App
July 14, 2023
Dear Brethren,
As we begin the second half of 2023, the whole world is in the midst of great turmoil. It is exactly as Jesus said it would be. In most of our lifetimes, we have never seen such a mountain of problems, troubles, and crises confronting the entire world—financial, political, educational, and religious! It seems as though there are troubles on every side, which affect nearly everyone in different ways. Look around the world and you will find affliction, calamity, and sorrow sweeping from nation to nation like an uncontrollable brush fire—exactly as Jesus prophesied (Matt. 24; Mark 13; and Luke 21):
Wars, revolts, and riots
Terrorists attacks and bombings
Earthquakes, famine, and plagues
Stealing and looting
Massive financial problems in all nations
Extreme weather—heat, drought, cold, rain, and flooding
Murders, killings, shootings, and death
Accidents—of all kinds, large and small
Drug addiction, sickness, and disease
Open Satan worship and witchcraft
Gross sexual depravity, transgenderism, and perversions of all kinds—including the sexualization of children, beginning at the earliest age possible
Now that Satan and the demons are running amuck and having free reign, the daily avalanche of such news is almost overwhelming—too much to handle. While there is increasing resistance by many against these evils, it remains to be seen if much will change.
Those who cannot cope with it all hide their eyes from it—they turn off the TV, computers, smart phones, and radio. Some drown themselves in diversions and pleasures, hoping that these miseries and calamities will somehow “just go away.” But they won’t. It is reminiscent of the song, “Stop the World, I Want to Get off!”—or the Psalm about “flying away like a bird” to avoid the troubles and wickedness on every side. As David wrote, “Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not Yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and hear me; I am distraught in my trouble and moan in my complaint, because of the voice of the enemy; because of the oppression of the wicked—for they cast mischief upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is pained within me; and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling have come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me. And I said, ‘Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Lo, then I would wander far off; I would lodge in the desert. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest” (Psa. 55:1-8).
Yes, it would be nice to “get away from it all”—to avoid the stress, tension, and frustration these things cause us. But we cannot always do so. However, we can face these things with the strength and faith of God the Father and Jesus Christ—and the counsel of God: “Do not fret yourself because of evildoers, and do not be envious against the workers of iniquity, for they shall soon be cut down like the grass; and wither as the green herb.
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and cherish faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth your righteousness like the light, and your judgment like the noonday.
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret yourself because of him who prospers in his way; because of him who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret yourself, it leads only to evil, for evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. It is but a little while, and the wicked shall be no more; yea, you shall diligently consider his place, but he shall not be there” (Psa. 37:1-10).
Jesus adds: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation. But be courageous! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
We can fully trust in Jesus’ words and promises, because God is watching over us: “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear Him, upon those who hope in His lovingkindness, to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield, for our heart shall rejoice in Him because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in You” (Psa. 33:18-22).
Yes, even in the face of all these things we can have peace of mind. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can control our minds and emotions and not let the problems and troubles of the world control our thoughts and feelings. Remember, the end times are going to be filled with perils and distress—just as prophesied by God in the Bible. But we have to live through it. We have to endure to the end. And we can only do so with full faith and confidence in God! We can have peace of mind when we understand from God’s Word why these things are happening, realizing that God is in complete control. Just because such events are unpleasant, disturbing, and distressing does not mean that we have to let them control our thoughts and emotions.
Simply put, we need to realize that all the troubles in the world are the result of Satan, sin, and human nature. Therefore, what we are witnessing are the active judgments of God against those sins—so that people may have an opportunity to repent. But they must choose. If they choose to continue in sin, then the judgments of God will continue—for God is not a respecter of persons or of nations. However, He always gives warning and a space of time for repentance. If people repent, He will honor such repentance by lifting and easing His judgments.
Imagine if you could fly over the USA, or the whole world for that matter, and that you had the ability of God to know everything that goes on in every government, institution, and religion—in the lives of every person—whether good or evil. What would you see?
Without a doubt you would see almost exactly what God saw in Jerusalem and Judah when He talked to Jeremiah. As we read this passage, we can liken the city of Jerusalem and Judah to Washington, D.C., and the USA—or to London and the UK, etc. “Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem [Washington], and see now, and know, and seek in her open places, if you can find a man, if there is one who does justice, who seeks the truth; and I will pardon her. [God is ready to pardon upon repentance and righteous conduct.] And though they say, ‘As the Lord lives [in God we trust];’ surely they swear falsely” (Jer. 5:1-2).
Jeremiah answers God, “O Lord, are not Your eyes on the truth? You have stricken them, but they have not grieved; You have destroyed them, but they have refused to receive correction; they have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to return. Therefore I said, ‘Surely these are poor; they are foolish; for they do not know the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God. I will go up for myself to the great men, and will speak to them; for they have known the way of the Lord and the judgment of their God.’ But these had altogether broken the yoke and had torn off the bonds! Therefore a lion out of the forest shall kill them, and a wolf of the deserts shall rob them; a leopard shall watch over their cities. Everyone who goes out from them shall be torn in pieces because their sins are many and their backslidings are multiplied” (verses 3-6).
God answers him, “ ‘How shall I pardon you [the modern descendants of Israel] for this? Your children have forsaken Me, and have sworn by them that are not gods [open Satan worship]. When I had fed them to the full, then they committed adultery, and gathered themselves by troops in a harlot’s house. They were like lusty, well-fed stallions in the morning; every one neighing after his neighbor’s wife. Shall I not punish for these things?’ says the Lord. ‘And shall not My soul be avenged on such a nation as this?’ ” (verses 7-9).
“ ‘For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very deceitfully against Me,’ says the Lord. ‘They have lied against the Lord and said, “It is not He; neither shall evil come on us; nor shall we see sword nor famine.” And the prophets [the ministers and teachers of today] shall become as wind, for the word is not in them; thus it shall be done to them’ ” (verses 11-13).
Though God pleaded with them to repent—the people, their leaders, their prophets and priests—and warned them to turn from their wicked ways, they refused: “But this people has a revolting and a rebellious heart; they have revolted and are departed from Me. And they do not say in their heart, ‘Let us now fear the Lord our God, Who gives both the former and the latter rain in its season; He reserves to us the appointed weeks of the harvest.’
“Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withheld good things from you. For among My people are found wicked ones; they lie in wait, as one who sets snares; they set a trap, they catch men. Like a cage full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit; therefore they have become great and grown rich. They have become fat, they have become sleek. Yea, they excel in evil deeds; they do not plead the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and they do not defend the right of the needy. Shall I not punish for these things?... Shall not My soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
“An astounding and horrible thing has happened in the land. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and My people love to have it so, and what will you do at the end of it?” (verses 23-31).
God’s judgments are not coming for the sins of the few, but for the sins of the vast majority of people—who are rejecting God’s laws, especially those concerning the Sabbath and holy days. These judgments are coming because of all the lying, cheating, and stealing; for all the scheming, treachery, and deceit; for all the covetousness, gambling, and financial fraud; for all the adultery, fornication, homosexuality, and perversion; for all the corruption and rejection of God in personal lives, the schools, the governments, and the courts. From the common man to the rich and famous—all are satiated in selfish narcissistic covetousness: “For everyone from the least of them even to the greatest of them is greedy for gain; and from the prophet even unto the priest, everyone deals falsely [Who can tell the truth any more?]. They have also healed the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, nor could they blush; therefore they shall fall among those who fall. At the time that I punish them, they shall be cast down…” (Jer. 6:13-15).
Again, God pleads with the people to repent, but they would not listen—exactly as it is today: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths where the good way is and walk in it, and you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Also I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Hearken to the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they said, ‘We will not hearken.’ Therefore hear, you nations, and know, O congregation [churches of God], what will happen to them. Hear, O earth; behold, I will bring evil on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts because they have not hearkened to My words, nor to My law, but have rejected it” (verses 16-19).
On the other hand, we are to maintain our relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ every day through prayer and Bible study—by loving God and keeping His commandments. Jesus commanded: “But as for you, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…. Therefore, you shall be perfect, even as your Father Who is in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 6:33; 5:48).
Brethren, in these critical times we need to truly draw close to God the Father and Jesus Christ with this ultimate spiritual goal in the forefronts of our minds. We need to continue to build our spiritual relationship with them through constant prayer and daily Bible study. If we do, there is no doubt that we can endure whatever comes in the future with the faith, hope, and love of God as we develop godly character and true righteousness.
Thank you for your love and prayers, and for your reaching out to other brethren and new people by giving them CDs, DVDs, literature, and directing them to our websites. Thank you for your continued support through your tithes and offering—even though these are difficult financial times. God will surely bless you with sufficiency in all things as He has promised. May God the Father and Jesus Christ bless you with their love and grace in all things.
With love in Christ Jesus,
Fred R. Coulter
FRC
Bibles For Kenyan Brethren
Dear Fred: The four cases of Bibles safely arrived in Mombasa, Kenya. The elder there, Joseph Omollo, distributed them to our congregations in Kilifi, Lamu, Kisumu, and Homa Bay. I have some pictures and words of thanks to share with you.
Brethren in Mombasa receiving their Bibles. They told me to tell you Asante sana! (Thank you very much!)
Members of the Kisumu congregation. Their leader, Moses Mbadi (squatting on the right), wrote the following:
Hi Pastor! It is my great pleasure to have this opportunity to say a big thank you to the Almighty Lord for this great work He has done through you and Mr. Fred R. Coulter. Today we received eight copies of The Holy Bible In It’s Original Order. May God bless you both for doing such a great and wonderful job. I pray and hope that with the help of these Bibles all the Kisumu congregation will make not one but uncountable steps towards knowing and drawing more and more closely to God. May God bless you both day by day.
The members present received the Bibles and said I should send their greetings and a word of thanks to God and to you both.
Finally, I have a request. Our elder in Mombasa, Joseph Omollo, requests permission to translate the Commentary and Appendices into Swahili for those brethren who do not read English well. We had only requested enough Bibles for those who could benefit from having them. All of the brethren in Kenya have a Bible in their native language (Dhluo), but everyone can benefit from having those extra documents in a language they can all read.
His intention is to translate your Commentary and Appendices into Swahili, then make and distribute copies to the brethren who did not receive a FV Bible…. I have already received your permission to use your publications provided “Reproduced with Permission” is added. But Joseph wanted me to ask [specifically for this].
Thanks again, not only for the Bibles, but for all you do for God’s church. In Christian love,
Terry Bruns, Pastor, Great Commission Church of God
Comments from Brethren and Website Visitors
Dear Fred: As we witness our nation and planet plunge deeper and deeper into peril, thank you for continuing to provide the unique perspective that only the Word of God and the Spirit of God can provide. It is astounding to observe the changes (morally and spiritually, as well as physically) that this nation has undergone in a relatively short 50 years. During that time, you have been ever diligent to keep the Church moored to the truth—and we thank you for that! Sincerely.—R & M, Washington
Fred: Greetings from cold and snowy North Dakota. I have been living on the same family farm for the last 65 years. I am the only one in my family still in the Church of God. I was 13 when I started keeping the Sabbath and quit keeping pagan holidays. All the sermons and materials from the CBCG are greatly appreciated, as is The Holy Bible In Its Original Order, which I inherited from my uncle. It really made me mad that the Bible Museum in Washington, D.C., declined to accept a copy of your Bible. It’s the one that should be on display!
I watched you on the Mike & Mike Show; the episodes were dealing with pagan holidays and the correct Sabbath day. I wish everyone in America could have seen those episodes; it was so true and very powerful. I have learned so much through the CBCG—such as a Pentecost first resurrection and the Sea of Glass. And the pictures from the Webb telescope were wonderful.
Fred, you have such a factual and kind way of teaching. I pray for you and the CBCG every day. Thank you so much for everything you provide.—M & M, North Dakota
Dear Fred: Thank you so much for your sermon last Sabbath (2-25-2023) on what it means to be “born again.” When God called me into His truth in 1971, I was astounded to learn the true meaning of being “born again” from Herbert Armstrong’s writings and the Bible.
In January of 1972 I was baptized and subsequently kept God’s Sabbath and Holy Days with the WCG for two decades. As you well know, the WCG completely changed the meaning of “born again,” as well as everything else—going back to the false teachings of Protestantism, which I recognized having grown up in a Protestant church. I left the WCG and held on to the true teachings of the Bible and began fellowshipping with another group that had also left the WCG and was holding on to the truth.
However, in 2009 the lead minister of that group also changed the teaching on “born again.” In all my years in God’s Church, I have only heard two people teach the true meaning of “born again”—you and Herbert Armstrong. Most never mention it, or change the clear meaning of the Scriptures. To me, this is one of the most important subjects for us to understand, because it points to God’s awesome purpose for us. I really appreciate your teachings on the subject, including your book, “Why Were You Born?” Thank you so much!—BW
Fred: I really appreciate your teachings. Bert and I listen to you faithfully. I am shocked that more people do not hunger after righteousness. Keep up the good work and be in excellent health. Our prayers are for your teaching and health as God speaks through you. Thank you again. In Christian love.—B & K, Missouri
Hello Mr. Coulter: We have been waiting many years for this to happen: Passover on a Wednesday and on April 5th, just as it happened in 30 AD! When we look back to the Passover in Egypt, it too was on a Wednesday. When we go back to Genesis 15, we again find that Nisan 14 is on a Wednesday! Thank you for that calendar program. We have a marvelous opportunity this Passover season for teaching. Thank you again for bringing out the understanding of Genesis 15 and the central focus of the Passover from Genesis to Revelation.—LC
Dear Fred: Thank you for the way you feed us God’s truth. We are always amazed at how prophecy is being fulfilled right before our eyes. You are in our prayers daily. Pete will be 96 in April. God healed him of his gallbladder disease. We are truly grateful. Love.—PJ
Dear Fred: I’m in the process of reading the Passover book for about the fourth time. What a wonderful way to start the spring holy day season. I’m so grateful for all your books. I have to say that I am getting anxious for what is going on in the world now that SVB has failed. I don’t feel like I’m ready, but I don’t imagine that anyone really does. But because of all your sermons and books, I am better prepared. There are still things I don’t understand, but I am praying that God will take care of that. Most grateful for you!—LJ, Alabama
Dear Fred: Every year we consult your booklet and recipe for making unleavened bread. Thank you for these helpful directions. But more importantly, we benefit from all the helpful direction you provide regarding the living bread (John 6:35, 48, 51) that truly makes all the difference in our lives. It is the only thing that really matters. Thank you for preserving the faithful words of Christ so that important teachings are not lost. Thanks for all you do.—R & M, Washington
Dear Mr. Coulter: I am so grateful for everything! I have been watching “Called, Chosen and Faithful” over and over; it is very encouraging—and fascinating! Double blessings, protection, and inspiration to all of God’s ministry and their families. Love.—B
Mr. Coulter: Thank you for all you do for God and for His children. I have learned so much from studying your sermon transcripts. I can’t get out much, so I study God’s Word a lot. Your literature, transcripts, books, etc. help me to understand what I read. I know I make mistakes, but I try my best to live by God’s Word.—RD, Ohio
Hello Mr. Coulter: I hope you remember us, as we sure remember you. It’s been 38 years since we last saw you, or thereabouts. We would like to get the Catalog of your publications. We enjoyed watching your message on the Passover—going over the three days and three nights.
After our WCG days, we went to the Biblical Church of God. That was an “Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire” experience! But we did learn to put God first and not man—a lesson that should have been taught from the beginning. In 1986 we started attending CGI. We are still there, but there have been hurdles. We are two hours from Tyler, Texas, where we attend at CGI headquarters. We try to go once a month. We recently found you through some friends who also attend in Tyler.
I have many memories of you and your family. Your lovely wife had the church over once for a meal after services. That was in Hollister. She made a taco salad type meal. Dean and I will celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary in December. He is a good man, and God has greatly blessed our union. We are blessed with a step-grandson and six more wonderful grandchildren. Our full circle of life. I’m sure you have a full circle too. Hope you are doing well. Can’t wait to get the Catalog. Sincerely.—H & D, Texas
Dear Fred & CBCG Office: Just wanted to thank you for clearly teaching us about Passover, as it’s a joy to follow the sequence of the Passover evening. People who push the Passover into the 15th “Temple Passover” take that joy away from us. I have all your books. I pray for you every day. God bless.—HT, Colorado
Hello Friends: It is a lovely spring day. I pray all of you are well. Thank you, Mr. Fred, for all you and your staff do. I had a very good Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread. I am unable to attend services outside my home. All the great sermons mean so much to me. I pray for everyone in God’s Church. Thanks.—K
Dear Brethren: With joy, I’m sending you my late offering and tithe for April. My memory is slipping, so I’m asking for forgiveness and thanking God for helping me remember the May tithe and Pentecost offering. Thank you for all the hard work by you and your staff in getting us the sermons and materials. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. With love.—RM, Ohio
Dear Brother Fred: I hope all is well with you! Thanks for your straightforwardness! When explaining the chaos of our nation’s debt, I like to ask how many years is equal to 1 trillion seconds. One trillion seconds equals 31,688 years. With over 30 trillion dollars in debt, this helps put the problem into perspective. Love you, dear brother.—DR
Dear Mr. Coulter: Christian greetings from the UK, about 40 miles west of Cardiff, capital city of Wales. I want to thank you for your most excellent website truthofgod.org. I have been a visitor to the site for a number of years and have downloaded many of the articles, studies, and booklets. I am currently reading through the “Beliefs and Doctrines” of the church.
Thank you so much for your zeal, energy, and enthusiasm in preaching the Word of God. I listen regularly to the live sermons. Yesterday’s sermon “Is God’s Law Nailed to the Cross?” was most beneficial. I further thank you for your ability to present Scripture in an easy-to-follow manner. Thank you again, and may God continue to bless you.—D, Wales
Hello Fred: I am enjoying the new format of live-streaming services. We also tune in to Nolan Joseph in Florida. He is a caring elder with a wonderful, loving wife, Faye. They and the online brethren have been so encouraging and God-led! We pray for your continued strength and endurance. With Christian love.—S
Dear Fred: I am writing to you and requesting to be anointed, as I am suffering pains related to arthritis, especially in my lower back-spine (spinal stenosis), which is causing leg numbness and muscle pain. I am now 92, so I’m beginning to feel my age! Along with this, I can’t hear too good and my eyesight is not so clear and focused—but my mind is okay. I am so thankful for that blessing! Please send an anointed cloth, praying for God’s healing of my body. I am the youngest of 14 children. Two are still living—a sister aged 98, who lives in California, and myself. Out of 14, God has called only me. Giving thanks.—SP, Pennsylvania
Dear Fred: Thank you for recognizing the need for in-depth biblical explanations of the essential facts of eternal life, and for giving us the information we need to actually grow in grace and knowledge—so we can go beyond the milk of the Word. Milk is vital when we start out, but spiritual growth requires a “full-course meal.” Thank you for being willing to put in the extra work; we have all benefited so greatly! Sincerely.—R & M
Dear Fred: Your letter of May 16 was so inspiring and uplifting; a joy to read and see the work being done by you and Andrew Moses in the Philippines. Andrew mentioned wanting to go back at the end of July if the church would help. Please apply this donation to the purchase of Mr. Moses’ plane ticket. It is a pleasure to have a small part in his ministry to the brethren there. May you and all the brethren have a great Pentecost! In love.—P & J, Florida
Dear Fred: I want to thank you for continually providing information and inspiration through your messages. Being able to speak coherently, dynamically, and inspirationally for over an hour takes a lot of energy and focus. So thank you for staying healthy and being such a strong teacher of the Scriptures. Sincerely.—CJ, California
Dear Fred Coulter: Thank you for the Day 49 and Pentecost sermon messages. I am grateful that God called me to the truth and opened my mind to understand His written word, the Bible. What a fantastic future awaits us. If only people would stop rejecting God and start to realize what Jesus and God the Father have in store for mankind. Sad that many will suffer much pain before they repent and some will lose out on eternal life. Thankfully God wants to save all people. In God we trust.—JW
Dear Fred & Brethren: Hello to all, and may you be blessed this Pentecost and be encouraged as we go through the days ahead. Thank you all for your efforts in feeding the flock and doing the work Christ commissioned to be done. With Christian love.—D & M, Arkansas
Dear Fred: I was very interested in the sermons about “Satan’s Ten Most Believable Lies.” I had already found that book. The things you pointed out were very precise, and I have listened to the series three or four times. Today is Day 49 and I really look forward to the day when that 7th trumpet finally sounds. Know that you are greatly loved and appreciated.—B
Dear Fred: I have been listening to the “Love Series” that you recorded back in the 1990s. It is truly profound how much God loves us. This includes everything from Him creating man and woman to Him giving us freedom of choice. And so much more! In these trying times, holding fast to the fact that God loves us and that He is there for each of us is truly the ultimate comfort. Thank you for your inspired messages.—CJ, California
Dear CBCG: I just watched some of the “Satan coming out of the closet” videos. They present what is happening so well and so clearly. I am really glad to have seen them. May God bless this work; the teaching is needed so much now. Sincerely.—AS, Australia
Dear CBCG: Just a note to say that I listened to Mr. Fannin and Mr. Kemp today. They gave great messages and great presentations. They are appreciated.—TS, Kansas
