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Letter to the Brethren: December 12, 2024

Posted on December 12, 2024 by CCOG

Dear Brethren and Co-Workers in Christ:

Greetings from the Five Cities region of California.

I hope and pray you are all focused, as Jesus said, on seeking first the kingdom of God and supporting the work of His Philadelphian remnant.

This week’s recommended sermon is about the Philadelphia remnant–here is a link: The Philadelphia Remnant.

That said, I watched a few videos yesterday put out by a claimed COG (claimed because they seem to teach the Trinity while also promoting other traditions of men over the scriptures) which asserted that the CCOG is cultic, for reasons including because I quote the Bible on doctrinal matters along with historical accounts that agree with us on doctrine.

Yes, I will plead guilty of proclaiming the truth of the word of God and doctrine.

Jesus taught:

4 “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” (Matthew 4:4)

Furthermore, we are no more “cultic’ than the Apostle Paul who taught:

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

14 “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. (Acts 24:14, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.)

Christians are to hold to the original faith (Jude 3) and live by the word of God.

But yes, many will call us names for doing so as this has been done throughout the history of the church.

Growth, Radio, Magazines in Kenya, & Baptisms in Malawi


Evans Ochieng in Rift Valley, Kenya

Evangelist Evans Ochieng sent me the following:

Pastor Dr Bob,

Greetings from kenya. …
       Church population
The church in Kenya has expanded especially in rift valley and kisii and Nyanza. The population has gone UpTo 4230. Excluding co-workers.
            Radio program
The radio program in Kenya is also doing better. And we are reaching many people around Nyanza province. It has done some good work since we started.
         Books and magazines.
This is what has helped the work in Kenya, Tanzania to grow highly. So many people are demanding our books and magazines. We have really appreciate the work which has been done through magazines. Always I’m printing 300 magazines almost every month because of the demand.
Now we are planning to build feast site at Ndhiwa. The fundraising is going to be conducted on 8th Dec 2024 to start the foundation and building.
Evans

This might be a good time to mention a dream that Evan’s son Frederick had:

Dear pastor

Greetings pastor.  I believe you are doing good though you are having great thrust of fulfilling Matthew 28:19 of which we must do before the return of Christ. …

I had two dreams

1. Before our family joined CCOG my father was then working with voice in the Wilderness Church of God. When I was sleeping I had a dream and in my dream I saw a light and the light was not normal, the one who was standing by the was You pastor Bob according to my dream. Then I had voice shouting, “Arise you who are sleeping, for the Lord is near.” I again I heard another voice shouting, “Come up Evans and let us do the work we are called to do.” I then saw a man dressed in white clothes join hands with my father walking together towards a very big lake then I woke up.

2: In my second dream some weeks after my first dream and in my second dream I saw almost the same dream and now this was in New Zealand. I did not know about the CCOG group in New Zealand before I had the dream.

Fred

Related to the first dream, he had that in October 2013. The next month, his father telephoned me. He also knew my name from articles I wrote that were published in the Global Church News and the Living Church News. Eventually I arranged to meet with Evans Ochieng and leaders of various Church of God groups in Kenya in April 2014.

In 2014, Frederick’s father Evans Ochieng came with the Continuing Church of God. When he came, he came with about 260 people from Kenya and Tanzania. His son Frederick’s dream showed that we would have much growth in Africa. He and his father listened to God.

In time, leaders from other African countries, who did not know Evans Ochieng (nor about the dream), contacted me. We held a conference that many COG leaders from six African countries attended in 2017 (I had not heard of Frederick’s dreams until that time). But we have seen confirmation of it.

Malawi deacon Sosten Libungwa has had a lot of baptismal requests. But we had wanted him to wait to perform them until after evangelist Evans Ochineg was able to visit to discuss more about handling baptisms with him. That recently happened.

Anyway, on Tuesday, Sosten Libungwa sent the following from Malawi:

Dear pastor Doctor Bob,

Church greetings, …  we are preparing youth camp meetings next week. … We had 29 candidates that were baptised today the 10th  of December 2024. All the people against CCOG should see that the church in Malawi is expanding daily and that there is more addition of people in God’s true church. Thanks for your prayers and support to the work of God in Malawi.
Sosten Libungwa.

Fantastic news! Remember that Jesus said, “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

Consider also that we have over thirty times as many in Africa than when Frederick Ochieng had his dream. So, the dream of working the lake was confirmed–Evans Ochieng, I, and others became a productive “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).

As far as New Zealand goes and Frederick Ochieng’s dream goes, the first congregation that came with the CCOG was the group in New Zealand.

When I asked Frederick Ochieng about New Zealand in 2017, he said he knew nothing about New Zealand and any connection with the CCOG prior to his dream. Those in New Zealand have been heavily involved in supporting the work to reach people around the world.

The New Zealanders have been the primary editors of our church publications, developed a website, put up and managed our Bible News Prophecy Flipboard page, greatly assisted with the Study the Bible Course, supported various aspects of message production, and produce our Bible News Prophecy online radio channel.

Frederick’s dream may have been telling him that I (Bob Thiel) was working with those in New Zealand to fulfill Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20 to reach the world.

Consider also that the full number of Gentiles are prophesied to come into the true Church of God PRIOR to the return of Jesus per Romans 11 (see What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?).

The growth we have had in the Gentile nations of Africa show that we have the fruits for that.

Jesus said:

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:15-20)

The CCOG has the fruits of a true, not false, prophet.

Yet, even many Christians will not accept that God would actually use dreams and prophets in these last days, even though that is prophesied to happen in Acts 2:17-18 (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).

The Apostle Paul once asked people who supposedly believed the Bible, “Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8).

Well, he was suggesting that Jesus’ resurrection should not have been thought so unbelievable nearly 2,000 years ago.

Similarly, why should it be thought incredible by most end time Christians that God actually would use dreams to communicate in these last days as His word says?

Philadelphian remnant Christians truly believe the word of God (cf. Revelation 3:7-8), where as those of Sardis lost doctrine (Revelation 3:1-5) and those of the Laodicean churches wrongly believe that they are fine as they are without accepting various biblical revelations (Revelation 3:14-21).

Despite the truth, many say bad things about myself, other leaders, and the Continuing Church of God on the internet.

But should not that be expected?

Jesus said:

25 If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! (Matthew 10:25)

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

The Continuing Church of God has the fruits of a prophet, which Jesus said also came with people reviling and say all kinds of evil against us falsely.

Mercosur/Mercosul Predictions Confirmed

Last Friday, Kristy Gorman sent me a link to the following article:

December 6, 2024

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sealed a massive trade agreement with South America on Friday, in a bold step that threatens to widen a rift between France, which hates the deal, and her native Germany, which loves it.

“Today marks a truly historic milestone,” von der Leyen said after summit talks with leaders of the Mercosur bloc in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo.

The agreement, which took 25 years to complete and would create a free-trade zone spanning more than 700 million people, is furiously opposed by France, which fears that a glut of cheap poultry and beef imports would undercut its farmers.

Germany, on the contrary, wanted Brussels to seize the opportunity to open new markets for its flagging exporters. …

The accord, which eluded von der Leyen in her first term, marks a massive geopolitical win as she embarks on her second. It seeks to deepen ties between the EU and Mercosur — which comprises Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and newcomer Bolivia — just as Donald Trump threatens to launch a global trade war when he returns as U.S. president next month.

“We are sending a clear and powerful message,” von der Leyen told a joint press conference. “In an increasingly confrontational world, we demonstrate that democracies can rely on each other. This agreement is not just an economic opportunity. It is a political necessity.” …

Paris is expected to fight on but would need to expand an anti-Mercosur coalition that already includes Poland, Austria and Ireland to prevent the deal from being ratified. https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-mercosur-countries-seal-controversial-trade-deal/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=LinkedIn

Now, did I anticipate this motivation for the EU to push this deal?

Yes.

Notice something I posted here the morning after the November 5th presidential election:

According to the major media, Donald Trump won re-election. … Europe will get more serious about trade deals with others internationally, such as being more motivated to approve the trade deal with the Mercosur block of South America. (Thiel B. Media declares Donald Trump won the election–now what? y Donald trump y eventos para observar. COGwriter, November 6, 2024)

At least partially because of Donald Trump, the European Union got more serious about this and its top leader approved the trade deal.

Perhaps I should also mention that I posted the following on November 26, 2024:

If the EU-Mercosur deal is approved, there will be protests in parts of Europe. (Thiel B. China says no-one will win a trade war, as Quebec leader wants to do all possible to stop Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs. COGwriter, November 26, 2024)

And yes, there have already been protests in parts of Europe (e.g. https://www.brusselstimes.com/1347314/farmers-protest-outside-eu-parliament-denounces-mercosur-deal).

The Continuing Church of God has the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18 (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).

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:

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

Health Canada reported yesterday that the amount of deaths related to assisted suicide rose by 16% last year, now accounting for 4.7% of deaths in Canada, second in the world only to the Netherlands which is about 5% (see People are increasingly killing themselves with government approval as euthanasia accounts for 4.7% of deaths in Canada). Suicide is never the answer. Related to euthanasia, we put out the following video a while back: Euthanasia: Mercy killing or murder? Let me add that the actual suicide rate for the United States has also been rising–related to that, we also put out a video: Suicides Up! Why?

In the Middle East, with various fast and often unexpected moves that some have compared to the German tactic of blitzkrieg in World War II, the government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was overthrown (see Russia says Bashar Assad left Syria and is in Moscow, so is this Isaiah 17:1?).

Notice something I posted ten years ago:

As far as blitzkrieg goes, consider the following biblical prophecy:

3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them (1 Thessalonians 5:3)

In WWIII, I expect that the Germans will lead a type of blitzkrieg against the USA, the UK, and other Anglo-Saxon descended nations.  It will be based upon technology, coordination, intelligence, and deception.  I believe that because of the espionage incidents with the USA, that the USA will feel that it will have to kowtow to German requests for military technologies, trade agreements, political arrangements, and espionage information, which will put Germany and much of the rest of Europe in a position that to rise up and become the successful military power that the Bible prophesies it will become in Revelation 13:1-4 and Daniel 11:39-43. (Thiel B. Germany, US Espionage, Drones, Blitzkrieg, and the World Cup. COGwriter, July 11, 2014)

Blitzkrieg tactics were successful in Syria. Blitzkrieg tactics will be part of what the European Beast power will successfully employ against the United States and some of its British-descended allies.

That said, many in Germany are looking to send Syrians back to Syria (see Germany suspends Syrian asylum applications and considers sending Syrians back). This may trigger civil unrest in Germany and/or other parts of Europe.

As far as the Assad regime goes, many years back I posted the following:

Eventually, the Bible indicates that Syria will support the coming final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8) and a change in or from the Assad regime will be necessary for this to happen–and it will come to pass–irrespective of what the USA tries to do. (Thiel B. Kerry wants to talk with Assad, Gulf states fear USA’s lack of resolve. COGwriter, March 16, 2015)

The Assad regime is basically Shi-ite Muslim, whereas most of the Syrians themselves are Sunni Muslim. This is part of why Shi’ite Iran has been supporting the Assad regime in Syria.

The situation in Syria will one day change. (Thiel B. Aleppo Disaster and Evacuation. COGwriter, December 16, 2016)

And that change has happened.

Over in Europe, the Vatican has continued its interfaith outreach to Muslims as well as its ecumenical moves towards the LGBT community (see Pope Francis pushes a more Palestinian version of Jesus as part of his interfaith agenda, plus allows LGBT pastors for Jubilee 2025).  Yet, even a Roman Catholic version of the Bible teaches:

14 Bear not the yoke with unbelievers. For what participation hath justice with injustice? Or what fellowship hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath the faithful with the unbeliever?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God; as God saith: I will dwell in them, and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore, Go out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: (2 Corinthians 6:14-17, Douay-Rheims Bible)

Those who trust the word of God realize that Muslims are not Christian believers and that the LGBT community is not clean. But that seem not to matter much to the Vatican or its Pope Francis.

On other matters, there is a disease that has been spreading in the Congo which the World Health Organization is concerned about. Many have referred to it as ‘Disease X’ as precisely what causes it is not officially known (see ‘Disease X’ appears as predicted?). While we have members in the Congo, we have not received any reports of any of them afflicted with this disease.

Concluding Comments

As mentioned at the beginning of this Letter, the recommended sermon for this Sabbath has to do with the remnant of the Philadelphia church era: The Philadelphia Remnant.

When my wife Joyce and I visited the site of ancient Philadelphia back in 2008, she took the following photo:

http://www.cogwriter.com/t071.gifRemnant of Ancient Philadelphia

Notice something from the Book of Revelation:

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:7-11)

13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:13-17)

Notice that there are two groups of Christians mentioned. The first group, which is the Philadelphian remnant, which gets persecuted then flees to a place of protection. And the second group of Christians which get persecuted later and do NOT receive protection from the coming hour of trial as that promise was only made by Jesus to the Philadelphians.

Biblically, we realize that there must be a remnant of the Philadelphian church left because:

  • The short-work of Romans 9:28 needs to be done.
  • Matthew 24:14 still needs to be fulfilled.
  • God promised to pour out His Spirit and give dreams and prophecies in the end before Jesus returned (cf. Acts 2:17-18).
  • An end time Zerubbabel would be part of the Philadelphia remnant to rebuild the second spiritual temple–which would NOT look anywhere near as impressive as the previous temple physically (Haggai 2:3-4,9).
  • All things needed to be restored (Matthew 17:11), and the mantle held. And important truths, such as why God created anything and why He made humans have been restored in the 21st century.
  • The full number of Gentiles must come in (Romans 11:25).
  • The end time Ezekiel watchman warning must go out (cf. Ezekiel chapters 3, 5, and 6)–and no group has ever done more than what has happened in the CCOG.
  • The Philadelphian remnant is targeted by the Beast power before (Daniel 7:25a, 11:29-35; Revelation 12:13-16) before he goes to persecute the rest of the Christians (Revelation 12:17, 13:5-10, 14:12-13).
  • Philadelphians are the only one that Jesus promises protection from the coming hour of trial (Revelation 3:10) and that has not happened yet.

Consider also that Jesus promised the Philadelphians more than just physical protection. He also said:

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write … 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, … 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. (Revelation 3:7,10,12)

A new name for those who persevere and who had brotherly love to the end.

Now what does love have to do with having a Philadelphia remnant? Notice the following passage:

1 Let brotherly love continue. (Hebrews 13:1)

The Greek word translated as “brotherly love” is the word Philadelphia. So the following would be an accurate rendering:

1 Let Philadelphia continue. (Hebrews 13:1)

The writer of the Book of Hebrews may have been inspired by God to convey two concepts:

  1. That brotherly love needs to continue amongst those who believe that they are Christian.
  2. And perhaps that Philadelphia itself needs to continue, and it can do so, because of its emphasis on love. It is important for all to realize that despite flaws of Christians, that love is what God’s way of life and His kingdom are really all about.

A Philadelphia remnant needs to continue until the end of this age. And the Continuing Church of God expects to do that and believes it has proven that it is succeeding.

Despite what many think, according to Jesus’ words to the churches, PLURAL in Revelation chapter 3, as well as what we read in Revelation 12:13-17, not all Churches of God are the same in God’s eyes.

Sadly, most end time Christians do NOT really react as they should when hearing what the Spirit says to the churches.

You, however, should be one who really does hear and heed.

Sincerely,

Bob Thiel
Pastor and Overseer

Posted in Letters to the Brethren
About CCOG
The Continuing Church of God, which attempts to represent the most faithful remnant of the Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) portion of the Church of God, bases its beliefs on the Holy Bible. Read CCOG's statement of beliefs for more information.