Monthly Letter, February 2018

February 15, 2018

Dear Brethren,

Each year we send out an Activity Report of our Web sites. As you will see with this year’s report, we had a banner year! The total number of distinct visitors was over four million, with an average time spent of 8 minutes and 45 seconds per visit! This average visit time shows sustained use. Indeed, as you study the report it becomes apparent that more and more people are using our Web sites. Together, these sites are vital in reaching out to new people and in serving the brethren. And remember, Web sites are up and running 24/7 and are available around the world, reaching into distant areas—the “ends of the earth.” Even though we are only a small part of the overall picture of what God is doing through many people and organizations around the world, what we are doing is vitally important.

Along with the Activity Report, we have included samples of the many emails, letters and notes that site visitors and brethren have sent to us.

In addition to the material people download from our sites, the increase in the number of Bibles, books, booklets, CDs, and DVDs requested and mailed out has been quite substantial this year. Another big plus for this past year is this: From the Faithful Version site, thousands of people have gone to the “apps store” and have downloaded the entire Bible—complete with commentaries and appendices, all at no cost—into their smart phones, tablets, and computers. So now they have The Holy Bible In Its Original Order with them all the time! Moreover, because the entire Bible has been digitally recorded, they can listen to the audio reading of the Bible at any time—think about that! They can listen and they can share. In fact, anyone from anywhere in the world can download the audio and video messages from our Web sites.

The best summary of what the CBCG is all about is found in the name of our main site: truthofgod.org. Along with our companion site churchathome.org, this gives us the ability to reach thousands of people with the “truth of God” right in their own homes! This is amazing: Scattered people and brethren who are far removed from fellowship groups or congregations can still learn the truth and worship God—all in the privacy of their homes.

These wonderful technological blessings show without a doubt that the gospel will be fully preached to all the world before Jesus returns: “And the gospel must first be published among all nations…. 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” (Mark 13:10; Matt. 24:14).

Being a True Christian is Not Easy: Today, genuine followers of Christ are confronted with fake “Christianity” and false doctrines from various churches of God—all while Satan’s deception of the world is getting stronger and stronger. But through the Internet, God has provided ways to reach the world and the brethren with the truth—to help us survive the spiritual and doctrinal onslaughts coming from every direction.

At the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus gave this warning—making it clear that following God’s way and being a true Christian in this world would not be easy: “Enter in through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way [of the world] that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter through it; for narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and few are those who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).

The narrow gate and the way leading to eternal life is only through Christ. He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus also referred to Himself as the door: “I am the door. If anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and shall find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life…” (John 10:9-10).

False Prophets and False Religions Abound in the World: Perhaps the most frequently repeated warning throughout the New Testament is Jesus’ admonition about false prophets. He declared: “But beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, for within they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits. They do not gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles, do they? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree cannot produce evil fruit, nor can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. Every tree that is not producing good fruit is cut down and is cast into the fire. Therefore, you shall assuredly know them by their fruits.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but the one who is doing the will of My Father, Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy through Your name? And did we not cast out demons through Your name? And did we not perform many works of power through Your name?’

“And then I will confess to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who work lawlessness.’ Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and practices them, I will compare him to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock; and the rain came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; but it did not fall, for it was founded upon the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not practice them shall be compared to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand; and the rain came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it” (Matt. 7:15-27).

The apostle Paul also writes about building on the foundational Rock of Jesus Christ: “As a wise architect, according to the grace of God that was given to me, I have laid the foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each one take heed how he builds upon it. For no one is able to lay any other foundation besides that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay or stubble, the work of each one shall be manifested; for the day of trial will declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall prove what kind of work each one’s is. If the work that anyone has built endures, he shall receive a reward. If the work of anyone is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet as through fire” (I Cor. 3:10-15).

The apostle Peter admonishes us to not get discouraged because of the struggles we face, because it is all for an eternal purpose. He writes: “Consequently, since Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind [Phil. 2:5] because the one who has suffered in the flesh has finished living in sin to this end: that he no longer live his remaining time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God….

“Now the end of all things has drawn near. Therefore, be serious-minded and be watchful in prayers; but above all, have fervent love among yourselves because love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Let each one, according as he has received a gift from God, be using it to serve the others as good stewards of the grace of God which manifests itself in various ways. If anyone speaks, let it be as the words of God; if anyone serves, let it be as from the strength which God supplies; so that in everything, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ to Whom is the glory and the power into the ages of eternity. Amen.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial among you which is taking place to test you, as if some strange thing were happening to you. But to the degree that you have a share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice; so that, at the revelation of His glory, you also may rejoice exceedingly. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God is resting upon you; on their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified” (I Pet. 4:1-2, 7-14).

Trust in the Lord at All Times: Jesus gave us another vital admonition: If we are to receive salvation, we must endure to the end. The “end” can come in one of two ways: 1) The end of our physical lives; or 2) the end of this age, when Jesus returns and the first resurrection takes place. Either way, if we are trusting in the Lord, He will strengthen us in our circumstances and in all our trials. This is part of our foundation in Christ: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil” (Prov. 3:5-7).

When King David was fighting his enemies, he totally trusted in God’s strength. In fact, this trust was central to his mindset. Plus, David always kept his focus on the ultimate goal of eternal life and the Kingdom of God: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is 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 your circumstances, even when your body is weak and failing, stay close to God—for He loves you and is always with you: “My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever…. And me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may declare all Your works” (Psa. 73:26-28).

Here is how to cry out to God in prayer: “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and truth. Oh, turn to me, and have mercy upon me; give Your strength to Your servant and save the son of Your handmaid. Show me a token for good, so that they who hate me may see and be ashamed because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me” (Psa. 86:15-17).

Jesus gave us this promise—so that we may receive His help and strength and always have hope: “ ‘In no way will I ever leave you; no—I will never forsake you in any way.’ So then, let us boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’ ” (Heb. 13:5-6).

Always remember the many promises Jesus has given to us. And remember this inspiring Psalm, one of my favorites: “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, the name of the God of Jacob set you on high. May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion. May He remember all your offerings and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah. May He grant you according to your own heart and fulfill all your plans. We will shout for joy in your victory, and in the name of our God we will set up banners. May the Lord fulfill all your prayers” (Psa. 20:1-5).

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, 2018: This year, the Passover falls on Friday, March 30, with the Passover ceremony itself falling on Thursday night, March 29—as the 14th day of the first month begins after sunset, as it is beginning to get dark. Then, the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins with the Night to be Much Observed the night of March 30, then the weekly Sabbath, March 31 (making it a double Sabbath). The last day of Unleavened Bread falls on Friday, April 6.

Each year at this time, many brethren undertake to read The Christian Passover, as it covers every aspect of the timing and meaning of the Passover. These are important truths to understand, and yet there is so much confusion today concerning the Passover. We will be happy to send you a copy of this in-depth book upon request. Or you may request The Day Jesus the Christ Died, which contains much of the same information.

Remember, in order to partake of the Passover one must be baptized—so that he or she is in a covenant relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. (This point is fully discussed in the books mentioned above.)

Jesus was crucified on Passover day, and through His shed blood He made forgiveness of sin possible. This is why Paul writes, “For Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us. For this reason, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (I Cor. 5:7-8).

Again brethren, thank you for your prayers for my wife, Dolores. And thank you for your prayers for those serving you so that you may “grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We all need God’s intervention and protection all the time. Many brethren need our prayers so that they may be healed of various sicknesses and ailments. While we may be the weak of the world, we need to be strong in God the Father and Jesus Christ. Once again, thank you for your continued support through your tithes and offerings. May God continue to pour out His grace, love, and spiritual strength on you personally—and bless you and yours in everything. We continue to pray for you daily.

With love in Christ Jesus,

Fred R. Coulter

Letters and Emails from Web Site Visitors and Brethren

Dear Pastor: We really enjoyed yesterday’s CD. Especially the 3rd study, and I tried to take as many notes as possible. I got goose bumps when you described Jesus in Revelation with a gown down to His feet and a gold band on His chest and white hair and eyes like a flame and shining like the sun. I want to see Him so much! Do you think He would hug me or let me hug Him? I think I’d want to fall at His feet first. Thank you for that beautiful sermon; you give my heart hope! I went to bed so joyful and wishing the Sabbath could last forever! — E.R., California

Hi Fred: Hope this email finds you and your family in good health. I had to stop and send this email right quick. I’m reading NC/OC Comparison #2. I’m on the part where you speak about the teachers and their responsibilities to the people. I just wanted you to know that you are doing all that God is asking of you as far as feeding the sheep. You are remaining faithful to the whole Word of God. You are teaching the people the Word of God so that we can have access to God, receive God’s grace and Spirit, and have the desire to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and being. You … are perfecting the saints through the Word. I am truly thankful to God for you. I am always full from the peaceable fruits of righteousness. Thank you, Fred! — C.G., Illinois

Dear Fred: Because of your teaching and understanding of the Scriptures, the Bible is opening up before my eyes—like I have never read it! My understanding about the OC and the NC is so clear that the Scriptures are coming to life! I’ve read these passages many times, but now I see them clear as crystal!! I feel like I’m right in the moment of what’s being said. You ever felt like that? It’s amazing, Fred! Just amazing! — C.G., Illinois

Hi Fred: I would really like to have the series on “The Background to Genesis.” I cannot find the audio series on your site, only the PDF file. Can you send me the CDs; also, can you send me the link to the audio on the site so I can download it? Love you and the church family so much. With your teaching, reading the Bible is absolutely thrilling! I actually feel the love of God when I’m reading, learning and studying. I could study all day—really! I wish everyone could experience what I am experiencing. Thank you! — L.J., Alabama

Dear Fred: We just want to say that we truly thank God for all of the inspiring sermons God has inspired you to bring to us. May God continue to bless you, and use you with His power and authority so that you may continue to preach the Word of God with power, and with love, and with His mercy. Thanks again. — J.A., Florida

Dear Mr. Coulter: My first contact with you was by email on August 22. Your response arrived the next day, for which I truly thank you. You then passed me on to the Canadian representatives of CBCG, and that same day I was contacted by Jennifer Gates, an Assistant Office Manager, who offered her assistance. This prompt and dedicated service is not something I have come to expect in my occasional attempts to correspond with any of the latter-day churches of God.

I offered my thanks to Jennifer for her help, but suggested I’d prefer to spend some time reading and studying the various sermons and articles available on your Web site before actually making direct contact. Since then I have spent a great deal of time reading and studying the transcripts of many of your sermons—and for the most part I have been very impressed!

Obviously, you are a busy man and cannot take time to personally correspond with each and every person who contacts you. I shall therefore do as you suggest and speak with whomever you turn me over to here in Canada; but I would ask you to consider the fact that as I read the sermon transcripts they are your words I am reading, they are your thoughts and beliefs I am considering, and this same level of understanding may not be true of those you turn me over to.

Nevertheless, I have waited many years to find someone in the collective Church of God ministry who would openly and honestly consider my concerns over their teachings. So I shall once again try to exercise patience in the hope that this time it may actually happen. So then, later this week I shall try to contact Jennifer and ask how arrangements may be made for me to have actual contact with your ministry. You have my respect and my thanks. — A.N., Canada

Mr. Coulter: I have a Muslim background, but became a Christian in 1980 through the Protestant religion. As time went by, many of their practices and teachings—compared to what I was reading in the NT—made me confused and I felt I wasn’t getting anything to help me grow in the faith. Later I joined myself to the Pentecostal Charismatic Movement. But as time went by, I started noticing and experiencing a similar trend—with practices and teachings that only appeal to the emotions of people. I felt like there was no solid foundation on which people were being built, so I began to read the Bible more and more to find the truth. This wasn’t easy, but I kept buying different versions of the Bible with the hope of getting an easier one to read (because English isn’t my first language). The KJV was very difficult. It was recently when searching the Internet for an online Bible that I came across “The Bible Study Site,” from where I followed a link to Church at Home.

Then I saw these words: “Welcome to Church at Home. We are dedicated to Restoring Original Christianity—For Today!” I felt like I had come to a place where something serious and true is happening. I started listening to the teachings of Fred Coulter, and the suggestion to try The Holy Bible In Its Original Order. I immediately installed the app “A Faithful Version” on my mobile. It’s easy to use.

At the moment I am reading and listening to the teachings entitled “Who and What is a True Christian?” Would you please send me some of these booklets. Secondly, may I know whether I could get The Holy Bible In Its Original Oder from your UK office? I sent an email to the UK contact address, but haven’t yet received a response. Your reply would be highly appreciated. Thank you and hope to hear from you soon. — S.O., United Kingdom

Hi Mr. Coulter: Just wanted to share something. A lady friend that I visit periodically was telling me about her trips when she sees close relatives that are in Protestant churches. One is a minister and one is a deacon. She was talking about them spreading the word and bringing people to Christ. So I gave her an article I had recently written, inspired by a remark of another Protestant friend, about “Is it enough to just profess Christ in order to receive salvation?” She commented that she agreed and that what I had written made more sense. (I’m sure there were plenty of references in the article where she would not know what I was talking about, but she didn’t ask about them.) Anyhow, that was a couple of weeks ago. She just now texted me and asked the name of my church. I told her Church of God, but I also told her that someone else had asked that in the past and when they looked online they came up with a Pentecostal church. So I gave her your Church at Home Web address. I’m sure she will be sharing that with her relatives. 

The thing I wanted to tell you is that it is exciting to me to give out the Web address, knowing someone will actually go to it—because it is such a pleasure to click on! Immediate pictures of the books, articles, and videos pop right up with all the topics one would be interested in. And the slideshow really catches the eye. Compared to other sites where you have to search around, this is a visual winner! Love to you and Delores. — S.F., California

Dear Pastor Fred: I have a question about Sabbath services in the home: My husband and I usually start our Sabbath services after sunset on Friday, after dinner. We listen to one of your CDs and pray, then go to bed. Is this good to do? Then we watch or listen to more of your DVDs/CDs Saturday morning, after breakfast and prayer. We take breaks too, and study all Sabbath day long. Thank you ahead of time for your answer. — Sincerely, E.R., California

Fred’s Reply: Dear Mrs. E.R., Thank you very much for your email. I think what you’re doing is just fine. That is a perfect way to have church at home on the Sabbath. Thanks, Fred

Dear Fred: I started to listen to the Feast videos to ensure that there were no copying issues—and I could not stop listening to them! They were fresh, inspirational and engaging. These are the best yet and we are so excited to play them at the Feast. Thank you so much for your life of service to our Creator. It has made life-changing differences for Faye and I. We just don’t know how else to say thank you. The motto for everyone in the churches of God should be Keep Your Nose in the Bible. Then perhaps we could all enjoy the same spiritual growth. — N.J., Florida

Dear Mr. Coulter: Just wanted to write and tell you how much I’m enjoying the study books you sent me. I’m learning so much. I’m on the one called “Love of God.” Mr. Coulter, every Christian should have this book. I’ve been in the church for 30 years and I have never heard these things preached. Something was missing when I was going to church. I quit going to church a long time ago, but I get your tapes each week. So I feel like I’m in church each Sabbath. I thank you so much for all the books and tapes you send me. You’re the only minister I’ve seen who really seems to care for the people, and who wants them to really know the true God. Thank you so much, and may God bless you in all you do. P.S.: I’m on my last book, so send me the next one any time. I spend many hours studying them. — S.P., Pennsylvania

Mr. Coulter: Thank you for all the work you do for God and for everyone else. Thank you for showing us the true meaning of God’s Word, so we can apply it to our lives. I went to many different churches but couldn’t find one that focuses on God and Jesus Christ, instead of focusing on money. I finally gave up and started studying the Bible at home. I thank God that I found the CBCG. Now I know I’m on the right path of seeking God’s kingdom. Thank you and your staff for everything that you do for me. Love in God the Father and Jesus Christ. P.S.: Have a wonderful Feast of Trumpets. — R.D., Ohio

Fred, Fred, Fred! I’m studying Galatians and the “Circumcision Series” first. This is so good! My understanding is opening up so wide! After reading the sermon and taking notes … I go back and re-read my notes and the Scriptures…. [And] these passages are coming to life! I’ve read them many times before, but it seems like I’m seeing them for the first time—in a bright light! This is so good … incredible! Thank you, the transcribers, and all the others who assist with this Web site! This site is like going to a university site! So many topics … never-ending learning of God’s truth! I call your Web site the “University of the Kingdom of God”! All saints should come here. It’s tremendous and wonderful, and I thank God for your work. This is definitely good works of righteousness and truth! Praise God! — C.G., Illinois

Dear Fred: I was going to send a message that I needed more Bibles. But before I had a chance, a delivery was made. Thank you so very much. Each time I give someone a Bible, they show it to others—and then they too want one. I make sure that I choose the recipient based on their desire to know the truth. Everyone praises the Faithful Version. When I sent you the article “Politicians Hate the Ten Commandments,” I never expected you to elaborate on it. I’m happy that you did, because you explained that our nation is in trouble because it hates God. If it was not for the COG work, maybe the destruction of the USA would come sooner. From time to time I listen to some of the other COGs. They are close, but none of them present as much knowledge and clarity as truthofgod.org and churchathome.org. I realize that it takes a lot of work and that’s what is inspiring me. It’s good to hear from other speakers, but you’re the main course. Thanks again for all your support. God’s peace and grace unto you. — R.G., California

Hello Fred: Enclosed is a check for this month’s offering. You had stated on one of your sermons that we should simplify our lives and get out of debt. Jeff and I have been budgeting using the Dave Ramsey method and not counting our mtg. We have one more debt to pay off. I want to say thank you for encouraging us to do this. It is nice to have a little bit put away for emergencies. I pray that you all will have a very nice Thanksgiving. — Name Withheld

Dear Fred: Thank you in advance for your love and prayers for all the brethren and for all the messages we hear from you. I have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, for which there is no cure. Please send an anointed cloth for this situation. Over the years you have sent several anointed cloths for our various needs, and we have been healed. Thank you, Fred. In Christian love. — J.F., Location Withheld

Hi Fred: My wife has introduced me to honest religion and pure truth. I just finished reading the Bible for the very first time. First book since I was 12, and now I’m 34. It took a while to do and she ordered tour Bibles. I like how you take the time to really explain a lot of issues. I have learned a lot from Church at Home and have introduced a coworker to your Web site. Listening to your sermons and videos has really helped me at home and work. I just wanted to say “thank you.” Fred, I am new to the Bible. But I am really seeing the big picture more clearly. I am so happy to find the truth, with no added filler. Just straight, pure truth. I like the way you say we are scripturalists. That is a 100 percent head-on-the-nail description. Once again, thank you from the Rocky Mountain region. — T.H., Wyoming

Hi Fred: I was thinking to myself, What are some of the main things I have learned in my time with the CBCG? For 16 years, this ministry has been teaching me about God’s calling and the state of the world—although I was baptized in the WCG 20 years prior. Whether new or increased understanding, it has been like going from kindergarten to graduate school. Below is just what came to mind at this moment; I could add more:

Dear Mr. Coulter: Thank you for your response to our email. Yes, we do live in the “middle of nowhere.” Fossil has a population of 430 and is the county seat of Wheeler Co. We live on a 15 acre mini-farm 3.5 miles east of Fossil—with chickens, donkeys, cats, dogs and a Canadian Honker! With what we can see coming at the end of this age, it seemed good to us to locate a good distance from major population centers. I will be 70 this year and my wife 75 years of age. As you often say, the church is aging—and we are yet another example of that fact. We have both been Christians all our lives. I started to listen to Mr. Armstrong on the radio and read the Plain Truth in the early 60s. I was a baptized member of the WCG for several years, but like you and many of those in the CBCG, I left when the false doctrines came. We have been on your mailing list for around 4 years now and have truly appreciated the ministry and the Faithful Version of the Bible. We look forward to your messages each week on DVD and we can stream the Church at Home messages. We have received most all of the publications. We hope to make it to the FOT in Montana this year. That is about a 9-hour drive from us. My wife does not fly; she has had trouble with the security systems at the airport as she contracted polio at age 2 and wears full leg braces on both legs. 

We will “keep the faith” out here on the “frontier” and pray and study daily to perhaps be counted among those who will assist Christ in the establishment of His kingdom—and, Lord willing, be in the first resurrection. May God continue to bless you and give you the strength and health to carry on the truly important work!!! With love in Christ. — P.C., Oregon

Dear Mr. Coulter: I just got another transcript book, “Scripturalism vs. Judaism.” Mr. Coulter, I just wanted you to know how much I’m learning in these books. I’m old, Mr. Coulter, but I’m still learning, thanks to you. I’ve been in the church for 30 years. I finally quit attending because I was not learning anything and a friend told me about you. I don’t think anybody could listen to you without learning. So thanks for being so kind to send me all these books. I read and study every one of them. May God be with you always. Your friend. — S.P., Pennsylvania

Dear Fred: God has truly been gracious to us and has protected us. We got out without a scratch, and now I am so humbled by all this that I look to God in everything I do and say. Thank you so much for your sermons. We watch them online every Sabbath. You have been our inspiration and have answered so many of our questions about the Bible. We have all of your books and now order them to share with others. Respectfully. — H.D., Maine

Dear Mr. Coulter: I suppose I didn’t need to bother you with this email. But, because God has allowed me to go through the entire (online) Faithful Version as part of my daily study (completed this morning), I need to tell you just how much your reading and oral expressions enhanced my learning. I still have a long way to go, and plan to do this again and again. I am writing simply to express my heartfelt appreciation. Thank you! — S.B., California

Dear Fred: What is the difference between classical Greek and koine Greek? When people use the term classical, they usually mean the dialect of Athens in her heyday, the Attic sub-dialect of Ionic. Koine (or common) Greek developed to replace the various dialects of Greek with a single common one. Koine is mostly simplified Attic, with a mostly eastern (Ionic) pronunciation. It includes vocabulary and many suffixes from the Macedonian dialect (which is believed to be somewhere between Doric and Aeolic) and a few rarer contributions from other dialects. Koine is really close to modern Greek, and many of its archaic features have begun to die out.

All of this makes koine an easier version of Greek to learn than classical, and koine is still used by the Greek Orthodox Church. I have research others and koine Greek is an easier version, which Fred Coulter has used with the Faithful Version of the Bible. I have found this Bible easier to read. Not only that, easier to understand. Thank you, Fred Coulter, for producing the Faithful Version. — R.B., Philippines

Dear Fred: Every month I intend to write for more study material, but don’t get it done. But I don’t mind repetition. Thank you for the three booklets with CDs; they are very good. I’ve listened to them several times. You may not hear from me often, but I do appreciate all the CDs, books, transcript books, etc. So this note is to thank you and to order more study material. I’d like to order, if you don’t mind, the “Hebrews Series” (that sounds like a nice long one) and the one mentioned on your last CD, “Assaults Against the Churches of God.” I’d like to order more, but that sounds too greedy. So hopefully I can write for more each month. I don’t like waiting to write a letter and not getting it done—and ending up sending my offering in late. I’m hoping to do better. Again, thank you for all the work you do for the brethren. It is just amazing what all you get done. Sincerely. — Name Withheld

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