News of Those Once Affiliated with the Global Church of God

Since the November 1998 takeover of the old GCG by the board in the U.S., those once with GCG went to many places. Most of the members and ministers ultimately went with the Living Church of God (LCG), 8-15% went with the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship (CGCF) and smaller percentages ended up with David Pack's Restored Church of God (RCG), Harold Smith's Church of God Fellowship, Northwest (CGFnw), the Continuing Church of God (CCOG), and other groups (at least one which is outside the U.S. uses the term Global Church of God). On July 1, 2001, eight ministers resigned from CGCF and formed the Church of the Eternal God (CEG), similar in name, but not related, to the Eternal Church of God (ECG--founded by a minister removed from the original GCG ministry for impropriety). About a month later CGCF (USA) dissolved and most then with it ended up in the United Church of God (UCG). One former GCG minister (Ronald Laughland) became pastor of the Wholeworld Church of God. In 2004, Raymond McNair, having been in GCG, CGCF, LCG, then went on his own and formed Church of God, 21st Century (COG21); later he died and that group disbanded. Don Haney, once in GCG/LCG, formed the Church of God In Peace and Truth. In 2005, Ben Faulkner, who was in GCG/LCG, formed the Church of the Sovereign God (CotSG). In 2006, Charles Bryce who was in GCG/LCG left, and formed the Enduring Church of God (En COG). In 2010, several of the main leaders who went to UCG from CGCF left it and went to a group called COGWA. A couple of people, like Norman Edwards (Servants' News/Shepherd's Voice), left GCG well before the 1998 takeover (he has 'Nashville Christian Media'). In 2013, Rod Reynolds left LCG and formed COG Messenger. On 12/15/11, a minister in good-standing with LCG anointed Bob Thiel with oil and prayed that God would grant him a double-portion of His Spirit (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God): and things have not been the same since (Bob Thiel still, of course, supports the goals and biblical beliefs of Philadelphia era of the Church of God). Website links for most of those who were once part of GCG and that have websites can be found at the COGlinks page. In 2012, certain heresies were officially introduced, accepted, and/or promoted by LCG. After concluding that insufficient value was placed on the truth (and keeing their word) by certain leaders of LCG and that they no longer held to biblical church governance and could not as is be used to lead the final phase of the work (see also Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God), on 12/28/12 Bob Thiel was led to form, and then announced, the beginning of the Continuing Church of God (CCOG). In August 2020, Sheldon Monson left LCG and was 'marked' by LCG on 8/19/20 and on 9/05/20 announced Church of God Assembly (COGA). The Continuing Church of God (CCOG) is the second largest group, in terms of members, of those groups whose leaders were once part of GCG (LCG is largest). This page reports on those groups that somehow once had ties to the old GCG.

12/31/20 a.m. RCG's David Pack keeps making predictions about the end and Jesus' return within a day to a year or so from now. Those predictions are wrong.

David Pack, in my view, went over the deep-end a while ago, and for years I have been convinced that he is NOT COG (though some with him may still be).

12/18/20 p.m. Did a Google search for "Church of God In Peace and Truth" today as I also found that its website (http://www.cogpt.org/) is no longer functional--at least not the two times I tried it. Don Haney had stated he had planned to use the internet to fulfill Matthew 24:14, but that website never became popular and since it is now apparently gone, it looks like that never happened. Instead, it appears he has a Facebook page titled Torah is Love. It should perhaps be mentioned that Don Haney has seemingly leaned towards Messianic Judaism over the past several years.

While God's commandments show love (see also the free online book: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast), Philadelphian Christians need to focus on the work of going through open doors (Revelation 3:7-13)--which is something we in the CCOG are doing (see also CCOG 2020 Hindsight; The Final Phase of the Work; and Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word).

12/11/20 p.m. In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG had the following:

One of the greatest barriers to the growth and progress of the European Union is its structure—that all 27 member nations must agree on nearly every decision. A good example of just two nations blocking internal progress can be seen in the power of Poland and Hungary to block EU coronavirus recovery plans (Euro News, November 27, 2019). Simply put, there are too many people making decisions and they cannot all agree. Because of this, some analysts believe that the EU must create a “coalition of the willing” in order to truly advance (Carnegie Europe, September 17, 2020). A “coalition of the willing” would involve a small number of member states with resources to deploy and motivation to act together to effect change. Experts are trying to figure out how to make this happen without destroying the EU in the process. As one think-tank writer recently noted, “France and Germany must press forward with smaller ad hoc constellations of member states to advance particular issues where more action is needed… To be successful, these ‘flexible coalitions’ must involve the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy to ensure legitimacy and to not undermine the cohesion of the twenty-seven EU member states.”

Today, EU member nations cannot agree on even simple matters—like who should take the lead on the Conference on the Future of Europe (Politico, September 21, 2020). Because they cannot agree or even “go along to get along,” there have been calls to remove “troublemaking” nations like Poland and Hungary.

Will the EU create a coalition of the willing? Will the Union shrink? Or will the bloc dissolve and nations go their own way? Bible prophecy gives us some insight. In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John wrote that an end-time European “beast” power will be composed of ten kings (possibly nations or political entities) who will be of “one mind” and “give their power” to a central figure for a brief time (Revelation 17:12–14). The details of how this will play out remain to be seen, but prophecy is clear that Europe will move in the direction described in the pages of the Bible. 

Yes, Europe will move in the direction of biblical prophecy and REORGANIZE as foretold in Revelation 17:12-13.

LCG seemingly keeps hoping (consistent with one of its stated positions), that the EU will end up with only 10 or 11 current nations. That is not, however, what the Bible teaches. More on that can be found in the article: Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?

12/11/20 a.m. In its Letter to the Brethren: December 10, 2020, the CCOG reports that it has 5275 people with it.

11/27/20 a.m. In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG had the following:

America has led the world militarily since World War II. But, in recent years, much of the world no longer sees the United States as a military leader—the nation’s willingness to lead seems diminished, and the gap between its capabilities and those of its rivals appears to be shrinking. Bible prophecy is clear that a German-led European “beast” power will emerge and will impact the world, including the Holy Land (Daniel 11:40–43). As geopolitical tides shift, we appear to be watching not only the decline of U.S. military might and influence, but also the rise of a future European military power. 

While LCG is correct that the US military is in decline and Europe intends to rise up, LCG continues to cling to a position its top evangelist told me was wrong--and that has to do with the European Beast power who rises up and destroys the USA in Daniel 11:39. Instead, the above, consistent with LCG's flawed official statement of beliefs which Dr. Meredith promised me with Richard Ames and Douglas Winnail as witnesses, in December 2011 would be corrected by the end of January 2012, still has the start of the Beast-led war and the Great Tribulation with Daniel 11:40. Unless LCG changes, it will not know when the Great Tribulation will begin until it is too late.

For more details check out USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses of Daniel 11:39 and December 2011 Proposed changes to LCG's Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs.

11/13/20 a.m. Went to Rod Reynold's COGmessenger.org website today. When one clicks on the tab titled News of the Work, the following is the most recent item:

Better Support For Mobile Devices

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Rod Reynolds

For mobile device users, we’ve made it easier to access content provided at cogmessenger.org.

The reality is that most groups whose leaders were once part of the old Worldwide Church of God or Global Church of God are NOT making much effort to even try to do the Philadelphian work. And of those who at least make an attempt, most are not doing it in truth (see Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God) and have rejected proper biblical governance (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government).

11/08/20 p.m. In a letter he sent dated 11/06/20, RCG's David Pack had the following:

David C. Pack

P.S. Brethren, this is for you. The possibility of a longer-than-expected wait became a reality. God has tested our patience—and is testing it even further—to see who believes Christ will “come quickly!” So much is at stake for those in the “little flock” that Christ promised would go first. I just wanted you to hear from me that there are a number of additional scriptures that tell us everything is RIGHT ON TRACK! Stay the course!

No, David Pack is wrong. God is not testing patience--if He is involved with RCG here, it is to help those in RCG see the truth that David Pack is wrong and is not God's apostle. More about RCG's history and some of its changes can be found in the article: Why Not the Restored Church of God?

11/02/20 a.m. A reader sent me a link to the following by RCG's David Pack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-RroXMymW8&feature=youtu.be

The link is to a video clip that is only 30 seconds long. In it, David Pack says the following about ministers who leave, "he's signed his death warrant, he's orphaned his children, he will not live ...their going to lose an eye and an arm...."

David Pack is NOT a true COG leader. His church will implode per 2 Peter 2:1-3. He has made wrong threats to other ministers in the past that did not come to pass--his threats are irrelevant as God is not backing him.

10/26/20 p.m. Today someone forwarded me an email dated 10/24/20 from Luis Garcia who had been a minister in RCG. He now has his own group called The Remnant of the Worldwide Church of God. Luis Garcia thinks that RCG was the Philadelphian remnant for a time--I disagree.

More about him and what he wrote is in the news post: More defections from David Pack’s RCG.

10/23/20 a.m. In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG had the following:

In January 2020, the city of Frankfurt hosted the first synodal assembly of the German Catholic church. Delayed by COVID-19 restrictions, smaller regional meetings resumed recently in September (CRUX, October 12, 2020). The 230-member synod, including bishops, archbishops, and lay people, convened in order to discuss how to stop the loss of German Catholic members. They discussed issues in four categories of concerns: matters concerning how power and authority are exercised in the church, issues of sexual morality, the priesthood, and how women might fit into the priesthood and other official roles. 

One German bishop noted that Pope Francis had communicated “dramatic concern” over the steps being taken by the Roman Catholic Church in Germany in forming a synod. In fact, Francis cautioned the bishops in Germany to avoid going “their own way” versus continuing in strong unity with Rome. On his mind, perhaps, was the possible creation of a “German national church”—an idea that has already been discussed among some in Germany.

Bible prophecies plainly describe a Germany-led “beast” power that will play an important role in the Holy Land at the end of the age and will powerfully influence geopolitics. This political and military superpower will also be closely aligned with a worldwide, apostate church, the “mother of harlots” (Revelation 17:5). In that light, these intriguing developments are worth watching. 

Let's look at what LCG does not seem to realize with the potential of this.

There has been a movement in Germany among the Roman Catholic clergy that some believe may cause a schism with the Vatican. After a coming reorganization Germany will support the Beast. Ultimately what is going to happen is that supporters of the Beast will turn against the Church of Rome.

This is prophesied in the Book of Revelation:

12 "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."

15 Then he said to me, "The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:12-18)

It may be that the German Roman Catholic clergy will be part of those that turn against the Church of the City of Seven Hills.

While I was with LCG as an appointed advisor to the evangelists, I pointed out that its literature had a contradiction related to the Church of Rome and who would turn against it. While it was acknowledged, it was not corrected while I was there, and seemingly not since.

Overall, although LCG agreed with me on my understandings of Revelation 17:12-18, officially it has not yet embraced them and sometimes teaches against parts. See also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?

10/19/20 p.m. Received a report from an attendee at the COGA Feast of Tabernacles site at the Lake of the Ozarks. He stated that nearly 400 were in attendance and hundreds watched online. He said it went well and that there were a lot of families there.

He and I then discussed proclaiming The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

10/17/20 a.m. Jesus taught:

43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God. (John 8:43-47)

Well, some of Satan's allies at Banned and the Painful Truth continue to post lies about me and others in CCOG. Here is some of what was posted yesterday at Banned:

Bob Thiel Getting Played By His African Leaders

This just in from Africa...

What we all have known for several years now is that Bob Thiel, the Great Bwana to Africa, has been a useful tool for some of his African leaders who have been using him along with other COG groups. They have a long history of doing this in addition to getting what they can from the Seventh Day Adventists.

Ochieng is supposedly Thiel's top "evangelist". If he is Thiel's official evangelist, does that make him an evangelist for the other COG groups too? But, since Thiel claims his group is the ONLY true church doing a work today, how does he justify Ochieng spending his valuable evangelistic time with the other groups?

Thought you would find this of interest. Bob Thiel's man in Africa, Evans Ochieng, works for any church he can. Currently, he works for these:

1. Midnight Ministries- Malcolm B Heap

2. Church of God In Truth and Peace- James Russel

3. A Voice In The Wilderness Church of God- Bill Goff

4. Continuing Church of God- Bob Thiel

First, before going further, let it be pointed out that I have NEVER said, written, nor posted that CCOG is the only church doing a work. I have written that we are the only Philadelphian organization, other COGs do various types of works, there are Philadelphians in other COGs, and just being in CCOG does not, of itself, make one a Philadelphian. Yet, Banned cannot seem to even get that right.

Second, back in 2013/2014 I communicated with the leaders of the first three listed groups that Banned posted and know the insinuation that Evans Ochieng is part of the other groups is false.

Third, while it is true that he once was part of Voice In The Wilderness Church of God (and part of GCG before that), in November 2013, Evans Ochieng contacted me and I called Bill Goff and discussed the situation. So, there was no duplicity as Bill Goff knew from November 2013 that Evans Ochieng was coming with CCOG--and I told Evans Ochieng the same day that I told Bill Goff all of this.

Fourth, Banned posted something immediately after the above list that contradicted its item 3. as it showed that Bill Goff has known for over 6 years that Evans Ochieng came with CCOG and was not with his A Voice In The Wilderness Church of God.

Fifth, I forwarded these two Banned posted to Evangelist Evans Ochieng last night and told him:

You do not need to respond, but I thought I would let you know. They lie all the time there.

Sixth, he did respond to me with the following today

Pastor Dr Bob,

Greetings from Kenya.

Thank you very much for forwarding to me all this lies. Those are dying horses. They do all these because they fear the speed with which the continuing church of God is growing in Africa. And the speed of the continuing church of God is doing the work worldwide. And how God is using you in the end time move of preaching the gospel. The doors are open for CONTINUING CHURCH OF GOD to preach and reach many nations and to open the eyes of blinded nations so that they can be called in the truth and to be in the first resurrection. PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY FOR A WONDERFUL WORK. be a blessed pastor and continue to do good work. Those people fear me  because they know that I'm a true evangelist. and they know the kind of work God has done through my hands. I do pray for such people to repent and be humble to God so that we all meet our saviour and king Jesus Christ.

Evans.

Seventh, Banned also posted the following in its latest post:

A source in Kenya confirms that the attendees don't consider Bob to be a prophet, but only attend for the money.

That is another lie--it is not that no one may have told Banned that lie, but the statement just is not true. Consider that groups such as LCG spend more money in Kenya than CCOG does. Yet, we have probably over 10 x the number of congregants in Africa Kenya than they do. If people wanted money there are other groups who spend more money in Africa than CCOG does. One thing that CCOG does that other most other COG groups have not done is produce literature in local languages, such as Luo, Kiswahili, and Ekegusii. People in places like Kenya appreciate having the truth available in languages other than English--yes it is helpful for the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to be preached throughout the world (Matthew 24:14) in numerous languages (we have done so in over 100 languages which are listed at the www.ccog.org page). But the idea that people in Kenya could have interest in the truths that the CCOG teaches is something that then anti-COG types do not wish to accept--instead they prefer to promote lies.

Jesus prophesied:

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:10-12)

Those at Banned, the Painful Truth, and various other places have regularly been fulfilling that prophecy and saying all kinds of things falsely against me and CCOG.

What people at Banned and the other anti-COG sites cannot stand is the idea that the true ministry is having success and is not in it for the money. The fact that my wife and I do not take a salary from CCOG grates on them as it is opposed to the lying narrative they wish to believe. While commandment keepers are to be rewarded, scripture warns about those who believe and love lies:

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:14-15)

Similar to how the Jews downplayed the significance of Gentile converts, people who do not truly have love for others downplay the significance of Africans responding to the truth.

Furthermore, for the end time, the fullness of the Gentiles must come in per Romans 11:25 (see also What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?). This is happening and CCOG is a major factor in this happening now.

10/15/20 a.m. There are various reports that RCG's David Pack claimed that Jesus would return this month or next year. Here is a recent RCG report along those lines:

October 13, 2020

Prophetic Update  
Greetings brethren worldwide!

What a wonderful Feast we just kept together. In light of all that we learned, this was TRULY the most unified we have ever been!

By now all or certainly most of you will have heard the last message and returned home. To say we are all excited about events soon to unfold would be an all-time understatement! The main intent of this short message is simply to say that everything is on track. ...

Mr. Pack has said that if time were to go on for a little while, it would only be because the devour month starts at the Feast of Tabernacles instead of the Feast of Trumpets next year. This would of course only mean a relatively brief additional wait. But all of us who have studied the relevant scriptures don’t see any way this could happen. The verses seem open and shut. Of course, things have seemed open and shut before, but clarified with time. If a few days pass, the question presented at the Feast would re-emerge: Do we go a few days or another year?

Interesting details continue to present themselves, which leads to an exercise you may wish to test yourself with as this announcement comes to a close. ...

If there were time for Mr. Pack to give another message, he would probably list these for you. But don’t look for that message, keep looking for Christ instead! It is highly unlikely we will get out of this week.

No, everything that David Pack has predicted is NOT on track. It is not possible for the end to come in 2020 or 2021 (for biblical details, check out the articles The Great Tribulation: What Happens First? and When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2020, 2021, or 2022?).

There is no way the end can come this week! RCG is wrong.

More about RCG's history and some of its changes can be found in the article: Why Not the Restored Church of God?

10/08/20 p.m. The CCOG successfully covered the entire "Book of the Law," the Book of Deuteronomy, as scripture states is to be done every seven years during the Feast of Tabernacles today.

Here are links to the sermons that covered it these Feast:

• The Book of the Law: Deuteronomy 1-4

• The Book of the Law: Deuteronomy 5-10

• The Book of the Law: Deuteronomy 11-16

• The Book of the Law: Deuteronomy 17-23

• The Book of the Law: Deuteronomy 24-28

• The Book of the Law: Deuteronomy 29-34

Thus, once again, the CCOG covered the entire Book of the Law as commanded in Deuteronomy 31.

Oddly, someone who attended a different COG sent me the following today:

I am sitting in services as I write this. The current sermon speaker just referenced this scripture as his first scriptural reference today:

Deut 31:

9 And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.
10 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,
11 When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.

... And then proceeded to declare that THAT is indeed what they have been doing all week. Of course that brought to mind you and all of CCOG worldwide. They (xCG) have touched on aspects of the law but they certainly have NOT been reading it nor is this speaker doing so now. Ironically, this speaker's sermon is actually espousing the need to read the law but he is not actually doing it. Fortunately technology has allowed me and others to hear the CCOG sermons from anywhere. So, thank you for that.

So, a speaker from that group CLAIMED to do this, but it was not done. Let's just say that is, at best, quite lukewarm.

More on the Book of the Law can be found in the article: The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law.

10/01/20 a.m. The Feast of Tabernacles begins at sunset October 2nd, and including the Last Great Day, runs through sunset October 10th. Here is some information about it in CCOG's Letter to the Brethren: October 1, 2020:

The Feast of Tabernacles for 2020 is almost upon us. Services are to begin the evening of October 2nd and continue until the Last Great Day which is October 10th. It is a time we can meet as brethren each Fall as well as learn and exhort one another.

Notice also the following:

10 …”At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of release, at the Feast of Tabernacles, 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe all the words of this law, 13 and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land which you cross the Jordan to possess.” (Deuteronomy 31:10-13).

Notice that this reading of the book of the law was to happen every seven years. Although this has been overlooked by most COG groups, in the CCOG we did this in 2013, and thus are intending to do it seven years later, which is this year, in 2020. ...

Different Sites, Different Recommendations

While ALL CCOG sites need to cover the Book of the Law in 2020, there are different ways this is expected to be done.

Sites with live sermon speaker (USA, Serbia, Africa, and India) are to have sermons that will, by the end of the Feast of Tabernacles, have covered the entire Book of Deuteronomy.

Those sites that do not have sufficient internet connections (such as the Philippines and parts of Africa) should watch the sermon DVDs that were sent a couple of weeks ago. In some cases, those sermons should be translated live into local languages. If the DVDs do not arrive (and they had not arrived in Ethiopia when I last heard), please at least have someone read the entire Book of Deuteronomy in the local language during the Feast of Tabernacles.

Sites that understand English and have sufficient internet connection (Australia, Canada, and New Zealand) should watch the 2020 ‘Book of the Law’ sermons if possible. However, because of time zone and other issues, they will not be able to start until a day or two after the Feast of Tabernacles begins. They should watch at least three of the following first four to start the Feast (sunset Friday through sunset Saturday), as well as the final two below for the Last Great Day (and yes, with the ‘Book of the Law’ sermons, this adds up to 9 sermons in 8 days):

2020 Feast of Tabernacles Opening Night Message

Offertory – Feast of Tabernacles

Christian Feast of Tabernacles

Behind The Work 2020: Into East Africa

Last Great Day Offertory

Last Great Day: God is impartial and has a plan for all

For those not able to physically attend, if they have sufficient internet access (and understand English), they should follow the same guidelines (plus probably also read the article How to Keep God’s Festivals).

In the event we are unable to upload one or more Book of the Law sermons from 2020, the related one(s) of the following from 2013 can be watched:

• Feast of Tabernacles: Deuteronomy 1-4.
• Deuteronomy 5-12.
• Deuteronomy 13-17.
• Deuteronomy Chapters 18 – 24.
• Deuteronomy 25-30.
• Deuteronomy 31-34.

Anyway, yes, we expect Philadelphian Christians to hear the ‘Book of the Law’ read during the Feast of Tabernacles in 2020. ...

Concluding Comments

Moses wrote:

2 … The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts. (Leviticus 23:2)

34 … The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord. 35 On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. … 41 You shall keep it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. (Leviticus 23:34-35,41)

Brethren, keep God’s Feast of Tabernacles.

As the Apostle Paul declared, by all means keep this coming feast (Acts 18:21). Please plan to do so if possible.

The existence of COVID-19 is NOT a biblical reason not to keep it. Though if you have COIVD-19 or are otherwise a carrier of a contagious disease, obviously you should not attend.

Yes, CCOG does follow the scriptural admonition to cover the Book of the Law every seven years at the Feast of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 31:10-13). Information about CCOG's festival sites can be found in the following link: Feast of Tabernacles' Sites for 2020.

09/29/20 p.m. Sheldon Monson's church now has a website: https://cogassembly.org/

09/28/20 a.m. The 7th Day Church of God News page reported the following:

Church of God Assembly

There was live streaming of morning and afternoon services on the Day of Trumpets, when other congregations were holding their own services and then watching one of the live broadcasts. Several congregations had over 50 attending, including 52 in Maryland with Sheldon Monson and 55 in Texas with Jason Fritts.

Sheldon Monson said that live streaming would be extended to various locations across the USA and to other countries.

The church’s only internet presence is a Youtube channel, to which recordings of the Sabbath and holy day sermonettes and sermons are being uploaded.

Several hundred people have registered for the Festival of Tabernacles.

As this new church does not provide any contact details for its congregations, all these people must have come from the Living Church of God.

09/21/20 p.m. In his resignation letter from the Restored Church of God, Gregory E. Kaidannek had the following (note: the numbering starts twice below, the total looks to be 69 listed changes according to the following):

Looking back today, it is not difficult to see that truth has been slowly departing from the RCG (hindsight is 20/20). After studying Haggai and Zechariah for a lengthy time (and a notable prediction) the Pastor General, began a new series at The Feast of Tabernacles in 2015 centered around “ the Temple of the Lords House being built IN the last days… (Isa 2; Micah 4)” and “…the first Dominion being set up” (Micah 4:8). This later became 266 messages (and counting) titled “The Greatest Story Never Told” (NOTE: the word STORY as you continue to read). Along the way the narrative has changed, reversed, changed, reversed, changed, reversed etc. so many times in incredibly confusing fashion that very few brethren can keep up. Most do not even know or fully understand what they are supposed to believe anymore concerning the most important events yet ahead. ...

God’s words to those of Philadelphia, “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Rev 3:7-11) ...

In his first 30 reasons sermon (instrumental to those leaving the WCG in the 1990s) Mr. Pack even states the following, “if HWA was wrong on so many points, why was this the only era that was never criticized by God?” How soon we forget!  ...

Please review the list and take the time. You should. Be honest and ask yourself “have I held fast what I have?” And could my Eternal “crown” be in jeopardy? (new teaching is in bold – in some cases old teaching is not mentioned for obvious reasons): 

1. Present Truth –truth can change depending upon how a man wants to read it vs. the truth that was delivered and canonized for all eras of the Church to learn i.e. General Epistle. **This has been the mantle by which anything can be changed on a whim. 

2. Apostles can’t get doctrine wrong – i.e. infallibility vs. they can privately interpret and be in danger of becoming castaways – some can even be “ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” – think 266 messages and counting.

3. Prophets do not have to be spoken to by an angel, receive an utterance, or a vision vs. God’s clear outline that they do (Numbers 12:6) 

1. Prophets can be wrong on multiple dates (over 2 dozen times Apr 2019-Jan 2020) while stating “on God’s authority” vs. Duet 18:22 stating you should reject them and not fear them. ** do not forget his latest prediction after re-announcing himself just this week! 

2. A man can call himself a Prophet and then take it back and assume the role of Apostle after being wrong repeatedly then re-assume the role of a Prophet 

3. An apostle’s job is to “forecast” future events vs. Preach the gospel, warn the nations, and teach the truth to God’s people 

4. Apostles can also be Prophets at the same time (see Point 3) 

5. That Prophet – Elijah - DCP vs Christ 

6. Joshua is also Elijah vs. a Levitical Priest 

7. OT Passover Date – 15th ABIB vs 14th (Lev 23) 

8. “Evening” Exodus 12:6 no longer means exactly “between the evening" DUSK – the period between sunset and darkness vs the slaughtering of the lamb happened on the 14th and could never have happened on the 15th 

9. Night to Be Much Observed is really the 21st of Abib vs 15th (Exodus 12:37-41) 

10. Predestination – God knew our names and engineered our births before the world was created (Calvinism) vs. God did not engineer rape, incest, divorce, adultery for 6000 years because He turns away from sin (Isa 59:1-2) but Predetermined to Call those who “were of a poor and contrite spirit” when it was the optimum time for them to succeed.

11. “Animal People” – people who were simply made “animals” from the beginning vs made in the image and likeness of God who He wants to eventually have an opportunity for Eternal Salvation 

12. Bodies like Christ – not yet Eternal vs. Christ who is Eternal and was glorified like He was at the First after His Resurrection.

13. Two Stage Salvation vs. Salvation = Eternal Life 

14. Angels cannot be Holy vs. Anything in God’s presence or with His name is Holy (i.e. vessels, ground, days, garments, Throne, unconverted children, etc.)

15. Angels in Revelation are Saints 

16. “Sure Mercies of David” – means David C Pack vs God’s Promise referenced multiple times in scripture to have a descendant of David sit on the throne until Christ does (Isa 55:3; Acts 13:4;II Sam 7:14-16; II Sam 23:5) 

17. The Twig of Isa 11 – Elijah - DCP vs. Ancient Resurrected David (the tree is Jesse – trunk and roots – Ancient David is a twig and Christ grows out of the roots)

18. King David disqualified himself and lost his role in the Kingdom and David Pack will assume it – Psa. 89 vs. David was given an everlasting promise as a man after God’s own heart and Christ repeatedly made reference of him in a positive way in the NT 

19. Last Great Day has two meanings – the 8th (Great) Day after the Feast of Tabernacles and ALSO the Last day of Unleavened Bread vs. ONLY the 8th (Great) Day after the Feast of Tabernacles 

20. Secret coming of Christ “slipping from a cloud” vs like manner simply meaning Christ will come again in the clouds 

21. 7th and 8th Heads are separate systems vs. there are 7 heads and the 8th Head is OF the 7th as part of the same system 

22. Two Tribulations – a bad one and then a Great One vs. One Great Tribulation 

23. Israel is resurrected twice – this generation and then all who have ever lived vs. Only once for all those who never had a chance 

24. The Father is coming with Christ vs. much later - Rev 21:3“Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with men and they shall be His people and God Himself shall be with them and be their God.” 

25. Three Kingdoms – 4 phases - each interrupted by uncontrollable evil vs. 1st phase Holy Spirit in us, 2nd phase birth of 144,000, 3rd phase all those who have ever lived get a chance 

26. God of the OT who interacted with mankind is also the Father vs. only pre-incarnate Christ (the Word) because no one has seen or heard God (John 1:18; I John 4:12; I Tim 6:6; Acts 7:38) 

27. Some people have seen and spoken to the Father vs. plain scripture stating otherwise (John 5:7; John 8:58; Exodus 3:14- 16) 

28. The Devil can Create vs. God is the Creator of Life 

29. Clear scriptures were “over-read” vs. we believe God’s word for what it says because it is refined 7x, pure and perfect 

30. We are going to the 3rd Heaven to receive salvation vs Meeting Christ in the air, being changed and ruling on earth 

31. Revelation does not apply to us or the last generation before the Kingdom- seals, horsemen, beasts, etc. vs. it ties directly to Matt 24/Mk 13/Lk 21 

32. Christ is not the Lord of Hosts – (see point 26 & 27)

33. Christ is not King of Kings – (see point 26 & 27) 

34. There are 4 separate “thief in the night” events

35. There are 5 judgments 

36. The Day of Christ is not the Day of the Lord 

37. There are TWO days of the Lord 

38. Unconverted rebellious adult children get first chances at salvation vs. they get treated as others do 

39. Day of the Lord is just a day vs. one year 

40. Grace is simply “gratefulness” vs. a gift to be grateful for (i.e. Eternal life which no man can earn). Unmerited pardon! 

41. The Ezekiel warning after the Kingdom arrives vs. before the Kingdom and the sword is coming! 

42. Ezekiel (also Elijah/Joshua at the same time), who has received salvation, but also a Prophet vs. a prophet has always been a position held by a man without yet having salvation 

43. First commission NO LONGER includes the Ezekiel warning 

44. Doing the Work is the Campus FIRST – then preaching a Gospel 

45. Key of David may be government vs. knowing where the tribes of Israel and throne of David are today 

46. Deut. 28/ Lev. 26 do not apply to this generation in Israel 

47. All the NT saints who died in the faith must be resurrected back to physical life to go through a final test – some with gifts, some saved, but not yet God beings vs. they had their chance for salvation and may have lost reward if they never fell away 

48. Christ is returning to Wadsworth (Joseph) not Jerusalem 

49. Col. 2:16– refers to a specific sequence events vs. Holy Days, Sabbath, New Moon (Being an outline) picturing the plan of God 

50. Rev 10 – 7th angel is David C. Pack vs an actual angel 

51. 7th angel sounds before 1-6 get to 

52. All the angels of Revelation 2 and 3 are the same angels that blow the 7 trumpets vs. the angels that blow the 7 trumpets occur after the Church eras are complete 

53. There are two New Heavens and New Earth Events 

54. Old waste places and lands are healed for 1 year in the KOG then the Father changes out the “ball”/earth vs. a thousand years of utopia before a new heavens and a new earth 

55. Parables are more literal than parabolic 

56. David C. Pack was the first minister to ever teach “no man can know the day or the hour” vs an understanding, paragraph after paragraph in WCG literature stating otherwise dating back to the original Bible Correspondence Course

57. It is a sin to have hope – you must have faith –Ministerial Conference Lecture/Sermon 2019 vs. faith, hope and love. 

58. Behemoth is a dinosaur vs. Baluchitherium PT March 1964 (pg 16, 41-42) (Job 40:14)–“ was made with you” – i.e. during the re-creation week) 

59. If you believe that “no man can know the day or the hour” you have a lazy mind 

60. Place of Safety applies only during the 2nd KOG 

61. Elijah is the fig tree making Christ the vine in the statement – “every man will sit under his own vine and fig tree” vs. literal vines and fig trees in a utopian society 

62. The word read in Revelation means “know again” meaning Revelation had to be revealed? vs. the book being revealed – the name of the book means Apocalypse – a Revelation – to rip the cover off and reveal, to disclose. 

63. I Sam. 2:35– faithful priest is David C. Pack 

64. There is a second 70 year’s prophecy for Jerusalem in Jeremiah vs. the Ancient prophecy ending in 609-539 BC 

65. Christ does not need to finish his 69th week (i.e. 3.5 years) vs. He needs to finish it 

66. Blindly follow Church Government vs. Prove all things with an open Bible and HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD (I Thess. 5:21) 

67. …more to come – error always begets more error 

(**by the time you read the list it may already be out of date as things change so often) 

Read and re-read the list. Add others if you can think of them. Do your research. Use old Church literature and free resources online from past literature produced by the Worldwide Church of God. Ask yourself the hard questions – “is this going to get better or worse?” “Do I honestly believe these new teachings?” “can I prove them?” “do I have faith in them or in a man?” “Does deception get better on its own?” “Should I continue to sit at the foot of a false prophet while he prophesies?” “What was my baptismal commitment? – the only reason to leave the Church is if truth has left the building” 

I waited a long time before taking this step.

In Christ’s service, 

Gregory E. Kaidannek 

Minister 

Let me state that, in the past couple of years, there were so many new errors and heresies in RCG there was not much point in bringing them up. Now, not everything Gregory E. Kaidaneck listed was a heresy--for example the Apostle Paul was ALSO a prophet. And without more details on some of the above, they are not clearly defined.

But for over 20 years, I warned that RCG's priorities and focus was wrong--and it certainly still is. As I have written here before, I consider that David Pack is often a bully and I doubt His conversion.

Apparently, there are other changes as well. In his resignation letter from the Restored Church of God, Brian Kaidannek, father of Gregory, had the following:

From: Brian Kaidannek 
Sent: September 19, 2020 9:05 PM

Subject: Hold Fast That Which is Good

 

Greetings brethren,

The time has come when I must speak. I am charged to protect the sheep from false teachings, and I can no more remain silent as the meaning of the Holydays comes under further attack. This is changing times and seasons. Leviticus 23 and Exodus 13 are plain scriptures which explain the spring Holydays and exactly when they occur. The Jews in Old Testament times confuse them, and that confusion remains to this day. Now we have followed suit. Mr. Pack has ignored what we all once knew that even is dusk or twilight, which is the time between sunset and darkness. There is only one even or evening in each day and it is at the beginning of the day. Look in Genesis where God says “… and the evening and the morning was the first day.” etc. Passover is completely separate from the NBTO. It is a violation of the rules of Bible study to go to an unclear scripture in Ezekiel and make a doctrine in the face of the clear scriptures mentioned above.

We have seen over the last few years how the teachings of a faithful apostle, who was the apostle to the Philadelphian era, an era which God had nothing bad to say about in Rev. 3, become destroyed and or altered. How could this era have been so wrong in it’s understanding?

... We also now teach a Calvinistic type of predestination which was never taught in the previous era as this type of teaching will lead into even more heresy as time goes forward. Read our Predestination booklet, it still has it correct. Which leads me to a significant point. Our literature, in many cases, more closely reflects what we taught in the past and is far different from what is being taught in the church in sermons and so many come looking for a group that teaches what Mr. Armstrong taught and we now have a type of bait and switch going on. This is simply wrong! ...

Mr. Pack, who declared last Feast of Tabernacles that he was a prophet and had been for some time then went on to make a plethora of predictions of when Christ would return, none of which obviously came to pass. ...

Again his prediction failed and he proved himself false. How can we sit at the feet of, and listen to, this false prophet?

Many have said, “This is a test of our faith”, and to a degree that is true. But brethren this is not the first apostacy that I have encountered. ...

We are told to hold fast that which is good. What we are hearing IS NOT GOOD!

David Pack, the one who originally claimed that RCG stood for "precision of doctrine" has made many changes that are not good.

More about RCG's history and some of its changes can be found in the article: Why Not the Restored Church of God?

09/21/20 a.m. RCG reported the following:

Church Administration 

Sun 2020-09-20 5:46 PM


Dear brethren,

Greetings from Headquarters. We trust that you had a profitable day of Trumpets. The Work continues to surge forward despite a world growing darker.

Yesterday evening, some of you received an email from either Brian Kaidannek or his son Greg, stating they are no longer in agreement with the teachings of God’s Church. These emails came not long after Mr. Pack’s recent comments were posted. Sadly, it appears that Brian Kaidannek followed his son out of the Church. ....

Greg Kaidannek’s portrayal of his time at Headquarters is flat wrong. As one who has been in scores of meetings, there is always a chance to ask questions. His problem was not questions; it was attitude. Personal spiritual issues (not prophecy) led to him being demoted in rank (which rarely happens) and given a field assignment over a small congregation. God is patient and merciful, so we hoped that this correction and re-assignment would help him develop the heart of a shepherd and learn to focus on others. His letter made it evident that he chose not to address his problems, but instead justified his transfer and allowed bitterness to set in.

Brian Kaidannek was fully aware of his son’s issues. He agreed this was the right move to help him. In private discussions at Headquarters, we were concerned that if Greg Kaidannek left, his father would follow him. Again, sadly, this proved accurate.

Brethren, please understand that the ministry must walk a fine line when giving you details when someone leaves.

RCG has been losing ministers for some time. And while it is correct that all details are not usually appropriate to be made public, the reality is that RCG has a lot of wrong and contradictory teachings. More about it can be found in the article: Why Not the Restored Church of God?

09/20/20 p.m. Saw a claim that Greg, Leanne, and Brian Kaianndek, two of which were RCG ministers, have left RCG.

09/13/20 a.m. Banned by HWA, an anti-COG site, posted the following related to Sheldon Monson and LCG::

News Delivery: I can't confirm or deny anything, but what I heard from Sheldon Munson on his private live stream today was interesting. From what I heard, it sounds like he took at least, at the bare minimum, 200 or so LCG members. He said several hundred have already signed up for his prospective Feast site in the USA. He also made note of several large groups he already has. He also mentioned people in Kenya watching his live stream. He referred to them as brethren so I'm guessing he now has supporters in Kenya. He said he appreciates them working with his particular group down the road. They probably broke away from LCG too I'm assuming. I know he visited Kenya around 2012 or 13 I believe. So the people who are supporting him more than likely know him personally. So if I were to take an educated guess I think Sheldon and his group he formed took away somewhere around the ballpark of 500 members.

I did not listen to Sheldon Monson's live stream yesterday, hence do not have confirmation of this. Sheldon Monson and Jason Fritts remain in my prayers.

09/08/20 a.m. Presuming it is correct that Sheldon Monson's church is being named "Church of God Assembly," it turns out that there is another group with that name in the UK. According to its website, a woman named Abigail Borquaye is the pastor of Church of God Assembly. It does not appear to be an actual COG. Here is the home page of the website https://churchofgodassembly.org/

Perhaps a different name will be selected by Sheldon Monson, who remains in my prayers.

09/06/20 a.m Banned by HWA, an anti-COG site, posted the following related to Sheldon Monson and LCG::

During the live streaming of services, September 5th at 2:00pm EDT, for the "COG Broadcast YouTube Channel." Sheldon Monson officially announced the formation of the newest Church of God group to hit the world scene. After some time of discussion and because of their origin, they decided the best title for their new group should be "Church of God Assembly." This was quite predictable considering the hint dropping every week during Sheldon's personal services on YouTube. ... NDA

There was no website for Sheldon Monson's group when I just checked, but presumably there will be. This group does not seem to have formed for Philadelphian reasons, as neither it nor LCG properly accept what the Bible teaches on church government (see The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government). However, perhaps one or both of them will change.

08/29/20 p.m. On August 24, 2020, I received the following unsolicited email from someone I had not spoken to for three years and who was not in any COG:

Hi Bob, it's your old radio promoter XXXXX XXXXXX, and I remembered your name after seeing some Thiel headlines recently. I'm not doing media anymore, but it's neat to see how your were right in your predictions.

Anyway hope things are going well otherwise,

The following was my response the same day:

Nice to hear from you.

 

Yes, in all the books you tried to help promote, I was right on all the predictions in them (eg. events aligned with 33 in my 2012 book by the end of 2012, to cite one example).

 

One radio host you got me an interview with years ago, who had been a Trump delegate in 2016, told me I was right on most of the ones in the Trump book except about Trump increasing the debt. Obviously, that happened.

 

Anyway, should you have the itch to do this type of promotion again, let me know.

 

While less and less are interested in truth, there still is a need to broadcast it.

 

Best regards,

 

Bob Thiel

So, yes, even others who have paid attention to what I believe I was led to write based upon my understanding of the Bible, can see that predictions have come to pass.

Despite improper accusations from various ones on the internet that I am some type of a false prophet, to the best of my knowledge, I have never once posted a false prediction (and I do try to indicate when something is speculation), nor do those critics actually post any "false" predictions that I supposedly made and provide proof that even one was false. Thus, those who love the truth will not listen to their false dismissals. Furthermore, I did not anoint myself (Gaylyn Bonjour anointed me with oil) and am not self-ordained, but am God-ordained. Yet sadly, some so misunderstand the role of prophets in the New Testament that they would rather believe the lies about me than face the truth that the actual facts reveal.

While some have suggested that these numerous specified predictions were simply informed analyses as opposed to prophecies (and many likely were), I would add that I told LCG's Davy Crockett in August 2008, several weeks before Dr. Meredith had his first ministroke, that I believed that God was about to strike one of LCG's top leaders down (meaning likely Dr. Meredith) if LCG did not keep certain promises related to correcting literature, etc. And this happened to Dr. Meredith on September 19, 2008. Furthermore, I tried to meet with Dr. Meredith on December 19, 2011 to tell him that it seemed God was telling me that his wife was about to be struck with something serious. A few weeks later (per Dr. Meredith’s letter dated 1/12/12), Dr. Meredith reported that his wife (who was much younger than he) was stricken with stage four cancer (she later died on November 29, 2013). Those two predictions were not the result of news analytical skills on my behalf, but I believe were insights from God's Spirit.

Yet, instead of accepting that God moved me to state that Dr. Meredith's wife was about to be struck with something, and that being confirmed about four weeks later, someone made up the spin story that 'everyone knew Sheryl Meredith was gravely ill and that I would have known that when I said it.' That is wrong for at least two reasons: 1) I lived thousands of miles away from Charlotte and did not know the state of her health and 2) the stage four diagnosis did not happen until AFTER God moved me on this. Yet, many despise prophecies.

Oddly, some have challenged me to "prophesy" something on my own. Others tried to do that with Jesus (Mark 14:65; Matthew 26:68), but He ignored their requests. For other prophets, it simply does not work that way--"for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). God must grant the prophecy, then the prophet states it. And as the last line of the previous paragraph shows, I did do that. Those who claim that I should be able to prophesy on according to my own, or their demands, are in conflict with the Bible. A true prophet speaks as God directs and when God directs. Jesus was repeatedly hit because He would not prophesy on demand (Mark 14:65; Matthew 26:68). Various ones insult me and/or consider me false for following His example this way.

Now, I cannot tell people when God will lead me to other prophetic insights. But my prophetic track record seems unparalleled in modern times. And yes, I accept the prophetic office I was ordained by God and anointed into. The fruits are there (cf. Matthew 7:16-20).

Those who believe that God is fulfilling Acts 2:17-18 these days may wish to read the articles Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? and Church of God Leaders on Prophets.

08/22/20 a.m Banned by HWA, an anti-COG site, posted the following related to Sheldon Monson and LCG:

We have been in contact with Sheldon Monson, he has no intention to start his own church, at least at this time, as far as I know. We have been told he will pray and fast about the current situation he is in. For now he is holding Sabbath services online which would seem to be appropriate considering the fact he does not know what to do. I believe Sheldon is trying to do the right thing. I trust his word and my hope is he will.

Now regarding LCG actions. I believe it was unnecessary and wrong for LCG to treat Sheldon the way they did. No contact anymore? If true, not a good look. Was he really doing anything wrong though? I think we need to ask that question and take it to a serious level of consideration. Am I right or am I wrong? LCG members: this was not the 1st case of crookedness by the way.. LCG has been caught in lies to name one further example.

Now, here's something you may have not heard: 

Sheldon said he complied to rules from LCG and was able to hold Sabbath Services outside for 5 Months or so within LCG after the pandemic began, that is, COVID-19. But something strange happened from my understanding. LCG flipped the script and decided to change the policy regarding outside service from what I understand. They decided, as in the council of elders I believe, to take away access to outdoor services. For what reason? They never gave a proper explanation as to why. As many of us know, Sheldon, stood up for what he believed was right. By the way, this is not the only reason why LCG fired him and disfellowshipped him. Sheldon personally thinks it was a test of compliance. Odd, I know. Sheldon was an outspoken member during his time in the council of elders. Which made him quite unliked from what I heard. So I'm not really surprised and I don't think Sheldon is either, that they may have done something crooked, mind you, again. I'm not saying they surely did but they certainly could of.. Sheldon is not the only person I suppose you could say was abused, if what I said earlier could be true. My father was. Our close friend was. Dibar Apartian, right before his death from my understanding. The Scarboroughs from what I heard. The list goes on.

To everyone: LCG needs really needs to take the weightier matters of the law very seriously which they claim to hold to. (Matthew 7:16–20)

As far as the weightier matters of the law go, one of the things LCG agreed to do when I was an appointed advisor to the evangelists on doctrine and prophecy in a December 2011 neeting was to add something about mercy in its offiical Statement of Beliefs. But as of this morning, that still has not happened even though Dr. Meredith promised to have that and other changes done by the end of January 2012. For details, check out December 2011 Proposed changes to LCG's Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs. Perhaps now LCG will consider that. Sheldon Monson (and Jason Fritts) remains in my prayers.

As far as Dibar Apartian goes, he counted me as a friend and repeatedly encouraged me to point out to the other evangelists errors that LCG was teaching. And even though that is something that Dr. Meredith had essentially forced me to promise (against my will) to do, he and others turned against me and against keeping their word. As most should know, I left LCG because its top leaders did not have proper integrity and had priority issues in conflict with scripture, plus had insufficient love of the truth. Here is a link to an article with more details: Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God.

Note: I have NOT been in contact with Sheldon Munson or Jason Fritts and do not know their plans.

08/21/20 p.m. Without using the term "marked," that looks what Gerald Weston has done related to Sheldon Monson:

August 19, 2020

God tells us that He hates the sowing of discord (Proverbs 6:14, 16-19). We are instructed in Romans 16:17, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” As most of you already know, Mr. Sheldon Monson has chosen to leave the Living Church of God ministry, walking contrary to the wisdom of the Council of Elders, which did their best in a loving manner to help him see he was on the wrong path. ...

Recent events indicate he has made the further decision to start his own work, effectively causing division within some families and congregations. We must therefore inform you that Mr. Sheldon Monson is, by his actions, causing division, and according to scripture, we are to take note of such individuals and avoid contact with them.

Sincerely, in Christ’s service,

Gerald E. Weston

We will see what happens with Sheldon Monson. I pray he will strive to be Philadelphian.

08/20/20 a.m. In its Letter to the Brethren: August 20, 2020, CCOG had the following:

Sabbath Service in Texas

There is a small gathering planned for church services this Sabbath, August 22, 2020, near Dallas, Texas:

We will be gathering together from 12:00-4:00 at Quality Suites in Addison, Texas. I’m sorry to give you such short notice. We finally found a meeting place today.

Chad Branton is the contact person for those who would like to be there. His email address is brantonlc@yahoo.com

This is the first time the CCOG has anything like that in the Dallas area, so if you have interest and are close enough to attend, this would be a good time to send Chad Branton an email.

08/14/20 p.m. In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG had the following:

More Exits from the EU?

In May, a poll showed that only 39 percent of Italians trust the EU. Building on this fact, a popular Italian senator recently formed a new political party with the intent of helping Italy exit the EU—just as the U.K. has done (Reuters, July 21, 2020). A few days before forming his party, Gianluigi Paragone met with “Brexit architect Nigel Farage” to gain insights on the process.

Senator Paragone’s party is called “No Europe for Italy” (Bloomberg, July 23, 2020). Paragone has stated, “The euro is in fact a slightly-devalued Deutsche Mark, so Germany does better” in “a Germanic union.” He believes that the EU is not for all Europeans, but is instead a “Germanic construct.” Paragone hopes to capitalize on the growing “anti-euro sentiment” throughout the continent. Yet, that negative EU sentiment could soften when Italy receives a substantial financial boost from the recently approved euro recovery fund.

So, it remains to be seen how far Italy will move away from Europe and the euro. However, Italy is not alone in its growing resentment of the German- and French-centered EU, as there are several nations among the current 27 members that seem to be balking at more pro-EU efforts. Bible prophecy clearly states that the final revival of the Roman Empire will be a combination of “ten kingdoms” that hand their power over to a centralized “beast” power for a time (Daniel 2:41–43; Revelation 17). 

No, Italy is not going to be separate from the Beast power that will arise in Europe (see also my June 20th post: Italeave? Italy Once Again on the Eurozone Worry List).

Most in LCG will not realize that what someone in LCG was seemingly doing with this item was to provide something hoped to support LCG's once published position that there will be 10 or 11 total currently existing nations under the power of the Beast is still plausible (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).

LCG has many prophetic misunderstandings and doctrinal errors (see What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God?), and this is one that I thought maybe it had gotten past, but apparently it has not.

08/14/20 a.m. The anti-COG site, the Banned by HWA posted the following related to RCG:

From the money whores at Restored Church of God. Never has the church seen a more money-obsessed COG than with Dave Pack.

Your Offerings and Donations Are Making a Difference!

The Restored Church of God is reaching millions of people every year with the gospel of the kingdom of God. This Work is made possible by the voluntary, freely given tithes and offerings of the members of the Church and by offerings and donations of co-workers and donors around the world. This Work could not be accomplished without your support.

Over the years, we have been asked if automobiles, boats, stocks, even homes could be donated. The Church has not been in a position to accept such non-cash or “in-kind” gifts before, but that is no longer the case. In a giant step forward for the Work of God, The Restored Church of God can now facilitate all types of non-cash donations through the services of iDonate.com, which provides more options to give to the Work of God.

For an idea of what iDonate can do, here are some examples of non-cash gifts accepted by the service for other non-profits:

• Grain: A farmer decided to donate a portion of his business inventory, which was grain ($306,000).
• Designer Handbag: A girl used her Louis Vuitton handbag once, but decided to donate it ($950).
• 2005 Honda Shadow: After losing her husband, a widow donated his motorcycle for which she had no use ($4,166).
• Chaparral Ski Boat: Another woman wanted to sell her ski boat, but dreaded the selling process and instead donated it ($14,000).
• Lynx 54” Portable Grill: One man donated his gently used grill when it came time to sell his home ($4,500).

Donating Non-Cash Items Is Simple!

To make non-cash donations go to the Member Services section of rcg.org and click the iDonate tab under “Member Options.”

While Banned is often wrong and overly negative, it is true that RCG is overly money obsessed (see also Why Not the Restored Church of God?).

I expect RCG will one day essentially collapse.

08/07/20 p.p.m. After reporting the previous item, the following came out from Gerald Weston:

It is with a sad heart that I must announce that Sheldon Monson and Jason Fritts are no longer in the ministry of the Living Church of God. We spent four and a half hours on Monday of this week with both of them discussing differences over masks, singing, how faith is exercised, and a few other issues. Then we held a Council of Elders meeting yesterday with Mr. Monson and 16 other members and advisors of the Council for another four and a half hours. Today Dr. Douglas Winnail and I talked with Mr. Monson on the phone and he agreed that we have come to a parting of ways. We also spent more than two hours with Mr. Fritts and could not reach an agreement on these subjects.

Yes, those are the two ministers I heard had left LCG.

Gerald Weston also reported:

We do not have personal animosity toward either of these men. Mr. Monson has been a faithful minister for many years and Mr. Fritts, though younger, has also served faithfully for a number of years. We want to make this breach between us as painless and amicable as possible, but it is impossible as an ordained minister to hold different views of how to conduct services during this temporary time of stress and not cause division, no matter how sincerely held those views may be. Even without intending to do so, this causes confusion and fragmentation among members of the Church. It is important to understand the reasons for some of the decisions the Church has made and that were confirmed by 16 longtime ministers yesterday in the Council. And let me assure you that these are not all “yes men,” as those of you who know them can attest.

As far as being "yes men" goes, while I do not have all the details on this current matter, only one of those 16 to the best of my knowledge stood up against the improper falling away position that LCG insisted would set it apart from other COGs in a "must play" sermon.

Any interested in the truth about the falling away that the longtime LCG ministers should have brought up is in an article I wrote in 2012, with minor adjustments since, titled: The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings.

08/07/20 p.m. Received an email report that two LCG ministers (one of which I have met) were fired because of taking a difference stance on COVID-19 restrictions. Until more confirmation is received, I will refrain from sharing their names as I want more certainty before providing such details..

07/28/20 p.m. LCG reported the following:

We are greatly saddened to lose two longtime, faithful servants of God this past week. Mr. Ben Whitfield had been suffering numerous health issues for several years, and his body finally wore out. “Big Ben” and his wife Mary-Pat graduated from Ambassador College the same year as Carol and I, and have been very dear to us. Also, Mrs. Lynn Meakin, wife of Pastor John Meakin, went to sleep after her struggle with cancer. ... Gerald Weston   

I will pray for the families of the deceased. I knew the Whitfields, but not the Meakins.

07/24/20 p.m. COG Michael Thiel, formerly of WCG and GCG, just made a new quiz. Here is a link: Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He also helped put together the following:

Bible Challenger Numerous Bible games.
Self Grading Bible Quiz 15 questions and a report card when you finish.
The Good Samaritan A public domain claymation for younger people.
Paul in Damascus Not a quiz, but a Lego-animation.
John 21 Not a quiz, but (other than a Lego suggesting a long-haired Jesus) a biblical story for young people.
David vs. Goliath A higher level animation for older young people.
Solomon's Temple This is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist's understanding of the details about Solomon's temple.
Nehemiah Animation A four minute, sometimes silly, Lego-animation related to Nehemiah and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
Bible Crossword Puzzle
Who Wants to be a Biblical Millionaire? A sophisticated quiz. Now with over 1,000 questions to help challenge and build your knowledge of the Bible.
Night to Be Observed. This is a CCOG animation, not public domain, related to the Night To Be Observed. It provides historical and prophetic information.
Pentecost Quiz This is a Pentecost quiz based upon the Old and New Testaments in the Bible.
The Antichrist Quiz Do you really know much about the Antichrist?
Michael's Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
The Ten Commandments Quiz Developed by my son Michael.
Michael's Day of Atonement Quiz Another free on-line Bible quiz by my son Michael.
Bible Hangman Michael's most interactive Bible game to date. Another one of his free online Bible games.
Michael's Sabbath Quiz Test and learn a little more about the Sabbath.

The quizzes can be helpful for all and a good teaching tool for many.

On other GCG related news, CCOG just announced it acquired CG7.org: Announcing CG7.org  

07/14/20 a.m. The anti-COG site, the Banned by HWA posted the following letter that states it is from a minister in RCG:

To say that there's a lot of confusion in the Church would be an understatement. Brethren no longer know what to believe because they simply can't keep things straight. If you don't know this already, talk to the brethren about prophecy. Or for that matter, talk to a fellow-minister.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but TRY THE SPIRITS WHETHER THEY ARE OF GOD: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. ... (6) We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God doesn't hear us. HEREBY KNOW WE THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR” (1 John 4:1, 6).

John wrote a lot about truth and when we read the books he was inspired to write, we can know it is truth. But, we are also supposed to be able to distinguish truth from the spirit of error! If dozens of failed prophetic scenarios is not the spirit of error, then I don't know what is! What does it matter if the spirit of error is being introduced by the top man or someone else? The spirit of error is the spirit of error!

We frequently say in the Church that we shouldn't get hung up on prophecy being wrong. However, technically speaking, anything taught is doctrine. It's the very definition of the word. So there is false doctrine being taught. And besides that, we often touch on foundational doctrines and change them to fit the latest prophetic narrative anyway.

For example, we recently said that the God that Moses , Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel saw was the Father (Ex. 24:9-10.) But how can we ignore plain scriptures like John 1:18? “No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared [Him].” What allows us to sweep aside SUCH A SIMPLE scripture like that? When establishing doctrine, are we not to start with the simplest scriptures first?

Our understanding of who and what God is has changed dramatically in recent months. When is the last time we properly referred to God as a family? Do we really think that the most spectacular era of God's Church, the Philadelphian era, who God said NOTHING bad about in Revelation, had the wrong understanding of who and what God is? Did our predecessors not know God in the same way that we now do? On logic alone, it's inconceivable!

Then there are the verses that we flat out ignore. 2 Cor. 5:10says that we must ALL appear before the judgment seat of Christ. But not us? Somehow we've made it already? Most, if not all of you, care for more of God's sheep than I do. When you heard Rev. 22:11explained (“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still...”), did you honestly think that everyone in your pastorate was sealed at that time? That people were done growing? That it was time to relax? What spirit influenced such a thing to be taught?

As ministers, we represent the Church. Especially the Headquarters ministry. I, for one, can't look brethren in the eyes anymore and explain the latest prophetic scenario to them. What's taught is plain strange at times. We always start with the belief that there's no way Christ could come beyond the current week we're in and then we wrest the scriptures to fit that bias. ...

I don't claim to know how the prophetic pieces of the jigsaw puzzle fit.

Let me state that it's wonderful to be here at Headquarters. I love the home we're in. I love living on this beautiful campus. I love you and all the friends I have here and in the wider Church. I love the job I have. I love being the minister over Pittsburgh. But at the end of the day, THE TRUTH HAS TO MATTER MORE THAN ANY OF THIS! It's the only reason we came to the Church in the first place.

I understand that this email will likely lead to me being fired. I'm OK with that. I hope you will also stand up for the truth as ministers of God, no matter how uncomfortable that might be at times. I trust that God will sort out this mess in His time, however, I wasn't prepared to look Christ in the eyes and explain to Him why I didn't stand up for the truth and for His people.

In Christ's Service,

Alex J. Groen

Whether or not the above letter is legitimate, the truth is that David Pack's prophetic teachings are wrong in many areas. They have gotten more and more bizarrre the years. As I have posted before, I have questioned David Pack's conversion because of his coveteous greed, bullying tactics, doctrinal errors, and other factors. See also: RCG: Why Not the Restored Church of God?

Regarding prophets and prophecies, those who wish to believe the Bible may find the following helpful:

Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18? Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l’Église Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d’Actes 2:17-18? A related sermon in the English language is also available: 17 Last Days' Signs of the Holy Spirit.

Church of God Leaders on Prophets Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets.

How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?

07//10/20 a.m. In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG had the following:

An alarming study recently appeared in the highly respected journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Examining viruses found in pigs from 2011 to 2018, Chinese scientists identified a strain of the H1N1 flu virus that has “all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus” (Reuters, June 29, 2020). “The study highlights the risks of viruses crossing the species barrier into humans, especially in densely populated regions in China, where millions live close to farms, breeding facilities, slaughterhouses and wet markets.” Scientists know that pigs are critical “mixing vessels” for viruses and these animals can enable viruses to change until they are transmissible to humans. Individuals most at risk of contracting this virus are those who work in the swine industry, given their daily contact with pigs.

While there appears to be “no imminent threat” that this new, highly infectious virus is about to rapidly spread among human populations, some pig farmers and some of China’s general population have already developed antibodies to the virus (Deutsche Welle, June 30, 2020). This indicates that the virus has already passed from animals to humans in some instances. However, scientists do not yet have evidence that the virus can pass from humans to humans.

It is sobering to realize that another pandemic could be in the making. The instructive truth is that many of these viruses with pandemic potential arise from animals that the Bible clearly forbids to be eaten (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14). Exposure to these “unclean” animals puts the human population at great risk.

Yes, unclean animal consumption is a major factor in the development of harmful viruses.

Regarding the latest swine flu, check out the post: ‘US Leads World in Coronavirus Cases, Deaths,’ ‘666,’ & ‘Bubonic plague triggers health alert in China…Swine flu’.

In a lecture I was listening to from Dr. Vincent Racaniello of Columbia University today, he stated that "all human viruses" came "from animal viruses." He also mentioned swine, camels, and mainly other unclean animals as a source of many viruses that affect humans.

More on unclean animals can be found in the article: The New Testament Church, History, and Unclean Meats.

07/02/20 a.m. John Hickey, formerly of LCG and then CCOG, died today. His wife, Shirley Gestro (Hickey), sent the following:

Dear Dr. Thiel,

I am deeply saddened to report my husband John Hickey passed away peaceably at approximately 7.35am today.

I am organising his funeral service, it will most likely be next Tuesday service and burial.  …

Kind regards

Shirley

Shirley Gestro with husband John Hickey

John Hickey has been the host of the New Zealand congregation for 7 1/2 years. New Zealand was the first congregation that formed after the Continuing Church of God was announced. (One person who came fairly quickly afterwards was Fesilafai Fiso Leaana. She had a dream after going to bed on December 8, 2012 that her husband concluded was about the Continuing Church of God–which had not even formed when she had the dream–see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).

John Hickey bravely moved out on faith and was willing to take on a variety of tasks that he had not had in LCG.

John Hickey oversaw the CCOG in New Zealand, gave sermonettes, conducted baptisms, and handled the registration and related New Zealand required legal procedures from the CCOG to be officially registered there. He had been the main editor of the English edition of the Bible News Prophecy magazine. He also was sometimes the voice of our Bible News Prophecy online radio, which has been produced by his wife Shirley.

My wife Joyce and I have been to New Zealand four or five times since the formation of CCOG and have met with John (as well as Shirley and others there) every time we were there. John was always helpful and determined to support the work.

He has been battling many health problems over the years. John told me that he has lived longer than the medical people thought he would, as they expected one of his numerous ailments to have ended his life years ago (I believe he outlived 3-4 different prognosis of his death, starting about one per year around 5 years go). He went to hospice about a week ago. His suffering is over.

John Hickey now awaits the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51-53) where death will be swallowed up in a victory (1 Corinthians 15:54), where he will receive his crown (1 Peter 5:4), and then be able to reign with Jesus in the millennium Kingdom of God (Revelation 20:4-6).

He will be greatly missed.

06/27/20 p.m. Someone, being properly critical of those at the Banned by HWA left the following comment related to me (Bob Thiel), which its webmaster decided to highlight:

Anonymous said...

You Guys wouldn't believe a prophet,if he was a prophet; out of all the would be Prophets in the COGs; his is the only one that was legit; Facts speak for themselves; Rod Meredith said God may consider you to be a Prophet, so did the other LCG Evangelists, also the Fruits; did you ever read his books or blogs; everything is spot on; also he truly cares for the poor and unfortunate Brethren: that the other Churches of God would be afraid to support, due to the financial drain; you at banned, just have a root of bitterness;. You know it's true. How unfortunate. Great signs and works are coming; the head church leaders of Jesus Day didn't believe either, because there hate blinded them

June 27, 2020 at 10:16 AM

The facts for those who believe the Bible and are willing to believe the truth are there for those interested in being like the Bereans of old who searched the scriptures to see if things being declared were so (Acts 17:11; see also Church of God Leaders on Prophets).

Note: I do not know who the anonymous poster was nor did I ever encourage anyone at CCOG to post that or anything like that. But the biblical prophetic facts and fruits related to me are there for those with eyes to hear and ears to hear.

06/26/20 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following:

Coming… Massive Disaster Worse than Covid-19?

Market Watch wrote on June 19:

“Analysts [at Deutsche Bank] say there is at least a one-in-three chance that at least one of four major tail risks will occur within the next decade: a major influenza pandemic killing more than two million people; a globally catastrophic volcanic eruption; a major solar flare; or a global war… Earthquakes were omitted from the numbers on the grounds that they are more local events…

“Another point made is that these major events tend to have ripple effects as well, just as the current COVID-19 crisis has led to fraying ties between the U.S. and China.”

Massive disasters are prophesied to occur soon.

The massive disasters include coming more severe pestilences. Related to that, the Continuing Church of God put out the following on its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:16:57

Fourth Horseman, COVID, and the Rise of the Beast of Revelation

The 6th chapter of the Book of Revelation tells of the ride of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. What do each represent? Is the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, part of the fourth horseman? Does the Bible point to around 2 billion people dying from hunger, war, and the beasts of the earth? Was the ancient Roman Empire impacted by pestilences? What about the black death, also known as the Bubonic plague? Are disease epidemics part of the beginning of sorrow and troubles that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24 and Mark 13? Does the pale green horseman represent Islam? Could genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or synthetic biology cause or contribute to coming pandemics? Is chemical and biological warfare (CBW) a real threat to humanity? What about a doomsday bug or antibiotic resistant superbugs? Is fear a contagion that will help people move away from democracy? Will scientists be able to stop what is coming? Is the good news that the Kingdom of God will? Could COVID-19 be setting the stage for the rise of the ‘prince,’ who will become the totalitarian Beast of the Sea (also known as 666 and the King of the North)? Is this leader similar to the Great Monarch of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies? When is the Great Monarch supposed to arise according to the Eastern Orthodox? Why might Europe be less affected by the ride of the third horseman that the US, Canada, and the UK? Are governments taking steps now, consistent with the words of Adolf Hitler? What seal represents the start of the Great Tribulation? Which Christians did Jesus promise to protect from the coming “hour of trial”?

06/20/20 p.m. Noticed today that Banned by HWA falsely reported the following yesterday:

Meredith publicly rebuked Thiel from the pulpit and kicked him out of the church (Leonard G. Why do COG members still feel the need that they still have to go to the ministers for answers? June 19, 2020)

Well, all the top leadership of the Living Church of God knows full well I was not kicked out. I left because the leadership had serious integrity problems and refused to keep promises that they repeatedly made to me.

Gary Leonard cannot get over the fact that it was I who “kicked out” LCG, not the other way around. If he and others at his libelous site would stop repeating the lie I was kicked out of LCG, I would not feel the desire to some time comment about it.

Right after I left, even Jim Meredith (son of Dr. Meredith) emailed me and asked me to reconsider and come back. I told him why essentially I could not.

Those who wish to believe I was kicked out of LCG should consider that Jesus warned:

15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. (Revelation 22:15)

Believing I was kicked out of LCG is believing a lie. I left LCG because its leaders lied to me–they repeatedly promised to fix errors they acknowledged, then decided that they did not have to keep their word. Those interested in the truth can read most details in the article: Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God.

As far as LCG goes and my role, notice also the following (also understand that I refused to accept a salary when twice offered one by Dr. Meredith--I do not recall the dates of that other than once was in January 2008):

1. From late November 1998 until early 1999, the COGwriter.com website served as the de facto website for the newly formed Living Church of God (which happened after a move by the GCG board).
2. From the start of LCG until my departure, I also served as a video group host and gave sermonettes pretty much each week and conducted Passover services as authorized by the ministry. I often spoke at the Feast of Tabernacles and gave sermons at the Feast site in La Antigua, Guatemala in 2006, where I went over the book of the law as required by Deuteronomy 31:10-13 (see also The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law).
3. In May of 1999, the late LCG evangelist Carl McNair told me never to stop COGwriter.com, but to continue to post materials. The COGwriter website originally was started years earlier at the insistence of my then GCG minister Art Braidic–I did not want to do it, but he insisted that I do so.
4. Sometime in late 1999 (it could have been another year), Dr. Meredith made me promise, over my objections as I did not want to make that promise, that I had to tell him when I thought he was ‘pulling punches’ doctrinally. And I kept that promise until he made it clear on December 28, 2012 that he did not want to hear what he had originally insisted upon.
5. In the late Summer of 2005, LCG’s then Presiding Evangelist, Dr. Roderick C. Meredith telephoned me and appointed me as an advisor to the evangelists on doctrine and prophecy. It was his idea, not mine.
6. On October 3, 2008, Dr. Meredith stated that God may consider me to be a prophet. We discussed the matter for probably at least 20 minutes.
7. On October 16, 2008, LCG evangelist Dibar Apartian told me that I was “the one or the biggest threat to the church.”
8. Dr. Meredith brought it up again as an email I sent him on November 16, 2008 stated, “Now, you have mentioned to me a couple of times that God may regard me as a prophet. And, of course, it was you and not I that first brought that subject up.”
9. In late January/early February 2009, Dr. Meredith told me over the telephone that if he (Dr. Meredith) was raised to the office of apostle, he was considering ordaining me (Bob Thiel) as a prophet.
10. On February 4, 2009, Dr. Meredith told me over the telephone, “You have an in-depth understanding of prophecy and details of church history. You could be a prophet–that may be what God will have you do.” He also asked me to pray then that he would live another 7-15 years then–I prayed and he did (he died on May 18, 2017–just a little over 8 years later).
11. During the Summer of 2009, Dibar Apartian expressed that I was not a threat to the church, but that God had an important role for me.
12. In 2010, I was asked to submit an application to teach at Living University (LU). Because of that degree, my written articles, etc., Dr. Mike Germano said that LU wanted to appoint me as an “Adjunct Assistant Professor for Theology.” He wanted me to teach church history and other aspects of theology.
13. In November and December 2011, I counseled with my pastor Dr. Fall, as well as LCG minister Gary Ehman, about the prophet matters. I told both of them that I thought that I needed to have hands laid upon me again in order to validate the view that I might be some type of a prophet. They both told me that, in their view related to being a prophet, baptism was scripturally sufficient. While that sounded logical, the statement from the Apostle Paul to Timothy about getting hands laid upon him (1 Timothy 4:14) gave me personal pause. And that caution led to me pray more about it. Thus, instead of concluding that I had sufficient anointing, especially considering the relative enormity of some of the ramifications of this as a conclusion, I searched the scriptures and concluded that, perhaps like Gideon (Judges 6:36-40), that I would seek further outside confirmation. And prayed God would provide that (or instead essentially provide information to deny that) when I was to visit Charlotte, North Carolina in December 2011.
14. On December 15, 2011, LCG minister Gaylyn Bonjour, while laying hands on me, was moved by the Holy Spirit to pray that God would grant me a “double portion” of His spirit, which he said was reminiscent of the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha as recorded in 2 Kings 2:9-13.
15. At meeting with the LCG evangelists on December 16, 2011, Richard Ames prayed, with “Amen” concurrence from Dr. Meredith and Dr. D. Winnail, that “Dr. Thiel” would continue to do the work that God has had given me to do, etc. He also specifically called my writings/work “an additional witness.”
16. On December 19, 2011, during my last visit to LCG’s Charlotte headquarters, I made several hours of lectures that were videoed taped for Living University.
17. On March 23, 2012, Gaylyn Bonjour again told me he felt that in the Bible the “double-portion of the Spirit” anointing was related to “the passing of the mantle” and that it mattered not what certain other leaders would say because it is God, and not an organization of men, that truly appoints prophets, etc. (1 Corinthians 12:28).
18. On August 26, 2012, LCG evangelist Dr. D. Winnail told Bob Thiel, “We all think that you might be a prophet.”
19. In order in order to determine who “We all” was, on September 7, 2012, I asked if this was a reference to all three of the LCG Charlotte-based evangelists and Dr. Winnail concurred.
20. I had met with Richard Ames on the Last Great Day in 2012 (October 8, 2012) and asked if it would be okay to again bring up errors related to one LCG booklet, my thoughts on the Falling Away matter, as well as the final phase of the work. He concurred, so I committed to doing so.
21. Therefore in October 2012, I began again to work with William Bowmer (Executive Editor for LCG).  He agreed that certain errors and questionable assertions needed to be dealt with, but also stated in an email on October 18, 2012 that LCG would continue to distribute over 20,000 error-filled booklets (see October 2012 Emails Related to GCA Booklet).  This was disturbing and did not appear to be a proper Christian standard. This was the second or third time I learned something like this, and had been told before that LCG would stop this, but obviously that promise was also not kept.
22. On October 23, 2012, I also sent a version of my falling away paper to Richard Ames, who did not respond to it.  And finally, in December 2012, I sent my paper on the final phase of the work to Richard Ames and thus fulfilled my last promised commitment to him.  (The main content of both papers has since been posted and updated, see: The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings and The Final Phase of the Work.)
23. During this time, an LCG minister said to send the chronology related to prophet matters to some on the Council of Elders who did not have it, so I did (a version of which is shown as part of the 12/28/12 p.m. update at http://www.cogwriter.com/11gnews.htm).
24. On December 28, 2012, Dr. Meredith sent a false and accusatory email, which he also made public, in violation of Matthew 18:15-17 (see also Response to a Letter from Dr. Roderick C. Meredith Dated December 28, 2012). On that day, after reading that letter, I telephoned Dr. Jeff Fall and told him that working with LCG was futile and that I felt I had no choice but to leave. I then emailed Dr. Meredith and told him I left. The Continuing Church of God was formally declared hours later.
25. On January 7, 2013, which is AFTER I left LCG, Dr. Douglas Winnail sent me an email, which included the statement, “we made comments to you  that “you may be a prophet.””

While in LCG, I was not disrespectful to the evangelists and never pushed the idea that they needed to listen to me because of a prophetic role, but only to accept the truth of the Bible and history and to correct errors that they generally acknowledged that LCG had. It was Dr. Meredith who appointed me in the late Summer of 2005 to be an advisor to the evangelists on doctrine and prophecy–I was also not self-appointed for that. I left LCG because the evangelists refused to do what they, particularly Dr. Meredith, repeatedly promised, and because LCG was willing to teach things it knew were in error.

As far as Gaylyn Bojour goes, I spent time with him last November.

Gaylyn said that he tells those who ask that he says:

I have known Bob Thiel since 1986. He has always been honest, dedicated, and sincere.

And that includes what I have written about him and the prophet matter.

Gaylyn Bonjour believes that he prayed and laid hands on me, anointed me with oil, unintentionally by him with guidance from the Holy Spirit, prayed that I would be granted a double-portion of God’s Holy Spirit reminiscent of the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha, and, as he told me last November, he believes God answered his anointing prayer for me.

Jesus wrote:

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

People like Gary Leonard say all kinds of evil against me falsely–this is one way they persecute.

Sadly, Gary Leonard and many other opponents do not care about the truth and think that they are getting away with their lies and falsehoods.

Yet scripture says, “be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

The Book of Proverbs teaches:

4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes. (Proverbs 26:4-5)

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. (Proverbs 26:16, KJV)

Because of Proverbs 26:4, I do not respond to most of the lies and false accusations at the Banned By HWA site, but because of Proverbs 26:5, I sometimes will.

The reality is that when a lie is repeated a lot, people often tend to believe it. Believing I am self-appointed is a lie.

Many also know that there were various dreams involved (see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God). Such was prophesied in Acts 2:17-18 for the end times (see Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?), but Laodiceans as well as people like Gary Leonard do not accept how God works that way.

Hopefully, you are willing to believe the truth and accept how the Bible says God works, and will work, in the last days.

06/17/20 a.m. LCG's latest Weekly Update had the following from Dr. Douglas Winnail:

Christians who live by faith need to remember that Jesus Christ is coming back to establish judgment and justice on this earth (Isaiah 9:6–7), and He will need leaders who can rule with justice and mercy (Psalm 72:1–4) and point people away from the unfruitful ways of this world (Ezekiel 45:9).

Yes, Jesus wants leaders who will rule with justice and mercy. But notice something that Jesus said:

23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. (Matthew 23:23)

While LCG has tithing in its Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs, the words justice and mercy are not mentioned. Correcting errors of commission and omission to its Statement was something that Dr. Meredith promised me he would do by the end of January 2012, but never did. For some details see Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God and December 2011 Proposed changes to LCG's Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs.

As far as mercy and justice go, not only are they mentioned in Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God, they are really the subject of one of the CCOG's longest books: Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation.

06/15/20 a.m. Last night, another person who wants people in LCG to believe a lie, posted the following at the Banned by HWA website:

Now you all get to see why Mr Meredith kicked him out of LCG.

The above person posted that related to a misrepresentation of our sermonette video: COVID and Brexit Driven by Demons? where I quoted the German publication Deutsche Welle when it published about Brexit and COVID-19 "as if by the design of some demonic deity." Obviously that poster and others who put inaccurate comments about that did not bother to watch what they were supposedly commenting on.

Now, as far as me and LCG goes, I was not kicked out. Jesus warned:

15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. (Revelation 22:15)

Believing I was kicked out of LCG is believing a lie. I left LCG because its leaders lied to me--they repeatedly promised to fix errors they acknowledged, then decided that they did not have to keep their word. Those interested in the truth can read most details in the article: Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God..

06/12/20 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following:

“Suddenly, Public Health Officials Say Social Justice Matters More Than Social Distance”

Politico wrote on June 4:

“For months, public health experts have urged Americans to take every precaution to stop the spread of Covid-19—stay at home, steer clear of friends and extended family, and absolutely avoid large gatherings. Now some of those experts are broadcasting a new message: It’s time to get out of the house and join the mass protests against racism…

“It’s a message echoed by media outlets and some of the most prominent public health experts in America, like former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Tom Frieden, who loudly warned against efforts to rush reopening but is now supportive of mass protests…

“But their messages are also confounding to many who spent the spring strictly isolated on the advice of health officials, only to hear that the need might not be so absolute after all. It’s particularly nettlesome to conservative skeptics of the all-or-nothing approach to lockdown, whopoint out that many of those same public health experts… widely criticized activists who held largely outdoor protests against lockdowns in April and May, accusing demonstrators of posing a public health danger.

“Conservatives, who felt their own concerns about long-term economic damage or even mental health costs of lockdown were brushed aside just days or weeks ago, are increasingly asking whether these public health experts are letting their politics sway their health care recommendations…

“Those protests against stay-at-home orders ‘not only oppose public health interventions, but are also rooted in white nationalism and run contrary to respect for Black lives,’ according to the letter’s nearly 1,300 signatories. ‘Protests against systemic racism, which fosters the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 on Black communities and also perpetuates police violence, must be supported.’…”

This is SO ridiculously mind-boggling, offensive and utterly hypocritical.

CEG is correct about the mind-boggling hypocrisy of this.

The KJV has the following warning:

5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

6 I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. (Isaiah 10:5-6)

The above prophecy involves a German-dominated Europe being used by God to punish the USA (more details about why that is so are in the articles Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy and Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

A place called “an hypocritical nation” (or “ungodly nation” or “profane nation” as some other translations render it) is the one getting punished. That is the USA.

Several weeks ago, the Mayor of New York City had the police stop a Jewish funeral and basically called the couple of dozen attendees murderers because he felt they were not properly distanced and risked passing COVID-19. The same mayor seemed to have no problem with thousands of protesters related to the George Floyd matter.

The same public health officials who objected when some protested to go back to work are now urging George Floyd protesters to protest. Most of the media seems to agree.

This is hypocritical. The hypocrisy of politicians, the media, public health officials, and others will not end well for the USA.

05//29/20 p.m. In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG had the following:

The new coronavirus has rapidly infected millions around the globe. Most efforts to control the spread of the virus have focused on handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, wearing masks, social distancing, and providing medical care. In the minds of many, the only hope for halting the virus is finding an effective medicine until a vaccine is developed. However, many simple, effective, and inexpensive protective steps one can take are seldom mentioned.

A recent study demonstrated that ultraviolet rays of sunlight “rapidly inactivated” the coronavirus on multiple test surfaces (Newsweek, May 22, 2020). Another study suggested a strong correlation between COVID-19 mortality rates and severe vitamin D deficiency (Medical Xpress, May 8, 2020)—a condition associated with lack of sufficient time outdoors and exposure to sunlight (ScienceDaily, March 9, 2020). Dietary sources of vitamin D include eggs, milk, cheese, and fish. Vitamin C is also a vital nutrient that aids in protecting against infections, especially in physically active individuals (“Vitamin C and Infections,” Nutrients, April 2017). It can be obtained naturally from citrus, cantaloupe, berries, mangoes, papaya, broccoli, and potatoes. And moderate physical exercise, especially outdoors, can strengthen the immune system and aid the body in fighting infections.

While it is important to prevent transmission of the coronavirus, let’s not forget that vital nutrients like vitamins C and D, exposure to sunlight and fresh air, and regular physical exercise also play key roles in strengthening one’s immune system and reducing the risk of infection.

LCG is correct about this (though it would have been good to also have mentioned zinc). I been have making nutrient-related posts at the COGwriter.com website for months:

• ‘CDC Triples Number of Possible CCP Virus Symptoms;’ Don’t swallow Lysol to fight COVID-19! What about Zinc? Bloodclots?
• Donald Trump taking zinc and hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19: Mainstream media aghast! Vitamin D? Vitamin C?
• COVID-19 and Vitamin C: The truth, the myth, and the hype
• VOA: How Lethal COVID-19 Virus Hijacks Patients’ Cells; Paul: A Little Leaven, Leavens the Whole Lump
• CDC: COVID-19 spreading; How to tell if you have the coronavirus, cold, or allergies; Symptoms and preparation recommendations

We have also included information related to various nutrients in several of the CCOG's weekly Letter to the Brethren.

While it would have been better if LCG did this earlier, it is good that finally they are telling people that there are proper steps to be taken, as opposed to only focusing on avoidance.

Prayer and proper fasting should also be considered, and we in CCOG have advised that related to this COVID-19 matter in some posts as well as in a recent sermon titled: Ten Plus Steps to Rid Yourself of Fear.

05/29/20 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following:

“In the past, some Church groups have been far too quick to follow the guidance (not even at first a directive) of a particular government and have prohibited worship services worldwide for all of their members, even though the government of one particular country did not speak for other countries, and even though an alleged pandemic had not even reached some of the countries in which members lived. Other Church groups followed the subsequent directive of the government of their country, but did not limit their prohibition of services to that country, but prohibited all their members worldwide to meet anywhere.”

Yes, I agree with CEG that some COGs were overly enthusiastic about shutting down church services, When I announced that CCOG would not shut down and that we would work a way to handle Passover (see CCOG church services announcement), I was criticized on the internet by people who had already turned against the COG. But, we in CCOG held Passover and other services, as we should have. As should others who claim to be true Christians.

05/22/20 p.m. Noticed today that Banned by HWA falsely reported the following:

Bob Thiel ... was so messed up that even Rod Meredith had to kick him out of the church.

That is false. I was never kicked out. Those interested in the truth can read the article: Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God.

Some may be interested to know that on February 20, 2013, less then two months after CCOG was declared, Dr. Meredith sent me an email asking if I would come back. My response, which I sent on 2/21/13, included the following:

Dear Dr. Meredith:

Good morning. ...

On 12/28/12, after receiving your email to me, I telephoned Dr. Fall, discussed your email with him, and then told him that morally I could no longer have affiliation with the Living Church of God. I then sent you an email where I clearly stated to you that I was no longer with LCG. ...

As far as me and the Living Church of God, there would have to be major specific changes for me to be able to come back. At this stage, without changes, I do not believe that LCG can possibly be the group that God will use to complete the final phase of the work. I have totally committed myself to support the Philadelphian end time work of God, which is why, to a great degree because of steps you did and did not take, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) had to be formed.

You may be interested to know that I did not want to be in the position that I am now in. ...

My attempts in 2012 to prevent the current situation were not properly reciprocated by you. Anyway, I continue to pray for you, your wife, and others in LCG pretty much daily.

Sincerely,

Bob Thiel

He did not respond to my response to him. The changes needed were not made, so there was no point in going back. More on why I left is in the article: the article: Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God.

05/21/20 p.m. In the , CCOG had the following in the Letter to the Brethren: May 21, 2020:

Feast of Tabernacles in 2020

In 2020, Feast of Tabernacles’ services are to begin the evening of October 2nd and continue until the Last Great Day which is October 10th.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, there may be issues in various locations for the Feast of Tabernacles in 2020. Irrespective of the views of some (e.g. VOA: Are Religious Services ‘Essential’ During Pandemic? COGwriter: Yes, true Christians should ‘gather together,’ though atheists do not understand), we consider holding religious services like the Feast of Tabernacles to be essential.

We now have signed an agreement with a hotel in San Antonio, Texas as we were finally able to negotiate a better meeting room rental as well as handle some other details. It is called the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade located at 9821 Colonnade Boulevard San Antonio, Texas 78230. Here is a photo from its website:

Omni Hotel, San Antonio

Should you stay there, the daily room rate is $119 per night, plus applicable taxes. You can call 1800TheOmni to make a reservation–tell them it is for the Feast of Tabernacles. They also plan to supply a link to book directly online.

While you do not have to stay at the Omni, many will find it convenient. In addition to our meeting there, it has two restaurants, one lobby snack bar, and even food available at its pool.

Furthermore, for any who fly in but do not wish to rent a car, the Omni has a complementary shuttle service to and from the San Antonio airport. The representative at the Omni said that in addition to their eating facilities that there are several restaurants within walking distance, so some may not need a rental vehicle.

Joyce, David, and I expect to fly there. However, because of COVID-19, we may wait a little while before booking our flights. Others may wish to be a bit cautious about that as well. While we could theoretically drive there, that would be a bit much for our disabled child. But, driving is still our ‘backup plan,’ if flying will not work.

Perhaps I should mention that I was in San Antonio once back in 1976. My wife Joyce (who has never been there) and I look forward to seeing all of you who may end up coming there for the festival this year.

As mentioned before, we have a partial backup plan in Texas in the event the hotel is unable or unwilling to have group conferences in October (such as if government officials install some last minute restrictions). It is our firm expectation to hold the Feast of Tabernacles in San Antonio, Texas or within an hour or so drive of it.

At this instant, we still intend to hold the Feast of Tabernacles in all countries we have indicated. Information on the expected general locations is included in our article: Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2020. However, there may be changes in location and how we can conduct services. Yet, we will still intend to hold services for the Feast of Tabernacles and encourage all who can attend to attend.

After the letter came out, the Omin Hotel sent out the following link to make online reservations: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-antonio/meetings/feast-of-tabernacles-10022020.

05/15/20 a.m. At one of its webpage, EnCOG has the following:

Our Mission in Detail

A detailed description of how we are following in the footsteps of the Apostles, fulfilling the two-fold commission of the Church

Charles E. Bryce

Our goal is to carry out the two-fold commission, of preaching the gospel and feeding the flock, that we may fulfill our calling from God and grow unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, and at His coming, be a glorious church, holy and without spot or wrinkle or blemish.

In a sermon linked at that page shown above, he discussed raising up churches, preaching the gospel to the world, etc. Thus, far, the fruits have not been there. In 2006, Charles Bryce went out and founded Enduring Church of God. Since shortly after its formation, EnCOG has shrank based on information I have seen, as well as a discussion I had with a former EnCOG minister. EnCOG never represented the remnant of the Philadephia church era. But, because of ego, miunderstanding of the gospel, and makeup, it went off on its own.

Some items of possibly related interest include the following:

Makeup and the Philadelphia Era of the COG Some consider make-up to be a doctrine more significant than proclaiming the Gospel; are they right or focused on a twig?

6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.

7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?

05/08/20 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following:

“Dr. Robert Moynihan, the editor-in-chief of the Catholic journal Inside the Vatican, revealed on April 23 that he once had a conversation with then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (who later became Pope Benedict XVI) about the ‘greatest danger to the Church,’ and he recounts that Ratzinger said: ‘It is Freemasonry. ...

“Then-Cardinal Ratzinger was already in the 1980s so concerned about the nature and work of Freemasonry that he worked out a statement for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, whose Prefect he then was, which repeated the Church’s long-standing ban on Freemasonry. That is to say, he re-stated that Catholics may not be members of Freemasonry. On November 26, 1983, Ratzinger signed a document that stated, ‘Therefore the Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic association remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and therefore membership in them remains forbidden. The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.’”

While Freemasonry is in opposition to various Roman Catholic dogmas, the reality is that it and Pope Francis are pushing for an ecumenical interfaith one worl religion. Ultimately, however, Freemasonry may be involved in the betrayal of the Church of Rome which is prophesied in Revelation 17:16-18. For more information, check out the following:

Freemasonry and the Destruction of Rome? What is Freemasonry? What about ties to the Illuminati? Could the Freemasons be involved in the fulfillment of prophecy? Here is a link to a related sermon: Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome.

04/29/20 p.m. Banned by HWA reported that RCG's David Pack put out the following:

Take Comfort—Be Encouraged Monday

It is now evident God did want us to “observe” all the remaining days of Abib following Passover. He clearly does want to build His third (spiritual) temple in the same month He started the first and second physical temples—in Iyar, also called Zif! ...

Brethren, it should give us great peace knowing Christ could literally return at any time. Let us continue to do our part and remain spiritually awake until the “day and hour” we all long for!

David Pack was wrong when he taught that Jesus would return a couple of weeks ago. And his comment now that Jesus could return at any time is what the Protestants who hold to the false idea of a pre-tribulation view of the 'rapture' hold to. David Pack has shown himself, once again, to be a false apostle and false prophet. Jesus said He does NOT return until AFTER the tribulation is over:

29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31)

For more biblical information related to when Jesus would be expected to return, some of the following may be helpful:

Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2027 or 20xx? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God's Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2020, 2021, or 2022? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the "beginning of sorrows"? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter and newer video is: Could the Great Tribulation Begin in 2020?

04/24/20 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following:

Why are true Christians called ambassadors for Christ?

First of all, what is an ambassador?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines an ambassador as follows: “The highest-ranking person who represents his or her own government while living in another country.” Another definition is “an accredited diplomat sent by a state as its permanent representative in a foreign country.” In another way, an ambassador can be “a representative or promoter of a specified activity.”

Let us look at some of the requirements of a diplomatic ambassador who is domiciled in a foreign country, as they are sometimes listed, and compare them to the requirements of Spirit-begotten members of the Family of God. We understand, of course, that in far-too-many cases, these requirements for an ambassador in a foreign country are not present or manifested by him or her, but these are the requirements an ambassador should have, and which we as Christians must have or develop.

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, we read that we are to be ambassadors for Christ: “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”

For more information about being Christian Ambassdors, check out the following:

Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.

04/17/20 a.m. A reader sent me the following email regarding RCG:

From an email I received.  after she quit the RCG her adult son stayed.

 This is how she understood what was expected.  ...

"...The Restored Church of God was expecting Christ to return this Passover - not in power and glory to the world but as a human in the clouds to Wadsworth."

Obviously, Jesus did not return. RCG: has strayed further and further away from having sound prophetic teachings and has embraced many errors.

Sadly, so have other COG groups--for a list of prophetic errors that will prevent them from, among other things, knowing when the Great Tribulation will start until it is a bit too late, check out the article: Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?

04/15/20 p.m. Banned by HWA reported that RCG put out the following:

* Habakkuk 2:3 plainly says “the vision is yet for an appointed time [a moad].” The seven days of Passover are a moad! But recall events unfold at the “end”—“at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” The “end” of the appointed time of Passover is the Last Day of Unleavened Bread!

A few weeks ago Banned by HWA reported that RCG put out the following:

One thing to consider, this Tuesday evening, going into Adar 29, is the exact day—the last day before the first day of the sacred year—we reach the 6,000-year plan of God. Could this be the “last day” we have all been looking forward to? Only time will tell but so many things line up for us to consider this possibility.

As of this moment, I have not been able to verify this is truly from RCG as it is not available online from their website in a search. But presuming that this was accurate, David Pack and RCG were very wrong. There was no way that 5999th year (or if it means it differently the 6,000th year) ended during or at the end of the Days of Unleavened Bread in 2020.

The last Day of Unleavened Bread has ended in Wadsworth, Ohio (where RCG is based) and Jesus has not returned.

Anyway, Jesus cannot return for at least seven years from now. Hence, for those who believe in a 6,000/7,000 year plan as has been traditionally taught, the 6,000 years cannot end before 2027.

For some details about the 6,000 years, when it will end, as well as the Great Tribulation, check out the following:

Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2027 or 20xx? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God's Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2020, 2021, or 2022? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the "beginning of sorrows"? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter and newer video is: Could the Great Tribulation Begin in 2020?

04/10/20 a.m. In its latest Letter to the Brethren, CCOG had the following:

Greetings from Grover Beach, California.

The Spring Holy Day season is upon us.

Passover and the Night to be Observed went fine here and elsewhere in the USA, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Serbia from reports we received.

Here is a report from Kenya we received today:

Pastor Dr Bob,

Greetings from Kenya.

I’ve received reports from all our congregations in Kenya that the Passover went well in every congregation.

Also in Ndhiwa it was well done and Sabbath of unleavened bread.

Brethren are still safe from corona virus. We have not get any report from any congregation. We praying for the protection of the ALMIGHTY GOD.

The corona case in Kenya has risen today upto 184. Death 7 recovered 12.

Put us in your daily prayers. …

Evans

Here is a photo from Ethiopia we received today:

Ethiopia Passover 2020

Today is the first day of Unleavened Bread. The Days of Unleavened Bread last until sunset April 15, 2020. Here is a photo from Ethiopia we received today:

First Day of Unleavened Bread service, Ethiopia ...

Second Passover

Because of last minute government restrictions, translation issues, and communications’ barriers, some in parts of Africa were not able to attend a Passover service earlier this week. Those who were unable (as opposed to unwilling) to keep the Passover then, on the 14th of Abib are authorized by scripture to keep the Passover a month later.

This is based upon the following passages of scripture:

1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: 2 “Let the children of Israel keep the Passover at its appointed time. 3 On the fourteenth day of this month, at twilight, you shall keep it at its appointed time. According to all its rites and ceremonies you shall keep it.” 4 So Moses told the children of Israel that they should keep the Passover. 5 And they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, at twilight, in the Wilderness of Sinai; according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did.

6 Now there were certain men who were defiled by a human corpse, so that they could not keep the Passover on that day; and they came before Moses and Aaron that day. 7 And those men said to him, “We became defiled by a human corpse. Why are we kept from presenting the offering of the Lord at its appointed time among the children of Israel?”

8 And Moses said to them, “Stand still, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you.”

9 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If anyone of you or your posterity is unclean because of a corpse, or is far away on a journey, he may still keep the Lord’s Passover. 11 On the fourteenth day of the second month, at twilight, they may keep it. They shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 12 They shall leave none of it until morning, nor break one of its bones. According to all the ordinances of the Passover they shall keep it. 13 But the man who is clean and is not on a journey, and ceases to keep the Passover, that same person shall be cut off from among his people, because he did not bring the offering of the Lord at its appointed time; that man shall bear his sin. (Numbers 9:1-13)

Centuries later, basically the entire tribe of Judah all did this one year (and had some from other tribes join them):

1 And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the Passover to the Lord God of Israel. 2 For the king and his leaders and all the assembly in Jerusalem had agreed to keep the Passover in the second month. 3 For they could not keep it at the regular time, because a sufficient number of priests had not consecrated themselves, nor had the people gathered together at Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 30:1-3)

Groups, such as the Continuing Church of God, observe the Christian Passover.

May 7th, after sunset, is the 14th day of Iyyar on the Hebrew calendar. That would be the time for the ‘second’ Passover.

So, if you are baptized and were unable to keep Passover earlier this week, like Numbers 9 mentions, then you can (and should) keep Passover the 13th of May after sunset. Here is a link to the article: Keeping Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. We also have an online CCOG Passover Service.

There is also a link to a related article in the Spanish language: Guardando la Pascua y los Días de los Panes sin Levadura. Also, last Tuesday, we received a translated Passover service in the Spanish language. Here is a link to the service in the Spanish language: Servicion de Pascua CCOG.

There have been many complications governments have imposed related to COVID-19. CCOG still held Passover services, but some people were not able to have access and we are taking steps to better serve them.

04/03/20 p.m. In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG had the following:

New Zealand recently passed what many view as a “progressive” law that allows abortion—no questions asked—up until 20 weeks of pregnancy (New York Times, March 18, 2020). Previously, New Zealand was one of just a few industrialized nations that still viewed abortion as a criminal act.

The new law allows for abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy only “if the health practitioner reasonably believes that the abortion is clinically appropriate in the circumstances.” The legislation is written very broadly and is open to interpretation, as even some of New Zealand’s liberal lawmakers admit. For example, “the bill does not say what counts as appropriate. It states only that the practitioner must consult with at least one other colleague, and take into account ‘all relevant legal, professional and ethical standards,’ the woman’s physical and mental health and ‘overall well-being,’ and the age of the fetus.” Some opponents of the law believe this could easily allow for abortions to occur up to birth, given the right circumstances. And some believe the law could be used for cases of sex selection—in which a child is aborted simply because the mother wants a child of a different gender.

As the value of life continues to diminish in self-centered Israelite-descended nations (like New Zealand), it is not surprising that the life of the child in the womb is also becoming irrelevant. 

Abortion is wrong and a terrible crime. Notice also the following from another e-zine from Mike Gendron (not formerly of GCG):

The most cruel and hideous paradox in our country today is that we have given women the choice to have babies ripped out their wombs and murdered, while at the same time, our nation is doing everything possible to save people from Covid-19. We all need to know that everyone is made in the image and likeness of God and He is our creator and sustainer (Gen. 1:26-27). No one has the right to take the life of another because God hates "hands that shed innocent blood" (Prov. 6:16-17). He says, "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed" (Gen. 9:6). 

The most dangerous place for a baby to be is in the womb of its mother. It is a national tragedy and disgrace that almost 20% of pregnancies end in abortion. Some of our government leaders need to repent of their wicked ways and pass laws that will protect the unborn. If they refuse, they need to be voted out of office. Can there be anything more brutal and wicked than torturing and slaughtering defenseless babies? More than 1,000 babies have their lives terminated every day because women have been given the choice to do so. Over 61 million precious babies have been murdered since Roe vs. Wade. 

What is wrong with our country? How can we ask God to bless our nation when we have turned our back on Him?

Since 'legalizing' abortion, the USA has gone from a creditor nation to becoming the biggest debtor nation of all time--this will not end well for the USA per Habakkuk 2:6-8. New Zealand is also heavily indebted (see Forbes: Donald Trump And The Fed Are Destroying The U.S. Dollar; VOA: COVID-19 Crisis Could Cost Australia 1 Million Jobs).

COVID-19 has even increased the debt further for the US and likely New Zealand. For more information on abortion and US debt, check out the article: Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman's Right to Choose.

03/23/20 p.m. Banned by HWA reported that RCG put out the following:

One thing to consider, this Tuesday evening, going into Adar 29, is the exact day—the last day before the first day of the sacred year—we reach the 6,000-year plan of God. Could this be the “last day” we have all been looking forward to? Only time will tell but so many things line up for us to consider this possibility.

As of this moment, I have not been able to verify this is truly from RCG. But presuming it is, David Pack and RCG are very wrong. There is no way that 5999th year (or if it means it differently the 6,000th year) ends tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, 2020. If RCG put that out, it is continuing its pattern of moving further and further away of correctly understanding biblical prophecies. Also, the new year, Abib 1, begins on March 25th at sunset (so this is another error in what RCG reportedly put out).

Anyway, there is simply not enough time for Jesus to return this week or a year from now. Jesus cannot return for at least 7 years and hence, for those who believe in a 6,000/7,000 year plan, the 6,000 years cannot end before 2027.

The old Radio Church of God taught the following about the 6,000 years:

"Has God alloted 6000 years for man's self-rule?" is a question that has been an enigma to many.

Yes! The world does not understand what is taking place today because it does not know about the 7000-year PLAN OF GOD.

God has allotted approximately 6000 years for humanity to go its own way. These millenniums of human civilization are nearly over. God is about to intervene in world affairs by sending Jesus Christ. Not until He returns will we have 1000 years of peace. ...

Peter said: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (of Christ's coming)... but is longsuffering..." (II Pet. 3:9). God is patient. He has refrained from intervening in world affairs for nearly 6000 years. Why?

Because He will not intervene until humanity is forced to cry out to Him for fear of self-extermination. Recall that the day of Christ's intervention and rule is compared to "a thousand years" (Rev. 20:4). Peter also wrote the same thing — that a day in God's plan is as "a thousand year," and "a thousand years" of human civilization as ONE day in His planned week of SEVEN 1000-year days (II Pet. 3:8).

Peter knew that Christ would intervene shortly before the close of 6000 years of human struggle and slavery — that God would send Jesus Christ to set up His government to rule during the seventh-thousand-year period — a millennium of peace, a sabbatical rest!

How marvelous that in our day, at the very time that 6000 years have almost elapsed, the world is threatened with extinction of life. And Jesus Himself said that when we see this taking place HE WOULD COME AGAIN! (Letter Number: 913, 1957)

The old Worldwide Church of God taught:

In God's 7,000-year Master Plan of salvation, the first 6,000 years have been allotted to man to do as he wills. During these 6,000 years, civilizations have developed based on the way of Satan, who sits on the throne of the earth.

Christ, at His return, will end Satan's rule, and begin 1,000 years of God's rule, the rule of the Kingdom of God on earth. A new civilization based on God's law will grip the earth. (Lesson 28, Amabassador College Bible Correspondence Course, c. 1986)

For some details about the 6,000 years, and about when it will end, check out the following:

Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2027 or 20xx? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God's Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?

03/20/20 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following:

Americans Prepare for Social Unrest and Civil War

The Guardian wrote on March 16:

“Sales of guns and ammunition are soaring across the US as fears of possible social unrest amid the coronavirus crisis are prompting some Americans to turn to firearms as a form of self-protection…

“Larry Hyatt, owner of one of the country’s largest gun shops… the Guardian that the scenes of mass buying at his store were virtually unprecedented. ‘This is only the second time in my 61 years of business that we’ve seen anything like this,’ he said, adding that the first occasion was the aftermath of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook elementary school in Connecticut in 2012.

“Hyatt said that the type of guns being bought was reflective of the fear prevalent among customers. There was almost no interest in hunting rifles. Instead, people were opting for target guns and there was big demand for AR-15 semi-automatic assault-style rifles. Asked why he thought the spike was happening, Hyatt replied: ‘Financial meltdown, pandemic, crime, politics … you throw it all into the pot, and you have one hell of a mess.’…

“Firearms are already the second most prevalent killer of children in the US after car crashes. In the 14- to 17-year-old bracket, gun injuries are the highest single cause of death…”

It seems like, people are getting mad in an attempt of self-destruction.

Yes, there is civil unrest coming. Some may be triggered by events associated with COVID-19. Some with events associated with Islam in Europe. And perhaps some associated with elections in the USA and elsewhere.

03/13/20 a.m. In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG had the following:

Trade and travel restrictions associated with the coronavirus are negatively impacting global financial markets ...

It is difficult to know how low world economies will tumble and for how long they will remain suppressed. But, as national economies decline, there could come a time when nations will begin to look for an economic savior. Bible prophecy indicates that a future European “beast” power will develop a powerful economic engine by which nations of the earth will be made rich (Revelation 17–18). 

Yes, Europe is prophesied to rise up. But, to learn more specifically how the coronavirus is affecting money and how that ties in with prophecy, check out the latest BibleNewsProphecy video:

13:55

COVID-19 Leading to 666?

The novel coronavirus of Wuhan, China fame, is now called COVID-19. It has also been called the ‘Coronapocalypse.’ Does COVID-19 have any prophetic ramifications? What did Jesus teach about pestilences and sorrows in the Olivet prophecy in Matthew 24? Could COVID-19 be the ride of the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse? Why was this type of disease expected according to the Old Testament prophecies in Deuteronomy and Leviticus? What has the US Centers for Disease Control warned about? What has the CDC reported about the flu? Were there lessons about fear and infections in the 2011 movie ‘Contagion’? Because of COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO), nation of Iran, and certain French locations are telling people not to use cash, but instead electronic forms of payment. The US Federal Reserve is now quarantining money repatriated from Asia to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus on US currency bills. Is COVID-19 worse than we have been told or could this all be a ‘false flag’ event to encourage people to move towards a cashless society? If the thousands of deaths associated with COVID-19 are pushing parts of the world towards cashlessness, how much more likely will the ride of the fourth horseman and over a billion human deaths motivate people to move to making electronic payments that can be monitored? The Bible tells of a soon coming society that controls buying and selling to force allegiance to a coming European Beast power, known as 666 (Revelation 13:16-18). Does the ‘great tribulation’ begin before ride of the fourth horseman or with the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation 6? Do the words of Jesus helps us better understand the sequence of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse and the start of the Great Tribulation? Will the ride of the fourth horseman help lead to the rise of 666? Is that ride very close? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to our video: COVID-19 Leading to 666?

03/11/20 p.m. CCOG Deacon Radson Mulozowa sent the following report and mos to the following photographs today:

TERRY NELSON VISIT TO MALAWI.

During their visit  they visited the following congregation both Malawi and Mozambique:

1. MWANZA Mwanza , Tulonkhondo, Kajiya, Chileka gathered together at Mwanza yet other other congregation could not come due to transportation.

Mwanza congregants

2.  Njenjete and Kachingwe  congregation were at Mwanza.

Njenjete congregants

Radson Mulozowa, Terry Nelson, Evans Ochieng

3. SUNUDZI Sunudzi and Willie congregation were at Sunudzi.

Sunudzi congregants

4. MAMBUCHA IN MOZAMBIQUE Domasi, Chindola, Nankhombe, Muguliwa, Nasiyaya. Mukhulumba, Nagaga were at Mambucha. Mkwamba congregation could not come because of transportation since its very far from where the meeting were held.

Mozambique congregants

5. MIGOWI Migowi, Chiringa, and Migowi congregation were at Migowi.

Migowi congregants and the Nelsons

TOPIC THAT TERRY COVERED.

1. How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Most Protestants
2. Tithes and Offering
3. A short summary on the books he brought to Malawi since he distributed to every host in each congregation including the Chief in Mozambique since he knows English.

PLANS OF THE WORK

Pastor Evans and Terry said:

1. The plans of Poultry farming where by {many} congregations can have 100 chickens to care so that the {members will have more} so that church can have funds to help preaching the gospel.
2. Irrigation programme. We have place that sustain water through out the year so Evans told me that he will discuss with you so that 2 engine pumps can be bought to start that, in so doing we can elevate hunger problem  among brethren.
3. Terry promised to assist the elderly in the church who met them at Sunudzi since many of them can not care themselves.
4. Upon seeing unfinished hall at Migowi he said he will talk with you so that we can finish it and put chairs since it has started raining again it show that our hall will be at risk if the rains continue. Bearing in mind that this is centre church for all the congregation both Malawi and Mozambique.

His visit has brought great change to the work and truth about the kingdom.

Terry Nelson and I (Bob Thiel) discussed the chicken project, which is similar to something that Steve Dupuie and I discussed in the past. Depending upon donations, we hope to try to begin this in a couple of places in the Spring of this year. We will have to see how it goes before we attempt to involve more congregations.

As of this instant, I do not know the costs of the irrigation pumps, so do not know if we will be able to do this or not. We do provide some support for widows, the elderly, and orphans, but am not sure how much more we can provide at this time.

Terry Nelson and I did discuss the unfinished hall in Migowi, but no one has let me know how much that would cost, so I have not committed to that yet. We will see. A concern is that without more cement it may collapse in the rainy season.

As far as other plans, we have been working to get more materials in the Chichewa language. We believe that this will not only serve the brethren, but will result in more people learning the truth.

Deacon Radson Mulozowa also sent a chart:

CONTINUING CHURCH OF GOD MARCH REPORT

Num.	CONGREGATION		DISTRICT	MEMBERSHIP
1	MIGOWI		PHALOMBE	40
2	PHALONI		PHALOMBE	18
3	CHIRINGA		PHALOMBE	18
4	SUNUDZI		ZOMBA	114
5	WILLIE		ZOMBA	21
6	NJENJETE		ZOMBA	96
7	KACHINGWE		MULANJE	35
8	MWANZA		MWANZA	122
9	TULONKHONDO		MWANZA	89
10	KAJIYA		MWANZA	64
11	NENO		NENO	50
12	CHILEKA		BLANTYRE	30
13	FALAWE		NENO	78
14	MALOWA		BLANTYRE	54
15	NAKHOMBE		MILANJE MOZAMBIQUE	40
16	NASIYAYA		MULUMBU, MOZAMBIQUE	65
17	MUGULIWA		MULUMBU, MOZAMBIQUE	35
18	CHINDOLA		MILANJE, MOZAMBIQUE	28
19	DOMASI		MILANJE ,MOZAMBIQUE	39
20	NAGAGA		MILANJE, MOZAMBIQUE	32
21	MUKHULUMBA		MULUMBU, MOZAMBIQUE	12
22	MKWAMBA		MKWAMBA, MOZAMBIQUE	70

According to the above report, we have 829 in Malawi with us and 321 in Mozambique. As we work in the area, while we ultimately expect more growth, we also anticipate various hostile issues.

God has opened the door to reach Gentiles (Acts 14:27), Philadelphian Christians are to go through that door (Revelation 3:7), and the full number of Gentiles must come in before Jesus returns (cf. Romans 11:25; see also What About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?).

Please keep Malawi, Mozambique, and all of Africa in your prayers.

03/06/20 p.m. In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG had the following:

Coronavirus and Prophecy

Every week, the numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths continue to rise as the virus spreads around the globe. While the origin of the virus is not yet fully known, responses to this outbreak are disrupting airline flights, closing borders, and bringing commerce to a standstill in affected areas. 

To combat the virus, public health agencies around the world are taking drastic measures. In China, the nation of origin for the illness, major cities have been quarantined for over a month, leaving many stuck indoors. In northern Italy, more than 1,250 cases have been reported and 10 percent of doctors cannot work because they tested positive for the virus (AP, March 2, 2020). Some Italian schools, universities, museums, and cinemas have been closed, and supermarket shelves have been emptied (Deutsche Welle, February 25, 2020). Eleven towns in that beleaguered Mediterranean nation are on lockdown for 15 days as people await release after the incubation period (The Guardian, February 24, 2020). Residents of these affected areas have been shocked by the deserted streets. As the epidemic spreads, we will likely see conditions like these spread to new areas.

Bible prophecies clearly state there will be widespread disease epidemics as the end of the age approaches (Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:11). The massive-scale quarantines provide some insight into what this coming calamitous period could be like. One of the consequences of unrepented sins is that “your highways shall be desolate” (Leviticus 26:21–22)—a condition in which future epidemics could play a role. We do not know the exact events that will fulfill such prophecies, but the coronavirus epidemic gives us a glimpse of larger things prophesied to come.

In yesterday's Letter to the Brethren, CCOG had the following:

Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus, now officially called COVID-19 has been found in scores of nations around the world:

Brown: China, Red: Confirmed cases reported Blue: Suspected cases reported (Pharexia)

It also is likely to be in other nations that have not been able to diagnose and/or have not reported it.

Since many have asked me about it, here is something I posted at COGwriter.com on Tuesday (see also ZH: How The Super Rich Are Preparing For The Coronavirus; COGwriter: What physical steps can others take?):

Last month, I was interviewed for a holistic podcast as well as a segment for a naturally-oriented television program related to COVID-19, the “novel” strain of the coronavirus.

Basically, I said to wash hands frequently and work to support a stronger immune system.

Avoiding unnecessary contact with the sick can also be helpful for many.

As far as health goes, Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following Ten Simple Rules that Lead to Health:

HERE ARE TEN RULES

1. Sleep — Be sure of good ventilation — PLENTY OF FRESH AIR in the bedroom all night, winter and summer. … Fresh air is FREE — and nothing is more vital to health, but avoid drafts striking you.

2. Arise — Get right out of bed the instant you awaken. Do not lie in bed, or turn over for a second sleep, no matter how tired or dragged down you feel. A second sleep dulls the mind.

3. Bath and rubdown — Take a regular morning shower bath if possible, making it short and snappy, ending with a vigorous rubdown. If no shower is available, take a tub bath at least two or three times a week. End with cold water, especially in cold weather. This closes the pores and prevents chilling and taking cold.

If no shower is available, take a vigorous rubdown in the bedroom daily or twice daily, using a turkish or bath towel or massage brush. Begin at wrists and feet massaging vigorously toward the heart. If the room is cold, just apply a little more energy — the vigorous rubbing will keep you warm.

4. Head rub and shampoo — Before leaving the bedroom, massage and rub the scalp vigorously with tips of fingers, suitable stiff bristle brush, or electric vibrator. This stimulates new circulation thru the scalp, makes the brain more active, and is the best guarantee there is against baldness. Shampoo the hair at least every two or three weeks. Be sure to use neutral, mild soap (imported castile is best) and rinse thoroughly.

5. Water — …. Start in with whatever you can drink, increasing it till you are able to take one or two full glasses. Soon you will crave it. … This morning glass of water is very important.

6. Breakfast — Avoid too heavy a breakfast. If you eat pancakes, eat but few. Do not eat too many eggs, and never more than two or three times a week. Eggs are good food, but too many produce a sluggish liver. Avoid soggy, heavy foods. Eat some fruit if possible — especially grapefruit, oranges, etc.

7. Food — In the main, simply eat what you find agrees with you — but be sure to get a reasonable amount of fruits, and leafy vegetables (lettuce, raw cabbage, spinach, etc.) and milk, every day. Avoid meals loaded with meat, potatoes, beans, corn, etc., unless balanced with leafy vegetables and fruits.

For health’s sake eat … none of the meats called “unclean” and forbidden under the Old Testament Mosaic law. Above all, eat slowly, and CHEW THOROUGHLY before swallowing. Avoid overeating. Most people eat twice what they should.

8. Elimination — Nothing is more vital to health than habitual regularity of elimination. Constipation is nothing but the penalty of lack of regularity. Pills will not CURE constipation. Nothing but the re-establishment of regularity of habit will cure it. For those suffering from this, I would advise resorting to divine healing — but be sure you deserve it by reestablishment of regular habits, preferably at a set time of day. Also regulate diet to aid this.

9. Breathing — At least three times during the day — preferably bed time, rising time and once during the day — go outdoors, or open all the windows and doors in the house, stand erect, chest out and shoulders back, and BREATHE DEEPLY several times. Inhale slowly through the nose, till lungs are completely full. Exhale through the mouth, till the lungs are entirely emptied of air. Repeat several times. Try to learn the habit of breathing deeply, taking in more air and more completely emptying the lungs at every breath.

10. Exercise — Few people past twenty- five get sufficient exercise, except those who are farmers, or get exercise through daily labor. Even in this case it is likely that only certain parts of the body are receiving sufficient exercise. Walking in the fresh air every day is good. For those who lead an in-door life, such sports as golf or tennis are splendid. Often bedroom exercises are advisable. Your body and muscles will not likely wear out, but can more easily rust out. Each individual must determine for himself what additional exercise, if any, he needs, as differing daily occupations naturally affect this.

It goes without saying that all forms of dissipation must be avoided if these 10 health rules are to prove successful.

So, in addition to the rules like the above, what can be done to support the immune system?

Well, regular fasting is one item I mentioned when interviewed.

Forbes reported the following:

January 6, 2020

Six years ago, a study showed that a 3-day fast can essentially reset the immune system, providing many potential benefits. These benefits include better cardiovascular health, better endurance, lower blood pressure, and reduced inflammation.

Newer data, which I’ll get to in a minute, shows that you might not have to fast nearly that long to get these benefits.

In the 2014 study, Valter Longo and colleagues at USC found that fasting lowered white blood cell counts, which in turn triggered the immune system to start producing new white blood cells. White blood cells (or lymphocytes) are a key component of your body’s immune system. Once you start eating again, according to Longo, your stem cells kick back into high gear to replenish the cells that were recycled. …

Last week, in a paper just published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Rafael de Cabo and Mark Mattson reviewed multiple strategies for fasting that have been tested in the years since Longo’s study. The news continues to be very encouraging: intermittent fasting is good for you. I don’t have time or space here to discuss all the results, but I want to focus on one fasting strategy that has surprisingly good benefits.

It turns out that you can get many of the benefits of fasting without doing a 3-day fast, which for most people is really, really difficult to accomplish. https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2020/01/06/can-intermittent-fasting-reset-your-immune-system/#716ff3dd27ac

Those who were once part of the old Worldwide Church of God should recall that WCG recommended people, whose health allowed for it, to fast one day per month. We in the CCOG recommend that as well.

And of course, biblical Christians who can fast on the Day of Atonement.

Beyond mentioning fasting in the interviews about the coronavirus, I also mentioned avoiding overly processed foods and eating more fruits and vegetables.

One theory about the coronavirus is that most animals do not get sick from it because their bodies produce vitamin C, which human bodies do not do. Whether or not vitamin C is the reason can be debated.

But consuming foods naturally high in vitamin C is good for most people.

For most people, eating more fruit is probably the best way to increase the amount of vitamin C in the body.

If you are going to be flying (or otherwise in an enclosed space with a lot of people you do not know), it might be prudent to take some citrus fruit with you to eat to increase your vitamin C.

Note: I do NOT believe that taking a lot of USP ascorbic acid is the optimal way to support the immune system. It may have some affect, but it is simply not complete vitamin C nor does it keep vitamin C levels as high as long in the body as vitamin C found in fruits (like citrus) does.

Beyond that, there are certain glandular and herbal supplements that can help build the immune system–though they are not officially intended to be preventative for the coronavirus. Although proper supplements can help support the immune system, be cautious about anyone who claims that some supplement will cure (or always cure) COVID-19 as there simply is not enough evidence of that.

In my case, I am NOT taking additional nutritional supplements at this time to boost my immune system to deal with the coronavirus (though I would if it looked like I was exposed or were about to possibly be exposed to it).

But I AM basically following a version of Herbert W. Armstrong’s Ten Simple Rules that Lead to Health (including exercising regularly and not eating any biblically unclean animals). Furthermore, yes, I regularly consume a fair amount of fruit, try to avoid a lot of processed foods, pray to God for wisdom, and do fast pretty much every month.

In my work, I cannot avoid sick people, but do often wash my hands.

All should try to avoid touching their faces with unwashed hands. Also, since the coronavirus can live on flat surfaces for a long time, avoid contact with hard surfaces in public when possible. Also, avoiding unnecessary physical contact with others can also help reduce risks of catching something. Some, like the WHO are also advocating avoiding the handling of cash–so in areas of risk that is something to consider.

Also, if you believe that you have been exposed, showering/bathing and keeping away from others to not potentially spread the infection is a good idea as well as consistent with biblical admonitions about quarantine (Leviticus 13, see also VOA: Trump: US ‘Totally Prepared’ for Coronavirus’ AP: Vexed by how to contain virus, countries take tough steps’ WT: Natural Protection).

Christians can also call for the elders of the church to anoint you (James 5:14-15) or, when that is not feasible, request an anointed cloth (Acts 19:11-12; see also the When Should You Be Anointed? article in the July-September 2018 edition of Bible News Prophecy magazine; watch also Acts 17-19: Travels, Anointed Cloths, & the Gospel of the Kingdom).

Anyway, while we do expect pestilences in the end times (Matthew 24:8), Christians should have confidence in God and His plan: “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6. But that does not mean we should not be prudent (cf. Proverbs 22:3).

Brethren, we do not have to fear as others who have no hope (Ephesians 2:11-13).

02/28/20 a.m. In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG had the following:

President Trump’s new peace plan seemed to fall out of favor even before it was released, in part because Palestinian leaders no longer trust the U.S. and especially President Trump. Now, the Europeans want a chance to bring peace to the Middle East.

Last week, the foreign policy chief of the European Union met with the foreign minister of the Palestinian Authority and signaled that “the EU was ready to work with Israelis and Palestinians and other regional actors to revive the peace process ‘in line with international law, which ensures equal rights and which is acceptable to both parties’” (Jerusalem Post, February 23, 2020). EU leaders continue to push for a “two-state solution” and a meeting with the Middle East Quartet (the United Nations, the U.S., the EU, and Russia)—where the U.S. could be outvoted and the EU could easily take the lead.

Historically, the Vatican has been politically involved with Jerusalem, and the Pope recently expressed disapproval of the Trump peace plan (Reuters, February 23, 2020). In addition, he stated that the Vatican cannot “overlook” the Israeli-Palestinian issue any longer, implying future involvement by his office in actively seeking a solution.

Bible prophecy records that, prior to Christ’s return, a European “beast” power or “king of the north” will take military control of Jerusalem (Daniel 11:40–43; Luke 21:20). In fact, a group of nations that includes Europe and the Arab world could combine their efforts and bring a temporary peace to the Holy Land before Europe’s military push into Jerusalem. 

Part of the reason that the Europeans want to get involved is that they have opposed Donald Trump's 'deal of the century' peace plan which was also rejected by the Palestinians.

Related to the Trump Administration's plan, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video for our Bible News Prophecy program:

18:22

Trump’s Deal of the Century and Daniel 9 27?

On January 28, 2020, the Trump Administration revealed its Mideast peace plan, which Donald Trump has referred to as the ‘deal of the century.’ Could it have prophetic ramifications? Could it be the ‘peace deal’ of Daniel 9:26-27? While many Israeli politicians (such as Benjamin Netanyahu, Benny Gatz, Rafael Minnes) like the deal, various Jewish religious leaders (including the Temple Institute) have raised objections. What have Protestants and the World Council of Churches said about it? Will Jerusalem be divided? Is the USA at risk of troubles (Mark 13:8) and disasters related to this deal? While the architect of the deal, Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner thought he had significant Arab support for the plan, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation rejected it. So, too, has Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as well as Hamas. Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan claimed that he received economic and other threats from the United States for his public objection of the plan. Could Turkey take actions against the USA? What does Psalm 83 reveal? Is it possible that that the Trump ‘vision for peace’ could be the deal of Daniel 9:27? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video.

Here is a link to our video: Trump’s Deal of the Century and Daniel 9 27?

02/20/20 a.m. The CCOG sent Terry, Andre, and Asher Nelson to Africa. They arrived in Kenya on February 13, 2020.

This trip is intended to assist in fulfilling Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 11:25 as well as to provide needed physical assistance. Thus far, it has been doing well on those matter.

02/07/20 p.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following:

Trump will stay in office and be re-elected. He will play an important role regarding the building of the Third Temple.

No, Donald Trump will not play an important role in the building of a massive 'Third Temple' in Jerusalem. Such a structure will not happen until AFTER Jesus returns. That does not mean that the Jews may not have a stucture for sacrifices or that they may not use an underground location (see BIN: Palestinian “Expert”: “Israel is Building the Third Temple Under the Aqsa Mosque”). But CEG's insistence on a massive Third Temple in Jerusalem is simply not biblical.

See also: Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?

01/31/20 p.m. In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG had the following:

Concern is growing in China about thousands of cases of a new coronavirus. These infections include flu-like symptoms that can lead to pneumonia and even death (The Guardian, January 16, 2020). The Chinese city of Wuhan (about the size of London with a population of 11 million) is the epicenter of the viral outbreak. ...

Prophecy warns that serious disease epidemics will be one of the signs of the approaching end of the age (Matthew 24:7).

The latest video for CCOG's Bible News Prophecy program has to do with the coronavirus and other pathogens:

17:01

Biological Warfare and Prophecy

Is biological warfare possible? Was it prophesied? Scientists have long warned that pathogenic organisms like the coronavirus could be weaponized. Furthermore, back in 2017, there were concerns that the biological research facility being constructed in Wuhan, China was risky and that a coronavirus from it could be released. On January 25, 2020, China’s President Xi Jinping publicly stated that the situation with the Wuhan-related strain of the coronavirus was grave. Did Church of God writers like the late evangelist Raymond McNair warn that engineered viruses (the “Doomsday bug”) were consistent with prophecies from Jesus? Did a warning from CCOG leader Bob Thiel warn about risks of genetically-modified (GMO) mosquitoes come to pass? Could human research and/or the consumption of biblically-unclean animals such as bats and snakes be a factor in current outbreaks or coming future pestilences? What about famines? How devastating have pestilences been? How devastating are the prophesied ones going to be? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to our video: Biological Warfare and Prophecy.

In its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine today, LCG also had the following:

Disney, a name once associated with wholesome family entertainment, is moving in a more ominous direction. One of the Disney Channel’s newest animated series is called The Owl House. As summarized by Deadline Hollywood when the series was first announced last year, The Owl House “is a horror-comedy series that follows Luz, a self-assured teenage human girl who accidentally stumbles upon a portal to the Demon Realm” (February 23, 2018). The main character “pursues her dream of becoming a witch” by serving as an apprentice to a mentor witch whose roommate is a demon warrior.

Yes, Disney has been off base. Here is a link to a related article posted a couple of weeks ago at COGwriter.com: BI: Disney Introduces: ‘Demon’ who Trains Children to be Witches.

01/23/20 a.m. Financial priorities are one way that the Continuing Church of God differs from other groups. The following is from the CCOG Letter to the Brethren: January 23, 2020:

Jesus said, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

In the CCOG we really do focus on others and reaching the world with the gospel of the kingdom of God.

Gross income for 2019 ended up 7.3% higher than 2018.

Recently, someone asked me if we would provide additional details as to how the US office of the Continuing Church of God spends the funds it received.

Overall, if you sent the CCOG a check for US$100.00 in 2019 here is how it was spent:

1. Support to or for Africa, Serbia, Haiti, Mexico, and the Philippines $59.68
2. Internet proclamation $8.41
3. Printed publications $20.31
4. Video and animation production $6.03
5. Foreign final phase of the work $2.75
6. US Feast of Tabernacles’ costs and US travel $2.37
7. Administration and US legal expenses $0.45
8. Salaries, health insurance, and retirement plans for US leaders $0.00

Yes, most of our money goes to support the physically and spiritually poor as we work to fulfill Matthew 24:14, Romans 11:25, the Ezekiel Warning, and Matthew 28:19-20.

1. Support to Africa includes paying for ministerial expenses, gospel proclamation, travel, printing literature, certain translations, distributing literature, meeting space assistance, supporting the poor (Galatians 2:10; Romans 12:13; cf. James 2:14-16; Hebrews 13:16; Isaiah 58:7; Proverbs 28:27), including widows and orphans (James 1:27). And yes, since we print and distribute literature in Africa, we spend more on literature production than is shown in item 3. Support ‘for’ includes expenses paid to people who were traveling to some of these places. Funds to Serbia provide ministerial and other support, including producing materials (mainly electronic) to reach and teach people, not only in Eastern Europe, but also around the world. While most of the direct support for Haiti comes from the Canadian office, the USA office helps advise on this, as well as has not asked for funds to reimburse for literature it produces and sends to Canada in order for that office to better be able to provide support for Haiti. Mexico expenses were related to sending Louis Rubin to visit as well as paying expenses related to the Feast of Tabernacles there. Philippine expenses were mainly related to sending Jay Chiang to handle a funeral as well as some expenses related to the Feast of Tabernacles there. The vast bulk of the money in this Support category goes to Africa as that is where the vast majority of our members reside and where many fruits are being produced.

2. Internet proclamation includes paying for servers, URL fees, and our Google campaign to reach people around the world. The Google campaign has now made 178 million computer impressions with parts of the Philadelphian message.

3. Printed publications include the production, printing, and distribution of the Bible News Prophecy magazine in various languages as well as various books and booklets. The costs here also include formatting non-English literature in forms that it can be available on the internet as well as forms to allow it to be printed in the USA and Africa.

4. Video and animation production covers the costs to produce the BibleNewsProphecy videos, CCOG animations, the Behind the Works video, and the creation of DVDs that are sent to some international locations for the Feast of Tabernacles. It also, sometimes, includes cost for sermon production–but those costs are negligible.

5. Foreign expenses (incurred outside the US) related to the final phase of the work (essentially long-term proclamation matters and international connections). US expenses related to the final phase of the work are in other categories (like printed publications and internet expenses).

6. US Feast of Tabernacles’ costs include what the hotel charges for the meeting room and some travel and other expenses. This category also includes other travel, which tends to be low. An example of US travel would be costs associated with Deacon Richard Close making a baptizing and counseling tour.

7. Administration and US legal expenses. This tends to include a few office supplies, mandatory government fees, and telephone costs. US legal fees for 2019 consisted in my contacting a copyright attorney to ask about the viability of producing youth Bible lessons that another church once copyrighted–this was a very small charge. My business office does NOT charge the CCOG for use of space, electricity, postal machine use, etc. Now, it should also be mentioned that for those who send funds via PayPal, PayPal deducts between one – three percent and those costs are not reflected here as we used the example of someone sending a US check. Let it be pointed out that PayPal is still the most cost-effective way of sending US dollars from outside the US and is also conveniently effective for US supporters that use it.

8. Salaries are not paid to leaders in the USA. People such as myself, Richard Close, Steve Dupuie, Louis Rubin, and Terry Nelson (who is about to go to Africa on CCOG’s behalf) are not paid—we all have freely donated time. Nor have we paid their spouses. Nor have we funded any retirement nor health insurance plans. It is not that we would not consider having a paid US ministry, but we had none in 2019. (Note: We did not list all our unpaid USA volunteers, only those that we from the Grover Beach office have requested to travel on CCOG’s behalf).

It appears that never before in Church of God history have so few helped so many with so little for so long in order to have the impact that the Continuing Church of God is having.

We strongly believe that whatever you send is well spent to support the Philadelphian remnant as we work on Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20 while we strive to be ready for the short work and our part in the final phase of the work.

Hear the words of Jesus:

 2 … The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Luke 10:2).

Pray for more laborers for the harvest. Thank you for your support.

01/17/20 p.m. CEG had a link to the following today in its newsletter today

The Bible contains numerous passages that deal with the future of Iran, which was formerly known as Persia. Most commentaries and encyclopedias are in agreement that the modern-day Iranians are descendants of the ancient Elamites. For instance, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible equates Elam with Persia.

Genesis 10:22 and 1 Chronicles 1:17 state that Elam was a son of Shem, and therefore, a brother of ancient Asshur or Assur. The city of Sushan or Susa was one of the capitals of the Elamite or Persian Empire, and Esther, Daniel and Jeremiah resided there at times. Susa is today known as Shush—a city in modern-day Iran. ...

In this context, we should note that in the near future, Iran will participate in fighting against the state of Israel.

Isaiah 22:6 prophesies, in the context of the future enslavement of the inhabitants of the city of Jerusalem (compare verses 1-4):

“Elam [Iran] bore the quiver With chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.”

Despite having several prophetic errors, it is good that CEG seems to understand about Iran and tying it in with the prophecy in Isaiah 22. For more on Iran, check out the article .Iran in Prophecy.

Click here for the previous news of those once affiliated with GCG

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