February, 2009

Fred R. Coulter

Minister

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February 12, 2009

Dear Brethren,

We are continuing to receive a good response from the York Publishing ads for The Holy Bible In Its Original Order--A Faithful Version. Of the 7000 lambskin Bibles we had published in 2008, we have distributed over 5000. Because of the current volume of requests, we are making preliminary arrangements to reprint the Bible. Don Junowich at Lithopak in Hong Kong, China, is working up an estimate for the second printing. You will be interested to know that we are adding a 32-page section (Appendix Z) called Understanding Paul's Difficult to Understand Scriptures--which will increase the thickness by only 1/16 of an inch. This material was also added as an appendix to the second edition of Occult Holidays or God's Holy Days--Which?, which we recently reprinted. For the second printing of the Bible, 99.9% of the typos and minor errors have been corrected on our master digital copy. In the first printing, there were a few more than we had originally anticipated--and we are continuing to search out and correct any remaining typos. But remember: It took eleven editions before all the typos were finally corrected in the KJV.

Digital Version Coming Soon: Once we have completed the digital master, we will release a digital version of the Bible. We have already had numerous requests for such a version, but decided it was best to wait until we had corrected all the miscues from the first printing. In the digital version, we will add all the commentaries from TheNew Testament In Its Original Order that we were unable to include in the printed version. At Harry Curley's suggestion, we are also considering combining it with E-Sword, which is a multi-use computer program that includes various Bible versions, dictionaries and concordances.

Also, my son Stephen is investigating how we can convert the Bible and our other books into a digital form for use on devices such as iPhones and Blackberries. Digital and actual copies can then be purchased directly through these devises.

New Booklet and Holy Day/Calendar Bookmarker: Again this month, we are sending you a brand new booklet, You Have Been Saved by Grace--Now What? This was a joint project by Duncan MacLeod and our editor Philip Neal. As you will see, this booklet provides vital information--clearly showing that after you have been saved by grace, you must develop a deep personal relationship with and be in complete submission to God the Father and Jesus Christ, as you are growing in grace and knowledge. It lays out in detail how you need to live your life before God--stand in grace, walk in faith, believe in hope, and live in love.

Web Site Annual Report: At end of this letter you will find the annual report for the activities of our Web sites--cbcg.org and biblicaltruthministries.org. As you will see, more and more visitors are downloading our materials--especially the audio sermons and studies. One key factor is the length of time each visitor spends at the site. For all of 2008, it has averaged at over eight minutes per visit. By comparison, the average visit time in 2007 was 5.5 minutes. For the past few months, however, the average visit time has increased to over nine minutes--and in January of this year it was up to 11 minutes. These figures reveal a sustained, growing interest in the materials on our Web sites. This is astounding when you consider that there were nearly 500,000 visitors to our sites last year. These figures reveal that God is working with many more people than we may have previously realized. Undoubtedly, fellowship attendance and requests for baptism will increase in the future.

Videos on the Web Site: Ron Cary and his son Aaron are working with new software for converting our digital videos into a form that can be downloaded and viewed on computers, cell phones and Blackberries. We have approximately 300 videos which we have made through the years that we can convert for this purpose. Also, some brethren have requested that we make live videos of Sabbath services. We have tried this in the past and found it to be a real burden--not to mention the poor quality. Moreover, it presents other problems: I cannot speak directly to those in attendance, as I would be looking into the camera. On the other hand, if I spoke directly to those in attendance, those out in the wider audience would feel more like bystanders, as I would not be able to look into the camera. For these reasons, we will decline to conduct live videos of Sabbath services.

Furthermore, I do not preach in the same place every Sabbath. In addition to preaching at home in Hollister, I also travel to Fairfield, California--125 miles north--at least every other Sabbath. Sometimes I preach in Fairfield and Hollister on the same Sabbath--and I travel to Arcadia, California, every other month. Moreover, I travel extensively, speaking in various places in the USA. For example, I am traveling to Waco and Houston, Texas, in February. The first part of March, I will be in Arcadia; then, later in the month, I will be in Seattle and Spokane, Washington. In April, I will travel to Atlanta, Georgia; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Phoenix, Arizona, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This is my travel schedule for the immediate future. All of these factors make it impractical to attempt to do a live video or phone hookup of weekly Sabbath services.

Ongoing Promotion of the Bible: Continuing his efforts to promote the new Bible, Bob Ellsworth placed an ad in RevMagazine (Rev is an abbreviation for Reverend), which also gave the Bible a good review (see below). He will be placing additional ads in other publications as well.

By the time you receive this letter, Bob will have finished promoting the new Bible at the National Religious Broadcasters' three-day convention (February 8-10) at Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. The NRB is the largest and most prominent association of "Christian" communicators in America--with over 1400 member organizations representing millions of viewers, listeners and readers. The NRB represents hundreds of "Christian" program producers and station operators. With over 200 individual booths and exhibitors, attendance is expected to match last year's turnout of nearly 4000. At his booth, Bob promoted the new Bible, A Harmony of the Gospels, and several other books from additional publishers.

Bible Review: Rev Magazine (March/April 2009)

"[The following is a review of] The Holy Bible In Its Original Order, [translation and] commentary by Fred R. Coulter (York Publishing Co.). This is an interesting Bible, and is self-described as `a Faithful Version with Commentary.' Coulter, a pastor of more than 40 years, argues that the original canonical order of the Bible was in seven divisions. The Law (Pentateuch), the Prophets, the Writings, the Gospels [and Acts], the General Epistles, Paul's Epistles and Revelation.

"What sets this product apart is Coulter's decidedly conservative theology and highly literal translation, which represents the beliefs of a great number of Christians. The Holy Bible In Its Original Order is a great balance to the excesses of biblical higher criticism."

Bible Review: International Society of Bible Collectors

Bible Editions & Versions (January/March 2009)

"After the New Testament portion of The Holy Bible In Its Original Order appeared in 1995, and was reviewed in the June 2005 issue of this Journal, we are pleased to see the entire Bible now in print. We said at that time, `It is an excellent translation for those desiring a literal one'--and [that] describes this edition of the entire Bible as well.

"This translation says it is `the only complete Bible ever published that accurately follows the original God-inspired manuscript order of all the books of the Old and New Testaments.' (Several others, however, claim to present the New Testament in chronological order.)

"On the back of this volume is a short explanation--`Why This Bible?'--saying [it is ] `Faithful Version that reflects the true meaning of the original Hebrew and Greek with fidelity and accuracy, showing the unity of Scripture between the Old and New Testaments. Today, in the face of rampant religious confusion, those who read and study the Bible deserve an excellency of translation that can be trusted.'

"Included are vital commentaries providing accounts of the history and preservation of the books of the Bible. Who wrote them? When were they written? Other appendices answer such questions as: When was Jesus born? What does it mean to be born again? What are works of law? Moreover, there are detailed footnotes and marginal references explaining hard-to-understand passages of Scripture.

"Other features of this attractively-bound volume are triple binding for extra long life: Symthe stitching, spine stitching and glued; wide margins for personal study notes; beautiful original artwork of the Temple in Jesus' time; and maps.

"We heartily recommend this fine translation that will be a welcome addition to every Bible collector's library."

Letters from Brethren

Dearest brother and my friend in Christ,

I just wanted to write and firstly thank you for everything. You are a great friend, teacher and brother in Christ. Through the many months and [due to] your great generosity, I have now begun to see the Bible and many other things in a new light. In so many ways my eyes have been opened and my heart filled with a longing for the truth of God's Word.

I can never thank you enough for all that you have done for me and for the continued love and support you have afforded me. I feared at a few points that I was becoming a burden to you, but you never failed me or even hesitated to fill my requests or to just be there for me. May God richly bless you, your family, the Church, and your tremendous work for Him.

Your friend and brother, Wisconsin

Dear Fred,

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The OOB [Original Order Bible--The Holy Bible In Its Original Order], Occult Holidays or God's Holy Days--Which?, the sermons--all of them. Excellent. They have helped me to change my life; I now understand what sin is and repent of it. God willing I will one day be baptized.

In the world, all media--especially TV & radio--are totally corrupt. I never recognized the extent of the self-centered materialism, covetousness and violence (not to mention sex-sex-sex) that dominates the media. Your messages are a pleasant solace. I listen to your sermon mp3s on many journeys to work (in Australia)--my only respite.

There is no let-up for my poor children and wife. None of us ever attended church before. They don't understand my change--my wife says she does not recognize me anymore.... Swearing, self-promotion and alcohol were never profitable in the first place. I pray that God will call my wife and children. I pray that your work will continue in great success and fruitfulness.

God bless you, Australia

Dear Fred Coulter,

I am a follower of Christ. I keep the Sabbath and need a Bible. I have an NIV Study Bible [but] I feel that I am being robbed of the Word of God. There is a brother in Christ here who I fellowship with and he has one of your Bibles--and my translation is totally different and false. If you could help me out so I can get closer to our Father, I will totally appreciate your help. Also [please send] a Holy Day Calendar. Thank you so much.

Inmate, NM

Hi Mr. Coulter (Fred),

This note is well overdue. My wife and I have been in God's Church since 1967. First WCG, then United. My wife and I have now been enjoying the Sabbath at home for 4 years (off and on).

I have been a close listener of yours for several years now. We received your messages while still attending United. I began listening to you about 7 or 8 years ago. I was introduced to you by a friend [who] had been "abused" like many of us by the powers that were in [the] WCG and now have moved over to United (another corporate organization.)

I won't go into the details of all that. I just wanted you to know that you have made our Sabbaths a delight. Our Sabbath day is restful, peaceful, profitable and enjoyable again. Thanks to you and what God is doing through you and the efforts of others there at CBCG. It is appreciated very much.

SD, Indiana

Hi Fred,

I am writing to you today to thank you for the anointed cloth you sent for my newborn son. It was really a blessing from God and he is home from the hospital and is doing well.

The other reason I am writing is because after 10 years on the job at my company, there seems to be a problem with me not working on Friday nights and on the Sabbath. So far, it is somewhat resolved because they said that they understand [that the Sabbath] is my belief and [that they would like to see it] in writing [Sabbath Excuse Letter sent]. Therefore, I printed up from the [CBCG] Web site the beliefs of God's loving people, showing the Sabbath day law from a source other than the Bible, as they requested.

Then they stated that they don't have to work with me, because it is a "right to work" state--and that they could just release me of my duties.

My question: Is there anywhere I could go to that you know of that would show me my legal options, or is there any more information you could send that may satisfy their requests?

DB, Utah

Dear Fred,

I must write to tell you of a wonderful thing that has happened to me. Sadly, when my husband died in September 2008, I didn't see how I could make it financially. I would only get a small amount from Social Security.

I was really worried because I have been a home-maker all my life and never held a job. Even my lawyer said that I wouldn't be entitled to a survivorship pension.

I prayed to God and made a promise that if I got the pension I would pay a tithe of it. When I called the person in charge of it to let them know that my husband had passed away, the lady thanked me and said: "You will be getting approximately $2700 a month." All I could say was, "THANK YOU, GOD."

So to me, this is a real proof of God's goodness and mercy, and I'm keeping my promise. I just wanted to tell you of God's intervention for me. P.S.: I'm 76 years old.

RM, Ohio

Dear Fred,

Thank you for the annual receipt and the letter. It is very exciting to see what all has taken place this last year. God is certainly blessing this work. And God is certainly blessing those of us in the CBCG.

I feel so blessed. This last year was the first time I have ever had to give tithes. When I saw my yearly receipt, I was shocked and wonderfully surprised. God has truly blessed me by making it possible to tithe.

We pray for you and all the people who are working with you. I looking forward to seeing what all will take place this year.

JG, Texas

Dear Fred,

Thanks so much for placing the mp3 CDs into the little foam sleeves and then in the envelope, as they are coming in good condition. We appreciate it very much because Post Office processing machines were cracking them when they were in the small envelopes.

Thanks for the sermons and all the letters, articles and everything you send. They really brighten our day, especially during this winter when we have so much cold and snow. We hope that you all are in good health.

B & M, Ohio

　

Brethren, we are indeed facing the most difficult and trying times the world has seen since the ten-year Great Depression of the 1930s and since WWII in the 1940s. We are facing the potential total collapse of the dollar and the US economy--and the loss sovereignty. The rest of the nations of the world are headed in the same direction as they are absorbed into a one-world financial system and a one-world government in the years ahead. For now, I will put off discussing these topics until my next letter.

However, by way of a preview, I want to share with you the following letter from a man in Florida which demonstrates that the vast majority of people in the USA and the world are not prepared for what is coming. Yes, there are a number of people who are sounding the alarm--but even they do not realize that the deep spiritual problems of this nation and the world cannot be solved with political and economic solutions. Here is the letter:

Dear Fred,

Over the January 16 weekend we entertained house guests. There were two people--a couple. They were about our age [60-70s]. The husband was a retiree of a bank. It was not enough that he was NOT aware of [the truth about] the Federal Reserve Board and the fact that the FRB is not an agency of the Federal government [but a private international bank]; nor [was he aware of] the history of its organization. It was not enough that he was totally unaware of the Amero.

At dinner, I offered a prayer of thanks and blessing. This led to some discussion of a walk in life with the Lord and [about] church affiliation. Both of our guests were VERY active in their local Presbyterian church in the Midwest. Two significant [points] were revealed [through our conversation]. 1) God is not relevant today, in their opinion! He may have been during the "story" of the Garden of Eden and some of the "stories" of the "Old Testament"--but is NOT TODAY. 2) They did not know if the "philosophical" teachings of their church included ANY reference to the return of Jesus Christ, and would have to "think about that."

The people who were my guests are both considerably above average in intelligence. Further, both are college graduates. They are both influential within their community. They have been members of their church for many years. She is a former mayor of the city in which they reside. She formerly contributed about 1000 articles, which were published in the local newspaper. He spent his entire career in the banking business and is an active member of the Lions organization.

Now, the conclusion that I draw [from their statements] is that their understanding is quite typical of a very significant percentage of our society. The mainstream churches are, at best, social clubs and do not teach "truth"! If such [realities] were to continue for even a short time, there will be very little left [of this nation].

P.S.: Think about this couple [and all those who are like them] and combine it with the aggressive [political] activity in Washington.

RAK, Florida

That is, indeed, a very sobering thought. In fact, it is a recipe for disaster. Without a doubt, it is just as Paul warned--that precisely because of such of attitudes God must bring judgment on this nation and on the world. "And for this cause [the willing ignorance and spiritual blindness], God will send upon them a powerful deception that will cause them to believe the lie, so that all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but who took pleasure in unrighteousness" (II Thess. 2:11-12).

As a succinct, fitting commentary on those who are now assuming the reins of the federal government of the United States of America, David writes: "The wicked walk on every side when the vilest of them is exalted among the sons of men" (Psa 12:8). Remember, though we live in the world, "we are not of the world," exactly as Jesus said.

This is why we must--through the Holy Spirit of God--always keep our calling and purpose in the forefronts of our minds, and never be discouraged regardless of circumstances: "As for the saints in the earth, `They are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.'... The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup; You shall uphold my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yea, I have a beautiful inheritance [in the coming Kingdom of God and in eternal glory]. I will bless the Lord Who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the nights. I have set the Lordalways before Me because He is at My right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore My heart is glad, and My glory rejoices; My flesh also shall rest in hope" (Psa. 16:3, 5-9).

When we keep this spiritual perspective in mind, we find great strength in the Lord, as David wrote: "The Lordis my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lordis the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not be afraid; though war should rise against me, even then I will be confident.

"One thing I have desired from the Lord, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple, for in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion, in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me upon a rock" (Psa. 27:1-5).

Regardless of how things are going in your life--whether there is the blessing of joy or the blessing of a trial--always remember that God the Father and Jesus Christ love you and are for you. Take comfort, courage and refuge in the Lord: "In You, O Lord, have I taken refuge, let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness. Bow down Your ear to me; deliver me quickly; be my strong Rock, a fortress of defense to save me; for You are my Rock and my fortress; therefore for Your name's sake lead me and guide me".

"My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Make Your face shine upon Your servant; save me in your lovingkindness. Let me not be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon You; let the wicked be ashamed. Let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence--the lips which speak arrogantly against the righteous with pride and contempt.

"Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who take refuge in You before the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plottings of man; You shall hide them in a shelter away from the strife of tongues. Blessed is the Lord, for He has shown His wondrous lovingkindness in a besieged city" (Psa. 31:1-3, 15-21).

These words deepen our understanding of what Jesus meant when He said, "Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `With what shall we be clothed?' For the nations seek after all these things. And your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But as for you, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matt. 6:31-33).

Brethren, thank you for your continued loving and faithful support through your tithes and offerings. We pray for you daily that in His loving kindness God will supply your needs in sufficiency, heal those who are sick, uplift those who are depressed and strengthen those who are experiencing trials. May God the Father and Jesus Christ continue to bless you with Their love and grace in everything.

With love in Christ Jesus,

Fred R. Coulter

FRC