October 2013

October 17, 2013

Dear Brethren,

It is most evident that God the Father and Jesus Christ have richly blessed the 2013 Feast of Tabernacles with love, joyful fellowship, and wonderful spiritual teachings on the meaning of the Feast from the Word of God. When we look at the world today and the mess it is in, we have great hope in God's calling to rule with Christ in fulfilling God's plan for bringing salvation to the world. Paul was inspired to write: "The Spirit itself bears witness conjointly with our own spirit, testifying that we are the children of God. Now if we are children, we are also heirs—truly, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer together with Him, so that we may also be glorified together with Him.

"For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation itself is awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God [at our resurrection and the return of Jesus Christ to set up the Kingdom of God]; because the creation was subjected to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who subjected it in hope, in order that the creation itself might be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God" (Rom. 8:16-21). Indeed, God's awesome plan will bring an eternity of love, joy and happiness to all mankind!

2013 Feast of Tabernacles Summaries

Wells, Maine

Twenty-eight brethren from ten states and one Canadian province celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles in Wells. This was the sixth year for the Feast at this location. The weather was warm and sunny for the entire week with only one morning of showers that quickly cleared. The northern New England Fall foliage colors started to appear as the Feast ended.

Everyone was strengthened by the uplifting video messages, a Bible study, special videos, the warm fellowship, the making of new friends, and the renewing of old acquaintances.

Richard Roberg

Houston, Texas

Greetings from the Houston Feast. On the first day of the Feast we had 61 people with an average of 30 to 40 during the week. On the last day we had 52 and two baptisms. This was one of the best Feasts we have ever had. The Feast sermons were super and we had so many great comments about them.

Frank Penny

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

We had a great Feast of Tabernacles on Cape Cod. The sermons were most inspiring. We had 36 people on the first day, with an average of 31. We had attendees from IL, TX, MI, OK, NH, MA and Nova Scotia. We also had visitors from other groups—Living and United. They were excited and will be requesting literature/CDs.

We also had great weather. We had three group outings: a high-speed ferry ride to Nantucket Island, a trip to Plymouth Plantation, and a cookout. And, of course, there was plenty of good feasting and good fellowship!

Dewey Potter

Daytona Beach, Florida

The 2013 Feast in Daytona Beach was filled with God's Spirit and God's love. The sermons were on target and kept us mindful of why we were there. "Meat in due season" was truly abundant. We were all reminded to keep God as the focus of the Feast.

Our accommodations were first rate. Each day we watched God's hand bring the sun up over the ocean as we meditated on the breaking waves, of which He commanded, "thus far shall your proud waves go and no further" (Job 38:11). Parting was not sad as God's Spirit filled us with a joy that could not be tarnished. We all left looking forward to God's kingdom and another year of God's plan and purpose for our lives.

Nolan & Faye Joseph

Destin, Florida

We had a wonderful Feast in Destin this year. Our attendance averaged about 75 per day. The meeting facility was perfect for our needs—clean, well decorated, abundant parking, on the beach, and the classroom style seating easily accommodated the 80 we had on the first day.

We had those attending their very first Feast, and veterans attending their 50th Feast. The atmosphere was loving, positive, cheerful and giving. Everyone pitched in to serve. Many brethren stated that this was their best Feast ever—especially the fellowship—and that they want to return to Destin next year.

We were all sad to see the Feast end. There wasn't a dry eye at the last song ("Till we Meet Again"). Thanks for allowing the Indy fellowship group to serve the Destin area this year.

Russ & Laura Kem and Steve & Terry Durham

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The Feast this year in Pigeon Forge was a wonderful success. We all enjoyed the video messages during services as well as the many opportunities we had to fellowship. The attendance averaged around 60 on most days, with 70 on the Holy Days.

Our new location at the Country Cascades was well received. The feedback was positive regarding the facility, meeting room, cost, and overall accommodations. We have a tentative contract to hold the Feast there again in 2014. Because there are several other Feast sites in this area, we had numerous brethren visit our services. Many of them complimented us on how they felt welcomed. Thanks to everyone for setting a good example.

The outpouring of love for one another was evident at this year's Feast. We thank God for so richly blessing us this year. And thanks for all your support, Fred.

Tom & Rhonda Fannin

Kimberling City, Missouri

We met again this year at the Gathering Hall in Kimberling City with an average attendance of 30. We had attendees from Michigan, Ohio, Nevada, Louisianan, Iowa, Arkansas, Texas and Missouri—just to name a few. The cooperation of all who attended was wonderful.

The sermons answered many questions; the messages seemed to build on one another in an amazing way. We enjoyed several activities, including a very nice catered meal of smoked brisket with many of the side items provided by the brethren. 

Our new sound system worked beautifully—thanks to Jim Morton from the Kansas City area. Many brethren told me that this was one of the best Feasts they had ever had. Some told me this was their best Feast ever.

Ken Pratt

Shipshewana, Indiana

We had a great Feast in Shipshewana this year. We averaged 47 a day. Every other day, elders Roy Mack and Gene Palm shared hosting the Feast. The new Blue Garden Inn provided us with a large private meeting room, which we could use throughout the day and evening. It was great for fellowship and special activities, which included a poetry reading as well as a movie.

One evening we all introduced ourselves and gave a short account of our calling into God's Church. We all enjoyed the group meal on the first day—and especially the Last Great Day meal at the Blue Gate Restaurant. We are all looking forward to next year!

Tulsa, Oklahoma

We had a great Feast here in Tulsa. The weather was nice—very pleasant in the morning, but a little warm in the afternoon. Everything went great and the messages were well received. We had wonderful fellowship before services—with coffee, hot tea, fresh fruit, and snacks. We had a group meal on Monday, which everyone really enjoyed. It gave us time to fellowship and make new friends.

Our attendance was down a little this year, but we averaged 32 each day. I hope that everyone had as great a Feast as we did!

Lawrence Burchfield

Bozeman, Montana

We had a wonderful Feast here in Bozeman. There were 35 who attended, with many returning who had kept the Feast here in the past—and many expressing their desire to return next year. The fellowship was warm and participation in the activities was good. We all loved the excellent messages prepared by Fred and enjoyed lots of special music, including an evening of music by the Manzo family performing their original compositions. The choir participation was outstanding, with eight men and seven women singing four-part harmony on "By This Shall All Men Know" and "I'll Never Leave You." Six choir members were teens who attended.

Activities enjoyed by the brethren, along with "feasting" together, included visiting the Lewis & Clark Caverns and the Museum of the Rockies, a BBQ, a trip to Yellowstone National Park, indoor rock climbing, and indoor fast-karts. On movie night we enjoyed watching "The Temples that Jerusalem Forgot." We also had an exciting game night.

Nearly everyone experienced the pleasure of being able to serve in some way. It was very rewarding to hear several express that this was one of their best Feasts ever.

Palm Springs (La Quinta), California

Attendance ranged from 28 on the first day to 25 on the last day, with most coming from the southern California area. The daytime temperature was in the 90s, which was comfortable due to the low humidity.

Each morning before services most of us met in the hotel dining area for breakfast. This provided a wonderful opportunity for conversation and a chance to get to know each other—making the Feast a true "family" experience. Besides services, the group watched several educational videos together—such as Jonathan Cahn's (The Harbinger) eye-opening speech at the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast.

On an outing to the Soup Plantation for a noon meal, we ran into Rod Meredith and his wife. When Betty Hyles mentioned that we were here at the Feast with Fred's group, Mrs. Meredith replied, "I have Fred's Bible and it is the best study Bible I have seen."

Jim & Betty Hyles

Hollister, California

This was the first time we have held the Feast in our new meeting hall in Hollister. We had a high of 32 in attendance. We had special meals prepared by Dolores on the first three days, and wonderful snacks for the remaining days. Fred was there every day, as he did not travel this year. Everyone had a wonderful Feast. For the last four days, Michael and Nancy Heiss were with us. We certainly appreciated his messages on the covenants in the Bible. The love and fellowship was very uplifting.

Gananoque, Ontario, Canada

With a total of 33, the attendance here at the Gananoque Feast site exceeded all expectations. With the Last Great Day approaching, we certainly can report a successful and uplifting Feast of Tabernacles for 2013. Besides the informative and inspiring messages from Fred Coulter, the attendees enjoyed a Thousands boat cruise, a trip to the Sky Deck observation tower (with a view of the entire Thousand Islands region), a scenic hike in the Charleston Lake Provincial Park, and dining at several of Gananoque's fine restaurants. This evening we'll be viewing Jonathan Cahn's The Harbinger. Tomorrow we'll enjoy a farewell luncheon at the Gananoque Inn before departing for home.

Duncan MacLeod

Invermere, BC, Canada (Western Canada)

The 2013 CBCG Feast in Invermere—nestled in the beautiful Kootenay Valley—was a most inspiring and enjoyable experience for all who attended. We had an average attendance of about 60, with a high of 67 on the weekly Sabbath during the Feast. 

The facility, Copper Point Resort, provided an ideal setting for the Feast, and the management and staff were appreciative of our group being there for the eight days. 

The inspiring messages brought by Fred and Norbert harmonized well and were most helpful in making the Feast a meaningful, spiritually uplifting, and joyous occasion. The warm atmosphere in the beautiful meeting hall was indescribable, and the love of the brethren was evident throughout the entire Feast.

The church luncheon, an evening of bowling, and a movie night were well attended and added to the joy and unity of the Feast. The Canadian brethren, and the few American brethren who joined us, welcome anyone to attend the western Canadian Feast site and experience true Canadian hospitality. We wish all the brethren around the world a very rewarding and spiritually enlightening year to come.

Norbert & Denise Bohnert

Caloundra, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

We had a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles this year at Caloundra, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Attendance varied from about 55 (adults and children) on each of the Holy Days and the weekly Sabbath to about 45 on each of the remaining Feast days. Brethren were able to follow along with the sermons using bound transcripts that were kindly put together by Derek Herold.

Members enjoyed either cold or hot breakfasts and hot lunches that were provided on each day of the Feast. The beef, lamb and poultry supplied for the meals was grown on Roy Geneck's family farm. These meal times provided everyone with a great opportunity to fellowship and relax.

A number of members remarked that a prevailing spirit of friendship and love was evident at the Feast. Fred's sermons were inspiring, and each one impacted the brethren in different ways. In addition to the main messages, a number of sermonettes were delivered by Roy Assanti, Adrian Harris, and Denis Freeman. Also, two new members, Allan Vassi and Matt Cole, were baptized during the Feast into the Family of God.

Paul Siddle

Moama, Australia

Moama on the Murray River NSW (which borders the state of Victoria) was the location for our 2013 Feast in Australia. Although we had a small group of 17, with an average of 13 people per day attending services, there was a spirit of cooperation, service and Christian love. Services were held on the first level of the Rich River Golf Club, which afforded us a great view down the fairway. The facilities were excellent—with plenty of parking, a friendly staff, and an on-site bistro where we enjoyed three luncheons and an evening meal together.

The future God has planned for us in His kingdom is truly awesome. Fred wonderfully demonstrated from Scripture what a fantastic time it will be. His sermons reminded us of our responsibility, and our reward if we endure to the end. It was great spiritual food to feast on.

On the afternoon of the weekly Sabbath, Maurice Dodson gave a really interesting presentation on Abraham's children. It included a video on sand and stars and how God will have an enormous number of people in His kingdom. Maurice also printed transcripts of Fred's sermons so that we might follow the messages each day.

On the afternoon of the Last Great Day we had a video sermon from Roy Assanti, who spoke on the nature of animals in the kingdom. Today, animals reflect Satan's nature—dog-eat-dog, killing and death. But in the Kingdom of God, the nature of animals will be changed so that even they reflect God.

Joe Pezzaniti

Moira, Northern Ireland

The 2013 Feast of Tabernacles at Moira, Northern Ireland, was again a great success. Moira is a lovely location, next to a canal, which has been reclaimed as a nature reserve. We were blessed to have a pair of swans and three almost fully grown cygnets entertain us just outside our meeting hall. A walk along the canal towpath revealed green fields on either side where one could see herons, moorhens, etc.

We had 22 adults in attendance (an average of 14 per day), nearly all Ulster Scots, apart from myself and a couple from Cleveland, Ohio, and their charming eighteen-year-old daughter. We were blessed with mild, sunny weather with a negligible amount of rain. Everyone was truly inspired by Fred's messages. Their careful review in succeeding months will no doubt provide continuing spiritual nourishment.

As in past Feasts, the fellowship was like a family reunion—an annual "get together" of loving brothers and sisters in Christ (although we all missed the presence of Elizabeth Walker, a much loved sister in Christ who recently died). On our "free day" some of us made the trip to Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland.

One thing is for sure: we all left "charged up" for the year to come—and we've booked the same location for 2014. God bless you and your wife, Fred, for all your dedication and ceaseless work on behalf of the brethren and those God may be calling.

Dave & Margaret Obey

Waihi Beach, New Zealand

Greetings from New Zealand, where about 34 members of the CBCG from around New Zealand and the United States met for the 2013 Feast of Tabernacles at picturesque Waihi Beach on the northeast coast of the North Island.

Once again we were blessed to have the use of a local Christian camp—just a short walk from the beach. Brethren were able to stay either on the grounds of the camp or at nearby accommodations—giving us plenty of opportunities for fellowship.

We were blessed to have Church at Home editor Randy Vild, his wife Cathy, their son David, and their friend John join us this year. Randy's musical talents added a wonderful flavor to our services. In addition to Fred's wonderful sermons, we enjoyed messages from Lyall Johnston and Randy. Our recently updated audio-visual equipment allowed the hymns and video messages to be projected onto a large screen; also, audio was provided for the hearing impaired via wireless headphones.

Special activities included a "Subway Style" make-your-own pizza night—which also allowed us to use some of the cheese we had learned to make earlier in the day. A severe storm and resulting power outage did little to dampen spirits; power was restored in time to ensure hot pizzas and a wonderful night! A special tour of the local Gold Mine was also a highlight of our Feast activities.

On the Last Great Day, Elder Lyall once again conducted a special blessing of our children for the coming year. At the conclusion of the Last Great Day, everyone enjoyed a final group meal at a local pancake restaurant, which opened just for us. It was a wonderful ending to what was, without a doubt, the best Feast ever!

Chris & Paula Gough

The Power of Choice

As I begin writing this letter, the U.S. Government shutdown is well into its second week. At least there are a few politicians who are trying to save the country from the Obamacare disaster and from the reckless borrowing and spending of trillions of dollars. As a result, the nation has been plunged into a seemingly unsolvable stalemate—which, even if resolved soon, will do great economic damage to America. Indeed, many people will suffer as a result of the obstinate actions of one man, President Obama, who refuses to negotiate with Congress. Only time will reveal the full consequences of our leaders' actions.

It is most interesting that we can find a parallel to our situation today in the account of King Zedekiah and the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Just before the final collapse of Jerusalem, Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet. King Nebuchadnezzar's armies were ready to make their final assault against Jerusalem—to burn the city and the Temple to the ground. God actually gave Zedekiah a chance to avoid this fatal attack. Indeed, the fate of Jerusalem and the remnant of the Jews was Zedekiah's choice—which only he could make. "And Zedekiah the king sent and had Jeremiah the prophet brought to him, into the third gate in the house of the Lord. And the king said to Jeremiah, 'I will ask you a thing. Do not hide anything from me.'

"Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, 'If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you advice, you will not hearken to me.' Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, 'As the Lord lives, Who made for us this soul, I will not put you to death, nor will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life.'

"Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, "If you will surely surrender to the king of Babylon's princes, then your soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire. And you shall live, and your house. But if you will not surrender to the king of Babylon's princes, then this city shall be given into the hands of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape out of their hands." '

"And Zedekiah the king said to Jeremiah, 'I am afraid of the Jews who have fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and lest they abuse me.' But Jeremiah said, 'They shall not deliver you. I beseech you, obey the voice of the Lord which I speak to you; so it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live. But if you refuse to go out, this is the word that the Lord has shown to me…. And you shall not escape out of their hand, but shall be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon. And you shall cause this city to be burned with fire' " (Jer. 38:14-21, 23).

It is astounding to realize that, even in the final days of the battle for Jerusalem, God would have extended mercy to spare the city and the Temple if one man—King Zedekiah—would have made the right choice to obey the Lord God of Israel. That choice would have changed the course of history, and the city and the beautiful Temple would have remained.

However, because of fear and a lack of courage and faith in God, Zedekiah refused to obey. Later, when the king and his party were fleeing to escape captivity, "the Chaldean army pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. And they took him, and made him go up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment on him. Then the king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes in Riblah. Also the king of Babylon killed all the princes of Judah. And he put out Zedekiah's eyes and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon. And the Chaldeans burned the king's house and the houses of the people with fire, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem" (Jer. 39:5-8).

Because King Zedekiah was fearful, obstinate and rebellious—refusing to obey the word of the Lord—he was single-handedly responsible for the utter destruction of Jerusalem and God's Temple that Solomon had built. God gave Zedekiah a chance by extending mercy to the king and the remaining Jews in Jerusalem. If only Zedekiah would have surrendered—but he thought he knew better than God. Thus, he rejected God's gracious mercy for himself, his family, and all the remaining Jews in Jerusalem, causing them to suffer a grinding, ignominious defeat and exile in Babylon for 70 years—the choice of only one man, the King!

The Parallels for us Today: At this time, America is facing a different war—a financial war caused by excessive and profligate federal, state, and municipal spending, as well as unfettered spending and borrowing by businesses and individuals. The result: unheard-of 15 percent unemployment and mammoth government handout programs (paid for with borrowed money) that create an increasingly dependent population.

Like many European nations, we are in the midst of an ever-increasing financial crisis that seems to keep coming like the waves of the sea—especially at all levels of government, local, state and federal. As if this were not enough, staring every American in the face is the gigantic, costly dinosaur of Obamacare! Even now, millions are facing lower pay, fewer working hours, little or no savings, increasing costs for everything, and increasing debt. Businesses, large and small, are hurting with slowing sales and rising costs. Moreover, there is another gigantic financial bubble that will one day suddenly burst. It involves some of the largest financial corporations and banks in America (and the world) that are holding so many derivatives and owing so much debt that they are hanging on by a thread.

While the current U.S. fiscal crisis will probably be resolved soon, that will not solve the long-term economic problems faced by America and the world. Those will only continue to worsen, and the worldwide debt bubble will, in time, collapse. The truth is that the entire Western world is in the grip of the greatest economic delusion in the history of mankind. In the face of enormous mounting debt and rising costs at every level, our leaders think that the only solution is to continue to borrow more, to increase the debt—to print more and more fiat money! All of the governments in the West are doing this. Yet they all know that this policy will eventually create overwhelming inflation leading to a total worldwide economic collapse. In the end, an unstoppable, unfathomable financial tsunami will engulf the entire world.

Just how gigantic is the global debt problem? The combined debt of the entire world—all individuals, all businesses, all banks, all financial institutions, and all governments—is estimated to be around 3 quadrillion dollars. There is not enough money—real or fake, gold or silver—on earth to even begin to make a dent in such debt! There is no human remedy! And just like King Zedekiah, the elite power brokers and leaders of this world will not repent and turn to God. Rather, they will continue to follow their own delusions, as led by Satan the devil—their god!

Satan has deceived and enslaved the entire world (Rev. 12:9). As Isaiah wrote, Satan has cast upon mankind a "covering [of deceit] which covers all people, [a] veil [of falseness] that is woven over all nations" (Isa. 25:7). As the god of this world, Satan will ultimately offer his solution—world government and the "Mark of the Beast."

The apostle John wrote of this end-time world system, as found in Revelation 13, 17 and 18. But it was impossible to imagine such a system, as the monetary structure of the 100s AD was based on gold, silver and copper coinage. In fact, John's prophecies only began to be understood some 55 years ago with the invention of computer systems and the credit card—now a common commercial reality used worldwide. Recent advancements indicate that the digital financial systems and technologies needed to implement a global digital (cashless) economic system are now about 95 percent complete.

The question is, which will come first—a world government or a cashless financial system? Perhaps we will first experience a worldwide economic collapse—followed by the swift rise of the Beast power, to bring order out of chaos. This could be quickly followed by the new economic order and the Mark of the Beast. In any case, it is likely that both will be instituted nearly simultaneously. Between now and then, every economic or political crisis moves the world ever closer to its implementation. How soon will it be—3 years, 5 years, 10 years? We don't know. But without a doubt, Satan has been preparing the world for such events, exactly as Revelation 13 tells us: "And they worshiped the dragon, who gave his authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who has the power to make war against him?' And a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies was given to him; and authority was given to him to continue for forty-two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. And he was given power to make war against the saints, and to overcome them; and he was given authority over every tribe and language and nation. And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If anyone has an ear, let him hear" (Rev. 13:4-9).

In conjunction with the coming of the Beast power will be the False Prophet, who will perform great miracles (verses 11-15). Then will come the Mark of the Beast. "And he [the first beast] causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the bond, to receive a mark in their right hands, or in their foreheads; so that no one may have the ability to buy and sell unless he has the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name" (verses 16-17).

We must be ever vigilant and continuously watching world events as God brings together prophecy according to His Word, His will and His timetable. In so doing, we will not get carried away, make mistakes, or be deceived.

The New Bible CD: We are making good progress with the Bible recording project: the Audio Bible—Faith Comes by Hearing and Hearing through the Word of God. Enclosed is the first CD containing Psalms, Proverbs and Job. We plan on doing the complete Bible with all of the Commentaries and Appendices. We have completed the entire New Testament and are in the process of editing those recordings (editing is the most time-consuming step). As for the rest of the Old Testament, we have finished Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. We will keep you updated and send more CDs as we progress.

We are now entering the time of this society's pagan holidays—the great deception and merchandising of the "Christian" people of the world! While they profess to be doing the will of God, they are actually doing the will of Satan, the present "god" of this world. What an overwhelming deception! But the true God is with His people—those who have the Holy Spirit. Indeed, we are the children of God who love and obey God the Father and Jesus Christ!

We are all making a difference through the Bibles, books, articles, booklets, CDs and DVDs. This year, our Web sites will be used by over one million people. Our mailing list is growing daily. And we are reaching new people, many of whom God will call. All of this is made possible through our combined efforts, our prayers, and our love for God and the brethren. It is through this work of service that we can grow in faith, hope and love as we prepare to meet the challenges of the coming year.

Brethren, we are very grateful for the continued support of your love, prayers, tithes and offerings. May God the Father and Jesus Christ's love, grace and mercy be with you all. May God continue to bless you and yours in every way.

With love in Christ Jesus,

Fred R. Coulter