App
October 14, 2015
Dear Brethren,
The reports concerning this year's Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day tell us that it was a tremendous Feast indeed! (See the Feast Reports below.) God has given us His feasts and holy days to demonstrate His great love for His people—and for the world. Together, the weekly Sabbath and the holy days reveal God's awesome plan for mankind! For us, there is no more precious knowledge than the understanding of His Master Plan!
But because of spiritual blindness, the world has no clue as to what God is doing. Human theories, scientific research, and religious philosophies can never discover the mysteries God has kept hidden. Moreover, because the world is so wrapped up in the holidays of their religions, they cannot understand the things of God as revealed in the Bible.
In about two weeks, Halloween—the preeminent holiday of Satan the devil—will be celebrated by millions. Since Satan is the author of sin, it should come as no surprise that this "Christianized" pagan holiday is a celebration of death—the wages of sin! Then follows Christmas, New Year's, St. Valentine's, Lent, and Easter—all based on satanic lies.
As god of this world, Satan has spiritually blinded all mankind with his lies. Indeed, the truth of God is hidden from the world, just as the apostle Paul writes: "But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those … in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe…" (II Cor. 4:3-4).
The devil is also called the "prince of the power of the air." Thus, he has the spiritual power to deceive with cunning craftiness—yes, even the whole world (Rev. 12:9)! Paul writes of our spiritual condition in Satan's world before God called us: "Now you were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you walked in times past according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now working within the children of disobedience; among whom also we all once had our conduct in the lusts of our flesh, doing the things willed by the flesh and by the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as the rest of the world" (Eph. 2:1-3).
When we answered God's call to repent and be baptized, He saved us from our past sins and the power Satan: "But God, Who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, has made us alive together with Christ. (For you have been saved by grace.)…. [That] He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this especially is not of your own selves; it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto the good works that God ordained beforehand in order that we might walk in them" (Eph. 2:4-5, 7-10).
When we receive the Holy Spirit of God, also called the circumcision of the heart, God takes away the veil of spiritual blindness that has covered our minds so that we could not comprehend the Word of God (II Cor. 3:14-16). But God's people do understand His Word, including the significance of the holy days, because we love God and keep His commandments. Indeed, the apostle John wrote of those who "keep His commandments and practice those things that are pleasing in His sight" (I John 3: 22).
Jesus praised the Father for revealing the hidden things of God to those He has called. In fact, God has revealed things to us that even the prophets of old never knew. Jesus said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You did hide these things from the wise and intelligent, and did reveal them to babes. Yes, Father, for it was well pleasing in Your sight to do so" (Luke 10:21).
Notice what Jesus added: "Then He turned to the disciples and said, 'All things were delivered to Me by My Father; and no one knows Who the Son is, except the Father; and Who the Father is, except the Son, and the one to whom the Son personally chooses to reveal Him.' And He turned to His disciples and said privately, 'Blessed are the eyes that have seen the things that you see. For I tell you, many prophets and kings have desired to see the things that you see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things that you hear, and have not heard them'" (verses 22-24).
Later, the apostles and prophets were given further revelations concerning additional things God has kept hidden. Paul writes: "If indeed you have heard of the ministry of the grace of God that was given to me for you; how He made known to me by revelation the mystery (even as I wrote briefly before, so that when you read this, you will be able to comprehend my understanding in the mystery of Christ), which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles might be joint heirs, and a joint body, and joint partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel…" (Eph. 3:2-6).
These additional revelations are only understood through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit—coupled with our devoted love and obedience to God. Paul discloses: "Rather, we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom that God foreordained before the ages unto our glory, but according as it is written, 'The eye has not seen, nor the ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'
"But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things—eventhe deep things of God. For who among men understands the things of man except by the spirit of man which is in him? In the same way also, the things of God no one understands except by the Spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is of God, so that we might know the things graciously given to us by God; which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Holy Spirit in order to communicate spiritual things by spiritual means. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (I Cor. 2:7-14).
In Colossians, Paul writes that God was revealing a key mystery that had been hidden until their time. "Even the mystery that has been hidden from ages and from generations, but has now been revealed to His saints; to whom God did will to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:26-27).
Paul gives us additional understanding of the mystery of God in Ephesians—that, as part of the Family of God, we are to be filled with all the fullness of God! He writes: "And that I might enlighten all as to what is the fellowship of the mystery that has been hidden from the ages in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ…. [For] this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power by His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; and that being rooted and grounded in love, you may be fully able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ, which surpasses human knowledge; so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
"Now to Him Who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that is working in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all generations, even into the ages of eternity. Amen" (Eph. 3:9, 14-21).
Brethren, as the world celebrates satanic darkness, we need to keep our minds and hearts focused on God's promises, through Christ, that in the resurrection we will be filled with all the "fullness of God"—as the children of God the Father in His kingdom for all eternity!
Booklet—Judge Righteous Judgment: We have included the 46-page booklet Judge Righteous Judgment. For three days during the Feast, we studied righteous judgment. When Jesus returns, God will give us the responsibilities of exercising such judgment: "And I saw thrones; and they that sat upon them, and judgment was given to them; and I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and those who did not worship the beast, or his image, and did not receive the mark in their foreheads or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years" (Rev. 20:4).
Righteous judgment requires godly character. We develop that character as we study the Word of God and grow in grace and knowledge. Whenever we are confronted with life's challenges and difficulties, we gain the experience we need to develop godly character. Paul encourages us with these words: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we ourselves boast in the hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also boast in tribulations, realizing that tribulation brings forth endurance, and endurance brings forth character, and character brings forth hope. And the hope of God never makes us ashamed because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, which has been given to us" (Rom. 5:1-5).
We know this booklet will help you to develop a greater ability to make righteous judgments. Note: Unfortunately, after we printed the booklet, we found a serious typo on page 6. In a reference to Romans 2:13, there is a missing "not." It should read: "(because the hearers of the law are not justified before God, but…." Please make this correction in your booklet and add the missing word "not." Thank you!
Brethren, thank you for all your love and encouragement. We pray for you every day that God will bless you, heal you, protect you, and provide for you. We thank you for your tithes and offerings, as well as for your holy day offerings. As you know, our budget is whatever God inspires the brethren to send. We always put these sacred funds to work to serve the brethren and preach the Gospel. Remember, we stand in grace, walk in faith, believe in hope, and live in love!
With love in Christ Jesus,
Fred R. Coulter
FRC
Feast of Tabernacles 2015
In addition to our 13 Feast of Tabernacles sites, we have about 250 smaller, local feast sites, mostly in brethren's homes, where 3 to 10 people typically gathered. These brethren were unable to attend a larger site because of age, inability to travel, or having to care for someone in their family. We sent such groups the DVDs of all the Feast messages so they would also be able to properly observe the Feast. Here is a letter from such a group:
Dear Fred and Brethren,
Thank you for the great holy day messages we have had so far. We are a group of elderly, infirm, and deaf brethren who are meeting together on the holy days (and, of course, on some of the Sabbaths); the rest of the days we study at home. May God bless your efforts. It certainly is a great blessing for us. We are having a potluck for the Last Great Day, and we will be thinking of and praying for all the Feast sites. In Christian love.—R. M., Ohio.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Greetings all from Daytona Beach, Florida! We had 48 in attendance on the first day of the Feast and averaged 35 throughout the week. There were brethren from Canada, Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania—and, of course, Florida. The focus of the Feast was the purpose of the Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day, as supplemented by Fred's messages. For activities there was a catered lunch, a beach picnic, and a social evening with a Caribbean theme complete with authentic Caribbean food and live steel drum music.
The Feast was overshadowed by the love of God dispensed to us as brotherly love and peace. The Feast ended with a beautiful rendition by a trio of "To God Be The Glory," which was the underlying theme for the entire Feast.—Nolan Joseph
Destin, Florida
We trust everyone is having a great Feast of Tabernacles! We have been blessed here in Destin with great fellowship and a beautiful setting. Our highest attendance was 72 on the second day of the Feast, including many children.
This is one of the best feasts we have ever had. You can really feel the love in our group and everyone is getting to know each other really well. Thanks Fred, as always, for the good messages we have heard. With brotherly love.—Guilebaldo
I will just echo what Gil has already said about our Feast in Destin. I have never experienced such cooperation, love, and affection as has been witnessed here in Destin this year. I am so grateful for God, for Fred, and all the brethren providing such a wonderful Feast. I cannot remember a Feast where everyone shared in serving, showed brotherly love, and enjoyed such great fellowship. I couldn't have asked for more. I hope everyone had a Feast as good as we did in Florida. Almost everyone asked to have the Feast here again next year.—Russ Kemp
Wells, Maine
Thirty-four brethren from seven U.S. states and three Canadian provinces celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles in Wells, Maine. This was the eighth consecutive year for the Feast in Wells, which was held at the Village by the Sea Resort and Conference Center.
The Feast started with clear skies for the super total lunar eclipse and was followed by a week of seasonally normal weather and the first stages of New England's Autumn foliage colors.
Everyone was edified by the uplifting video messages, three bible studies, special music, several videos, a pizza party, and a BBQ get-together. For the first time at Wells, the Sabbath included the Blessing of the Little Children.
The warm fellowship was that of a family reunion—and many new friendships were made and many others were renewed. With warm regards.—Richard Roberg
Kalispell, Montana
Nancy and I really enjoyed our Feast in Montana. John and Hiedi Vogele and the Morgan family did a fantastic job. All went well. I baptized four people and anointed several brethren. I gave two sermonettes and a bible study. I stayed busy, but enjoyed being able to help the brethren. I think we had around 50 to 55 per day.
The weather was perfect and we were able to enjoy Glacier Park. We did come back early, because of Nancy's dad, and attended the last day with the brethren in Cincinnati, where we had 15. Thanks for asking us to go.—Marlin Fannin
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Hello Fred! We had a great Feast in Tulsa; the weather was nice, great fall weather. We had 60 for the first holy day and 59 for the Last Great Day; the rest of the week we had an average of 48, which is much better than in past years. We had members from North Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, as well as all around Oklahoma.
Everyone really enjoyed our Feast meal and fellowship afternoon on Wednesday. We printed out the sermon transcripts for everyone for each day so we could follow along and later put them into binders so they could be reviewed as a Bible study—that worked great.
The messages were great and everyone noted how much meat was in them. We have a lot to look forward to and pray that Christ will return soon and heal this sick world. We pray for all of God's people every day.—Lawrence Burchfield
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Greetings from Pigeon Forge, Tenn. We're having a wonderful Feast. We had 62 in attendance for the first holy day. The brethren are enjoying the fellowship. The scenery and mountains are inspiring. We're thankful to God and Christ for being here. We all send our love.—Tom & Rhonda Fannin
Palm Springs, California
Thank you for the opening message that put the focus on growing in love for each other. This set the goal for all of us to aspire to as we served one another. We had 22 in attendance that first evening.
This year, Wayne Julian and me were co-hosts and we had attendance of 32 and 31 on the respective holy days. For the first half of the Feast, Michael Heiss attended again with his wife, Nancy, and he was recorded as he delivered the four-part sermon series tentatively titled "The Cycles of Seven," which was well received and appreciated based on the feedback.
The brethren shared breakfast and evening meals in the hotel's newly renovated dining area—when not eating out together at a variety of local restaurants or fellowshipping in their suites with full kitchens. On the last day of the Feast we enjoyed a lunch in the hotel's conference meeting room catered by Sherman's Deli, a popular local Jewish deli with a more varied menu at a lower cost than the hotel.
In addition to a variety of special music performances and videos, there was good feedback on the practical "nuts and bolts" teaching approach of how to judge righteous judgment. Finally, on the Last Great Day, we presented personalized gifts commissioned by Richard Scott to the hotel's management team who have well served the brethren for many years at this Feast site. Thank you.—Michael Huse
Hollister, California
In Hollister, we had a wonderful Feast. There were 23 brethren attending. The fellowship was great, and the messages progressed daily through to the Last Great Day—very inspiring and uplifting. The meals were terrific! Overall, a very loving and educational Feast of Tabernacles.
Shipshewana, Indiana
The Feast in Shipshewana was a great success. God's Spirit was clearly present each day. We averaged about 40 per day and the weather was good overall. On day two, we went to the Blue Gate Restaurant for a group meal and found that a mystery person paid the entire bill.
We had special music performed by brethren on three days.
One group outing was a trip to the Miller Farm, a Mennonite family farm, where we saw how fresh-pressed apple cider is made. Most of the brethren bought several gallons. On another day, the families with young children visited a farm where the children were allowed to pet the smaller animals—plus they witnessed a baby goat being born!
One of our brethren, Barb Stillman, experienced serious pain in her abdomen and had to be hospitalized in Fort Wayne. She had a blocked colon and the doctors recommended surgery. She was anointed by an elder from United in her area, while the group in Shipshewana prayed for her. The next day she had no pain and the blockage was gone—our prayers were answered!
The fellowship inspired by God's Word and His Spirit created a loving family-like Feast. Cedric did a wonderful job each day seeing that all things were functioning well. We were very privileged to love and serve the brethren at the Feast this year.—Gene Palm
Gananoque, Ontario
We had an encouraging and profitable Feast of Tabernacles, 2015. The 1000 Island area of Ontario and the town of Gananoque provided a beautiful fall setting for the Feast this year.
There were 37 in attendance on the first holy day and an average of 35 for the remainder of the Feast. We held services at the Holiday Inn Express. The facility was very adequate for both services and our many activities.
We enjoyed a trip to the Sky Deck overlooking the St. Lawrence River, a boat cruise to Bolt Castle, a picnic, which we held inside due to the weather, and a bible study, which was well received by all. We also held a holy day dinner for all at the Gananoque Inn on the first day.
The messages were edifying, uplifting, timely, and well received by all. God's Spirit and His love were present throughout the Feast. I gave one sermonette and the offertory.
I was pleased to have had Stan Timek attend in Gananoque. He was very helpful and supportive. He gave two sermonettes and led songs two days. The help was appreciated.
We made many friends and new family members in Gananoque. We leave with fond memories of the Canadian brethren. With brotherly love.—Steve and Terry Durham
Invermere, British Columbia
The Feast site in western Canada was held in the beautiful Columbia valley at the Copper Point Resort in Invermere, B.C. The facility and surrounding area is truly a beautiful site for God's Feast and we have been so blessed to have had this facility now for three years.
God's presence was definitely felt the entire Feast as we were blessed with beautiful fall colors and pleasant temperatures in the low 70s with sunny skies. Our attendance averaged 80 for the duration of the Feast, with the Sabbath having a total of 91. We were also blessed with 18 children this year ranging in age from two months to 16. It added so much to the Feast to have the children among us.
We had several American guests this year, which always makes it extra special for us Canadians and allows us to show them the best possible hospitality and love we can.
The messages from Fred were very well received, and I personally gave four messages reinforcing the theme of the Feast. We were also blessed with an inspiring sermonette as well as a baptism during the Feast.
The theme of loving God and our fellow brethren was truly reflected by everyone present. It was a pleasure to host and be the elder for such a fine group of God's people. God's presence was certainly felt and the fellowship was phenomenal. It is so rewarding to see God's Spirit working and dwelling among us.
The messages were timely, especially considering the ongoing struggles we are all facing. Everyone left the Feast refreshed and rejuvenated—ready to pursue the goals ahead of us as instructed. It was certainly a blessing to serve such a fantastic group of brethren one more time.
We certainly offer our heartfelt invitation to anyone to come and join us for 2016.
God bless you all—and let us, brethren, take to heart what we were instructed. Let us continue to grow spiritually and build our character and relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. Let us apply the principles we have heard and bear the fruit that we must to move forward to the ultimate goal, the Kingdom of God. Take care and may God be with you all until we meet again. God is an awesome God.
In sincerest Christian Love.—Norbert and Denise Bohnert
Caloundra/Sunshine Coast—Australia
Attendance at the Caloundra Feast site varied from 24 to 38 this year. There was a prevailing spirit of love and cooperation among brethren with a keenness to serve. There was also a noticeable buzz during the many opportunities for fellowship.
This year we were privileged to have with us a visiting elder from New Zealand, Lyall Johnston. Lyall gave a report on his involvement with Church at Home and also gave two sermonettes. Lyall's visit was greatly appreciated and warmly received by the brethren.
The brethren have found Fred's messages to be thought provoking, and they formed the basis for many stimulating discussions during mealtimes. We all really appreciate the effort Fred goes to each year to exhort us to remain close to God and to prepare for the return of Christ and the setting up of God's government on the earth. The printed transcripts again proved to be an excellent aid to getting the most out of the messages.—Paul Siddle
I greet you all as a visitor to the Sunshine Coast of Australia where the brethren are basking in the truth of God and rejoicing in fellowship. We meet for breakfast beginning a 9 a.m., followed by services. Then everyone eats together with lunches lovingly prepared by the brethren. This gives ample opportunity for fellowship each day.
Fred's message on the opening night has certainly set a wonderful atmosphere for all, and I have heard from the New Zealand brethren that the same has occurred there. Several of us were able to travel to Brisbane yesterday and meet with some of the brethren unable to be at the Feast every day. With an abundance of food here, we were able to take a wonderful meal to share and enjoy with them along with the fellowship.
Here we are, midway through God's Feast; I will presume to send the love of all your brothers and sisters here in the wonderful site chosen to celebrate the coming of GOD'S KINGDOM. In His love on behalf of the brethren.—Lyall Johnston
Nelson Bay, Australia
It was a wonderful Feast at Nelson Bay on the east coast of Australia where temperatures ranged from 72-90 degrees. We had 23 people, including five children, attend. Fred's sermons were very well received, with transcripts a notable benefit. Sessions for children included Bible studies, arts and crafts, and a never-quite-finished Temple building exercise.
The fellowship was intimate, warm, and engaging. We had a Bible study on the "144,000 and the Bride of Christ," a Bible Quiz on the Book of Acts, and three sermonettes: "A Thousand Years for a Day" by Peter Carson, "The Gospel According to Isaiah" by Neil Latham, and "What's it all About" on the Last Great Day by Steve King. We feasted on some of the best food, wine, and flavorsome treats while enjoying the brethren's company. There was high participation in most activities. Many thanks to God the Father and Jesus Christ.—Peter Carson
Moama, Australia
This year 19 brethren attended a very uplifting and inspiring Feast of Tabernacles at Moama New South Wales. Members enjoyed services at the Rich River Golf Club where we were able to listen to Fred's messages, which were all well received. In addition, we had a number of live messages given by Adrian Harris and Roy Assanti. It was encouraging to ponder that we need to prepare now for the awesome future we have to look forward to.
On several evenings members were able to get together to fellowship and enjoy meals at one of the sheltered barbecue areas at the Murray River Resort, where most brethren stayed. Everyone pitched in to make it a great time for all. Our activities included a museum visit (with Devonshire Tea afterwards), a relaxing paddle steamer cruise, and ten pin bowling.
Since Jim Hyles was unable to attend the Feast, Roy arranged for him to give the offertory sermonette via Skype on the afternoon of the Last Great Day.
As the sun set beginning the Last Great Day, brethren witnessed the baptism of Bruno Ialeggio (performed by Roy). On the evening after the Last Great Day, most were able to get together for a farewell dinner at the Moama Sports Club.—Maurice Dodson
Thames, New Zealand
This year's Feast of Tabernacles was held at the Firth of Thames. Brethren were treated to breathtaking sea-front views throughout the Feast. It was a wonderful area for a humble and memorable get-together of 10 adults and two children. Fred's messages throughout the eight days were taken in a spirit of love with smiles all around. We all learned something new each day, plus there was a warm spirit of harmony and co-operation.
The group engaged in several bush walks and came across a 1200-year-old Kauri tree, plus a butterfly house. This fantastic setting that God put into place for us to enjoy during the Feast was so inspiring that all the brethren agreed to return for next year's Feast.
This was our third Feast with the group and very much the most peaceful one to date. Love from all of us here in New Zealand.—John and Olga Schurink
Jamaica
The brethren in beautiful Jamaica had a joyous and inspirational Feast! Since many are scattered throughout the island, it is very difficult to meet. But this did not stop us from gathering, listening to millennial messages, and fellowshipping like Bereans.
Your gift of the Bibles has been received with much emotion—tears of joy and thankfulness! One dedicated gentleman had been yearning for a Bible; when he received it he was speechless! Tearfully, he said how "overwhelmed" he was to receive his very own Bible. The brethren are hungry and yearn for SPIRITUAL MEAT! On behalf of all of us, we say Thank you! for all you do to help feed us. May our heavenly Father be gracious to you and bless you richly! Thank you for sending Randy. We are all inspired to keep growing in grace and knowledge. In Christian love and thankfulness.—Jamaica Brethren
