOG

Dear Brethren and Co-Workers in Christ:

Greetings from Galveston, Texas during the Last Great Day in 2024, which ends at sunset tonight.

While driving on the island of Galveston, my wife Joyce saw an unusual item, so we took the following photograph:

While it looks similar to the type of booth Jews might make for the Feast of Tabernacles, it was not. But since it reminded us of such a booth, we thought that we would share the photo.

With the exception of the Congo (which was mainly stopped by the police–we are awaiting more detailed information), we have received positive reports related to the Feast from some other locations throughout the world.

Here is a photo from New Zealand:

Here is a photo from Ethiopia:

We also received positive reports from Kenya and Malawi.

Here is a photo from Malawi sent by Sosten Libungwa:

Here is a report from Malawi from Radson Mulozowa and one of many photos he sent:

Greetings from Malawi church and Mozambique church

We are all fine by the grace of God

Let me report that the feast of Tabernacle is going well as per planned in all the sites namely

Nasiyaya

Mwanza

Zomba

Domasi

Migowi

I have managed to visit Zomba, mwanza, Nasiyaya and Domasi

On the opening day I was at Nasiyaya site

Tomorrow I will be with brethren in migowi

Am in mwanza now

Best regards

Radson Mulozowa

In case you have not seen it, here is a sermon shown at the Feast site in Galveston, by Dr. Thiel, which also includes some audio clips from the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

1:08:24

Behind the Work 2024: Languages for the Kingdom

Are you a help or a hindrance for God’s kingdom to come?

What did Jesus say needed to be done before the end comes? Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). What is something that the Continuing Church of God is doing along these lines that no group has ever done before?

Could language translation opportunities be part of the open door that Jesus gave to the Philadelphian Christians? Is the Continuing Church of God too small to lead the final phase of the work? Will it take God’s Spirit for the work to be completed? What about critics, naysayers, and accusers of the brethren? Is a “little flock” with “little strength” preparing for the short work of Romans 9:28? What about the fulness/full number of Gentiles in Romans 11:25?

The Apostle Paul wrote, “In the law it is written: ‘With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,’ says the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:21).

Should the Philadelphian remnant of the Church put information out on the gospel of the kingdom of God in as many languages as it can? If so, what has Continuing Church of God is doing to accomplish that? According to the Apostle Paul, do all languages have significance? Jesus gave the following commission, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20)–would this not involve working to reach people in multiple languages per Jesus’ statements there as well as in Matthew 24:14?

The “phil,” as in Philadelphian Christians, means fraternal love/affection. So, in the biblical context this includes supporting the proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom of God to all that we can. This ‘Behind the Work’s video addresses these issues and more. It also includes a couple of voice clips of Herbert W. Armstrong speaking about commissions that Jesus gave the church and characteristics of true Christian supporters.

Kristy Gorman discusses progress for the Bible New Prophecy International radio channel as well as discusses areas that she would like more support for. The Continuing Church of God is going through the “open doors,” but more still needs to be done. We are trying to reach people in as many languages as we can.

Here is a link to the sermon: Behind the Work 2024: Languages for the Kingdom.

Last Great Day: Statement of Beliefs

This eighth day, the day which immediately follows the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, pictures the completion of the plan of redemption.

In its Statement of Beliefs, the Continuing Church of God states:

The Last Great Day helps picture that all who ever lived will have a real opportunity for salvation (John 7:37-38; Isaiah 52:10,13-15; 65:20; Luke 3:6)–an opportunity most will accept (John 7:37-39; Romans 11:25-26; Ezekiel 37:11-14; Hebrews 9:27-28; see also the free online book: Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation). The New Testament name comes from the Apostle John who wrote, “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38).

Yes, the Last Great Day should be highly important for Christians.

The Last Great Day is one of God’s Feasts per Leviticus 23 and helps picture God’s loving plan of salvation.

Suggested Sabbath Services

Here is a suggested Sabbath day service for our scattered brethren and other interested people for the Last Great Day Sabbath service:

2-3 hymns (our songbook, The Bible Hymnal, contains the materials from the 1974 Bible Hymnal from the old WCG with new covers, plus ten additional hymns; there is also some Choral Accompaniment online).
Opening prayer.
Sermonette: Israel destroys ‘Dome of the Rock’ of Lebanon. Other sermonettes are available at our Prophecy channel on BitChute https://www.bitchute.com/channel/prophecy/
Announcements (if any; though for many it will be this letter) and one hymn.
The suggested sermon is: 5 Ways Christians Can Biblically Celebrate Halloween? Other sermons are also available at the COGTube channel on BitChute https://www.bitchute.com/channel/cogtube/
Final hymn.
Closing prayer.

Note: If you have a slow internet connection, you can watch these by starting the video, then below it (and towards the right) look for an outline of a gear–if you click on that, it will allow the YouTube video to be played with lower video quality, but at least it will not stop often–you can select a quality as low as 144p. If your internet connection is still too slow (as my home one is) and/or you prefer audio messages to audio-visuals ones, go to the YouTube link for the message, click on SHOW MORE related to the description. You will then see something that says, “Download MP3.” Below that is a link to an MP3 file. Most computers (and even some cellular telephones) will allow MP3 files to be downloaded and played. This is an option we have made available (but we are also looking into ways to improve that as well)–and, of course, we have written article options. Some people have found that if their internet connections are not fast enough, that they can simply listen to the messages that are found at the Bible News Prophecy online radio channel.

IN CASE YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A ‘LETTER TO THE BRETHREN’ FOR ANY WEEK, REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE MANY SERMON MESSAGES ON THE ContinuingCOG channel AND MANY SERMONETTE MESSAGES ON THE Bible News Prophecy channel. There are also some messages at the CCOGAfrica channel. There are also messages in the Spanish language at the CDLIDDSermones channel.

World News Items

Russia has been hosting the BRICS conference which has representatives of 30 nations, including about 20 heads of state (see Russia reportedly pushes ‘new world order’ agenda as it hosts BRICS summit). We are seeing a greater shift away from the Anglo-American world order–which is in the process of deteriorating.

Some in Australia wish to separate from the British monarchy (King Charles responds to Australians who want to become a republic and Australian lawmaker shouts at King Charles with, ‘You Are Not Our King,’ yet Charles sits on the throne of David). Whether or not Australia separates, the throne of David upon which King Charles III sits on will one day be sat upon by Jesus.

Over in the USA, there continue to be concerns about post-election violence and unrest (see also ‘Meltdown’ prediction of ‘protests in the streets’ after USA election results).

Concluding Comments

The seven day Feast of Tabernacles is over and in most parts of the world the ”Last Great Day” is as well.

Deuteronomy 14:23 says we are to learn at the Feast of Tabernacles, and hopefully you have.

Much of the persecution in Daniel 11:30-35 (see Persecutions by Church and State) will be directed against Philadelphian Christians.

One of the reasons for this is that the Philadelphians are leading the final phase of the work and will identify the King of the North and reveal some of his plans.

This will result in much of the world temporarily shifting attention towards the church that is doing that.

Many people will wonder and Philadelphian Christians are to answer questions.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:6)

Not only should be always speak with grace, we also need to have the knowledge of how to talk and answer questions.

The Apostle Peter wrote:

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15, KJV)

And while that ability is needed in all ages, notice the following end time prophecy:

32 … the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. (Daniel 11:32, ESV)

33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; (Daniel 11:33)

The old Radio Church of God taught:

Daniel prophesied: “The people that do KNOW their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Dan. 11:32). Such a statement could refer only to God’s people. Now notice what follows: “And they THAT UNDERSTAND among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days” (verse 33). Here is a very brief summary of how God’s Church has been persecuted down through the centuries.

Some commentators have incorrectly applied this to the Jews. But it could not refer to the Jewish people of our day! The Jews do not KNOW their God, nor do they UNDERSTAND, nor do they instruct many in the ways of God.

This prophecy concerns GOD’S CHURCH. (Neff L. Beware of False Brethren! Good News, January 1960)

Others have also taught it:

Dan. 11:32-33

“Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. [God grant that we will be such faithful people of God.] And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering.”

God’s people will be persecuted, but will warn the world. They will do a mighty work at the time of the end, just at the time when this great false leader will come in and place the abomination of desolation

(Meredith RC. Gospel of Matthew–Program 27, Bible Study https://members.lcg.org/bible-studies/gospel-matthew-program-27).

Sadly, many have forgotten this prophecy–or at least what to do about it–even though it is to be fulfilled within the next decade or so.

Isaiah teaches that God’s people are to be His witnesses:

10 “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, (Isaiah 43:10a)

29. But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We are obligated to obey God rather than men. 30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. 31. Him has God exalted by His right hand to be a Prince and Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel. 32. And we are His witnesses of these things, as is also the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him.” (Acts 5:29-32, A Faithful Version)

How can Philadelphian Christians be witnesses, take action, and instruct many if they are not prepared?

First, notice that Jesus also says that the Holy Spirit will assist:

18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. (Matthew 10:18-20)

9 “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Mark 13:9-13)

So does that mean you have no part to play?

No.

The Holy Spirit will bring to mind things you have studied, but will assist you with your wording as Jesus also said:

25. I have spoken these things to you while I am yet present with you. 26. But when the Comforter comes, even the Holy Spirit, which the Father will send in My name, that one shall teach you all things, and shall bring to your remembrance everything that I have told you. (John 14:25-26 AFV)

You need to be prepared as the Apostle Peter wrote to be able to give answers to those who ask.

The Apostle Paul wrote the following:

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV)

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV)

The Bible is the word of truth. Christians need to study diligently, which includes not only reading the Bible and paying attention to sermons (including at the Feast of Tabernacles), but also to read church literature.