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Restoring Original Christianity—for Today!
Christian Biblical Church of God
Post Office Box 1442
Hollister, California 95024-1442
(831)-637-1875
Fred R. Coulter,
Minister
February 12, 2015
With this mailing we are adjusting the way we send letters to you. We have been combining the CDs with the monthly letter in a single mailing. However, this method costs much more than mailing the letters without the CDs. By mailing the monthly letter separately, we will be cutting our costs substantially. We will be sending the letters in white envelopes, but continue using the craft envelopes for CDs and DVDs. This will make it better for everyone.
Annual Web Sites Report: Enclosed is the annual report for our Web sites for the year 2014. All sites combined, we had over 1,278,843 visitors. Adding in the Faithful Version site (40,241) brings the total to 1,319,084 distinct visitors. These visitors are actually users—not just lookie-loos who come for a few seconds and immediately leave. As you can see, we have had an excellent increase in the number of visitors over 2013. This increase is also reflected in the amount of downloaded pages, which was 9,316.57 gigabytes. The average time for each visit for the year was 6 minutes, 33 seconds. Overall, this means that we are reaching more and more new people, as well as brethren. A side note: Even some ministers of other churches of God visit the site for sermon ideas, etc. We are happy to help them, as it will help the brethren. After all, the Truth of God is the Truth of God.
We have been updating and revamping the cbcg.org site. When finished, it will have a whole new look. It will be far easier to navigate and feature an excellent search function that is extremely fast. Also, we have finished a complete digital overhaul of our online Calculated Hebrew Calendar. It no longer uses Java software, which is outdated for newer computers and hand-held media devices. It will be much easier to use and feature sunset times for anywhere in the world.
We are also nearing completion on our gigantic new Web site, afaithfulversion.org, which features The Holy Bible In Its Original Order. We have finished the New Testament, with text and audio, and we are making good progress on the Old Testament. To date, we have finished the First Division of the Bible, The Law, with text and audio. It will take some time to finish TheProphets and Psalms, as well as all the Commentaries and Appendices.
Finally, we have changed the way we “sell” the Bible. Now, we are exclusively using our Web site theoriginalbiblerestored.org for people to order the Bible. Moreover, to avoid problems with sales and sales taxes, we are asking for a donation, which goes directly to CBCG. This has been working quite well, as we are moving a good number of Bibles.
Power in the Word of God: Jesus tells us concerning the Word of God, “It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you, they are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). This also applies to the written Word of God (especially accurate translations). The apostle Peter writes that the Word of God is not just the writings of men, but the inspired and confirmed truth of God: “We also possess the confirmed prophetic Word [Old and New Testaments, verified by God—His inspired and true words] to which you do well to pay attention, as to a light shining in a dark place [this evil world], until the day dawns [the return of Jesus Christ] and the morning star arises in your hearts [the first resurrection]; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture originated as anyone’s own private interpretation; because prophecy was not brought at any time by human will, but the holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (II Pet. 1:19-21).
The apostle Paul makes it absolutely clear that all Scripture, Old and New Testament, is Theopnestos—“God-spirited” or “God-breathed” (II Tim. 3:15-16). This means that the words are upheld by the Spirit of God, which is the power of God. It is not just a collection of human religious writings, but the very words of God Himself for the world and His people. This is why Paul writes: “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of both soul and spirit, and of both the joints and the marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is not a created thing that is not manifest in His sight; but all things are naked and laid bare before the eyes of Him to Whom we must give account” (Heb. 4:12-13).
Thus, the Bible is unique! Because the Scriptures are the very words of God, it is separate from all other writings of men—regardless of who wrote them or when they were written. As Jesus said, “they are spirit and they are life.” This means the words of God are living, having the power of God within the words themselves—because He stands behind every word!
As Creator and Possessor of heaven and earth (Gen 1:1; 14:19, 22), God declares to mankind that His Word is absolutely sure. He even calls “heaven and earth” as witnesses to that fact—because everyone can see the heavens and everyone is standing on the earth. Here is God’s warning, not only to Israel, but to all people through all time—because God has given people and nations their lands (Acts 17:26-28). God says: “Behold, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil, in that I command you this day to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments so that you may live and multiply. And the Lord your God shall bless you in the land where you go to possess it.
“But if your heart turn away so that you will not hear, but shall be drawn away and worship other gods and serve them, I denounce to you this day that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days on the land where you pass over Jordan to go to possess it [or whatever land in which a person lives]. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life, so that both you and your seed may live, that you may love the Lordyour God, and may obey His voice, and may cleave to Him; for He is your life and the length of your days, so that you may dwell in the land which the Lordswore to your fathers—to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob—to give it to them” (Deut. 30:15-20).
There is only one name by which God can swear a greater oath—that is in swearing by Himself. Notice the pledge God gave to Abraham after he obeyed and offered up Isaac (but God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac): “And the angel of the Lordcalled to Abraham out of heaven the second time, and said, ‘By MYSELF have I sworn,’says the Lord,‘because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son; thatin blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your seed like the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore. And your seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. And in your Seed [Jesus, the coming Messiah] shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice’ ” (Gen. 22:15-18). The seed “as the sand of the seashore” are the physical children of Israel. The “stars of heaven” are the spiritual seed from all nations—the children of God the Father (Dan. 12:2; Matt. 13:43).
Paul explains that this passage in Genesis applies to the spiritual seed—those who are called to the first resurrection and eternal life: “For God, after promising Abraham, swore by Himself, since He could swear by none greater, saying, ‘Surely in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply you.’ Now after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For indeed, men swear by the greater, and confirmation by an oath puts an end to all disputes between them. In this way God, desiring more abundantly to show the heirs of the promise the unchangeable nature of His own purpose, confirmed it by an oath; so that by two immutable things [God Himself and His Word], in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to lay hold on the hope that has been set before us; which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both secure and steadfast, and which enters into the sanctuary within the veil; where Jesus has entered for us as a forerunner, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of Melchisedec” (Heb. 6:13-20).
When we examine the Word of God, we come to see how powerful even a short passage can be in actual fulfillment. We will look at two examples: First, after God gave to Daniel the framework of world empires leading up to the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth, He told the prophet that the complete understanding of these prophecies would be closed and sealed: “But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end.” Next, notice God’s description of the time of the end: “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Dan. 12:4).
How many times have we read this verse? It is a simple, straightforward statement—“Many shall run to and fro.” The actual fulfillment of this short sentence requires transportation vehicles of all kinds—ships, planes, trains, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc. We have to include all the factories that make these things, and all of the raw materials needed to make them. It also includes all the roads and all the cities and towns in the world.
Next, the phrase “and knowledge shall be increased” is an amazing statement. Today, we are overwhelmed with knowledge—information overload! It is too much to comprehend! Think of the power of God’s words. If He says it, it will happen—in His own time. Not one word will fail because His Word is living and powerful. It will be fulfilled to its maximum, not minimum.
Let us examine example Two. This a powerful, far-reaching prophecy involving the entire world—literally all peoples, the churches of God, the two witnesses, and angels. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14).
Think of what this requires today: Bibles (in many languages), the printing press, mass distribution, electricity, radio, television, Internet, satellites, and the countless support networks needed to keep everything going in order to fulfill this awesome prophecy!
In Paul’s epistle to the Romans, he describes the beginning of preaching the Gospel and projects it to the end of the age: “How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without preaching? And how shall they preach, unless they be sent? Accordingly, it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of peace, and those who announce the good news of good things!’ But all have not obeyed the gospel, because as Isaiah said, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?’
“So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of God. But I say, did they not hear? Yes, indeed, for it is written, ‘Their voices went out into all the earth; their words went out even to the ends of the habitable world’ ” (Rom. 10:14-18).
Many passages of Scripture are like these—simple statements with powerful fulfillments!
Think on this: All of God’s people, each and every one in the end times, have a part in feeding the flock of God and preaching the Gospel to the world. When Jesus gave this command to His original apostles, they could not possibly understand that what they were starting would be as it is today. Notice Jesus’ departing words just before He ascended into heaven. Luke writes: “And while they were assembled with Him, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem but to ‘await the promise of the Father, which,’ He said, ‘you have heard of Me. For John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit after not many days.’ So then, when they were assembled together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You restore the kingdom to Israel at this time?’ And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has placed in His own authority; but you yourselves shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses, both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the ends of the earth.’ And after saying these things, as they were looking at Him, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:4-9).
Matthew writes his account of Jesus’ commands: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples in all nations, baptizing them into 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 until the completion of the age’ ” (Matt. 28:18-20).
We can be absolutely sure that they did not have a clue as to how far-reaching these words would prove to be. It was not possible for them to know exactly what Jesus meant when He said “unto the ends of the earth” and to “go and make disciples in all nations.” Today, we can see how this is being done. It is through the power of God’s Holy Spirit in His people—ministers and elders utilizing the printed and spoken Word of God, preaching the Gospel to the world through the means of communication available to us today.
With this knowledge of God’s Word and realizing that all of God’s people have a vital part in fulfilling these prophecies, we need to draw close to God and be encouraged. In spite of all the troubles in the world—and, yes, even in our lives as we are living in this evil and sinful world—we need to keep in mind that God has called His people to reign with Christ at His return to bring in the Kingdom of God and save humanity from Satan the devil and themselves.
Brethren, as always, we thank you for your prayers and your love for us and all the brethren. Thank you for your faithfulness in tithes and offerings, which are used to feed the flock of God and preach the Gospel to the world as a witness. We pray for you every day, asking God to bless you, heal you, encourage you, protect you, and help you in everything. Remember that daily we stand in grace, walk in faith, believe in hope, and live in love.
With love in Christ Jesus,
Fred R. Coulter
FRC
Recent E-mails and Letters
Greetings! Thank you again for your response; I can’t imagine how you find the time to read each letter sent your way seeing how much work you do.
I was not in the Church during the WCG days, so I have no clue what happened. However, the truth always comes out and is now available on the Internet. Now I can understand what happened. It seems to me that the ripple effect is still felt today, as evidenced by the attitudes of people who experienced it. They were tainted by it—good or bad.
I appreciate the work you are doing, and it is about time I was fed the meat of the Word you teach! I have made contact with some brethren. I would like to make contact with more brethren in Vancouver and in the Surrey, BC, area where I live. Thank you for your guidance, and keep doing a good job. The brethren need to be fed the meat of the Word.
My family will support your work. You are right on track using the Internet, since we don’t even watch TV nowadays. I download your articles and sermon transcripts on my cell phone and read them on my daily commute to work. It’s brilliant that all the sermons can be read, seen and heard—and it’s portable! The more I read, the more I want to learn; it is so exciting to study again and to be free to do so! Sincerely—VR, Canada
Hello Fred: I have been in God’s Church for almost 42 years, but I have learned the most and grown the most since attending a small Church at Home group. As a teacher, I know that learning increases when students participate in small groups where they can ask questions and discuss the main ideas among their peers. Teachers also learn that simply giving lectures and not giving students a chance to discuss the material does not lead to increased learning.
At Church at Home, we read the Scriptures, watch Mr. Coulter’s videos, and discuss what we are learning. Being in a small group makes it possible for me to ask questions and discuss what I am learning. I really appreciate that there is so much information in the form of videos and booklets to help me grow and learn God’s way. I also appreciate being in a small group where my input (questions and comments) is important.—VN, California
Happy Sabbath, Fred! We just wanted to say “thank you” for the online Faithful Version Bible. Our whole family loves it!! It’s going to be a wonderful tool for studies and we will be using the audio in our Home School daily study. It is so easy to use!!! Sincerely—MC, Ohio
Greetings! Blessed be thy GOD. I have been promoting the cbcg Web site, and in one year we have gotten 65 who like your preaching. As I stated the first time I read your sermons, you speak the truth and people are starting to change. It may be a small number, but so are the elect. In GOD we trust; amen.—DE, Pennsylvania
Send me everything, please! Thank you so much. This is a true blessing!!—DD, Oregon
Can you send me God or No god?,The Christian Passover, and The Seven General Epistles? Also send the Baptism Series and the Grace of God Series. We would really appreciate it. We are learning so much. I have learned more reading these books than I learned growing up. I feel like I am almost earning another college degree. Whew!—WK, Nevada
I wanted to write to say Thank You! We have received our Holy Bible and are just thrilled. Wow! Between the hundreds of sermons to listen to, the many books to read, and, of course, the Bible to read and study, we have a lifelong mission!
Having been a truth-seeker for quite some time, my path led me to see the “truth” (or lack thereof) surrounding our government.
Seeking truth and honesty, we started attending a small “Bible Teaching” church in our small town—thinking we needed to just believe the truth of God and that we would hear it [in this church]. I was invited to lunch with our Pastor a couple of weeks ago (we had not been attending for many weeks) and I asked her about the lies surrounding Christmas and Easter. The look on her face was worth a thousand words. I think she knew we would not be coming back.
Well, thank you again for showing us the path to finding the Truth. We look forward to learning and growing till our last breath.
We are hoping to attend the Feasts of Trumpets this Fall in Payson, AZ, unless we find a location closer to us. Thank you for all you do. Your sister in Christ. P.S.: Please send us the Baptism Series.—AA, Arizona
Dear CBCG: I want to address this to all the CBCG: THANKS! I have read all the books you have sent and listened to the CDs. They have all helped. Thank you for making it possible for people like us to learn the Word of God more perfectly. I have thanked you in the past, but this is a BIG THANKS. May God bless and keep you all. Love in the Lord!—JA, Tennessee
I am a former member of the Worldwide Church of God, 1972-1981. I always regarded the WCG as the one, true (physical) church on earth. But with the GTA scandals, the passing of HWA, and the ultimate corruption of the later leadership, all was lost.
I have encountered the various “splinter,” “successor,” “next era,” etc. remnants of the old WCG—including the Philadelphia COG here in Edmond, OK—but have been less than satisfied. Something always seemed to be missing.
I must say, however, that finding your Web site (quite by accident) has given me new hope that all was not lost in the demise of the WCG. You seem to have found the right formula of preserving the true teachings of the church while being careful of avoiding its pitfalls. I especially like the way the “beliefs” are stated: strong enough to be clear and biblical, but allowing for some difference of opinion (something the WCG successors do not permit).
Do you have local congregations or meeting groups near Oklahoma City? Meanwhile, I am “drinking at the well” of all the information available on your Web site. I feel like I’m almost back home again.—LJ, Oklahoma
Dear Mr. Coulter: Thank you so much for your prayers. Also, thank you for the Love Series, the Grace Series, and the booklet on the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians. All three have CHANGED MY LIFE dramatically! God, through you, has opened my mind to understand His love and grace. For years I have been in turmoil, believing there was no way I could ever make it to the Kingdom. (I think this contributed to my depression.) But I am finally experiencing JOY! Thank you so much for the work you and your group do in putting this wonderful information together. May you continue in God’s blessings!
I have friends at church who listen to you regularly—and another friend said they are on your mailing list and receive CDs and booklets on a regular basis. Is there any way I could be on your mailing list? I have pretty much been listening to your sermons exclusively. Never have I found so much information!
I just wanted to write and tell you that your sermons have transformed my life! Never before did I understand the love of God—until you explained it! I am simply overjoyed! I can’t wait to start receiving the mail outs and get my new Bible. I am so excited about learning; I can’t get enough! This will be the best Feast ever! Thank you so much for all the work you do in getting God’s Word out to the world. In Christian love.—LJ, Arizona
We just went through the book of Colossians and I want to thank you. It was made so clear. We study our Bible with a whole new outlook, realizing God never changes. All of Scripture ties together with such great meaning. Every day we look forward to knowing the Father and Jesus Christ better through the Scriptures. Thank you for helping us to see better when we were so blind.—JB, Canada
Sabbath greetings! I find your Web site quite interesting; it is not usual to find so much of God’s truth in one place. Rather than searching through the large volume of available knowledge, let me ask directly: Do you teach observing the monthly new moons, as commanded by Scripture, and by what method do you determine a new moon? Thank you.—Arizona
Dear Fred and everyone at Church at Home: Praise the Lord for all of His blessings and for this ministry of truth! I have been a Church at Home fan for several years now. I am also in contact with Stan Timek! Thank you for the Faithful Version of the Bible and all of your publications!—DS, Pennsylvania
I have been keeping the Sabbath and Holy Days for the past six months and have been in contact with Marlin and Nancy Fannin. We are planning my baptism here soon. I have led others to cbcg.org and have a couple … who are watching your videos and keeping in contact with me daily. I have asked to be put on the mailing list. My prayer is to someday have a gathering here in Ohio, as there are many searching [for the truth] here in the surrounding areas. Your prayers are needed for God to bring forth His will … and we will boldly move forward with God’s protection. GOD’S WORD IS TRUTH! “Religion” is a lie—as I grew up in, and have been faithful my whole life in, the Church of Christ. I now see it as a part of the Harlot Babylon and I refuse to have any part with her. Thanks for all the great videos and booklets. The Faithful Version is truth and I am grateful to have one. Much love to you all!—GB, Ohio
First, I thank you so very much! I praise God that you publish the great news of Christianity, so desperately needed today. Secondly, I love God through the Lord Jesus Christ, and seek to bear witness to His truth in the Bible. Thirdly, people appear to listen when they cannot deny the relevance of the Bible to their lives and the times. Fourthly, nothing could make the message more relevant than linking the Bible to one’s country, and that makes your book very applicable. I will appreciate studying it. Thank you!—RM, Pennsylvania
The Love Series has increased my knowledge of God and His plan. I now have even more trust and faith in God. I’m beginning to get a glimpse of the love we will experience in the Kingdom. I see, more than ever before, how precious our calling is. I see that our obedience has to come from the heart; and when it does, it is due to real conversion. I see love is a choice, and it requires a decision, and when you are loving God, you are overcoming. I’ve been in the Church for 38 years, and with Fred’s help over the last two and a half years, I’ve had a “second calling.” I was starving for spiritual food, and now I’m getting fed!—RB, Indiana
I wanted to let Fred know that the Love Series was the missing key I was looking for, and maybe didn’t know I was looking for! The series answered the why in the question of “why to follow God’s laws.” I understood the right and wrong of it, the good and evil of it, the blessings and cursings of it—all very logical, all very practical, all something I should do. But in all the teachings and instructions from other churches of God, they never once touched on what the love of God is. Understanding the love of God is the key to the whole thing, as least it is to me. This series (and God, of course) is the one that convicted me and convinced me to be baptized. But I just didn’t know how in the world I was going to work that out. As it happened, God worked it out for me! How could I not want to be baptized after understanding what the love of God means? Let Fred know as well that the Love Series is the one I turn to whenever I need encouragement—when I get down and maybe a little discouraged. I keep it on my iPod and have listened to it at least nine times over the last few years. It really helps.
I really enjoyed going through the series with our group, seeing the different perspectives on how understanding the love of God has helped each of us.—GM, Indiana
This was truly a special learning experience. We started the Love Series right after our weeks-long Bible study on Matthew five. This was an amazing lead-in to the series.
Much of what I learned was a seriously deeper understanding of what Christ did for me by becoming human, giving me greater detail as to what is expected of me now and in the future, what my goals should be. The magnificent end of His human life—when He made it easier for me to have my sins forgiven by asking for repentance from my Father through Him, my Brother—is so incredible and I now understand it in much more detail. Understanding Christ’s sacrifice for me, and the Father’s expectations for me, are so wonderful (I can now understand why my human father was so adamant about not overlooking what is written for us in the Bible, the heavenly Father’s Word).
The Love Series made the two most important commandments so much more vivid and applicable to my life. It has helped me to see how evil can manipulate one’s mind and make depression (plus low self-esteem) such a giant thing to overcome. This series has made it much easier to understand Job, Paul, Abraham, and all that is written for us to know, once we have had the door opened for us to learn and understand. I shall not waste my time, but will continue to build on what I have learned.
A side note: I did not come from the WCG, but learned at home with my family, studying the Bible and using the library for reference (there was no Internet or study materials 50+ years ago). I am pleased to know many of the things I learned back then, reinforced with the detailed studies you have put together. The Father works in such amazing ways. Thank you for all the details you are providing to help me continue to grow in grace and knowledge—a path I shall not veer from, with my Father’s help. Thanks again, the studies are awesome.—JF, Indiana
My understanding of God’s love for me is like an iceberg. Before the Love Series, you see the part above the water; after the series, you see the part below the water. This is about the best I can explain it. It’s like being an apple on a tree and the farmer knows which one he wants when he sees it … and he picks me!—Indiana
I am a disabled senior and have just started studying at home using your Web site. I no longer attend at any gathering place. I have rededicated my life to God, making Church at Home my study tool. I need God’s truth to get a better understanding of God’s Word. Thank you so much, God bless you and yours.—BF, Ohio
Dear CBCG: Thank you for preaching God’s Word in spirit and truth! I read your articles and watch the videos as much as possible. There are no true believers in our area, so Church at Home! May God continue to bless you.—DS, Pennsylvania
