App
November 17, 2022
Dear Brethren,
The U.S. midterm elections are over—but it was hardly the “red wave” most Republicans expected. As one commentator noted, it was more of a “red ripple.” It appears that the House of Representatives will be won by the Republicans. The Democrats will maintain control of the Senate. The question is: Even with a Republican led House, can congress actually solve America’s growing problems? Problems such as open borders—with the millions of illegals entering the U.S. and the flood of drugs coming in? What about growing inflation and rampant crime?
Look at what we actually have: self-serving career politicians; bloated and corrupt bureaucracies; a mentally incompetent president; a gridlocked Congress. There is massive debt at every level, soaring inflation, government deficit spending in the trillions of dollars, and corruption at all levels of government, finance, education, and health care (with its useless vaccinations).
Is change possible? Probably not! Even if Republicans do take the House, we are only in for more gridlock because Biden is determined to continue on his present extreme liberal course. So no real progress can be made. The Democrats campaigned primarily on the issue of abortion. Now they plan to push with a vengeance for universal abortion access.
But America is not alone. All other modern Israelite nations—Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand—are suffering from the same woes. Britain and Europe are in dire trouble with winter coming because they are deficient in gas and oil to heat their homes. They also have inflation levels worse than in the U.S. Australia and New Zealand are confronted with the similar problems. And look at Canada—it is now run by a dictatorship!
Why is real change so elusive? Because our nations have forgotten God! Remember: It is impossible to solve spiritual problems with political solutions! While we all have massive political and economic problems, the actual underlying causes are spiritual. We have forgotten God, trashed His laws and commandments, and become fully immersed in sinful lifestyles!
During the run-up to the election, a number of leaders (political and religious) claimed that they would be able to bring about real change. But it will not be enough to hold back the hand of God’s correction against this nation! Flattery and half-hearted efforts will not work; only true repentance toward God will bring real change and a respite from our woes. Could “modern Christianity” help people return to God? Only if they too repent of their corruption and sinfulness!
Some Prophecies From the Book of Amos: After bringing many plagues and trials on Israel because of their sins, God pleaded with them through the prophet Amos to return to Him—but they did not: “ ‘And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the Lord. ‘And I have also withheld the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest. And I caused rain to fall on one city and caused it not to rain on another city; one field was rained on, and the field on which it did not rain dried up. So two or three cities wandered to one city to drink water, but they were not satisfied; yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the Lord.
“ ‘I have stricken you with blasting and mildew. When your gardens and your vineyards, and your fig trees, and your olive trees increased, the creeping locust devoured them; yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the Lord. ‘I have sent the plague among you after the manner of Egypt; I have slain your young men with the sword, and have taken away your horses. And I have made the stench of your camps to come up into your nostrils; yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the Lord. ‘I have overthrown some among you as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a firebrand plucked out of the burning; yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the Lord.
“ ‘Therefore I will do this to you, O Israel; and because I will do this to you, PREPARE TO MEET YOUR GOD, O ISRAEL!’ ” (Amos 4:6-12).
Since we are the descendants of the ancient ten tribes of Israel, let us look at Psalm 78, which gives us an excellent description of how Israel typically reacts to God’s correction for disobedience—they slightly return to Him, but never change their hearts: “Therefore He ended their days in vanity and their years in trouble. When He slew them, then they sought Him; and they turned back and sought after God earnestly. [That happened for a few weeks after 9/11.] And they remembered that God was their Rock, and the Most High God was their Redeemer. Nevertheless, they flattered Him with their mouths, and they lied to Him with their tongues, for their heart was not right with Him; neither were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; yea, many times He turned His anger away and did not stir up all His wrath, for He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes away and does not come again” (Psa. 78:33-39).
God pleads with His people to return to Him and to cease from their sins, as Isaiah declared: “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon [if there is actual repentance]” (Isa. 55:6-7).
Likewise, through the prophet Jeremiah, God repeatedly pleaded with the people of Judah and Jerusalem to return to Him, saying He would withhold punishment for their sins: “ ‘If you will return, O Israel,’ says the Lord, ‘Return to Me. And if you will put away your abominations out of My sight, then you shall not be removed, and will swear, “As the Lord lives,” in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; then the nations [of Israel] shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him they shall glory” (Jer. 4:1-2). Since God alone knows the hearts of men and women, only He can make a determination as to who has truly turned to Him.
Now that the election is over, there is no way of escaping the reality of the magnitude of America’s problems—as well as the problems of other modern nations of Israel. The sheer weight of these problems—especially financial—will soon begin to hit home very hard. The fact is, all debt in the world reaches into the hundreds and hundreds of trillions of dollars. The entire system will eventually collapse. When it fully hits within the next few years, no one will escape. Out of this global financial collapse will arise a new worldwide banking and economic system—with a new digital currency that may ultimately lead to the “Mark of the Beast.”
In order for this to come about, all banks and financial institutions around the world will have to simultaneously fail. The whole world is now facing economic ruin. When the U.S. dollar finally fails, the entire worldwide “house of cards” will collapse! In light of this, we must be prepared—physically and spiritually. But as we will see, the end will not come at that time!
China and Afghanistan’s Role in Prophecy: There are many additional prophecies that must also develop, either before or after the global financial meltdown. In fact, a vast amount of development must take place throughout Asia in order for certain prophecies to be fulfilled.
Now that the U.S. has left Afghanistan, it is apparent that the nation will play a vital role in end time prophecy. It sits half way between the eastern Mediterranean and the Sea of China and Japan. In the past decade, trillions of dollars in mineral wealth—gold, silver, copper, lithium, and other rare minerals—have been mined. These minerals are needed for modern technology—thus modern weaponry. While numerous nations will participate in the development of these resources, China is in a perfect position to dominate that process. China already has a strong presence in Afghanistan, and has learned how to deal with Muslim culture. In fact, more than ten years ago the Afghan Ministry of Mining granted a mining license to China, the first of many. The Chinese have the political will, the financial means, the manpower, the technology, and the military power to be the major player in mining and developing these minerals. Of course, other nations will participate; and the oil rich Muslim nations will have the money to invest in such projects.
In order to extract these minerals, the region’s infrastructure must first be developed: roads, railroads, airports, oil pipelines, electric power, water, etc. Because of the Himalayan Mountains, nearly everything must come through the Khyber Pass—which connects China and Afghanistan. China’s vast “Belt and Road” project has already developed the Khyber Pass as part of its broader East-West system of trade routes.
China’s “Belt and Road” enterprise is important prophetically, because such development will be key to the movement of the massive 200 million-man armies described in Revelation 9 into Palestine—especially with all of its modern equipment and weapons. At the present time, it would be impossible for such armies to do so.
Another thing to consider: It will take time and massive resources to develop such an army. Only China (perhaps with India’s help) could feasibly do so—but it will still take time and great wealth. At any rate, there is no doubt that Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth is a major key.
Thanksgiving in America: On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln set the final date for Thanksgiving Day. Americans had observed it for many years, but on differing dates. Lincoln studied the Bible throughout his life and understood that God was the source of our blessings as a nation—and that He corrected us for our sins. This proclamation was written while the Civil War was still being fought. General Lee surrendered on April 9, 1865, and all land forces surrendered by June, while the naval forces finally surrendered in November. Here is Lincoln’s proclamation for Thanksgiving Day:
“A PROCLAMATION
“THE YEAR that is drawing toward its close has been filled with blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget from whence they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart of the habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
“In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
“Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
“No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelt in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such a singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners and suffers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
“In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the United States to be affixed.
“Done in the city of Washington, this 3rd day of October, AD 1863, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
“By the President: ABRAHAM LINCOLN
WILLIAM H. STEWARD, Secretary of State”
Psalm 136 is devoted entirely to extolling God. All 26 verses end with “for His mercy [or steadfast love] endures forever.” The first three verses begin with giving thanks to God: “O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endures forever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for His mercy endures forever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for His mercy endures forever” (verses 1-3).
Likewise, we need to be thankful for all things—and most importantly for the spiritual blessings that God the Father and Jesus Christ have poured out upon us. Notice what the apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, as well as to the Laodiceans: “Now I want you to understand what great concern I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, unto the knowledge of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
“Now I say this so that no one may deceive you by persuasive speech. For though I am indeed absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, be walking in Him; being rooted and built up in Him, and being confirmed in the faith, exactly as you were taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (Col. 2:1-7).
We need to always be devoted to loving God the Father and Jesus Christ in all things, rejoicing with thanksgiving for the great hope that God has given us: “And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were called into one body, and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And in everything—whatever you do in word or in deed—do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him” (Col. 3:14-17).
While it is good and right that this nation has set aside a special day of thanksgiving to God for all His bountiful blessings, we need to be thankful every day—for in Him we live and move and have our being.
Brethren, as we come to Thanksgiving, we truly thank God for all things. And we thank you for your love and prayers, for your service to the brethren, and for your dedication to God. Thank you for your continued support with God’s tithes and offerings. Together we can serve the brethren and preach the Gospel with the tools that God inspires us to use. May God the Father and Jesus Christ continue to bless you with love, grace, and thankfulness in all things.
With love in Christ Jesus,
Fred R. Coulter
FRC
2022 Feast of Tabernacles Reports and Comments
Blanchard, Idaho—The highlight of this year’s Feast was reflected in Psalm 133:1—“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Indeed, unity was evident throughout our days together. We had many lively, and even intense, discussions on what we were being taught—and it was clear that we were all focused on the goal ahead. It was a blessing that Fred brought out that goal, and our part in it, throughout the Feast.
We had 20-23 adults and two children in attendance. Activities included mingling with elk and buffalo on a nearby preserve, an evening barbecue at the Fletcher Ranch (local brethren), two Bible studies, and just viewing the beauty of the world around us. God blessed us with temperatures around 72 degrees daily, with sunny skies.
I would like to thank Patrick and Georgia Ryan for their hard work in making the Blanchard site possible, and thanks also to Mark and Joanne Fletcher for opening up their lovely home and property for the evening barbecue.—Roger Tointon
Shipshewana, Indiana—We had a wonderful opening night and first-day Sabbath service with 36 in attendance. We averaged about 32 each day for the rest of the Feast. The weather was rainy only one day; the rest of the Feast was mostly sunny and windy with temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to low 70s. The fall colors were out in full splendor, adding to everyone’s festive spirit and enjoyment of the setting. All the brethren in attendance commented about the joyous festival spirit they felt. The focus was on God’s family, fellowship, and quality time together.
Most of our meals were prepared or catered by the brethren and enjoyed together on site. The ladies were able to enjoy a tea party featuring food, fellowship, and fun-filled activities. The brethren participated in a group bike ride along with a visit to a local interactive farm. The bike ride and farm visit were especially fun for the children. We were able to enjoy our traditional family day cookout with everyone pitching in to help with food preparation, cooking demonstrations, building bird feeders, diamond painting, and a sing-along. We also had our traditional fellowship by the fireplace again this year—where brethren come together to get to know one another by sharing. We also visited the National Museum in South Bend, where we learned the history of the Studebaker Family. We also had a Bible Study on the power of faith.
We were blessed this year with two special music pieces performed vocally by Consuela Gibson, a member attending with us out of Chicago. We had a sermonette given by Mark Ginter, one of our members from Pennsylvania. His topic focused on rejoicing at the Feast by spending quality time with God and the brethren, in addition to enjoying the physical blessings.
I conducted three baptisms this year, welcoming into God’s family new members whom I had been counseling with over the past several months. We also had the blessing of little children. This was especially meaningful for everyone. I did a sermonette to help us understand our part in setting a proper example for our children, emphasizing the importance of living God’s way and creating an godly environment. We again listened to the sermon “True Fellowship With God”—and were greatly inspired by the message.
Many brethren commented on how much they enjoyed the beauty and quietness of the rural farm setting, the local shops, and the wonderful fellowship. They especially appreciated the spiritual food inspired by God in the messages. We truly felt God’s presence, protection, and warm embrace as we rejoiced in His Feast. Thank you, Fred, for all you do. May God continue to bless you, keep you in His light, and fill you with His love.—Albert Jones
Tulsa, Oklahoma—The Feast went really great this year. Our high attendance was 17, with an average of 10. We were blessed with good weather—cool mornings and warm afternoons. We did get a little rain on one day, but it was light.
For the first time in years, we were blessed with live music to sing hymns to. Burges Hicks played the guitar, and his wife Kay played the keyboard. Plus, Kay and Bonnie Boland worked up some great special music and Burges did several songs on the guitar that he had written. This all really added to the Feast!
The group went to the Red Robin Restaurant for our church meal. On the Sabbath the Hicks family treated everyone to an Italian dinner at one of the restaurants close to the hotel where we were meeting. Each day the ladies served different snacks, coffee, and tea before and after services. And we were all well fed with the spiritual messages by Fred.
We put together several gift boxes to mail to those who are shut-ins in our area. All the members here in Tulsa hope and pray that each of you had a great and inspiring Feast—just like we did.—Lawrence Burchfield and Bill & Mona Wax
Port Dickson, Malaysia—The Malaysian brethren had a wonderful Feast this year in Port Dickson. We had a fantastic meeting hall, wonderful luncheons and dinners on all three Sabbaths, and a very quiet environment. God really works things according to His plan. We are very grateful and thankful to God for all the blessings, protection, guidance, and love.
The weather was great and all of our activities went through without a problem. We all participated in meals and Bible activities—plus an entertainment night. We had a bowling event with all adults and children participating, and a team building event organized by the hotel.
A highlight this year was the spiritual fulfillment we received in the extraordinary sermons by Fred—plus two sermons by me. We also had a children’s choir. We had 24 in attendance, including children, throughout the eight days. Overall, the Feast was a great success with wonderful fellowship!—Andrew Moses
Rotorua, New Zealand—Greetings fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from the Feast held in Ngongataha, Rotorua. We have used this campground facility for the past five years and it has served us well—with both accommodations and conference hall on site. We began this year with 14 adults and 3 children, but as the days passed other family members joined us—so we ended up with 17 adults and 9 children.
All of the messages blended well together and were encouraging and edifying. Activities included mini golf (with live rabbits on the course) and “the luge”—a toboggan ride on wheels. Most evenings were spent together in the convention hall having meals, chatting, and practicing choir (which performed three times). We also had the pleasure of having a sister added to the Body of Christ through baptism—Avikali Baleadrau (Abigail).
This was the first time in two years that we have all been able to gather together at one time and in one place to fellowship. We all appreciated it so much—through the love of God instilled in us all by His Holy Spirit. We look forward to the upcoming year and being more fully grounded through His truth and spirit.— Simon Massey
Sanford, Florida—At the Feast in Sanford we had about 23 people, including four children, though not all at the same time. Activities included games, meals, music, and dancing—but mostly the brethren just spent time fellowshipping. This Feast was unusual in that most of those attending were from other churches of God—and all were inspired by the messages and by the way the Feast was conducted. So the CBCG had a great opportunity this Feast to showcase what we do and how we do it. Many stated that they would like to come back next year.
Overall, it was a joyful and inspirational Feast and we give God thanks for the wisdom of the Holy Days. We are grateful for the brethren who made this Feast possible, and for Fred’s messages.—Nolan Joseph
Kimberley, B.C., Canada—We had a very successful and most inspiring Feast in Kimberley. We had a high attendance of 78, the average being 71. The brethren were so full of joy—as it has been several years since many of them have been able to assemble and have such uplifting fellowship.
We had beautiful fall weather in the lower 70s with cooler nights. The meeting venue was excellent and the area presented a beautiful fall festival setting. We had several activities planned, including some for the considerable number of children and young adults in attendance.
The messages from Fred were well received, as were the sermonettes presented by myself and others. There was an abundance of warmth, love, and much-needed fellowship. A few came down with minor colds, but otherwise everyone left refreshed and full of zeal! Thanks to God for allowing the Feast to be such a great blessing to all who attended.—Norbert Bohnert
Brockville, Canada—We had a great Feast in Brockville, with a daily average of 19 or 20 brethren and a high of 24. The weather was fantastic and the fall colors were spectacular! We were able to enjoy a walking tour of Canada’s first underground railway tunnel, as well as a boat cruise through some of the 1000 islands on the St. Lawrence River. The brethren enjoyed a game and pizza night, a music and sing-a-long evening, as well as a superb church-sponsored meal at a local restaurant. Although we were a small group, it was such an inspiring Feast and we were so grateful to be able to have the fellowship and to worship God together.—Jennifer Gates
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee—We had another tremendous Feast in Pigeon Forge. The brethren arrived with a loving spirit and it made our fellowship and activities all the more inspiring. We averaged about 75 in daily attendance. We were blessed to have several new brethren attend the site, some for their first Feast ever. And the weather was absolutely gorgeous.
We were able to spend a lot of time together and our activities included two luncheons, a cookout, an ice cream social, a presentation on William Tyndale, a family variety show/dance, and nightly fellowship. There were three baptisms. We were also blessed by having several children in attendance. They completed a Bible lesson on the Tree of Life. We appreciate those who presented special music and we thank all who served in a loving capacity. We give thanks and praise to God the Father and Jesus Christ for their continued blessings.—Tom & Rhonda Fannin
Burlington/Colchester, Vermont—We had a wonderful and uplifting Feast, and the messages were all well received and the fellowship was rewarding. Everyone was joyous and said it was the best Feast ever and demonstrated God’s love and care for one another! Several meals were eaten together and we all had fun at the various activities. God’s presence was clearly felt , and a baptism was held on the last day.
